Cloud 9 is an impressive ancient sand dune on the eastern side of the Swartvlei Lake that reinforces the nature oriented character of the village of Sedgefield.

Initially tall trees and thick undergrowth block the view as one travels up the dune road, but eventually one arrives at a cleared area.

It gives one spectacular panoramic views over the whole town, the island, over the sand dunes running behind the beach to Gerickes Point and to the Indian ocean.

One can see how the Swartvlei estuary winds around the island and curves eastwards to run parallel to the seaside dune until a gap in it allows the river to flow into the sea.

It is a breath-taking sight that completely transforms peoples’ perceptions of Sedgefield.

Geological History of Cloud 9

The dune known by locals as Cloud 9 in reality extends from Langvlei in the west to Goukamma River in the east, a distance of about 24 kms and is around 350 000 years old. The dune has been breached and eliminated over a distance of about 4 km in an area occupied by much of the northern part of the Swartvlei which is a large and fairly deep lake.

Cloud 9 is the second or central of three dune fields or cordons that occur between Wilderness and Knysna forming the so-called Wilderness embayment. It is a calcified dune, (partly decalcified near surface) with a distinctive grey sandy soil profile which supports large tree growth.

Cloud 9 is very sparsely and unobtrusively inhabited which is the way the locals like it! It presides over the village as a megalithic sentinel clad extensively with some indigenous and a lot of alien vegetation in the form of an almost unbroken forest of huge Eucalyptus trees intercepted with bands of pines. A natural asset we are inclined to take for granted Cloud 9 endows Sedgefield with a sense of peace and serenity that is unique.

We proceed through town before we move in an anti-clockwise direction over Cloud 9. At the top, there's a picnic area where we will pause for a while. We gather afterwards for an optional lunch at one of the eateries at the Scarab Market. 

?? List of items required for all our hikes: 

? Suitable lightweight hydration-/backpack/hip pouch 

? Hydration/bottled water

? Sunscreen

? Hat/head gear

? Suitable non-slip shoes

? Snacks

? Lightweight windproof jacket

? Fleece/midlayer depending the weather

? Your own emergency items, such as bandage, small petroleum jelly, blister plasters, etc

✨ Optional items:

Fingerless gloves, hiking poles, beanie, buffs, sunglasses.

We'll park our vehicles at the Scarab Market and meet in front of the Engen garage from 7h45. 

Maps link: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zya2QbfxbdP7nACS6

♡ Hike starts strictly at 8am.

? Tickets for these hikes are all inclusive, excluding all refreshments. Arrangements towards lifts/transport and other communication are done via the w/a group:-

https://chat.whatsapp.com/K5bE7CKzhrrIFv97rUQneH

For any other information, contact Mariàn on 0636977726.