The “Great Outdoors” has grown even greater in appeal thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Where many families used to opt for shopping malls on their days off, the combination of being locked for months together within four way-too-small walls combined with an apocalyptic fear of bringing Covid-19 into our homes has seen a tidal wave of people head into nature for relief.

And we are so very lucky that nature surrounds us in bucket-loads in Nelson Mandela Bay. Every way you turn there is a park or forest or beach to explore. But they’re not all open and they’re not all safe, so we have put together this list of our four favourite day-hiking destinations to inspire you to get out there with your families – to breathe in some fresh air, to get some healthy exercise and to fill your blood with happy endorphins to counterbalance the doom and gloom that surrounds all of us in these strange and uncertain times.

What makes a hike Covid-friendly?

1. It’s open (Many local hikes still remain closed for public access)
2. It’s free (Most of us are broke thanks to the virus AND no extra risk in exchanging money or standing in queues to pay)
3. It has multiple routes (So we can enjoy visiting lots of times AND there is a route to suit every fitness level)
4. It has loads of space (So we can safely social distance even when it’s busy)

Please remember – always hike in groups and if you are a small group, its best to visit when there are others around, like on weekends.