Join us for Peak #3: Groenkop - with approx 20km out&back, and approx 626m elevation, you'd need to be reasonably fit for this hike - this is a 5-6 hour outing. What to expect: This is the only peak of the pack for which we will pass through a majestic forest before we reach the main path that leads us up to Groenkop! River crossings, huge ferns and monkey ropes!

Vegetation on the trail includes Palmiet, Outeniqua Yellowwood – of which there are some majestic specimens, Onderbos, Ironwood, Bastard Saffronwood, Stinkwood, fungi in different colours on felled wood and seven-week ferns.

Bird-life is plentiful. Narina Trogan, Olive Thrush, Chorister, Cape and Starred Robins and the Knysna Loerie. But because of the low light under the canopy they are seldom seen. However, you can try to identify them by their calls. Wildlife includes Blue Duiker, bushbuck, vervet monkeys, baboons and bush pigs, as well as the predators leopard and caracal who are illusive and shy and rarely encountered.

And you would have conquered the third peak of the pack and earn your token!

? Compulsary items: Suitable lightweight hydration-/backpack, sunscreen, hat, comfortable hiking/trail shoes, enough trail food, 1,5l water. Lightweight windproof jacket/fleece, beanie and gloves depending the weather. (We will aim to postpone the hike in the case of rain, but a waterproof jacket might be a handy kit item). Best to always dress in layers. Space blanket, emergency energy bar/trail food, bandage, small petroleum jelly comes in handy for chafing etc.

✨ Optional items:

Fingerless gloves (there's quite a few thorny ferns on route), hiking poles, buffs, sunglasses, coffee, wet wipes.

♡ Meet at Groeneweide parking area; Saasveld campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the Garden Route town of George. (6am-6h15). How to get there: Turn onto the Saasveld/Seven Passes road out of Courtenay Road in George (At the Pine Lodge Conference Centre). Follow this road for 5km exactly and then turn left into Saasveld at the sign. Once you have entered the campus grounds follow the paved road until your reach the second road to your right. Turn right there (at the Soccer field) and follow the road around to the right and past the cricket field on your left. There's a small parking area on the right as well as a public toilet.

♡ Hike starts strictly at 6h30.

♡ Enjoy a light picnic lunch with us after the hike (optional).

The peak challenge hikes are strictly donation based. 

To stay up to date with all arrangements and hikes by NXSN, you can join the w/a group, here:-

https://chat.whatsapp.com/LHY1j6gu9i27d4EVNGI6T9

For any other information, contact Mariàn on 0727134498.