Plaat West Hike | Marloth Nature Reserve

Plaat West

HOW LONG AND TOUGH IS THIS HIKE:

Distance = 5.2km

Climb = 336m

Direction = clock-wise

Total Hiking time = 2-3 hours

TIPS:

> Take at least 1x750ml water bottel per person.

> Eat something every 30 minutes. This could be an apple (other fruit), muffin, peanut-butter-and-honey sandwich, nuts, raisins, small packet of chips, biltong or dried fruit. If you are taking kids along - take some sweets. If motivation is required sweets work great.

> Children of 6 years old can hike this route if they are used to hiking - but remember the sweets. If this is your first hike in Marloth with children you should rather hike Koloniesbos or Duiwelsbos, which are easier hikes.

> Children should not hike barefoot.

HOW DO I GET TO THE START OF THIS HIKE:

> Drive 2.5km from the Drostdy to Marloth Main Office.

> Get your CapeNature permit at the Marloth Office. Drive 800m on bakkie road (in Marloth Nature Reserve) up to a parking area where +- 4 cars can park.

GENERAL NOTES:

> This trail passes through Doktorsbos.

> The Plaat (9km) can be broken up into Plaat West (5.2km) and Plaat East (5km).

> The only fresh water on this route is from the river, so remember to take your own.

> Would I have hiked this route on honeymoon? Maybe, but then you need to be fit. Rather do Duiwelsbos.

> This route is not in the shade so remember a hat and sunscreen. There are pools and a waterfall where you can cool off.

> After rain or in winter the route will have wet and slippery sections.

> The first bit is uphill and will make you sweat. You will then reach the Plaat which has great views and is more level and less strenuous. Then it is straight down and back to the parking area.

> Do you need a 4x4 in Marloth? No.

GPS Location:

Swellendam Tourism Office (23 Swellengrebel st) = -34.018355, 20.452315

Marloth Main Entrance = -34.004491, 20.440881

Plaat West Trail Start/ Parking = -33.99909, 20.44195

WHEN ARE HIKING TRAILS OPEN:

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

*If you want to start hiking before the Marloth Office opens, you can issue yourself a permit at the building between the office and Marloth's main gate. This must be done for safety reasons. When you return after the hike, please remember to pay the entrance fee.

Google Map

Garmin Route

Other Hiking Trails in Marloth