Includes bibliography. / This research report sets out to determine the trail facility preferences (social carrying capacity) for National Hikingway trails in the south-western Cape. It was found that social carrying capacity is a complex concept, based on perceptive experiences and relative social values. It is not so much the level of use that determines SCC, but a user's perceptions of types and levels of use that are apparent in a recreation area. The major line of investigation was a cross-sectional attitude study to ascertain trail facility preferences of mountaineers in the study area: the first step was to the establish the social milieu of mountaineering in order to place the research in an ethical and historical context; next, the literature on outdoor recreation was reviewed and the major trends in research identified in an attempt to place the research in a methodological paradigm; thirdly, the overview and principles established in steps 1 and 2 of the report were used to develop an attitude survey on NHW trail facility preferences. While a range of preferences was found to exist, it was found to be more supportive of the status quo than expected. An anticipated gradation of preferences according to one's level of hiking experience was not statistically supported by sub-group analysis. The survey results emphasise the importance of evaluating conceptual perspectives with empirical analyses. Social and ecological interests are best served by providing a range of trail types characterised by various trail facilities, to cater for high and low carrying capacity preferences. Trail management should consider traditional recreational uses in an area, current land uses and the future needs of mountaineers in the region.

M.Sc. (Geography) / Maputoland is one of the few remaining wilderness areas along the South African coast on which to base a progressive tourist industry. The area between Dog Point and Sodwana Bay was selected as the study area, as the area calls for responsible development. The area lends itself to various nature-orientated activities and therefore the development of a hiking trail will be investigated. Compliance with the following two principles is necessary in order to ensure the success of a hiking route: (a) the environment must be protected and (b) the environment must satisfy the needs of a hiker. Both the principles mentioned are taken into account in the application of Hugo and Bewsher's (1993) comprehensive trail development model. It is for this reason that the model is applied to designate the most suitable location for a hiking corridor. In order to identify a hiking corridor the five planning phases of the comprehensive trail development model must be applied. Identification of primary parameters that in conjunction form ecological units: When vegetation and geomorphological units, which can be represented spatially, are laid over one another, new units known as ecological units, are formed. These units are placed in order to suitability and divided into functional planning zones...