by Ralph Pina | Feb 11, 2021 | conservation, De Hoop Nature Reserve
My recent post, The Whale Trail in the Pandemic, has attracted enormous traffic, by the standards of my site at least. In it I opine that biological control of Acacia cyclops (rooikrans) in De Hoop Nature Reserve is failing because my – admittedly unscientific... 
by Ralph Pina | Jan 24, 2021 | conservation, De Hoop Nature Reserve, hiking, trails
As South Africa emerged from the hard lockdown in mid-2020, I became desperate to escape to the outdoors. On the off-chance that the Whale Trail was open, I contacted Cape Nature and easily obtained a booking for the trail in January 2021. The hugely popular trail was... 
by Ralph Pina | Aug 22, 2018 | Addo Elephant National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, hiking, Hluleka Wildlife Reserve, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Table Mountain National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, West Coast National Park
Here is a guide to the South African coastal hikes I have had the privilege of experiencing. Hopefully it is useful to those who are planning to walk our beautiful and diverse coastline. The list starts at the north-eastern-most trail – the Pondo Trail from... by Ralph Pina | Jan 30, 2016 | conservation, De Hoop Nature Reserve, hiking, trails
Almost fourteen years after the first time, we elected to sample the slackpacking option for this trail. Slackpacking involves paying R520 per crate/coolbox for transport from hut to hut. It makes for very good meals, meals that can do the “huts” justice.... by Ralph Pina | Jul 15, 2005 | De Hoop Nature Reserve, hiking, trails
7-12 July 2005 This post is a photo journey down the Whale Trail. It was the second time that I walked this wonderful trail. Morning tea on Potberg. The Breede meanders to the coast below. The trail follows Potberg’s spine. Cupidoskraal hut is a welcome sight...
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