The wonderful Wild Coast

What most people don’t realise about the Wild Coast is that it only spreads across 300 kilometers of coastline between Port Edward and Port Elizabeth. You don’t have to be a champion rock climber to have a great time here; take time to see things at a laid-back pace, you won’t be bored for a moment. That being said, the Wild Coast is not the place to go if you want to be indoors because outdoors is where everything is happening.

The best way to experience as much as you can pack into your time on the Wild Coast is to pick your base and work your way outwards from there. From my point of the view, the place to dig yourself in is at Coffee Bay or slightly further north at Port St John. From Coffee Bay or Port St John you fan out and decide which of the seven nature reserves you want to visit, depending on how much driving you want to do.

My favorite is Silaka Nature Reserve just south of Port St John; this is a small coastal reserve with everything. This reserve lets you see all the animals in their natural habitat and birdwatchers flock here as well, but my special places are the tidal pools and watching the otters playing while some indulge in some of the best fishing available. Don’t forget the cardinal rule; there are not many tarred roads, the only stretch you can travel by normal vehicle easily is between Port St John and Coffee Bay, for the rest you better make sure you have a reliable 4x4.

You can spend your entire holiday simply wandering around the hiking trails and forests totally immersed in the beauty of the natural world. Most people who have spent time on the Wild Coast will tell you they truly don’t care where they sleep after a day spent swimming, fishing, canoeing and being totally absorbed in the natural surroundings. For those of who have energy left after the day, Coffee Bay has some of the most quaint bars and eateries as well as open-air lounges where you do your ‘thing’ beachcomber style.

The die-hards amongst the backpackers will argue that there is only one way to experience the Wild Coast and that is to pack up everything you will possibly need and start at the top of the region and make your way steadily down the coast over a period of two weeks

For those wanting to do this but who are not quite so gung-ho and prefer a bed and some of the niceties of modern living; you can break down your hikes or horseback forays into manageable chunks as there are many day-hikes and trails to choose from with the Pondoland Trails being at the top of the list. You can stay in overnight rest camps or you can take the option of spending nights in one of the local villages.

Related Pages:
Wild Coast Accommodation
Wild Coast Self Catering
Wild Coast Attractions
Things to do in Wild Coast

Route 62 - the longest wine route in the World

Route 62 (reputed to be the longest wine route in the world) in the Western Cape is a slow, meandering wander through a series of fascinating small towns and breathtaking scenery. The route is particularly well known for good food and excellent wine as it traverses some of the Cape’s most famous farming and wine producing regions.

Route 62 starts within the greater Cape Town Metropole, and stretches as far as Oudtshoorn and Port Elizabeth. This is a mountainous alternative to the N2 highway as it crosses a number of mountain passes as it makes its way eastwards. Along the way, the visitor has the option to stop and explore any one of the numerous small towns located on, or just off the route including Barrydale, Ceres and Zoar.

At the town of Robertson, attractions vary from game reserves, to the Soekershof Maze, and Birds of Paradise, to the Klipdrift Brandy Distillery and more. Other worthwhile stops along the way are sailing at the Stompdrift Dam Water Resort at De Rust, the Tsitsikamma canopy tour, where you can glide high above the forest floor amongst the treetops or experience the history of Ladismith or the art of McGregor.

Another famous attraction is the incongrously named Ronnie’s Sex Shop. The ‘shop’ is actually a pub that was painted with the name one night as a prank by Ronnie’s friends. The pub is located along the route in the town of Barrydale.

Two very different attractions can be visited when in the town of Bonnievale. Platinum Koi, a world class Koi breeding facility operates from the town and the the biggest single cheese factory in Southern Africa, the Parmalat factory both call the town home, and are worth a visit when passing through.

Calitzdorp is another town along the way that has much to offer - from historical monuments, to game farms, an art gallery and a succulent garden along with shopping and dining out this town. Further along the route, one encounters the historic Karoo town of Oudtshoorn - famous for its ostriches and still home to working ostrich farms that can be visited by tourists as well as the Cango Caves, surely one of the most awe inspiring natural caverns in the world.

