New walking trail opens up the Nuwejaars Wetlands to all
A new walking trail has been launched on the Agulhas Plain – the first of its kind through the Nuwejaars Wetlands.
Interpretive trail signage is included along the easy 4.2km route, bringing these wetlands to life and showcasing why these waterscapes are special.
The trail, called the African Marsh Harrier Trail, is on the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA), which is owned by private landowners. It is managed by the non-profit company, the Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve (NRNR).
The creation of the trail was funded by WWF South Africa, with the support of the Overberg District Municipality.
The relaxed and unchallenging trail is ideal for walkers of any fitness level, including children. It takes around two to three hours to complete. And it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly while taking in the incredible wildlife that lives in the wetlands, especially the bird life.
Slow down and breathe
According to Ross Kettles, Operations Manager of the NRNR, “You just never know what you could see during a walk in these wetlands. Every time we walk this trail, we see something new. When we created this trail, the aim was to allow walkers to slow down, take a breath and enjoy all the things nature has to offer – even the miniature things.”
That includes the tiny, but Critically Endangered Micro Frogs. These frogs, no bigger than a person’s thumbnail, can be heard en masse in the winter to spring months along the route. With some patience, they can even be seen at certain times of the day. They were only discovered on the NWSMA in recent years, although these wetlands are now believed to be a stronghold for them.
The trail starts at the luxurious wine estate, Zoetendal Vineyards along the R43 outside the town of Elim. It heads over the Nuwejaars River to a birding platform and then to a bird hide. The hide, called the Elizabeth Harding WWF South Africa Bird Hide, offers birders the opportunity to look for wetland specialists. Species such as Red-Billed Teal, Cape Shoveler, African Swamphen, a number of Warblers and Plovers and many others occur here.
Ross says, “A special sighting is that of the African Marsh Harrier, which is regularly seen hunting over these wetlands, not to mention other birds of prey, such as African Fish Eagle.”
Even famous author Faansie Peacock got involved
Inside the hide, look out for the Birds of the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area sign, specially designed by well-known South African author and artist Faansie Peacock. Faansie’s incredible paintings capture the nearly 100 birds that call these wetlands home. The sign also showcases the beautifully designed FireFinch app, an easy-to-use birding app for anyone from fledgling birders to top twitchers.
The walk heads further along the river, past secret pans, to the turnaround point (which is clearly marked). Walkers then head back on the same route. A sign at the end of the trail overlooking the Nuwejaars River offers the ideal spot for group photographs to remember the relaxing adventure.
The trail must be accessed from the Zoetendal Vineyards Restaurant (and only when the restaurant is open). Walkers sign in via a guest book hosted at the restaurant, and must let the Zoetendal staff know of their hike (to ensure the gate to the river is unlocked). From here, walkers follow the signage, the wooden poles which demarcate the route, and the raised wooden walkways over the wetlands and river.
Ross says, “We’re very proud to launch this trail – to make these wetlands accessible to young and old, to encourage walkers to reconnect with nature. When we can see how these wetlands serve as a home for so much wildlife, it becomes clear why we must – and are – protecting these irreplaceable waterscapes. And why it’s essential to continue restoring and rewilding nature here.”
HIKING TIPS FOR THE AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER TRAIL
Take note of the following hiking tips before you set off on your adventure:
- Bring your binoculars along to enjoy the birdlife.
- A macro lens is always handy to photograph some of the smaller creatures.
- Please be sure to sign the guest book before the walk – for your own safety.
- You are walking in a wetland. So depending on the time of the year, the trail can get rather wet, which means your shoes could also get wet – especially during winter and spring.
- Bring dry shoes and socks along just in case, to put on after the walk.
- It’s difficult to get lost on this trail. You will walk parallel to the Nuwejaars River. Simply look out for the wooden poles, the raised walkways and then the bridges over sections of the river to the bird hide. The turnaround point is a few hundred metres on from the bird hide, and is clearly marked.
- This walk is meant to be enjoyed at an easy pace, as an opportunity to see these secret waterscapes that are not usually open to the public.
- Note that the trail is only accessible when Zoetendal Vineyards is open, so please check their trading times to ensure you have access to the trail: www.zoetendal.co.za
