One of Sedgefield’s hidden hiking gems! This trail follows a mostly moderate path through fynbos and coastal thicket with views over Rondevlei and Swartvlei. The Cape dune molerat are fairly common here, hence the name, and you can see their mounds all along the way and even sink into them from time to time.
Shortly after starting, the incline increases as you climb up the first dune. This continues all the way to the top which certainly gets your heart going but is well worth the views. This is one of only two noteworthy climbs on this route and not that long and tough. This trail offers very little shade so start early in summer.
From here the trails winds through the fynbos and coastal thicket to the northern side with views over the mountains, Wolwerivier and the tip of Swartvlei. The trail winds down to the Wolwerivier where it follows the river and then hugs the dune while winding through grass and reeds. You have the option of climbing back to the top of the dune from the northern side or you can continue around the tip of the dune and then climb back up with views over Swartvlei.
The trail heads back along the top of the dune with panoramic views over the area before going back down to the parking at the bird hide. The bird hide at the start/end is a great spot to relax after the hike and watch the water birds.
Distances: Yellow Route 6.3km; Blue Route 7.6km.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Dogs: No dogs allowed.
Route markers: Blue and yellow signs with two footprint motifs on.
Permits & Cost: Self issue permit at the start of the trail right after crossing the railway line.
Contact numbers: Wilderness National Park – +2744 877 1197
Directions: From Sedgefield head in the George direction. Just outside Sedgefield you cross the Swartflei lagoon and shortly after that take the Pine Lake Marina turnoff to the right. Follow this road for 2.5km, it becomes dirt after passing the Pine Lake turnoff. At 2.5km the road takes a dip and turns to the left to go around Rondevlei but there is a turnoff to the right for Wilderness National Park – Rondevlei Office, turn in here. Drive down this road for about 1km and keep left at the offices and park at the small parking area at the end of the road. There is a path to the Rondevlei bird hide and the hiking trail starts up the small hill and over the railway line.
Coordinates: Parking and trailhead – 33°59’17.6″S 22°43’03.2″E
Other: This trail doesn’t have a lot of shade and can be very hot in summer, take a hat, sunscreen and enough water.
Download .GPX file of the route. (125KB)
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