Be warned however, that the popularity of many towns along the route make such an idea inadvisable during peak tourist season, and you would be better advised to book ahead or plan your trip out of season.

Related pages:
Route 62 Attractions (Includes a detailed map)
Things to Do on Route 62
Route 62 Accommodation

If you are in Mouille Point you are having Fun!

Friendly coastline; check. Waving distance of Robben Island when facing said coastline; check. Short name with the unusual arrangement of 3 vowels (in a row!) that everyone will misspell; check, check. Mouille Point.

One wonders if the sound of the Atlantic Ocean's drift between Granger Bay and Three Anchor Bay inspired the naming of this coastal portion lending itself gently to Wikipedia's suggestion that 'Mouille is a phonetic term that applies to certain consonants having a palatalised, "liquid" or softened sound'. Mouille Point certainly softens the effect of the African continent particularly while sipping liquids and rewarding one's palate at a culinary seaside observation deck.

Mouille Point's restaurant collection is as sufficient as an underwear selection comprising of items labelled 'Monday' through 'Sunday'. A fresh item for every occasion with no duplicates.

Day one: Brunch at Newport Deli with a Flat White coffee while you overlook the choppy blue.

Day two: Vino and square pizza served on a breadboard at Bravo's as a social carbo-loading responsibility for the rollerbladers that whizz by in hotpants beachside.

Day three: A fresh salad lunch recovery at Elixir Spa (and maybe a massage to help you through the week). Followed by espresso and a self assigned ‘gold star’ (in the form of a pastry) from Michelin Star owner’s Sundance Coffee Company.

Day four: Rebellion cocktails, sunset accessorised at Wafu, a dash downstairs to Wakame for sensational sushi then back upstairs for more rebellion on the sundowner deck.

Day five: Deli sandwich over Wi-Fi at Café Neo and a dinner hunt involving the selection of your own steak cut at Theo's grill "Medium rare please".

Day six: You decide "woks cooking?" in a slick Asian setting at Geisha.

Day seven: Formal seafood dining with a linen napkin and everything at Pepenero's with a little in-house cocktail room rotation.

... of course the Mouille Point entertainment cycle is open for personal interpretation.

If the Atlantic Seaboard was a fairytale collection, Mouille Point would play Cinderella. Many moons ago when the Cape Town Harbour was where you went to get a tattoo of an anchor when you lost a bet, Mouille Point was where the kid in your class who always had holes is his school jersey lived. As the last Millennium turned into it's last decade the once dingy harbour marina turned with it tugging Mouille Point along in its commercial wake.

The harbour having undergone architectural reconstructive surgery evolved as the magnificent waterfront shopping and entertainment capital of Cape Town known as the Victoria and Alfred (V&A;) Waterfront, it's closest companion... Mouille Point. The less fortunate school friend, never went to college in the end but not due to lack of means but rather due to early retirement as his inherited dilapidated family building broke auction records as Mouille Point collected it's residential property title of the Golden Mile during the property boom.

Mouille Point consists of a single linear strip that caresses the coastline's cut into the land. Parallel to each other lies the ocean; the Promenade winding it's way through Sea Point to Bantry Bay; Beach Road (which serves as the main road); the single property line and the sports fields. The finite supply of land has resulted in Mouille Point comprising of majority high rise luxury apartments, a small selection of low rise developments and a handful of single dwellings where the aged handwrite notes threatening property brokers off their land at the next attempt to tender. Mouille Point has the advantage of having the Green Point Common shadowing it with a municipal collection of community sports playing fields and the background of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Blue of the ocean out the front window, green of the grass out the back.

