Cape Fold Mountains.
The Outeniqua Mountain Range extends from Mossel Bay in the west to Plettenberg Bay in the East. As a section of the Cape Fold Mountains, the range extends parallel to the Garden Route coastline in an east west alignment approximately 19km from the beach.
The range is vegetated with predominantly Fynbos with pockets of Afromontane Forest and sections of cultivated pine plantations criss crossing this mountain range is a series of jeep tracks and trails which are ideal for hiking.
There is a core of trails flanking the north of the town of George and the renowned Outeniqua Trail which extends from Beervlei east of Wilderness and continues to Hierarchical between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Mountain Safety
The mountain trails are short but steep with a 8km hike delivering up to 1250m vertical ascent. Though not particularly high, the mountain range does present a host of natural threats.
Weather
Prone to rapidly changing weather conditions that can differ drastically from the the coastal plateau below, hikers should carry suitable protective gear at all times, even on a short half day hike. The cloud base can often form at 500m above sea level.
Another weather threat, even in mid winter, is a NW katabatic wind phenomena called a Berg Wind. A hot dry wind that can raise air temperatures to 35 deg Celsius, preparation needs to include am[le water and sun protection.
Water
Above 350m there are very few flowing rivers or seeps and ample water should be carried at all times, particularly if hiking on days that a berg wind is blowing.
Snakes
Though not often seen, two snakes that can pose a risk are the Mountain Adder and Puffadder. Both of these species are ambush species, preferring to lie still in the sun on a trail. Often the leading hiker can walk right over one sunning itself, only to have it rear up in defense at the approach of the second hiker. Both are toxic, and require attention, but their main danger is not being seen.
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