The Robberg Hiking Trail is probably one of the most popular and well known trails in the area - also one of the most scenic. The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available ranging from easy to moderate.
This is not recommended for your regular Saturday afternoon stroll or when you are just bored. However, when you've done it, you'll have to agree it really is special - one of a kind. If you are interested in geology you will find it inspiring.
The path to The Point climbs the steep rocky slope which has a sheer drop from the path. Take care not to go too close to the edge of the cliff. Take heed of the warning signs on the north side of Robberg. You will probably hear the Cape fur seals barking before you spot them. Envy their lifestyle as they don't seem to do much more than laze on the rocks, float in the water and have their barking conversations. Look out for dassies as they scurry for cover under rocks. Other animal life includes grey buck, duiker and bushbuck. Cape claw-less otters and mongooses are occasionally seen. Robberg is the ideal vantage point for whales and dolphins. Even orcas, also known as killer whales, have been spotted in the Bay. There are also numerous bird species like Cape Robins, Cape white-eyes, red-winged starlings and orange-breasted Sunbirds to name but a few. Stop for a moment and admire the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains. The Point is the ideal place to stop for eats and watch the large numbers of Swift Terns and Kelp Gulls. This must be their favourite roosting place as the rocks are white with their droppings. Check out the magnificent anemone in the rock pools if you happen to be there at low tide. Sadly the Point Shack was demolished by a monster-wave on September 1st 2008 and all that is left is a heap of rubble. However, the Fountain Shack has recently been renovated and is available for overnight hiking. It sleeps 8 and the facilities are basic. Past the shack ruin is arguably the most beautiful section of the trail. The huge sandstone boulders are brightly coloured by orange lichens and form a stark contrast with the blue-green sea. Along this section you have to negotiate a narrow ledge on a vertical rock face above the sea with the help of a fixed chain. If you find this daunting, choose the high route which takes you over and above this section. From here you pass The Fountain Shack and then onto the beach connecting Robberg with The Island.
With a boardwalk around its perimeter The Island is well worth a visit. The breeding success of Kelp Gulls has improved greatly since the introduction of this inviting boardwalk. The views down to the pools and the rock formations are magnificent. All that remains is a walk along the beach back to the mainland where the trail takes you back to the parking area. Be careful on the rocks along the return loop, particularly if they are wet. Before you climb up to the peninsula on the South side of The Gap, take the steps down to the secluded little Gap Beach and marvel at the conglomerate rock of rounded pebbles set in sandstone to the right of this beach.
There is a choice of three circular routes of increasing distance and difficulty:
1. Walk to The Gap and back to the car park, round about 2km.
2. Walk to The Witsand sand dune and down to The Island and back round about 4km.
3. The round trip via The Point is 11km and takes four hours or more. Not recommended for young children.
Please note: There is hardly any shade on this hiking trail, for full comfort and enjoyment in this pristine beauty always remember to take a Hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes and enough refreshments and water.
For more Information and Pricing please visit: http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve/
Taken from: http://www.gardenrouteadventureguide.com/