The historic lighthouse inspires yachting fashion in it's suitably nautical red and white stripe presentation. Of course being the oldest functioning maritime chaperone in South Africa does come with certain nasty responsibilities that may warn ships of land through heavy mist but that land heavy sleepers in a foul mood when woken by the bellow of the notorious foghorn in the early hours. What can one do in a situation like this but replenish oneself with a little Gelato from the local Italian ice-cream shop and a cheerful choo-choo ride on the mini Blue Train. One cannot be blamed for adding up strokes incorrectly at the Mouille Point beachfront mini-golf course (Putt-Putt); lack of sleep is a legitimate handicap even if competing against your own children.

Although this district is one of the few spots in Cape Town to have sufficient street parking to resident ratio do not attempt a Mouille Point visit during work hours unless you are entertaining the boss. Should your personalised number plate be spotted in the general Mouille Point vicinity none of the 'I'm just picking up my little Jimmy from school' or 'My filling fell out so I had to make an emergency dentist visit' or 'Just picking up my suit for the presentation tomorrow' will save you. There is not a school, medical practice, post office, dry-cleaner or venue of general errand anywhere in the vicinity.

If you are in Mouille Point, you are having fun; busted!

Related Pages:
Mouille Point Accommodation
Mouille Point Holiday Apartments
Mouille Point Attractions & Info

The Cradle of Humankind ... right here in South Africa

The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site located approximately 50kms from the metropolis of Johannesburg, has been the site of many archaeological and anthropological finds since the early 20th century. The most famous of these discoveries was the unearthing of “Mrs. Ples” (Australopithecus africanus), dating back 2.3 million years, at the Sterkfontein caves.

Photograph: Maropeng - Exterior of the Visitors Centre

This evidence of our early ancestors prompted the naming of the 474 square kilometer site, home to more than three dozen other caves bearing fossilized hominid remains. Ever since these discoveries first became known, tourists have been flocking to the area to experience a part of our history as a species, but it was only in 2005 that the South African government opened the official visitors’ centre, Maropeng, which literally translates as “the place where we come from”.

The site allows visitors to visit actual archaeological dig sites, to experience the unearthing of our history first hand. Within this award-winning centre, one can take an underground boat ride through 2500 square meters of exhibits, essentially a trip back through our own history, including the ice age, and culminating in a breathtaking recreation of the big bang, thought to have been the event that formed the universe as we know it. Guided tours of all the exhibitions are on offer, both to tourists, and the many school groups that visit the site. Within the complex are hotels, restaurants and other amenities, so visitors have the option of staying on the premises to further explore the area.

Like the Sterkfontein caves, Swartkrans is owned by the University of the Witwatersrand. Fossil remains, as well as stone tools have been unearthed at this site. Extinct animal remains have also been found in the area, particularly at Plover’s lake, a collapsed cave where extensive digging has also taken place.

Wonder Cave, while not the site of any archaeological finds, rivals the famed Kango Caves in terms of rock formations, and offers guided tours through the enormous cavern, which has a volume in the region of 46 000 cubic meters. Many other caves and dig sites are located within the cradle, some of which are open to the public. Anyone planning a trip to the area should contact the local tourism authorities for more information.

After spending so much time exploring ancient wonders, and marveling at our own history, it may seem strange to return to modern amenities, but rest assured, these abound in the area. Three, four and five star hotels are located in the area, as well as bed and breakfast accommodation. Some of these offer spa treatments fly fishing, horse riding, and excellent restaurants offering fine dining.Also on offer within the Cradle are hot air balloon rides, game viewing, bird watching, hikes and guided trails and many other activities.

Destination Information:
Cradle of Humankind Accommodation
Things to Do in Cradle of Humankind

A Getaway to Glencairn is perfect with Kids

Hidden in a lush protected valley on the False Bay Coast in Cape Town, between Simonstown and Fish Hoek, lies the quaint suburb of Glencairn. With a nature reserve and vlei sanctuary running in the middle of the greenbelt towards the sea, this area has been beautifully preserved, allowing the construction of houses on the sloping hills that wind up through to dramatic mountain landscapes. Possibly the best kept secret of the South Peninsula, the area is a quiet study in natural beauty. A river running through the middle offers a welcome reprieve in the summer months, when locals can sometimes be spotted under the small waterfalls. The small beach is pretty and clean, pet and family friendly and offers close encounters of whale watching in the spring months. A small tidal pool is perfect for children and treasure hunters, searching for lost coins and perfectly formed shells.

