Gansbaai Tourism received a few complaints about the lack of signage and other discrepancies on the Duiwelsgat Hiking trail over the last couple of months.

These were discussed with the Nature Conservation section of the Overstrand Municipality who promised to address them. At a recent Klipgat Trust meeting it was decided that this group along with members of Gansbaai Tourism as well as members of the De Kelders / Perlemoenbaai Inwonersvereniging should walk the trail and evaluate the trail as a whole. This walk took place on Saturday 20 September.

The interested parties were joined by Patrick from the Beach rangers and they set off from Nature Conservations gate at 08:00 and made their way back to Gansbaai Caravan park. It was found that there are not many problems and that Overstrand Nature Conservation (municipality) had indeed done a lot of work upgrading the trail and making it safe for hikers. The few spots where extra signs can be placed to avoid confusion were noted and will be addressed by Klipgat Trust.

There will be a meeting with Cape Nature to address a few problem areas at the gate and along the new fence which is being erected. All in all the group had a most enjoyable time and needless to say plenty of photographs were taken and shared on the social media and with friends and family. There is also an opinion that the trail is under-rated and should be marketed stronger to attract more people to walk this beautiful route, which can also be done in several shorter sections.

Glenda Kitley (Manager: Tourism Bureau)

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