Outdoor Focus

Scenic and picturesque adventures aimed at individuals, couples, friends, school groups and team building participants.

 The Kowie Canoe Trail

This trail will take you approximately 21km up the river, past many attractions including The Old Wreck, Windy Reach, Rabbit Rocks, Cob Hole, Black Rock, The Old Mill, The Reef, Ferry Glen, White Rock and on to the Camp at Horseshoe Bend.

The more adventurous can continue on a short way thereafter Ebb and Flow where the fresh water flowing down the Kowie River meets the salty water of the sea.

Along the way there is also a small game farm on the East bank where game sightings are frequent.

The Camp - Hikers sleep in a simple wooden 4-room chalet at Horseshoe Bend. The camp is on the East Bank of the river below the cliffs of the Horseshoe Bend.  The camp sleeps 16 (in beds) but can accommodate more if you take other sleeping mats.

The Hiking Trail - The trail is a marked 12km circular route, which can be comfortably walked in 3½ hours.  Rucksacks can be left at the overnight camp, which is the start and end point of the trail. It is recommended that you take a water bottle, camera and binoculars.  

Duration - Three days (two nights) is more relaxing and will give you ample time to enjoy the 12km Hiking trail, but many people do it in two days (one night).

Average paddling time from the start in the Small Boat Harbour in Port Alfred to the camp is roughly 4 hours.

Tides - The Kowie River is tidal all the way up – don’t fight the tide!  The ideal time to leave Port Alfred is 30 minutes after low tide.