Glencairn residents are a mixed bunch of down-to-earth types, most of whom grew up in the area although, young families and former city dwellers have also been attracted to the town due to the well priced properties and the relaxed lifestyle. All of the natural attractions can be reached by foot, with a myriad of hikes through the vast kilometres of the undisturbed mountain range that reaches all the way to Kommetjie and Scarborough.

A suburb of Simonstown, the quaint residential areas are named Glencairn Heights, Glencairn and the newest area, Welcome Glen, which was a dairy farm not too long ago. Relics of the broken down original stone out buildings can still be seen dotted along the river and the original farmstead takes pride of place in the middle of the small enclave of homes. A strong navy influence is always present, with training facilities and sporting grounds set into the valley and residential homes for the navy built just around the corner. The old navy stables are still in operation as a private facility, with expanses of grounds kept available for the 30 horses stabled there.

Riders can experience the freedom of the mountain all the way to the dam on Redhill, which can also be reached on foot from the parking lot below. Former state presidents once kept their mounts there and one can still find evidence of the pride of place their steeds held as an integral part of the armed forces. Now children fill the peaceful meadows with laughter as they trot and canter around the fields, enjoying the simplicity of nature and the love of riding.

Old Glencairn is close to the sea and stretches round to the road leading into Simonstown, boasting a beautifully renovated hotel and restaurant, a dance club, a jolly pub and Mineral World which has a ‘Scratch Patch,’ especially for the kids.

The upmarket restaurant called ‘Flukes’ based at the Southern Right Hotel, brings locals and tourists together to appreciate the ocean views, frolicking whales, excellent winelist and delicious food. (Also worth a visit for the best breakfast in town is La Vallee Deli and for an endless view over the ocean, unpretentious yet delicious food visit Dixies Pub & Restaurant).

Glencairn Heights overlooks the sea, from its mountainside position, with most of the homes offering spectacular views. A purely residential area, it is also a safe haven for families and holidaymakers who have invested in the area to return, like swallows, in time for season.

The relaxed lifestyle in Glencairn can be attributed to the beauty of the landscape, the tranquility of the sea and its state of relative obscurity. Children play in the street and visit each other during the day and families spend quality time with their children, going for walks and picnics on the beach. Without a main road of shops, malls or businesses, it remains a residential suburb, with all the beauty of its neighbouring seaside tourist towns, but without the trappings. Be sure to add Glencairn to your tour of the peninsula and appreciate the quiet beauty of this little seaside town.

Related pages:
Glencairn Accommodation
Glencairn Attractions
Things to Do in Glencairn
False Bay Coast Attractions

For Lovers and Loafers ... Langebaan

Located on the Cape West Coast and once a whaling station, Langebaan has evolved and firmly established itself as a tourist attraction to be reckoned with. While the town was officially founded in the early 1900’s, its history dates back hundreds years as an area once inhabited by the Khoi San people long before even the earliest Dutch and English explorers passed through.

Located as it is on the shores of a tranquil lagoon the town of course offers a wide variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and its newer cousin, kite surfing, boat trips and fishing, as well as paddling in the shallows or simply enjoying the white sandy beaches. The lagoon itself forms a part of the West Coast National Park, a wildlife sanctuary and home to many indigenous and migratory bird species as well as small mammals, making it ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

Also for those who wish to view the raw, untamed natural beauty of the Cape West coast region and planning a visit during the spring, it is worth bearing in mind that the area like much of the surrounding countryside is carpeted with wildflowers in the months of July to September. A recent addition to the Langebaan landscape is the Langebaan Country Estate development, both a residential estate, and an old style country club, with a golf course, braai area, pro shop and other facilities, this genteel location will appeal to those who seek an upper class outlet for their energy.

