The Red Elephant Hiking Trail is a 6.8km moderately trafficked circular trail in the Garden Route National Park close to the town of Knysna.
This hike starts at the forestry station and will take you through the lush forests, over streams and under the huge Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. Mixture of forestry roads, woodcutter trails and boardwalks can be expected. The trail passes over a stream approximately halfway which is a great location for a rest or picnic before continuing with your hike.
Here you will also find the Forest Legends Museum, dedicated to the lifestyle of the woodcutters, the elusive Knysna elephants and also has a collection of photographs and books on the fauna and flora of the forest.
Next to the Forest Legends Museum you will find the historic foresters cottage which is now a tea room serving tea, coffee, cold drinks and small meals.
The Red Elephant Trail is part of the Three Elephant Hiking Trails, which also includes the Black Elephant and White Elephant hiking trails. Hikers can link the three routes together into one route of 18.2km and will take approximately 7 hours. All of the Elephant Hiking Trails are marked with the respective coloured elephant on yellow plastic signs along the route.
You will require a permit for the hike which is obtainable at the Diepwalle Forestry Station. If the office is closed or unmanned self issue permits apply. Wild Card members gain access for free.
- Adventure Type:
Hiking - Country:
South Africa - Province:
Western Cape - City/Town:
Knysna - Located in Park or Reserve:
Garden Route National Park - Rating:
5 - Difficulty:
Easy - Duration:
2 Hours 30 Minutes - Length:
6.8km - Elevation:
305m