Cape Travel Guides - Hiking and Walking - Adventure Safaris

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  INFORMATION:
  ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK | SUNSHINE COAST 
  

Hiking
Province: Eastern Cape
Region: Sunshine Coast
The Alexandria Hiking Trail


The Alexandria hiking trail is unique in that it encompasses three distinctly different environments, ranging from forests, coastal dunes to sea shore. No other trail in the country can boast desert-like dunes, high forest, dune cliffs crumbling into the sea and spectacular beaches. 
The circular, two day trail, starting at Langebos in the Woody Cape section of the Addo Elephant National Park comprises 19.5 km on the first day and 16.5 km on the second. The two day trail will take you through the coastal forests teeming with birdlife where you pass the "Waterboom" a colossal yellowwood previously used as a watering hole, before entering the dunefield. 
Leaving the tranquil forests behind you the trail heads towards the coast where dolphins and whales are often seen from the cliffs at Woody Cape. An overnight stop here provides welcome relief before tackling the coastal dunefield that stretches all the way from the Sundays River Mouth.

Appearances are deceiving and the dunefield holds a number of treasures for those who linger longer before heading through the Langevlakte private farm where agricultural reminders of days gone by ignite the imagination. Some important regulations: 

Hikers must collect the Woody Cape overnight hut keys from the conservation office on arrival. If hikers arrive after hours the keys will be in the keybox outside the office, where they should be deposited after the trail. 

Hikers are to book separately for the overnight hut at Langebos which offers cold showers braai facilities and beds for 12 persons. Firewood must be supplied by the hikers. Bookings of the Langebos hut allow options for either a 1,2 or 3 night stay in the park. The facilities at the Woody Cape Resort are privately run and are not to be used. All refuse generated at the Woody Cape overnight hut must be brought back to the conservation office at Langebos for disposal. 

Do not dispose of waste products in the toilet at Woody Cape. This fills up the toilets and with limited space available additional toilets cannot be erected. No fires are allowed at the Woody Cape overnight hut. Management cannot supply firewood and no indigenous vegetation can be used for firewood. Woody Cape is a unique and precious asset and every attempt should be made to retain the pristine qualities of this section of the park. 
Fresh water for bathing at Woody Cape can be collected from the freshwater spring on the beach during low tide, near the Nidaros ship wreck. The water in the tanks at the overnight hut is collected from rainwater and is only to be used for drinking, cooking and cleaning utensils. 

Special advice: 
Bring light clothing, including a wind breaker with a hood for those windy days. A pair of goggles or sunglasses is essential for windy days in the dunes. A good hat and sun protection cream are essential. The following equipment is needed: camping stove, cooking and eating utensils, water bottle, sleeping bag, matches, basic first aid kit. NB: bring a plastic bag to carry out your refuse from Woody Cape. - Binoculars and cameras are a must. 

Enquiries and bookings: Addo Elephant National Park PO Box 52 Addo 6105 Tel: 042 - 2330556/7, Fax 042 - 2330196