Harkerville Forest – Garden Route National Park
Along the South Coast of South Africa lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, home to the Garden Route National Park. The Knysna Forest is world famous for its magical beauty, dark and mystical recesses and giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods, some of which are almost a thousand years old.
The area around Garden of Eden is one of the most lush and beautiful parts of the Knysna forest and definitely a must-see when visiting the Garden Route. The major attraction is the forest itself; absolutely beautiful yellowwood trees, thick green foliage and fresh, trickling streams.
Harkerville MTB Trails
Harkerville forest is the ideal location for recreational mountain-biking. Four colour-coded routes – ranging from easy family rides to superb single track – meander through coastal fynbos and pristine indigenous forest. 22km Red Route is the most challenging and exhilarating of the routes, but is also one of the most scenic routes taking you through deep indigenous forest, fynbos and incredible coastal views along the way. All four start and finish at the Garden of Eden, on the N2, where permits must be obtained.
Graspad is a newly launched 12 kilometer cycling route, which joins up to all popular Harkerville mountain biking routes. Cyclists will ride through the species-rich indigenous Knysna forest with a backdrop of the ocean. GPS Coordinates for Kranshoek (where the route begins): 34°05′28″S; 23°18′23″E.
Other activities in Kranshoek: Picnic spots, the waterfall, dolphin and whale watching and the Kranshoek hiking trail. Follow black & white marked bicycle signs from the Kranshoek gate.
Garden of Eden
Tel: (044) 532 7793
Accommodation – Harkerville Forest Treetop Chalet
This 4-star chalet has two double rooms, each with its own bathroom and sleeps four in comfort. This magical hideaway is tucked away at the head of a wide valley situated in the Harkerville forest. From this vantage point you can bird-watch, botanise, explore the walking trails close by or hop on your bike for an exhilarating cycle through the forest. Fully appointed with indoor and outdoor fireplace, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, DSTV, telephone and alarm system.
Please note: Overnight visitors have access to all day trails and cycle trails listed above for the duration of their stay.
Photographs by Garden Route Adventure guide.