Boasting fossil sites, fynbos and wildlife, the Elandsfontein Private Reserve offers as exclusive a getaway with a decidedly wilder theme. View the recently reintroduced antelope, zebra and Cape Buffalo on a game drive, and watch the sunset from the luxurious lodge.

A famed local mountain biking company, Live2Ride, who offer mountain bike tours of some of the most beautiful parts of the country, have chosen Langebaan to be a part of their West Coast experience and they are well worth contacting for those energetic enough to explore by pedal power. For a similarly close to nature opportunity to explore, albeit on a very different mode of transportation, Windstone offers horseback tours of the area, as well as various activates for families and children.

But Langebaan is not entirely devoted to the outdoors. For culture lovers, the Bay Gallery in Bree street showcases the work of local artists, in various media, including paintings, sculpture and textiles. If you crave the bright lights of the city, this town has something for you too, in the form of the Club Mykonos hotel complex, which boasts several entertainment options, including a casino for those who are feeling lucky.

With all of this activity, one is bound to work up an appetite, and Langebaan is glad to oblige. There are several fine restaurants, coffee shops and other eateries in town, but surely the most famous, and unique must be the Strandloper Restaurant. This legendary local restaurant is located on the beach at Langebaan lagoon, and serves exquisitely prepared seafood and other dishes .Patrons can take off their shoes and feel the sand and sea between their toes whilewatching the kids play on the beach.

So, it seems, for anyone who would like to visit the West Coast, but does not know where to start, Langebaan offers an obvious first choice, and will surely captivate even the most seasoned traveller.

Related Pages:
Langebaan Attractions
Langebaan Accommodation
Langebaan Guest Houses
Cape West Coast Accommodation

Make Merry in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay was the stopping place of Bartholomew Diaz on his historic voyage from Portugal, around the Cape of Good Hope, en route to the east, and still bears many indelible reminders of that epic voyage, including the museum, which houses a replica of his vessel, and the name of one of the most popular beaches.

Located on the N2 highway, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay is a popular seaside destination. Another piece of history is preserved in this small town, in the form of the Post Office tree, the first organized postal service in the country, used by subsequent sea travelers passing by to send and receive messages to loved ones in Europe on the next passing ship. Other historical attractions worth a visit are the St Blaize lighthouse, a manned lighthouse built in 1864 and the Great Trek museum which chronicles the epic journey by early settlers at Hartenbos. But what about the present? Visitors to Mossel Bay will find there is lots to do besides exploring historical sites ...

Enjoying one of the mildest climates in South Africa, as well as pristine white beaches and clear blue water, the opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy one of the many water sports on offer are limitless. The tidal pool at the Point offers another way to cool down, or take a short drive to nearby Klein Brakrivier to swim in the river, take a riverboat trip, or just have a picnic on the banks, at one of the many resorts located here. Anglers too are spoilt for choice, with sections of the coast being too rocky for sunbathers, but perfect for fishing. The area also boasts a recently completed casino at Pinnacle Point, for those visitors who are feeling lucky, or perhaps a game of golf at the 18 hole Mossel Bay golf course, or the 9 hole Boggomsbaai course.

For adrenaline junkies, the fun starts even before you reach town, with the 65m high Gouritz Bridge bungee jumping experience located just outside town on the N2 highway from Cape Town. If that still does not satisfy the need for adventure, there are quad bike trails at Zingela Indlela Game farm, shark cage diving, parasailing and deep sea fishing, or abseiling and kayaking at the famous Diaz Beach resort.

For nature lovers there is hiking at Schaapplaas with a chance to view Khoi San rock art, preserved on the rocky outcrops from centuries ago, as well as 4 x 4 trails in the Outeniqua Mountains and mountain biking on the Bonniedale nature farm. For something a little out of the ordinary, and a real taste of indigenous culture, there are township tours on offer in the local Kwanaonqaba township, where visits to a sangoma and shebeen and the sampling traditional cuisine are all available.

