Goukamma Nature Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa,

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Goukamma Nature Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 8 hours

Goukamma Nature Reserve, situated near Wilderness and cocooned between George and Knysna on South Africa's Western Cape, is a pristine expanse covering 2500 hectares and boasting a significant 14km coastline. This reserve, cradling the majestic Goukamma River and Estuary, Groenvlei Lake, and some of South Africa's tallest vegetated dunes, carries the allure of untouched natural beauty. Its diverse ecosystem provides a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including species such as grysbok, bushpig, and the elusive caracal, alongside over 200 bird species like the African fish eagle and the rare African black oystercatcher. An intermission between the regions of winter and summer rainfall, Goukamma experiences a balanced climate, enriching its flora and fauna. The reserve encapsulates an 18km Marine Protected Area, ensuring the conservation of its marine life while permitting regulated angling activities. Adventure seekers can explore through four distinct hiking trails or a special path for horse-riders, each revealing different facets of Goukamma's breathtaking landscapes, from coastal dune forests to panoramic fynbos ridges.

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Reviews of Goukamma Nature Reserve

Licia Dewing Career Strategist

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-07

Magnificent part of the garden route coastline 🫶🇿🇦
R du Plessis

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-11

Fantastic, had dinner and breakfast after each other, both seafood platters and without fail the quality far exceeded expectation, well done to the team!
Paul Lawrence

3
Reviewed: 2024-05-02

Lovely location but maps need updating to show closed trails. Also route marking not great. Limited parking so go early. Saw Knysna Lourie, hoopoo, whale (distant) and a pofadder!
Richard Morris

4
Reviewed: 2024-01-28

Such a beautiful walk and Buffelsbay area and beach simply beautiful. There is a very small parking lot, so get there early.
Enid Son

4
Reviewed: 2023-05-07

Our first time to Goukamma Nature Reserve. We booked Blacktail chalet - 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. The signs getting to our accommodation must be improved - we kept missing the little slip road to the right. We missed the gate closing time and struggled to get hold of the emergency contact people. After calling several times we did manage to get hold of Thulani who came to our rescue. We loved our stay. We did the Buffels Bay trail - 5km - we started our hike at the restaurant area, walked along the beach. The trail signs were also not well marked - Cape Nature staff should die these hikes and make improvements. That said, The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. We loved the outdoors here and would definitely want to come back for a longer stay to enjoy the hikes. There's some restaurants outside the reserve. Beautiful sunsets. Prolific bird life. Beautiful views from our chalet. The hot tub was fun and we could see the moon and the stars. Note. Only eco logs are allowed here. They didn't have any at the campsite so we had to drive 38km to the Knysna Spar to get them. I recommend you call the Spar to check if they have stock - otherwise buy at your nearest store to avoid frustration. We still did have such a fabulous time here and want to come back soon