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WALKS IN THE ST FRANCIS AREA There are numerous walks in the area catering for all levels of fitness, each with its own unique beauty. Tips to make the most of your walks
SAND RIVER
In the dune-field are a number of ancient middens, dating back centuries, and possibly even millennia, which are of great archaeological value. Artefacts, bones and other remains are by law to be left undisturbed. Finds include late Stone Age pottery shards and early Stone Age hand axes and hammer stones approximately 175 000 to 1.2 million years old. Fossilized bones – eland or buffalo and that of a rhinoceros have been uncovered. Hundreds of Khoisan burial sites at least 2000 years old have been found. After the rains when the river stops flowing a number of pools of water remain which attract wildlife and birds. Bush buck, duiker, bushpig and mongooses or (more likely) their tracks may be spotted. The walk starts at the Sand River causeway which is situated about half way between the traffic circle and the Kromme River Bridge. |
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This walk is strenuous but a unique experience . The Oyster Bay dune-field into which the Sand River flows is one of the finest examples in the world of a by-pass headland dune system. This phenomenon occurs when wind-blown sand crosses behind a headland. It is estimated that the sand takes some 3000 years to travel from Oyster Bay to St Francis Bay. The walk takes you about eight hours one way, but few ever go so far because the spectacular dunes and the utter remoteness of the terrain is apparent and can be enjoyed almost from the beginning.