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JJohannesburg residents already live in the biggest man-made forest on earth, but for those wanting a real forest escapes, there are plenty to choose from around the country. Grab your walking shoes, bird books and binoculars and head out into the green. Here are a few of our favourites:
Alexandria Forest, Eastern Cape
Just 100km east of Port Elizabeth, Alexandria Forest is a stretch of transitional coastal forest that’s very dense and narrow. It is as one of the finest indigenous forests along the coast and is part of the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park. Alexandria Forest is home to rare wildlife, numerous orchids and prolific birdlife. As you walk under the forest canopy of giant yellowwoods, coastal coral trees and white stinkwoods the diversity of bird life is magical. Expect to see Knysna woodpeckers, Narina trogons, Knysna turacos and Chorister robin-chats. Visitors should also keep an eye out for the shy bush buckbush pig, Cape grysbok, steenbok, mongooses and rare blue duiker. The easy two-day Alexandria Trail is one of the finest ways to experience the forest. Starting at the fire station near the town of Alexandria, the 36km trail passes through the forest and the Alexandria dunefield, one of South Africa’s largest active dune systems. There is an overnight stay in a trail hut.
Did You Know?
TThe Tsitsikamma National Park is the largest marine reserve in South Africa, as well as being home to an indigenous rainforest that harbours 116 species of giant tree.
TTsitsikamma Forest, Garden Route
Tsitsikamma National Park hugs the coastline for 80km between the Groot Brak River and Nature’s Valley in the Eastern Cape. Proclaimed as South Africa’s first marine national park, it protects a pristine stretch of rainforest that once carpeted the entire coastline.
KKosi Bay Forest, KwaZulu-Natal
The system of lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal forest that comprise Kosi Bay Nature Reserve make the area ideal for wildlife and outdoor lovers. The forest is great for bird watchers. Mangroves and swamp forest, coastal dunes and raffia palm forest, plus an unusual sycamore fig forest make this area a secure home to over 250 bird species, including palm nut vultures in the raffia forest and spectacular Livingstone's Louries. The Swamp Forest up the Siyandia River also yields rare Pel’s fishing owls and purple herons. In the sand forest is an array of typical east coast birds. The diversity in the area is enormous. One way to enjoy it up close is on a four-day guided hike.
Tsitsikamma Forest, Garden Route
Tsitsikamma National Park hugs the coastline for 80km between the Groot Brak River and Nature’s Valley in the Eastern Cape. Proclaimed as South Africa’s first marine national park, it protects a pristine stretch of rainforest that once carpeted the entire coastline.
The Tsitsikamma forest is pure paradise for walkers and hikers, with trails to suit all levels of fitness and outdoor interest. From the 1km Mouth Trail along a boardwalk to the mouth of the Storms River, to the 42.5km Otter Trail, rated the best trail in South Africa, everyone can get out and about in Tsitsikamma.
There are over 220 bird species in Tsitsikamma, 35 of which are exclusive to the forest. Look out for Knysna Loeries, bulbuls, chorister robins, black-headed orioles, Narina trogons, paradise flycatchers and crowned eagles. Other forest inhabitants include dappled bushbuck, bush pig, leopard and genet, and the Knysna dwarf chameleon.
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