The scenic Duiwelsgat Hiking Trail runs along the coast of De Kelders, from Gansbaai harbour to the start of Die Plaat. The trail is not only a perfect vantage point for whale watching, but also to explore the unique coastal fynbos, the milkwood forest at Stanford Cove and the archaeological sites along its route. The De Kelders coastal area, including the Klipgat Cave, is one of the most important cultural and natural assets in the Western Cape.
Klipgat Cave - Walker Bay Nature Reserve
The unique De Kelders coastal area has been badly neglected and is in urgent need of attention. The explosion of urban development in the Gansbaai area and the huge growth in the numbers of whale watchers and tourists makes it a matter of urgency that conservation and restoration measures be put in place along our fragile coast. The vegetation and sensitive limestone is being damaged by people making informal pathways to the coast, causing heavily braided paths and severe erosion. Blow-outs have formed on sandy stretches due to vegetation trampling. It is important that the local residents, businesses, municipality and conservation organisations begin protecting and cherishing this special area.
In order to rehabilitate and upgrade the trail, permission from the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs was needed, and to this end a Basic Assessment Report was submitted. This included reports and proposals done for the Klipgat Trust and Overstrand Municipality, by a respected team of expert’s renowned Landscape Architect, Professor Leon Hugo, Botanist and fynbos expert, Sean Privott and respected archaeologist Dr Graham Avery.
Due to the limited funding available through the municipality we would like to appeal to the residents, guesthouses and businesses of De Kelders and Gansbaai to contribute towards the urgent upgrading of the trail. This project is being driven by the Klipgat Trust and the Overstrand Municipality on behalf of the greater Gansbaai community. This is an investment in the future of the area.
All contributions are welcome and will be acknowledged in the local press. Contributions can be deposited into the Klipgat Trust bank account, Absa Bank no. 92 4157 7950. Please state your name and erf number as reference and fax your deposit slip to (028) 384-0228 or email it to stay@clifflodge.co.za
The purpose of this blog is to keep interested parties updated about the progress of the rehabilitation, as well as inform people about the historical significance and ecological improtance of this stretch of coastline.
Anyone who would like to become involved in this project please contact:
Gill or Gideon – stay@clifflodge.co.za / tel. (028) 384-0983
Stanley – info@whalesonglodge.co.za / tel. (028) 384-1865.
