MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There is a new guided walk to try in Mossel Bay.

The route, which is an existing one but not often walked, starts at the cave at the Point where the St Blaize Trail also starts, but veers off the trail after 500 metres and loops back to the cave.

The walk takes 90 minutes and encompasses veld and rock. The guide is the highly experienced Chris Carr, who worked in the Cayman Islands for a period. 

He is also one of the guides for the Pinnacle Point caves walk.

The intent of Mossel Bay conservationist and businessman Fred Orban is to train locals to be guides, which is the case with the cave walk. 

Orban was instrumental in publicising the Oystercatcher Trail further along the coast.

Orban says Carr is an excellent guide. "Although he is extremely modest, he has a unique knack of making the environment 'come alive' for hikers."

During the Point Wander, the name of the walk, you can birdwatch, spot dolphins and whales and enjoy the fynbos and superb views. Aspects of botanical medicine, archaeology and anthropology will be discussed.

A special rate is offered to Mossel Bay residents, to groups that book and especially to schoolchildren.

Orban notes that the area has been neglected. Vagrants have been living in the shelters and there is graffiti and litter. 

He hopes that as the route becomes popular, the guides and hikers will help beautify it by picking up litter.

Orban said: "We don't want to mark the route with signs or polute the rocks with paint."

For more information, contact Yuliya Nilssen (082 257 4313 or info@humanorigin.co.za).

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