LADY’S SLIPPER TRAIL: 5.2 KM (4.6 KM RED TRAIL)

Green Flag Trails is administered and overseen by the World Trails Network through an international network of partners and trail experts, via its Trails & Tourism Task Team.

TRAIL TYPE: LINEAR/CIRCULAR (UP RED TRAIL, DOWN GREEN)
DURATION: 2/3 HOURS
DIFFICULTY: EASY/MODERATE

HIKING TIMES:
DEC, JAN & FEB open 07h30-17h00 (latest ascent 14h30)
ALL OTHER MONTHS open 08h00-16h00 (latest ascent 13h30)

• Please note that in keeping within the boundaries of our "Child Protection Policy" for youth camps, we have strict access control.
• Dogs/Pets/Drones are not permitted as these trails access nature reserve.
• On arrival at Falcon Rock, follow the signage to the parking area. Make your way to the TrailMix Office/Café and please bring your vehicle registration number with you as you will need it when signing in.

TRAIL INFO - The trail starts off on a Green Route and later splits giving you the option of either remaining on the Green, or ascend the Red. The Red Route is more adventurous and shorter, but it is a steeper climb. Green is a longer route but much easier.
Red and Green Trails meet at the plateau where you will make your last ascent around the north side (other side from where you started) to reach the summit. Arriving at the summit you will find a large boulder with a direction dial fixed to the top of it. Here you will be at the highest point of the Van Staden’s Mountain Range and right above the Lady’s Slipper rock formation. Falcon Rock will be directly below.

When descending return down the north side, the way you came, and select either the Red or Green Trail to return to Base Camp at the Adventure Centre.

“it's not about the destination, it's about the journey - rest often, observe, absorb..."

FOR YOUR SAFETY - If hiking in a group, allow for all to take a picture of the trail map and emergency numbers. Although the intention is to enjoy the hike together we all have different levels of fitness which results in most groups separating, and most often on the decent. Having this information can save you lots of headaches.

• Avoid leaping/jumping downwards. You have more control STEPPING down.
• Wear hiking boots/shoes with good grip, layered clothing and sun hat. The weather at the mountain can change in a heartbeat.
• Take enough water! Eat well before and take snacks.  Although this is a short hike, it will take a lot out of you.
• Scorpions live under these rocks; avoid lifting them.
• Snakes are easier to spot on a clear trail than in an uncleared area.
• Emergency & Trail Info – 083 327 3456

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A NATURE RESERVE

Remain on the trails marked for hiking.
Bring back ALL your waste and avoid leaving any form of graffiti.
Do not be excessively loud OR play music on the trails. Visitors using these trails come to enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature.

No picking of flowers or fynbos. Nature reserve laws and fines apply.

RATES:  R30pp and payable either Cash, Zapper or Eft (FNB, Branch 250655, Onnerikoppi Festivals – 62812781864)

AVAILABLE TO DAY VISITORS ONLY

Entrance is R60pp, toddlers free (8am-4pm)

As a day visitor you are welcome to enjoy the Picnic/Braai facilities, kids play area and access to the hiking trails.

Use of Swimming Pool add R20pp (Check availability).

Please remember to bring:
* Wood/Charcoal and Fire Starters
* Crockery, Cutlery, Braai utensils, Spices etc as we do not provide these.

You are also welcome to bring:
* Extra Chairs/Tables
* Gazebo
* Fun Games for the Kids...and adults.

As this is a child friendly venue we don't tolerate drunken and unsavoury behaviour.

(2 hours and max 30 guests)
R650.00 - Add R30pp for extra guests attending.

Use of and access to - Braai/Picnic Area, Kids Play Area and 2.5km hike.

Feel free to bring along your party décor and party packs as well as;

* Extra Chairs/Tables
* Gazebo
* Fun Games for the Kids...and adults

CAMP EXPLORE

For adventure's needing a home base to explore the Lady's Slipper area,  whether it be mountain biking, hiking trails or rock climbing this  natural, rustic site is for you.

Enjoy sunset or sunrise at the summit of the Lady's Slipper or a late afternoon on the rocks and return to a relaxing camp fire. Each site has it's own fireplace and rocket stove. Note, you will need to bring your own grid.

These sites do not offer electrical points and are therefore best suited to those preferring a natural experience and have geared themselves to be self-sufficient.  However, phones and laptops can still be charged at the Hiking Office.

CAMP SITES
R350 per day (2 people & 1 vehicle)
Per Person Extra R80 per day
Per Vehicle Extra R40 (once off)
3 and under -No Charge
Full Payment with Booking (Non-Refundable)

(Includes access to hiking trails and Rock Climbing sites)

Kindly note that we do not offer camping to general public but rather for those nature enthusiasts who wish to enjoy their outdoor hobbies, needing a safe site to explore from.

NEW BOULDERS - 2020 LOCKDOWN

During the first few months of lockdown we had the great pleasure of making some new friends visiting from Israel. Although most of their time was spent climbing, and drinking coffee, they also discovered a few new boulders during their stay. Most of these are located west of the Slipper with the exception of Spartacus and Nuevo Mundo which is closer to Falcon.

The below pdf was compiled by Itamar Gerasy and Omri Cohen for other climbers to enjoy.

Omri, Itamar and Adel - You guys certainly left your mark here and we hope our paths cross again one day. P.s...thanks for the introduction to good coffee.

Special thanks To Morne, JayDee and Derek for assisting them with advice, guidance and equipment.

Climbing sites in the  area  include Lady's Slipper, Van Stadens Gorge, Sleepy Hollow, PE Urban Crags & Boulders, Elands River. Information on these sites can be found at www.easterncaperockclimbing.co.za

Persons interested in joining Eastern Cape Rock Climbing Club should contact Derek Marshall (083 681 8713 marshall@qsafrica.co.za) 

Download: West Slipper Bouldering.pdf

Lady’s Slipper mountain is a favourite paragliding site for local pilots. On a good day you will spot them thermalling and soaring above you as you hike up the Slipper.

If you are interested in going for a tandem flight, contact pilot Cal Dyker on 082 655 3214. If you are interested in learning how to paraglide you can contact Cal Dyker or Ben Arnold, our two local instructors here in Port Elizabeth. Cal Dyker 082 655 3214Ben Arnold 082 334 1283.

For visiting paragliding pilots, the Lady’s Slipper has two SAHPA registered take-off sites and you should contact Hawkwind, the local Eastern Cape paragliding club to arrange access. https://www.facebook.com/Hawkwind-Hang-gliding-and-Paragliding-Club-Eastern-Cape-416402181757578