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Basic Trail Description:

The farm Mosslands is situated next to the N2 main road, 108kms from port Elizabeth and 18kms from Grahamstown. The beauty and tranquility of the Kariega and Assagai River valleys with undulating hills makes this a must for nature lovers. Along the rivers there are many pools and impressive rock faces with aloes and other succulents. The area is rich in an abundance of birds such as African Crowned Eagles, Krysna Turacos, 6 weaver species, Krysna and Olive Woodpeckers and many more.

The trail meanders through indigenous Bisho Thornveld (or Valley Bushveld) along river bands and under natural canopy of trees such as Yellowwoods, Euphorbias, Milkwoods, Sneesewoods and many others. Antelope such as BushBuck, Mountain Reed buck, Blue and common Duiker, Bontebok and Kudu can be see. It is a working farm so cattle can also be encountered.

The annual 600mm rain falls mainly during the summer months. The mean daily max temp for January is 25 degrees and the daily minimum for July is 8 degrees.

Accommodation for the first night is in two reed cabins on the banks of the Kariega River amongst old Olive trees; the second night in a recently renovated old settler’s cottage. The trail has been designed to be a two-day circular trail, but it is possible to do it in one day by taking a short cut to the start of the trail in stead of walking to the overnight hut. One day two it is also possible to take two short cuts should one wish to finish early.

Trail Information: Relevant categories for this trail marked with yellow  – Click to enlarge.

2-river