Explore the Nuwejaars on foot
There are hiking opportunities within the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, including the African Marsh Harrier Trail through the wetlands.
This trail opens up this private land to walkers for the first time, allowing hikers to enjoy all that nature has to offer.
HIKE | African Marsh Harrier Trail
Enjoy a slow, easy and fun walk through the Nuwejaars Wetlands, on an interpretive trail called the African Marsh Harrier Trail.
This relaxing 4.2km hike is ideal for walkers of all fitness levels, including children. This trail is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with an opportunity to immerse yourself in all the wonderful wildlife you’ll find in the Nuwejaars Wetlands – in particular the birdlife and amphibians (look out for Critically Endangered Micro Frog).
Trail details
The trail, which was funded by WWF South Africa, starts at the luxurious Zoetendal Vineyards, along the R43 just outside the town of Elim. Walkers must sign in via a guest book at the Zoetendal Vineyards Restaurant, and Zoetendal staff will open the gate for the walk.
The trail leads you parallel to the Nuwejaars River – with interpretive signage bringing the waterscapes to life for walkers. Follow the wooden poles, the signage and the raised walkways through the wetland area. Then head over the Nuwejaars River on the bridge. Here you’ll see a birding platform, which is ideal to spot wetland specialist bird species. Just a few metres further along, take a moment to enjoy the birdlife on the river, in our Elizabeth Harding WWF South Africa Bird Hide. You can try to identify the species you see on our detailed bird signage in the hide, designed by well-known author and artist, Faansie Peacock.
From the bird hide, the trail continues past a few secret pans, to the clearly marked turnaround spot. From here you head back the same way you came. At the end of the trail, there’s an ideal spot to take photos along the Nuwejaars River (look out for the appropriate signage).
Be sure to sign out of the guest book before you leave.
HIKING TIPS FOR THE AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER TRAIL
Take note of the following hiking tips before you set off on your adventure:
- Bring your binoculars along to enjoy the birdlife.
- A macro lens is always handy to photograph some of the smaller creatures.
- Please be sure to sign the guest book before the walk – for your own safety.
- You are walking in a wetland. So depending on the time of the year, the trail can get rather wet, which means your shoes could also get wet – especially during winter and spring.
- Bring dry shoes and socks along just in case, to put on after the walk.
- It’s difficult to get lost on this trail. You will walk parallel to the Nuwejaars River. Simply look out for the wooden poles, the raised walkways and then the bridges over sections of the river to the bird hide. The turnaround point is a few hundred metres on from the bird hide, and is clearly marked.
- This walk is meant to be enjoyed at an easy pace, as an opportunity to see these secret waterscapes that are not usually open to the public.
- Note that the trail is only accessible when Zoetendal Vineyards is open, so please check their trading times to ensure you have access to the trail: www.zoetendal.co.za
HIKE
Stay over, and enjoy other hiking options hosted by members of the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA:
Black Oystercatcher Cottages
The Black Oystercatcher offers self-catering cottages – and staying here will give you access to hiking opportunities on a working farm. See the Agulhas Plain landscapes and the winery’s vineyards.
028 482 1618
Strandveld Vineyards
Strandveld is the home of the First Sighting and Strandveld wines. Hiking opportunities are available through the rich fynbos on the farm, as well as the lush vineyards.
028 482 1902
Hiking in Elim
Take a hike in the beautiful Geelkop Nature Reserve – a 450 hectare reserve managed by the Elim community. The reserve hosts amazing fynbos biodiversity, including very rare dwarf-species of the protea family. And a range of other very threatened fynbos species.
028 482 1750
Klipfontein Keep
This house is situated on the beautiful Klipfontein Farm – a birder’s paradise. Visitors to this accommodation can hike on the farm, and see wonderful wildlife, including eland, buffalo and more.
028 424 1990
Langrug Lodge
This farm cottage is a perfect combination of old and modern. It has two bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. The cottage is situated on the Zoetendalsvlei – and you’ll enjoy the views from the kitchen. There’s no electricity here; this getaway is about connecting with nature, not technology.
028 424 1990
BIKE
Cycling routes have also been created in the NWSMA, and are overseen by our members.
Black Oystercatcher Cottages
There are 5 cycling routes starting at the Black Oystercatcher – ranging from a challenging 95km route, to an easier 35km option. These mostly make use of farm and gravel roads in the NWSMA.
028 482 1618
Biking in Elim
Take a bike ride through the landscapes surrounding the small town of Elim. These are public roads, although many are not too busy, and therefore ideal for a scenic bike ride. The Elim Tourism Bureau can provide information on biking opportunities here.
028 482 1750
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