Foo Bar Café in George

Foo Bar

For a trendy spot at which almost nothing is predictable, Foo Bar in George is a definite winner. It is located between the SPAR and Virgin Active in the Heatherpark Centre, just off CJ Langenhoven, tucked away discreetly in the far corner. But, on entering, it is immediately a delight to the senses.

It is light and airy, as the doors are all opened up onto the sheltered patio, allowing the sunlight and fresh air to drift inside. The décor is funky and eclectic, juxtaposing some crazy prints with classically simple black-and-white features, but giving neither the upper hand. Oversized scatter cushions may bear embroidered wording (like “be nice or leave”) or some of South Africa’s most in-demand animal prints. Chairs are upholstered in similarly cool textiles. Continued

Horse Riding in Mossel Bay

Horse Riding with Bozzola

The Garden Route is home to a host of beautiful destinations that offer plenty in the way of things to do and see. Mossel Bay is a particularly well-known town along this world–famous route, and welcomes visitors from all around the world, who come here to enjoy the stunning sea views and laid-back atmosphere. One of the best ways to see and enjoy the landscape of Mossel Bay and its surrounds is on horseback. Those wanting to embark on horse rides need not be experienced, since qualified, trained guides are available to lead the way.

Some of the horse-riding experiences available in Mossel Bay include: Continued

Natures Valley’s Best Kept Secrets

Gorgeous Natures Valley

Nature’s Valley is an exquisite valley and forest (as well as a tiny community) that is tucked away from the hubbub, but easily accessible as it is perched along the world-famous Garden Route. It is part of the magnificent Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve as well as the De Vasselot Nature Reserve. Its local residents have worked hard to prevent urbanisation here, maintaining a quiet little village look and feel about the place.

Nature’s Valley is popular amongst hikers and campers; those who enjoy the outdoors. These ones are invited to explore its hills and mountains, walk deep into its forests, and sit along the banks of the Groot River (Big River) and listen to the uninterrupted calls of the many birds that have made this their home.

Here are some of the less-known things to do and see in Nature’s Valley, all of which promise spectacular views and unforgettable vistas: Continued

Birds of Eden and Monkeyland Combined

Visit Birds of Eden

Birds of Eden and Monkeyland are owned and run by the dynamic Lara Mostert and Tony Blignaut. Although these facilities are designed for tourists to visit and enjoy, this committed team has as its main focus the safety and happiness of the animals. This commitment to their well-being makes Birds of Eden and Monkeyland very special experiences for nature-lovers.

To allow visitors to get the most out of both of these facilities, a combined tour is made available. Ordinarily, an admission fee of R150 per person is applicable. However, if you opt for the combined tour, you pay a total of R240 per person for both Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Children under three years are admitted at no charge, while a reduced fee applies for those between three and 12 years of age. Continued

A few Reasons to visit Knysna

Bustling Knysna

Having grown up camping along the Garden Route, I am well acquainted with this seaside town with its lagoon and holiday vibe. When I think of Knysna, I honestly can’t forget road trips past the pine forests, warm rainy days and coffee in the town square. Here are some of my reasons to visit…

Visit before it becomes too developed

Due to its popularity amongst South Africans and scours of tourists in the last decade, Knysna has become extremely developed in certain areas with a waterfront, more guesthouses and shops popping up along the main road. You could be driving along the Garden Route only to find a traffic jam in Knysna main road. Try visit in low season outside of the bustling summer months and take time to enjoy its beauty by taking a sunset boat trip on the lagoon, visiting the market during the day and looking at the beautiful gardens of its churches. Go while it can still be considered relatively peaceful. Continued

Things To Do In Tsitsikamma Forest

Hike the Dolphin Trail

The Tsitsikamma Forest is one of South Africa’s most beautiful resources, and visitors to the area are given ample opportunities to experience its splendour in a variety of different ways. Showcasing the Garden Route at its best, the Tsitsikamma Forest is surrounded by service providers that offer different ways in which to experience the breath-taking scenery.

Here are some of the different options:

Hiking

There are a number of hiking trails and walks through the Tsitsikamma Forest. These vary in length and difficulty, but are usually quite manageable. The Ratel Walk shows off the incredible Outeniqua Yellowwood that is believed to be almost 1 000 years old. Continued

The Birds of Eden Experience

Birds of Eden

Immerse yourself in the peaceful paradise of Birds of Eden – the largest single dome free-flight multi-species bird aviary in the world. Situated just outside Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, Birds of Eden is accessible and central, close to a number of other fabulous attractions. This makes it the ideal addition to your holiday itinerary.

Our expectations were high, after hearing fantastic reports of this facility from so many different sources. Our experience did not disappoint.

