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The Kowie Canoe Trail
This trail will take you approximately 21km up the river, past many attractions including The Old Wreck, Windy Reach, Rabbit Rocks, Cob Hole, Black Rock, The Old Mill, The Reef, Ferry Glen, White Rock and on to the Camp at Horseshoe Bend.
The more adventurous can continue on a short way thereafter Ebb and Flow where the fresh water flowing down the Kowie River meets the salty water of the sea.
Along the way there is also a small game farm on the East bank where game sightings are frequent.
The Camp - Hikers sleep in a simple wooden 4-room chalet at Horseshoe Bend. The camp is on the East Bank of the river below the cliffs of the Horseshoe Bend. The camp sleeps 16 (in beds) but can accommodate more if you take other sleeping mats.
The Hiking Trail - The trail is a marked 12km circular route, which can be comfortably walked in 3½ hours. Rucksacks can be left at the overnight camp, which is the start and end point of the trail. It is recommended that you take a water bottle, camera and binoculars.
Duration - Three days (two nights) is more relaxing and will give you ample time to enjoy the 12km Hiking trail, but many people do it in two days (one night).
Average paddling time from the start in the Small Boat Harbour in Port Alfred to the camp is roughly 4 hours.
Tides - The Kowie River is tidal all the way up – don’t fight the tide! The ideal time to leave Port Alfred is 30 minutes after low tide.
Bookings - It is advisable to book well in advance for weekends or holiday periods.
COST: R150 per person per night (includes canoe rental and accommodation at the camp)
Note that if your party is less than 16 people, you may be sharing with another party who has booked for the same time period.
The following is supplied at the campFirewood (please note: we charge R20 per bag for this), braai grid and tongs, fresh rain water, small gas cooker, pots, pans and kettle, cutlery and crockery, washing up facilities, cold water shower
What to bring
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Water bottle
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snack for the canoe trip
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towel
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sleeping bag and pillow
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fire lighters
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food and condiments
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toilet paper and toiletries
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candles and/or torch,
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hat and sun block
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mosquito and tick repellent
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binoculars and first aid kit
Kleinemonde West River Canoe Trail
Situated 15km from Port Alfred on the R72 towards East London, the Kleinemonde Canoe Trail is a self guided adventure in comfortable canoes.
An easy 9km paddle up the non-tidal river followed by a 2km hike will bring you to Nyala Valley Game Reserve and your overnight camp called Lily Pad Bush Camp.
The camp has the following features:
- hot shower (donkey boiler)
- huge wooden bunks with mattresses
- river views from the large wooden deck
- sheltered lapa with braai grid and kettle
For nature lovers, there's plenty to see as you wander around the reserve such as bushbuck, giraffe, duiker, kudu, nyala, wildebeest and warthog. There is also a huge variety of bird life living along the water's edge.
COST: R130 per person for a self guided two day adventure
This canoe trail can accommodate up to 12 canoeists.
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