Garden Route Unearthed

Short, easy hiking trail in Buffalo Bay with stunning views

If you are looking for a short and easy hiking trail in the Buffalo Bay area of the Garden Route, then the Buffalo Bay Trail is a good option.

It is actually considered to be one of the Goukamma Nature Reserve Trails, however, to start the trail, you can either park at the main car park in Buffalo Bay village and walk about 0.5kms down the beach (have the carpark and the village behind you), and you will see the entrance to the trail on your left.

Or, you can park your car in the Wildside Beach car park, cross the road by the entrance to the car park and you will see the start of the trail in front of you.

In my opinion, the best way to walk this trail is to start at the Wildside car park and hike the trail towards Buffalo Bay main beach. This way, you will be able to enjoy the remarkable views of the ocean as you climb out of the coastal dune forest on to the path running along the top of the dunes.

The trail can either be walked as a 5.2km there-and-back trail, or a 5.5km circular route which includes walking along the main beach, passing by the village and marvelling over the rocky features of the Wildside beach.

Bryan and I always take the circular route whenever we head out to enjoy this particular hiking trail. it is more varied and we love checking out the holiday homes we pass by along the way. Especially this cool one which has converted a fishing boat into an outdoor table!

The trail is a fairly easy trail, in terms of difficulty and fitness. There are a few steep, but very short slopes and the pathway is very clearly defined, so there is not much chance of getting lost.

The pathway starts by heading up the first dune and rising on to a short road section. The views from this road section back towards the Goukamma Nature Reserve and towards Buffalo Bay village are worth taking in at this point.

Continue up the short section of road and when you reach the water plant, pass by to the left of it, so keep the water plant on your right and you will see the path continuing on.

The path heads down into the coastal dune forest and as it meanders through this forest, listen out for the beautiful sounds of nature. The bird song breaking out all around you and the crashing of the waves on the beach. It is sure to make you smile.

As the path leads you out of the cover of the forest into the open ground on the dune itself you start heading towards the main Buffalo Bay beach. The panoramic views before you will take your breath away. You can see Brenton-on-sea in the distance and the huge expanse of Buffalo Bay beach. It really is stunning.

Once you are on the beach have a look out for paragliders. If the wind is fairly strong, they are often seen launching off the tall dune to your left and enjoying the uplift provided off these dunes.

Continue your walk to your right, along main beach, towards the village of Buffalo Bay. You will see the main car park and the Waterfront Restaurant and continue round the point, past the creative benches and beautiful mosaic decorated braai stands.

As you follow the road past the camping site, you will round the point and pass some of the many holidays homes that Buffalo Bay has available to rent. Soon, you come to the Wildside beach, which is in great contrast to the calm of Buffalo Bay’s main beach. Here the waves crash against the shore and the fascinating rocky outcrops are a fisherman’s heaven.

Once you have walked Wildside beach back to the car park, you will see the Wildside Beach Restaurant. It serves delicious food and has a great beach vibe. So, if you have time, I recommend that you stop for a bite to eat (or just a refreshing drink) before you head on your way.

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