South Africa’s only walking festival is becoming the ‘not-to-miss’ event on the Garden Route over the Easter Weekend.
Home to our country’s most famous trails and hikes, the festival celebrates the region’s iconic walks and appeals to adventure lovers while offering an exciting programme suitable for everyone in the family, from kids to seasoned hikers.
“Some of the best walks in the country are showcased in this exciting festival. Not to be missed are the Tidal Pool Meander and the brisk hikes up the region’s highest peaks, such as the Peak 1067 Challenge outside George and the Peak Formosa Adventure in the Tsitsikamma. Traditional walks include the Robberg Peninsula or Circles in the Forest Elephant Walk in the Knysna forest.
“For kids, there is an amazing line-up this year, we have SA’s first Gruffalo Walk based on the famous children’s book character, allowing kids to learn about and encounter different species of animals in the forest. The all-time favourite Hi-Tec Kids Pirate Treasure Walk is perfect for Easter Sunday and promises to be great fun with friends and family on Keurbooms beach,” says festival founder Galeo Saintz.
“The Hi-Tec Garden Route Walking Festival is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – it’s a massive undertaking that involves the support and involvement of volunteer and professional guides who share their knowledge of the region and their passion for nature. There are walks on offer every day for four days all along the coast from Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plett to Nature’s Valley.”
“Each year we are astonished by how many new people discover the festival and join in. The Garden Route is one of the world’s great walking destinations, its incredible mountains, secret forests, cascading waterfalls, coastal cliffs, amazing beaches and famous trails are ideal for an end of summer festival in the outdoors.”
The programme of over 52 different walks includes unusual walks, such as the Walk with Poetry, the Underwater Walk and the Sketching in Nature walk. For those with an adventurous spirit tough hikes along the rocky coast are a must and the one not to miss is the Oystercatcher Trail experience.
“Everyone is welcome, as the festival is about building connecJon between our diverse communities and between ourselves and wild nature,” says Saintz. The festival benefits local Garden Route environmental charities and conservation projects by showcasing their work and facilitating donations contributed by walkers.
“Join us for fun time out, meet new friends and discover hidden gems off the beaten track.
This festival is ideal for families and everyone keen to discover new trails,” concludes Saintz.
FESTIVAL DETAILS:
Date: 19 – 22 April 2019
registration is free and necessary to coordinate numbers. Most walks are free, while others require SANParks or CapeNature permits or guiding fees.
Register at www.walkingfestival.co.za
CONTACT DETAILS
Organiser: Galeo Saintz
Email: info@walkingfestival.co.za
Cell: 082 888 8181
Facebook: Garden Route Walking Festival
Instagram: Garden RouteWalking Festival
