Hiking the Bushbuck Trail | Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve | Cape Nature Reserves

The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is home to a couple stunning hiking trails. The reserve is is situated off the N2, between the towns of Heidelberg and Barrydale. During our visit to the reserve we decided to hike a section of the Bushbuck Trail. This trail meanders through much of the indigenous forest of Grootvadersbosh Nature Reserve, and this includes a section of exotic forestry plantation too. The trail has many points of interest, either a viewing point or a waterfall.  For us one of these points were to the Redwoods! Ratings: 1)Access: Rating: 4/5 Access to the trail is through Cape Nature Reserves.  You either have to pay a entry fee for day visitors and obtain a hiking permit, or you can stay over at either the camp site, tented chalets or cabins. 2)Distance: Rating: 4/5 This is a rather long trail at around 10km(6,2mi).  It can be completed in around 3-4hours, however there are many options when it comes to this trail, and it is possible to make this a much shorter hike should you wish to do so as the trail criss-crosses the reserve. 3)Scenery: Rating: 5/5 The Grootvadersbosch Reserve gives any visitor a great location to escape into nature.  It has amazing forests and a bit of mountainous terrain with Fynbos.  There are bird hides scattred through the reserve, and even some picnic spots situated in perfect viewing locations. A little bit of everything. 4)Difficulty: Rating: 5/5 The Bushbuck Trail is a relatively easy trail.  It is enjoyed by people of all ages, and anyone with some level of fitness will enjoy this trail.  The option to pretty much half the distance of this trail makes it great should you be unsure if you can manage the whole 10km(6,2mi). 5)Gear: Rating: 5/5 You do not have to go all out on gear for this one.  Be sure to have comfortable hiking shoes, and some snacks and enough water.  A lot of the Bushbuck Trail is within the forest, but do have some form of sun protection at hand for the sections that offer less cover.  Pack some picnic snacks as there are a few spots where you can stop to rest and take in the environmet. 6)Safety: Rating:  4/5 This is relatively safe trail.  It is situated within a secured nature reserve and entry into the reserve is monitored.  There are wild animals that can be encountered on the trail, but give these there space and do not offer them food and you should avoid any injuries. Some sections of the trail will take you over streams or wet rocks, and care should be taken when going over these spots to avoid a slip and fall. Some bird hides also require a climb up ladders, but a little bit of caution should be enough to avoid slipping. Total score: 4.5/5