Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 41 May 2019 | Page 43

C O M M U N I T Y
L I V I N G
and giving something back to the area and people visited along
the way.
On the Fynbos Trail, a fairly demanding, three-night journey
along the unspoilt Walker Bay coastline, through pristine fynbos
and remote forests to Grootbos Nature Reserve, you’re guided
by passionate flower fundis, with some of the funds generated
by the trail ploughed back into the social and environmental
projects that you visit along the way.
fynbostrail.co.za
The three-night, ultra-luxurious and moderately strenuous
Dolphin Trail traverses sections of the Garden Route National
Park and private land that are not open to the general public.
dolphintrail.co.za
Highlights of the Karkloof Falls2Falls, a moderately strenuous,
three-night hike through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, include
game and rare bird sightings, a canopy tour and, you guessed
it, stunning waterfalls, with 10% of profits donated to ongoing
conservation projects. 
oystercatchertrail.co.za
It works both ways
Most of the trail operators focus not just on delivering a great
trail, but on creating awareness about conservation issues
Go big
Finally, if you’re looking for a truly epic slackpacking trail, check
out the Eden to Addo Great Corridor Hike. All monies raised
on this guided and fully catered, off-the-beaten track expedition,
which traverses the Garden Route National Park, Baviaanskloof
World Heritage Site and private land, go towards the creation
of essential conservation corridors between Knysna and Addo
Elephant National Park, where the trail ends. Walking 350
kilometres over 20 days in all weathers and staying in tents is no
mean undertaking. Slackpacking on steroids!
edentoaddo.co.za
Fiona McIntosh
photos by Shaen Adey
I
All the above are guided and fully catered slackpacking
trails on which you are thoroughly spoiled, but the ultimate
pampering is on the Oystercatcher Trail. This leisurely,
four-night, guided trail from Dana Bay to the Gouritz River
Mouth highlights both the marine and paleoanthropological
treasures of the southern Cape coastline, with sauna and
spa facilities, along with optional massages, at some of the
overnight stops.
spekboomtours.co.za/karkloof.html