Buffalo Bay Hiking TrailThe Buffalo Bay Residential Society decided that there was a need for activities other than that offered by the sea. Louis Kellerman, together with some local workers, voluntarily planned and cleared the route. Further maintenance was taken over by Ken Whiley. The start of the trail use to be indicated on both ends with a painted wooden signs reading "Buffelsbaai Staproete - Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail", painted by Louis' daughter, Nina. These have since been replaced by a green metal sign reading "Buffalo Bay Trail".
The Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail starts across the road from the Wildside Backpacker's parking area and meanders through the dunes and fynbos and up a little hill, to a small service road above the Buffelskop Caravan Park that leads towards the antenna and water reservoir on top of the hill. Follow this service road uphill towards the antenna. There is a bench on the right just before you reach that antenna that overlooks wildside and the ocean. When you reach the antennae, go left around the infrastructure where you will the the path heading back into the trees. From here the trail winds through the fynbos and thicket and past a bench in the shade under the trees. The trail takes you to the eastern side of Buffalo Bay high above the sea from were it winds back down to sea level and onto the beach about 600m from Buffalo Bay's main beach. From the start to here is about 2.1km. You can easily do the walk in a loop, making it 4.5km in total. Walk along the beach towards Buffalo Bay and stop at the Buffalo bay Waterfront where there is a restaurant and a shop where you can enjoy something to eat or drink on the deck overlooking the sea or get an ice cream for the walk back. You can start from here as well and walk the trail either clockwise or counter clockwise although parking is usually very limited here in summer and the holidays. From the main beach, walk through the parking lot at the shops, up the wooded steps, past the small community hall and parking area. Take the path down to the beach past the colourful painted bus stop. If you walk this in the afternoon you will be able to walk while gazing into the sunset along this section of beach. Back at the parking area you also have the option to stop for something to eat or drink at the Wildside Beach Restaurant, an informal open air restaurant where you can further enjoy the sunset. 
Distance: The trail section through the fynbos and dunes is 2.1km. The entire trail 4.5km if done in a loop, depending on your route through Buffalo Bay.
Difficulty: Easy. Permits/costs: Open to all, you can take the dog along as well. Route markers: None, but the trail well is established. Directions: From Knysna take the N2 towards George, about 11km out take the Buffalo Bay turnoff to the left. Continue along this road for 7.7km to the parking area on the right, park here, the walk starts across the road from the entrance to the parking area. Coordinates: Wild Side Trail Head - 34°04'58.1"S 22°57'31.8"E Buffs/Brenton Beach Trail Head - 34°04'53.6"S 22°58'31.1"E |
Click images to enlarge.
Bench above Buffelskop Caravan Park overlooking the wild side of Buffalo Bay.
Wildside trailhead
Brenton/Buffs beach trailhead
Buffelsbaai Waterfront,
there is a shop and restaurant here.
Wildside Beach Restaurant,
they serve light meals and various beverages.
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