A Stopover in George at Outeniqua Travel Lodge – a review

George is sometimes nicknamed “Cold and Wet” in reference to its number plate (CAW) and its weather conditions, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when I meandered my way along the Garden Route in May and stopped over at Outeniqua Travel Lodge for the night. It was a glorious sunshiny day, even though this time of year is unpredictable. The stunning Outeniqua Mountain Range towers as the backdrop of the lodge, which is a very homely house situated in the suburbs of George.

A friendly Jack Russell and the owner and manager, Sue, are the first to offer a welcome to the self-catering lodge. It is warm and inviting, creating a feeling of visiting a relative. The walls are bedecked with old photographs of the area, providing a fascinating insight into its history and hours of gazing for those that take an interest in such memories that have been frozen in time. 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

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

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

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

Taking The Back Roads – the Garcia Pass between Riversdale and Ladismith

Garcia’s Pass

Taking the road less travelled makes a holiday that much more of an adventure, and with time on our hands (we didn’t have to be back in Cape Town much before early evening and it was now mid-morning) the R323 out of Riversdale suddenly looked like an attractive option to the N2.

In fairness to those of you who at least like to travel in the right direction when going home, the Garcia Pass is not remotely en route to Cape Town. Instead it links Riversdale with Ladismith, taking a cut through the Langeberg mountains in a northerly direction.

It would be more honest to call what we did a detour. But a detour well worth the  extra kilometres. In doing so we passed from the Overberg wheat belt and the Agulhas Plain via a series of beautiful mountains to the dry yet beautiful Little Karoo. The change in both climate and vegetation was palpable, even in the middle of the day, and the contrast of one with the other made the drive feel like watching a show reel in a movie theatre. Continued

A Visit to Mossel Bay

A Visit to Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is one of South Africa’s quintessentially traditional coastal towns. It is situated along the beautiful Garden Route, almost precisely halfway between Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town.  Mossel Bay is the favoured hotspot of travellers from all over the country (and, indeed, the world) who love the seaside and relaxed atmosphere.

The vast expanses of beaches (almost 60 kilometres of them, in fact) make Mossel Bay the ideal getaway for watersport enthusiasts but are just as loved by young and old who prefer to laze on the warm sands, frolic in the waters or build sandcastles. Popular watersports include surfing, swimming, SCUBA diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, and more. 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

The Pick N Pay Knysna Oyster Festival

Delicious Oysters

Oysters are a luxurious delicacy known for their aphrodisiac powers. Every year, for almost 30 years, the small coastal hotspot of Knysna celebrates this gloriously moreish mollusc with the popular Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. This is a fabulous event for locals and visitors of any age, and makes for a fantastic family outing. Of course, it is a must for oyster-lovers, but this definitely isn’t essential, as there is so much to see and do.

This is also a major sporting occasion, as there are more than 100 different sporting events, varying in intensity and type. These include cycling, running and adventure races. Two of the main sporting events are the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour. What makes both of these events really special is the magnificent backdrop. Participants get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Garden Route while indulging in their chosen events. Families can participate in adventure sports like paddling, bowling, golf, night biking, angling and soccer. Continued

Enjoying The Plett Outdoors

Enjoying Plett

Plettenberg Bay is a gorgeous coastal town along the world-famous Garden Route. It is a tourist hotspot, loved for its central location and its stunning expanse of beautiful beaches. Because of the white sand and azure seas, outdoor enthusiasts will likely enjoy surfing, swimming and snorkelling during their time in Plett. But, there’s plenty more to do for visitors and locals, young and old, who enjoy being in the South African outdoors.

Bundu Motorcycle Adventures Day Tours

Experience the Garden Route in a brand new way – on a guided motorbike tour. The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges are close by, and offer those on a motorbike (whether hired for a private drive or as part of a guided tour) an unforgettable experience of the mountain passes and forests. Bundu’s bike tours cover about 300 kilometres with most routes on gravel roads so that riders get to see the most of the local beauty. Continued

Get Cheesy – The Vodacom George Cheese Festival

Vodacom Cheese Festival

The Vodacom Cheese Festival in George, Garden Route, began in 2002 and, considering its size and popularity, has some very humble roots. This festival was started by the parents of the children attending Outeniqua Primary School in an effort to raise much-needed funds. The money raised is used to improve the children’s educational experience as well as to assist the community in a number of ways. Local fundraising activities like these go a long way in bettering and uplifting communities. However, the George Cheese Festival is not only popular for its monetary value, but also for the delicious flavours and endless array of activities that keep young and old occupied.

Nothing goes better with cheese than wine, and there are plenty of both at this event. Tastings and demonstration areas give visitors a very real, tangible appreciation of the many delectable treats and provide really interesting insights into the complexities of enjoying them to the full. Workshops and talks on different cheeses, brandies, wines, ports, and so on, are guaranteed to inspire visitors to, at the very least, eat (or drink) their hearts out. Well-known brands from around the country frequent this celebration of all things delicious to showcase their very best. Continued

Keeping Busy in Tsitsikamma

Gorgeous Tsitsikamma

Tsitsikamma is an exquisite part of the Garden Route; a route that extends formally between Storms River in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. However, many understand the Garden Route to refer to the entire route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Tsitsikamma is a green haven of lush forests, rolling mountains and deep gorges that eventually lead to the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. “Tsitsikamma” is a Khoi word, meaning “place of abundant water”, and its natural magnificence leaves us in no doubt as to the origins of its name.

This abundance combines with the Tsitsikamma’s prime positioning along the world-famous Garden Route – acclaimed as one of the planet’s most beautiful scenic routes. It hosts thousands of international tourists every year, and many more local travellers exploring South Africa. These ones delight in its splendour and in the unending variety of attractions and activities en route.

Tsitsikamma, although being such a serene escape from city living, is actually the ideal destination for visitors wanting thrills and adventure in the heart of the Eastern Cape. Continued

I ♥ Eersterivier Because …

I ♥ Eersterivier

Hi, we are Sally and Ed from Bishop’s Cove in Eersterivier which is part of the Tsitsikamma.

Eersterivier and Tsitsikamma IS BEST KNOWN FOR its indigenous forest and high bridges over deep gorges.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the beach or with dairy cows in good pastures.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT well … anywhere in this beautiful area.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk and swim – we are spoilt for choice on this part of the Garden Route.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO snuggle up in front of a roaring blaze with books and wine.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS anytime, BECAUSE this is the best all year around. Continued