Nelson Mandela Bay has 11 hiking trails that received international Green Flag accreditation, offering everything from coastal walks and mountain views to indigenous forests and wildflower-filled escapes. If you’ve been looking for a reason to get outdoors, consider this your sign.
In a world where we’re constantly being told to look out for red flags, we thought it was time to celebrate a few green ones.
And, as it turns out, Nelson Mandela Bay has quite a collection.
We’re talking about hiking trails that take you along some of our most beautiful coastlines, through indigenous vegetation and up mountains that reward you with views worth putting your phone down for.
Better yet, 11 of the Bay’s hiking trails received international Green Flag accreditation in 2023, recognising their quality, management and value to visitors.
So, whether you’re an experienced hiker, someone who enjoys a leisurely weekend walk or simply looking for something different to do with the family, here’s your reminder that some of the Bay’s loveliest attractions are right on our doorstep.
What exactly is a Green Flag trail?
Think of Green Flag accreditation as the hiking equivalent of the Blue Flag recognition awarded to qualifying beaches.
The international system assesses trails against standards covering aspects such as management, environmental responsibility, trail information and the experience offered to visitors.
For Nelson Mandela Bay, the accreditation also helps position our natural attractions as destinations worth exploring, both for locals and for visitors discovering the Eastern Cape.
11 reasons to get your hiking shoes out
1. Sacramento Hiking Trail
A Bay favourite for a reason. This approximately 8km circular trail takes you from Schoenmakerskop towards Sardinia Bay, with ocean views, coastal vegetation and a little maritime history along the way.
2. Lady’s Slipper Hiking Trail
For those who prefer their weekend adventures with a view from the top, Lady’s Slipper offers a 5.2km route, with options for different levels of difficulty. Allow approximately two to three hours and bring your camera.
3. Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
Indigenous plants, beautiful scenery and a good excuse to spend some time away from your screen. With the Van Stadens Flower Festival also on the Bay’s calendar, there’s even more reason to rediscover this local attraction.
4. Roseate Tern Hiking Trail
Cape Recife is one of those places that reminds you how lucky we are to live beside the ocean. Its Roseate Tern trail offers an opportunity to explore the reserve and appreciate the Bay’s coastal environment.
5. Lower Guinea Fowl Hiking Trail
You don’t necessarily have to leave town to feel like you’ve escaped it. Running through Settlers Park, this trail offers a change of scenery for anyone who wants to swap traffic and busy streets for a little greenery.
And those are just five of them. The full Green Flag accreditation list also includes the Aloe Trail, Coastal Fynbos Trail, Groot Kloof Nature Reserve Trails, Grysbok Trail, Maitlands Nature Reserve Hiking Trails and Van der Kemps Kloof.
A little more exploring, a little less scrolling
One of the things we love about Nelson Mandela Bay is that you don’t have to travel particularly far to find something worth experiencing.
You can spend a morning exploring the coastline, discover a hiking route you’ve never tried or introduce the kids to a completely different side of the city.
And while we’re all for sharing a beautiful view on Instagram, there’s something to be said for simply enjoying it while you’re there.
Of course, a little preparation goes a long way. Check trail conditions and access arrangements before heading out, wear suitable shoes, carry enough water and stick to marked routes. The municipality temporarily closed several reserves following severe flooding in May 2026, so don’t assume every trail is currently accessible.
For trail guides and more ideas for exploring the Bay, visit Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.
And if you’ve discovered a local trail that deserves a little more attention, we’d love to hear about it. After all, finding and sharing the best of the Bay is exactly what we’re here for.
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