Some trails in Knysna Forest

The Red Elephant Trail

The Red Elephant trail is a  6.8-km loop which is moderately challenging r it takes about 2 hours to finish. It starts at the forestry station. This scenic route meanders through the rain forest passing one of the big trees, a 600-year-old yellow wood. The route tends to be muddy and slippery after rain

The White Elephant trail

The White Elephant Trail is an easy meander through the Knysna forest that starts from the forest station 6.5km from the Diepwalle picnic site. The path is well maintained and also passes the 600-year-old yellowwood and also gets very slippery The route starts and ends at the same place. On the trail, you will find a rock pool where you can stop for a picnic and even have a swim. It is well marked, look out for snakes, butterflies, lizards, and small buck.

The Black Elephant trail

The black elephant trail is a moderately difficult 8.9-km loop trail near Knysna. It starts at the forestry station and takes about 2 and a half hours to finish. Notice the enormous trees, mostly indigenous yellow wood and stinkwood that are home to vervet monkeys. Look out also for Knysna loeries in the area. Stop at either the Ysterhoutrug or King Edward VII picnic areas when you get to them

It is possible to link the routes into one long route 18.2 kilometres long. This takes about approximately 7 hours to finish. This includes rest stops

Outeniqua Overnight Hiking Trail

You could also try the  Outeniqua Overnight Hiking Trail there is a campsite at the forest station where you can camp on wooden decks between the trees.

Follow the Outeniqua Hiking Trail white/yellow shoeprints. The elephant walks are marked by coloured elephant signs

: Permits are available from the Diepwalle Forestry Station. If the offices are closed issue yourself a permit from the wooden box under the tree in front of the offices. The hikes are free for Wild Card members.

Diepwalle Forestry Station – 044 382 9762/3

S33 56.909 E23 09.434