Birds of Eden and neighbouring Monkeyland were both established by Lara and Tony, who continue to have a hands-on approach to these two facilities. Their unwavering passion and commitment to establishing a hands-off sanctuary that allows rescued, unwanted, wild and somewhat-tame birds to live within a natural environment. We loved that touching and human interference is not allowed, as the avian residents are able to enjoy protection while not being confined or made to feel nervous at the hands of quizzy tourists. Still, we got up close and personal with a number of the species, since they are free to roam and fly wherever they please. Curiosity seemed to get the better of them as they sat on the railings and examined us with almost as much intrigue as we did them. Continued

Lunch at Surval Boutique Olive Estate

Surval Olive Estate

It was the day after the wedding, so sleep had been minimal and of course we had danced the night away so stomachs were grumbling. It was also a birthday so we had more than enough excuses to head off into the town of Oudtshoorn for lunch.

The day was a scorcher so I was really happy to be in an air conditioned car instead of my own which is almost like a sauna. We had driven past Surval on our way to Karusa Vineyards earlier in the week and had heard that is was a good spot for lunch. Continued

Wine and Beer Tasting at Karusa Vineyards

View From Karusa

We went up to a wedding in December on my boyfriends’ family farm which is slap bang in between Oudtshoorn and George. It was a stunning week away and although incredibly hot as well as filled with wedding stuff we managed to get out and about and do some pretty wonderful things.

You might think that Oudtshoorn doesn’t offer much, but you would be wrong. This town was the home of ostrich farming, but after the bird flu and the ban on export the farming of these birds isn’t as prevalent. This is my very basic understanding about the industry. People in the area have found new avenues and ventures and I for one am really glad they have done this. Continued

Our Adventure in Monkeyland

B&W Ruffed Lemur

Aptly named, Monkeyland is a primate sanctuary nestled in the forests of the Garden Route. It was established by Tony and Lara, who also own and run Birds of Eden, situated right next door. Having the opportunity to have lunch with Lara on this occasion gave us a unique insight into the passion and dedication with which both facilities are operated. As animal-lovers, we were pleased to hear of the ‘no touching’ policy, which protects the primates (and select other animals living in the forest) from human interference and allows them the privacy, dignity and opportunity to be animals that they deserve.

Significantly, Monkeyland is the first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary in the world. There are about 450 primates living within the safety of this facility. Continued

Blackwater Tubing on Storms River

What fun!

The word “tsitsikamma” comes from the ancient San people and means “place of abundant waters”. Exploring these waters is the perfect way to immerse yourself within the unspoilt beauty of this exquisite area. It was a sweltering day when the SA-Venues team decided to brave the deep Storms River waters and, apart from the obvious excitement, we were glad to be spending time in the cool waters too.

We were greeted by our tour guides – Nico, Richard and Tait – who were full of fun and made the group of about 20 feel very comfortable and well-prepared. We were briefed for about 15 minutes at the Tube ‘n Axe Lodge before being given our gear (wetsuits, helmets and lifejackets) and loaded onto two trucks. The tour starts straight away with a drive through the town and then the breath-taking Tsitsikamma forest to reach the water, with a commentary by the guides on the various types of trees as well as a brief history of the area. Continued

Die Ou Tronk in Riversdale – A Most Unlikely Venue for a Farmers’ market

Die Ou Tronk

Riversdale (also known as Riversdal) is a farming town. As such it’s used predominantly by folk who during the week are surrounded by cows, sheep, ostriches or wheat fields who come into town to stock up on goods and food, as well as a bit of society.

Not that there is much to attract a visitor on first sight. The town’s main tourist sell is the backdrop of the Langeberg and its location close to both Witsand and Still Bay, with access to places of natural beauty that include hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits.

Riversdale, for those journeying through – the N2 bypasses the town so a detour is in order – does not have any immediate highlights, if shops like JC Slagtery and Jakkalsvlei Cellar are anything to go by. Continued

Nature’s Valley

Visit Nature’s Valley

For lush green foliage, sweeping ocean views and a romantic forest retreats, Nature’s Valley remains the idyllic destination of choice. This holiday resort and village is nestled amidst the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, flanked by dense forests and the warm blue of the Indian Ocean. The Groot River lagoon laps lazily at its inviting banks and is the perfect backdrop to just about any afternoon picnic or day spent frolicking in its inviting waters.

Nature’s Valley is situated along the Garden Route, just a short drive outside of Plettenberg Bay, and on the borders of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Nature’s Valley is, notably, also the final point of the famous Otter Trail, which is a 42 kilometre hike that takes hikers from Storms River along the rocky, weather-beaten coastline. Continued

Experiencing The Knysna Forests

Enchanting Forest

The Knysna forests are exquisite for their dense greenery and their sheer abundance of stunning plant- and animal species. For generations, these forests have been the home of an array of wildlife, but also to communities of people that have lived off the forest, completely secluded from the outside world.

Today, visitors from all over the world come to the forests of Knysna to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and to witness a haven in which it feels like time stood still. Whether they choose to enjoy a picnic, cycle the trails or simply walk them at a comfortable pace, these visitors are assured of an experience that leaves lasting memories.

Continued