One of the most stunning places on the Garden Route and always worth exploring is the beach leading from Swartvleistrand to Gericke's Point. These 2 million years old fossilized dunes build a remarkable backdrop to the wide bay, partly rocky but mostly sandy beach and gentle waves rocking onto the shore.
On days around full and new moon, when spring tides bring exceptionally low tides (see tide table here), you can witness quite a few people wandering to the Western end of the beach to see creatures clinging onto the rocks ashore in the inter-tidal areas, marine life in the tidal pools around Gerickes Point rock, the sandstone layers around the corner that still have plenty of fossilized footprints and tracks of ancient local dwellers (including lion, elephant and giraffe, see here) if you know where and how to search, to take a dip in the tidal pools or search for and harvest mussels and oysters off the rocks further west of the point (hopefully with a fishing permit...!). Guided "Moonlight meander" walks on this beach are also worthwhile and popular with visitors and residents alike to learn about the marine and shore life.
Walking around the sides of Gerickes Point Rock, be aware of freak waves that do occur here and have the power to easily sweep you off your feet and across the razor-sharp rock plateaus if you were to walk around the tip (as I personally and many a resident can attest to) - a bloody and painful affair, so please use vigilance around the entire tip of the point at all times! Retrieving the cache does not endanger you in that manner, but best don't attempt it at high tide or you find yourself wading through water like the FTF-duo...
The Cache:
GZ is about 1.5 km walk from the parking lot (see Waypoint) a short hike up onto Gericke's Point rock. Go up from the protruding left corner, when facing the rock at '7pm'.
You are searching for a very well camouflaged micro container, somewhat sheltered from most elements.
Please be gentle with its hiding host! The elements already are harsh here, you don't need to add to the erosion by using unnecessary force!
You can do this cache barefoot although passages along the beach can be a bit harsh on gentle soles. Easiest at low tide. Do not damage the fragile sandstone layers please!
Bring your own pen, as a cacher always should.
View from near GZ
About Gerickes Point
Visitors are in for an idyllic setting at Gerickes Point and the Swartvlei Beach if they want to savour the secluded, wild beauty of the South African coastline. It is only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Sedgefield to the beach.
Gerickes Point is quite literally the point at which the long Swartvlei Beach takes a sharp turn. It is a rocky outcrop that may be relatively small (in comparison to the vast stretches of the beach on either side of it), but offers a world of adventure and natural beauty. This sandstone formation juts out of the sandy surrounds, offering a stunning vantage point from the top. It is relatively easy to climb (even barefoot), although there are some slippery sections that aren’t ideal for visitors that aren’t steady on their feet.
From its apex, you can gaze out onto the Indian Ocean, watch the impressive waves roll in and the surfers taking advantage of them, and even see dolphins and whales in the warm waters. In fact, every year, between July and December, humpback and southern right whales come past this part of the Garden Route and enjoy entertaining their human spectators with blasts of air, some lobtailing, and plenty of peeking out from the water to see what’s happening on the land.
At the foot of Gerickes Point, there are incredible rock pools. Their waters are turquoise and often warmed by the sun, making them fabulous for a quick dip (even for little ones). They are teeming with life, coral, and shells and are so much fun to explore. Even children can safely snorkel here as the tide goes out, as they are shallow and are not particularly influenced by the waves. However, it’s important to come here when the tide is going out for the best and safest snorkelling. When the tide comes in, these rock pools disappear under a sheet of water.
The walk from the parking area to Gerickes Point is about two kilometres long and is entirely along the flat sands of the beach. Along the way, there are fossil dunes and fascinating rock formations. Visitors that want some privacy can often find a secluded spot in the rocks; where the views are spectacular and only the occasional family may amble past.
Gerickes Point is a favourite spot for fishermen, who love to stand on the rocks below the massive sandstone head and cast their lines for garrick, shad, cob and mussel cracker.
There are ablutions at the parking area of the Swartvlei Beach, as well as an outdoor shower to get rid of the sand. (Source: SA Venues website)
Photo Credit: geological figure courtesy of "Knysna Estuary - Jewel of the Garden Route", ISBN978-0-6397-6866-3