Island Nature Reserve

The Island Nature Reserve is a 480-hectare reserve forest home to the Alexandria coastal forest, other indigenous trees, animals, and bird species. There are several trails that cut across the reserve and are the best ways to explore the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes of the reserve.

Only 25km away from Port Elizabeth, the Island Nature Reserve can be reached by taking the Seaview Road turn-off from N2. The most popular and longest trail is the 16km circular Bushbuck Hiking Trail which begins from outside the Main Office of the reserve. It is also one of the best trails to spot some out of the 150 bird species that reside at the reserve. Similarly, animals such as the bushpig, bushbuck, antelope, vervet monkeys, and blue duiker are often spotted easily along this trail. The other trails include Trail 1 which is the shortest and starts from the office building, ending at the first ablution block. Trail 2 is slightly longer than the first trail and ends at the subway of the tarred road. Both these trails are perfect for kids and the old. Trail 3 is about 4km of a walk and one can spot the different tree species, such as the white milkwood, hard pear, and Outeniqua yellow-wood that are marked and labeled. Trail 4 is 7.6km and is one of the longest. Visitors can see the Cape St. Francis and Jeffreys Bay on clear days while hiking along this trail. Trail 5 is 3.4km in length and joins Trail 4 towards the end before it continues to the staff village. One can often spot the caracal on this trail. The last trail is 1.3km long that easily leads to the picnic sites. All the trails are well marked and well-maintained. Also, the trails lead or pass the picnic areas where visitors can relax and take a short break before commencing the hike again. There is also a braai area and ablution block that visitors can use for barbeques and picnics.