Roseate Tern Hiking Trail
Directions to the Roseate Tern Hiking Trail
Head south on Heugh Road which runs through Walmer & turn right into 3rd Avenue and continue past the airport, through 3 traffic circles. At the traffic lights, turn right in to La Roche Road. Continue on this road until it T-junctions with Marine Drive. Turn right in to Marine Drive.
Continue along Marine Drive until you reach a signpost indicating that you should turn left to Pine Lodge/Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Follow these signs to the entrance to the nature reserve.
Start
At the car park entrance to the 366ha Cape Recife Nature Reserve, off Marine Drive in Summerstrand.
End
At the car park entrance to the 366ha Cape Recife Nature Reserve, off Marine Drive in Summerstrand.
Distance
9 kilometres
Duration
4-5 hours
Rating
Easy to Moderate
Permit
None required if you park outside of the gate
Features
Bird watching; coastal walks; 133 year old lighthouse and fynbos vegetation.
Take With You
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Good walking shoes
Camera
Binoculars
Refreshments & Water for the hike
Insect Repellent
Please Note
It is highly recommended that you walk in a group.
Description
This picturesque circular walking trail follows a coastal route, which is considered to be one of the best bird watching sites in South Africa. The trail takes its name from a scarce seabird called the Roseate Tern, which migrates through this area each autumn and spring. The trail follows the rocky coast passing several beautiful unspoilt beaches, as well as a 133 year old lighthouse, an old military observation post and a bird watching hide. The trail is characterised by natural dune vegetation such as fynbos and scrub and several endangered plant species can be found here.
Highlights
Breath-taking scenery, birds galore, unspoilt nature and history all rolled in to one experience!
Contact Details
Municipal Parks & Recreation
Tel: +27 (0)41 585 9711