About Groendal Wilderness Area
The 30 000 hectare Groendal Wilderness Area protects the water catchment area of the Swartkops River (KwaZungha River), with the Groendal Dam in its centre. It lies about 10 km from Uitenhage, which is about 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth (37 km) on the R367.
Did you know? Paintings and artefacts that you may stumble across in the series of caves in the wilderness area are protected by law.
Lying within the Groot Winterhoek Mountain range, this wilderness area has rugged terrain incised by numerous streams and ravines.
The vegetation is predominantly fynbos with a great diversity of individual species. Isolated pockets of indigenous forest occur in the ravines, and there are also elements of thorny, semi-succulent Valley Bushveld scrub.
There is not a wide range of mammal species within Groendal, but hikers may see baboon, common duiker, Cape Grysbok, bushbuck, grey rhebok and mountain reedbuck.
Birdlife within the Groendal Wilderness Area is fairly diverse, with approximately 180 species having been recorded.
The beautiful Groendal Wilderness Area is the only established wilderness area in the Eastern Cape roughly 10 km from Uitenhage, renowned for its remoteness and myriad hiking trails. For more info see Groendal Wilderness Area hikes.
Need to Know
WhereUitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Uitenhage Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
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Additional Reading
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Hotels & other accommodation options in Uitenhage
Charihandra Game Lodge
Charihandra Game Lodge is privately owned and is situated in the malaria-free Greater Addo region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Boasting bea...
Harmony Game Lodge
Harmony Game Lodge is a tranquil and quiet game lodge nestled amongst bush, enriched with vegetation such as the Cape Aloe, spekboom and thorn tr...
Dassiekrans One
Dassiekrans One is set in the mouth of the gorge, and offers accommodation in Uitenhage in the Groendal Wilderness Area. The cabin gives nature l...
Rainbow Guest House
Rainbow Guesthouse offers accommodation on both a B&B and self catering basis in Uitenhage. The guest house prides itself on warm hospitality, tr...
VJ's Guesthouse
VJ's Guesthouse in Port Elizabeth is nestled in the picturesque town of Uitenhage at the foothills of the Winterhoek Mountains.The guesthouse is ...
Fairways B&B
Fairways B&B is situated right next to the golf course in Uitenhage, so whether it is for leisure or business (ideal for corporate business seeki...
Dassiekrans Four
Dassiekrans Four is set in the mouth of the gorge, and offers accommodation in Uitenhage in the Groendal Wilderness Area. The cabin gives nature ...
Pepper Tree @ Kleinrivier
Pepper Tree is a beautiful farm cottage with all the comforts of home but the tranquillity of the Karoo landscape. With the bicycle track and nat...
Dassiekrans Three
Dassiekrans Three is a Holiday Cottage in Groendal Wilderness Area with a mountain view, that sleeps two guests. Perfect for couples wanting a pr...
Dassiekrans Two
Dassiekrans Two is set in the mouth of the gorge where it offers accommodation close to Uitenhage. The chalet overlooks a stream fed by a perenni...
Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes
Stretching from fynbos covered peaks to Karoo thicket; Kleinrivier is bisected by two rivers, each cutting a deep gorge through the mountains. Em...
Barkly Street Guesthouse
Barkly Street Guesthouse is located in the picturesque grounds of the Barkly Street Theatre. The rooms are furnished with King-size beds and all ...
Zungah Lodge
Surrounded by hills, Zungah Lodge offers guests self-catering accommodation in Uitenhage on a game farm. The lodge offers guests a choice of uniq...
Black Eagle Tented Camp
Black Eagle Tented Camp offers accommodation in Groendal Wilderness Area. Shaded by ancient Forest Elder and Tierhout trees, your tent is a cool ...
Things to do in the area
Old Railway Station Museum
The Old Railway Station in Museum is an absolute must-see for locomotive enthusiasts. It is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in S...
The Cuyler Manor Museum
The Cuyler Manor Museum forms part of the Uitenhage Museum and is a Cape Dutch style house that has been brought back to life, showing off period...
Drostdy Museum
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The Despatch Museum
The Despatch museum is an interesting museum brimming with history and a wide variety of it at that. The first thing you will notice is the large...
The VW AutoPavilion
Uitenhage is a tiny town, but is the famous home of the Volkswagen plant, which churns out these vehicles at an impressive rate. This small epice...
Groendal Wilderness Area hikes
Start: just north west of UitenhageFinish: it variesDuration: network of trailsFitness: the major hikes are strenuous, but there are easy walks a...
Slipperfields MTB Trails
Where: Old Cape Road near Uitenhage, just outside PELevel: all levels; also for trail runnersType of route: cross-country with single-track and g...
Swartkops Beach
On the outskirts of the industrial area of Port Elizabeth, heading towards the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, is the tiny sandy stre...
Noteworthy attractions
Donkin Heritage Trail
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Fort Frederick
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St Georges Park Cricket Ground
The oldest park in Port Elizabeth and the site of the second oldest cricket club in the country, St George's Park lies in the heart of Port Eliza...
Humewood Golf Club
One of South Africa's top-rated golf clubs, Humewood is a true Links course which has hosted numerous PGA events, including the South African Ope...
Bayworld Museum Complex
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history. Embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world aro...
Eastern Cape Beaches
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Port Elizabeth Golf Club
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Walmer Country Club - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Walmer Country Club with its warm and friendly atmosphere, is 54 years old. It has grown from strength to strength and has over 550 members. Walm...
Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Cape Recife Nature Reserve is one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers beautiful beach, n...
Accommodation near Groendal Wilderness Area
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