Doring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George)

The Doringrivier Circular Trail in the Doringrivier Wilderness Area of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve has been on my personal to do list for quite some time and after finally attempting this trail I can conclude that it does not disappoint. A thoroughly scenic and enjoyable day in a remote valley of the Outeniquas and not too far a drive if visiting from George. The Doringrivier Wilderness Area is rather remote and removed from the more familiar trails closer to George. Firstly, to reach the trail head one will have to drive over the Outeniqua Pass and through the farming community of Waboomskraal. After reaching a somewhat unclear parking area (lookout for the signage, or other cars parked in the area, be sure not to block any roads or gates as the gravel roads service working farms and the locals don’t take kindly to congestion on their service roads) the trail follows a farm road or track and arrives at an unsigned gate with a clear opening in the fence which you will have to climb through to continue down the farm road. After a short while on this section the path reaches a low point near a dam which was extremely muddy and ankle deep, almost like a bog which had to be carefully navigated to the other side. After crossing this early obstacle it’s a gradual but unrelenting incline all the way up a 4x4 route to the official reserve boundary gate, the Pine infested Northern Slopes of Kapp Se Bakenpiek towers in the skyline to the South. As soon as one crosses the gate the Doring River Valley comes into view and looking West the Wilderness Area is vast and it appears as if there is absolutely nothing or no sign of human activity for as far as the eye can see. The slopes are covered in some of the most well-established Garden Route or Outeniqua Fynbos to be found anywhere in the region. The species and colours change as one meanders up the old 4x4 track to the Northern peaks of the valley, familiar Black Bearded Proteas, Green Bottlebrush Erica’s, Erica Densifolia, and Strawberry Everlasting are everywhere on the trail. After a while the 4x4 Jeep track fades to single track and after passing a few false peaks the summit of an unnamed peak with a fallen trig beacon is reached. The official Surveyed map shows this peak as trig beacon 171 with a height of 1099.1 meters above sea level, this is the high point of the trail. From here the views are spectacular, the Swartberg Range behind Oudtshoorn is clearly visible to the North. To the East the Cradock and George Peak Massif dominates the view over the Waboomskraal valley, while the view West is vast over the Doring River Valley with peaks like Engelseberg, Jonkersberg and Skurweberg visible. After a good break at the summit, one proceeds a short way down in the same direction as one took up to the summit before the path splits left and heads around the opposite side of the peak just climbed. After a while on this path the trail cuts round the peak and descends into an unnamed tributary of the Groot Doringrivier before leveling out and meeting the main river itself. Here one will have to cross the river which may require removing your boots if there has been substantial rain, there is good shade near the river thanks to rather tall Keurboom Trees if you require refuge from the sun and the water should be clean and drinkable if flowing. Shortly after crossing the river the single-track path meets the jeep track again and one will follow this track left, or East back towards the starting point. After a substantial but gradual incline on this jeep track be on the lookout for a cairn of stones on the side of the 4x4 track. Taking the faint path a short way through the high proteas one will arrive at a spectacular double waterfall rock pool which becomes visible soon after the intersection. Here the water is drinkable, clean and cool. The color which resembles a cola brown is from the tannins in the surrounding plant’s roots and is in no way dirty or polluted. This pool is worth a coffee break and a long visit as it’s a highlight on an already scenic trail so reserve some time to enjoy it. A word of warning there can be horse flies at the water in summer months so consider taking some insect repellant. After a short detour to the pool the jeep track continues upward to the gate crossed at the start and then back down and through the bog to the parking area at the start. This trail is a must do for anyone who enjoys hiking in the Garden Route Area especially if one has attempted many of the other trails in the George area and surrounds before. The altitude gain and loss is substantial but the incline and decline is gradual and manageable especially if compared to other routes in the Outeniquas like Cradock and George Peaks, it’s a far less strenuous day out by comparison. The trail can be a long day on the legs so be sure to have sunscreen, a hat, and provisions like food and water to combat fatigue. Consider taking a camera, the vistas and remoteness of the Doringrivier Wilderness Area as well as the amazing specimens of flora are well worth capturing. The land which the reserve is on is managed by Cape Nature, you can obtain a permit from their Witfontein offices just out of George off the foot of the Outeniqua Pass on the way to Oudtshoorn or the start of this trail in Waboomskraal. The area is remote and the farming community of Waboomskraal is peaceful and provides little concern for security, please consider the local residents and workers and be respectful as you pass through. There may be others parked who will head to the Waterfall pool and back on weekends but in all likelihood you and your hiking group will have the majority of this trail to yourselves. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable, quiet day out in the mountains amongst pristine nature, I can highly recommend attempting this trail.