The popular slackpacking trail leads you through one of the most beautiful stretches of protected fynbos in the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Gansbaai, South Africa (05 November 2025) – Rain brought an end to the fires, and with it some good news.
The beautiful Fynbos Trail near Gansbaai, a favourite amongst nature nerds who love hiking, has been spared by the recent fires that tore through the region.
The trail team confirmed that the route is untouched. While parts of the surrounding landscape have burned, it’s not bad news. The fire moved through areas of old fynbos, which is actually part of the ecosystem’s renewal process.
“The majority of the area that burned consisted of old fynbos, an important part of the natural cycle that allows this unique ecosystem to rejuvenate and thrive,” the team shared. “The fire burned cleanly through most fynbos areas, but regions infested with alien vegetation proved much harder to reach and extinguish – a reminder of the importance of ongoing alien clearing efforts.”
We’ve touched on it often recently. The clearing of invasive species plays a massive role in protecting biodiversity. The more we invest in it, the better.
It’s been a tough week for the area, but thanks to quick action from firefighters, organisations and local landowners, the blaze was contained before it could cause further damage.
According to the Overstrand Municipality, around 1800 hectares burned in total, mostly vegetation. By Day 8, cooler weather had allowed crews to move into mop-up mode.
It’s great news that the Fynbos Trail is safe because the funds raised via its slackpacking route support conservation and social development in the area.
The three-day, 27 km route takes you through Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. It’s a massive 22,000-hectare protected corridor watched over by 50 private landowners who’ve joined forces to protect the Cape Floral Kingdom and its treasures.
There are over 1,100 indigenous plant species found there, many of which are incredibly rare. There are also about 106 bird species and other secretive wildlife that call the fynbos home.
Every set of feet that hits the trail helps fund real conservation work to protect the area.
As parts of the valley around Gansbaai are still recovering, the message is still one of deep gratitude.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to keep the fire contained and our valley safe – the Overberg District Municipality, Overstrand Municipality, the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association, the incredible Working on Fire teams, and the many private landowners from within the valley and surrounding areas. Your quick action and dedication prevented the fire from spreading further,” shared the trail team.
“Nature is resilient, and the fynbos will soon burst back to life – greener, stronger and more beautiful than ever.”
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