One of the attractions of the Garden Route is its forests and fern and with that automatically goes big trees that is hidden in the forest.
All of them fall within park areas and is thus taken care by SANPARKS. I will start from the western side and travel in an easterly direction to reveal them to you.
WOODVILLE
This is an 800 year old tree that stands 31 m tall. Follow the Seven Passes road from Hoekwil leading towards the mountains and the signage will indicate where to turn left. The tree is just 80 m down the trail.
There is a picnic spot with braai facilities and toilets at the start of the trail.
Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood
Entry fee: yes
Permit: self-issue type
Walking trail: +- 2 km (easy) with water crossing
Coordinates: S33°56.8232 E022°38’42.1944
DALENE MATTHEE
This one stands proudly next to the memorial of the famous forest writer Dalene Matthee at Krisjan-se-Nek. It is estimated that this tree is about 880 years old with a height of 40 m. This is also the tallest one of them all.
Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood
Entry fee: yes
Permit: self-issue type
Walking trail: 3 km circular route (moderate)
Coordinates: S33°57.003 E023°57.469
To know more follow the link to Dalene Matthee
KING EDWARD VII
This tree was first know as Templeman’s tree and later renamed to King Edward VII after the king visited the tree and was treated with lunch in the shade of it in 1924. It is estimated to be around 650 years old. Follow the gravel road from Knysna via Avontuur to Uniondale to reach the tree.
Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood
Entry fee: yes
Permit: self-issue type
Walking trail: yes
Coordinates: S33°57.350 E023°09.247
TSITSIKAMMA
This tree can be reached directly from the N2. Just past the village of Stormsrivier you will get the sign board where to turn off and park for this one. There is a small cafeteria at the start of the trail selling some refreshments. Follow the trail to the giant amongst the giants. The top reaches 36 m into the sky.
Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood
Entry fee: yes
Permit: self-issue type
Walking trail: on wooden boardwalk (500 m)
Coordinates: S33°57.882 E023°53.968
Visiting the big trees is an ideal alternative activity for cloudy days in the Garden Route when the weather is not up to scratch. Please, respect them all, because there are not a lot of them left.
oOo
Time spent amongst trees are never wasted time (Katrina Mayer)
