Groeneweide Hiking Trail

A new entrance for this hiking trail has recently been allocated. To get there, head out to the NMMU campus on Madiba Drive / Seven Passes Road. The new start is on the right, just before the campus gate.

The trail starts about 1,5km from the access gate and a parking area for cars is located at the starting point.

At the new entrance, one has to phone the reception for a combination code that will only be given to people who want access to the hiking trail.

The trail is mostly forest single track and paths. You have shortcut options if you don’t want to do the full distance. The first 2km is an out & back section crossing the Kaaimans River followed by a circular route that is done in a clockwise direction.

There are three routes that start and end here: 9km, 11km and 13km. The trails cross the Kaaimans River and there is a pool where hikers can swim.

Trails meander through pristine indigenous forest. Perfect for bird watching.

Groeneweide is part of SANParks protected nature reserve; no dogs are allowed and entrance is monitored.

Bird Watching Highlights

Species (Common Name)	Scientific Name	Status in Forest Area
Knysna Woodpecker	Campethera notata	Forest specialist, regularly seen in indigenous forest patches
Knysna Turaco	Tauraco corythaix	Occurs in taller forest / canopy areas
Narina Trogon	Apaloderma narina	Forest specialist; regularly seen in indigenous forest patches
Victorin’s Warbler	Cryptillas victorini	Secretive forest understorey species; occurs though seldom seen
White-starred Robin	Pogonocichla stellata	Forest understory specialist; more often heard than seen
Cape Batis	Batis capensis	Forest edge and patches; often in mixed bird parties
African Paradise Flycatcher	Terpsiphone viridis	Forest edge, woodland; often flycatching near water and open patches
Olive Bushshrike	Chlorophoneus olivaceus	Forest understory; secretive but distinct call
African Goshawk	Accipiter tachiro	Resident raptor species; often heard calling above valleys

Sources:
Alex Aitkenhead: Garden Route National Park (Wildernes, Knysna, Tsitsikamma) – alexaitkenhead.co.za
Visit Knysna: Birding in the Greater Knysna area – www.visitknysna.co.za
GoBirding – Greater George

Start Coordinates: (DD)	-33.9716137, 22.5347346
Start/Finish	Saasveld campus, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Distance	± 12.1 km
Elevation Gain	± 450 m
Perceived Exertion	Easy > Moderate
Trail System	Saasveld
Surface	Hiking trail Jeep track
Route Markers	Yes
GPX	Download the GPX file for self navigation.