5/5 Jessie W. 10 months ago on Google β’ 83 reviews
The
Lady's
Slipper
hike,
a
perfect
family
morning
outdoors!
A
quick
30-minute
drive
from
Port
Elizabeth
to
this
beautiful
trail
that
leads
to
the
highest
point
of
the
Van
Staden's
Mountain
Range.
It
is
about
5km
round
route
and
will
take
you
more
or
less
3
hours
at
any
fitness
level
of
all
ages!
You
arrive
at
Falcon
Rock,
and
purchase
needed
permits.
There
is
a
welcoming
relaxed
family
vibe
and
the
buzzing
excitement
of
fellow
hikers.
The
venue
itself
features
plenty
of
open
space,
fun
play
equipment,
braai
areas,
they
have
large
dormitory,
rooms
and
cabins.
As
well
as
tented
camp
areas,
there
is
even
a
shooting
range.
And
all
the
beautiful
fresh
air
and
lovely
warm
sun!
Heading
up
the
mountain,
on
the
trail
through
the
enchanting
forest
featuring
many
trees
growing
upwards,
trees
that
had
fallen
as
well
as
humungous
rocks,
double
my
size.
It
was
not
too
long
until
we
found
ourselves
in
the
crispy
warm
sun
exiting
the
forest.
Hiking
through
all
the
indigenous
flora,
such
as
South
Africaβs
national
flower
the
Protea,
Fountainbushes
and
Blisterbushes
and
every
here
and
there
a
Chameleon
speeding
away
to
hide.
Plenty
of
birds
around,
singing
their
songs
and
butterflies
dancing
in
the
wind.
We
had
to
take
a
few
water
breaks
along
the
way
as
well
as
some
stops
to
simply
admire
and
take
in
the
views.
It
is
a
moderately
easy
hike
with
2
options
to
choose
from,
the
Green
Route
or
Red
Route.
Both
routes
lead
to
the
plateau,
where
you'll
make
your
final
ascent
to
the
summit.
The
Highest
point
is
603m.
At
the
top,
you'll
find
a
large
boulder
with
a
direction
dial
on
it,
you
will
see
the
most
spectacular
views
in
every
direction
you
look,
the
cars
travelling
along
the
N2
highways,
Jeffreyβs
Bay
overlooking
the
endless
glassy
ocean,
as
well
as
all
the
surrounding
farmlands
with
rivers
and
dams
and
some
cows
in
the
valley.
The
top
is
a
resting
space
for
all
the
hikers
to
refresh
and
refuel
with
a
cool
drink,
water
as
well
as
some
energy
snacks
while
taking
photographs
and
enjoying
the
wonderful
moment
earthing
ourselves.
2 people found this review helpful π