With all these Things to Do in Mossel Bay and more available, combined with excellent restaurant choices, Mossel Bay accommodation options to suit any taste and budget, and a relaxed, friendly, small town atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Mossel Bay is such a popular choice.

Related Pages:
Mossel Bay Attractions
Things to Do in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay Accommodation
Mossel Bay Self Catering
Mossel Bay Guest Houses

Raw. Untamed. Magnificent. The Kruger National Park

Possibly one of the most famous attractions in South Africa, for locals and tourists alike, the Kruger National Park offers world class facilities as well as endless opportunities to view and interact with African wildlife, particularly the famous Big Five.

Wildlife has Right of Way in the Kruger National Park

The park itself was established in 1898, following a twelve year crusade to conserve the Lowveld wildlife by Paul Kruger, from whom the park takes its name. The Kruger park spans an impressive 2 million hectares of unspoiled bushveld, archeological and historical sites where early settlers as well as Khoi San peoples camped, their faint traces still evident today.

Activities within the Park centre around providing the visitor with as up close and personal an experience of the African bushveld as possible with biking, hiking, walking or 4x4 safaris available, all accompanied by armed and trained guides to ensure your safety while you marvel at the diversity of species.

One of the better known trails within the Kruger National Park is the Lebombo Overland Eco Trail, which is a 5 day, 4 night guided vehicle journey spanning the length of the park. Or perhaps take advantage of one of the three night Wilderness Trails on offer. For the more energetic, a four day three night walking trail, the Olifants River Backpack Trail is also on offer, and offers a truly interactive experience, guided by experts, and teaching good conservation principles at the same time.

Accommodation in the Kruger National park ranges from well-appointed and state run SANparks rest camps to pure, unadulterated luxury at one of the many five star game lodges. While SANparks, the government organization responsible for this and most other parks in South Africa offers all these and more superb options to the visitor, there are a multitude of privately owned and operated resorts and lodges within the park.

With facilities ranging from luxury tented camps, to timber cabins on stilts overlooking the lowveld, and unique experiences such as outdoor showers, where from the privacy of your secluded shower, you can experience the African wild; these game lodges truly offer world class accommodation and luxury.And what could be better, after a long, hot day viewing the majesty of the kruger park, than relaxing on the deck of your cabin with a cocktail, and watching the African sun sink below the horizon?

SANparks also offers a bush braai experience, where visitors have the option of combining their African safari experience, sampling the local cuisine under the stars in an open area lit by lanterns, much as early explorers of the area would have experienced it. Or visit one of the day camp areas to enjoy a leisurely picnic instead.

Even in this remote location, golfers are catered for, with the 9 hole Skukuza golf course, located just outside the Skukuza Rest Camp offering a chance to tee off in some of the one of the most unique golfing environments in the world.

With all of this and more, the Kruger National Park, without a doubt, offers an incomparable opportunity to view and interact with Africa at it’s finest. Raw, Untamed and Magnificent.

Related Pages and Links:
Kruger Park Accommodation
Kruger National Park Information
SAN Parks Official Website

Ceres - it's not just about the Fruit

Ceres, in the Western Cape, is named for the Roman goddess of the harvest and plenty. Living up to this name, the town has a reputation as one of the best fruit growing areas in South Africa, and accounts for a large amount of the production of deciduous and other fruit in the Cape. The fruit industry here so permeates the every day life of the town that the fruit growers have developed a tour through their factories to allow a peek into what makes the fruit from this area better than most, as well as tours of the farms, where the precious harvest is grown and dried for local use and export. For an even more interactive (not to mention delicious) experience, the Klondyke Cherry Farm just outside town offers visitors the chance to pick and sample this sweet, tart fruit.

For something guaranteed to appeal to kids of all ages, an incongruous partnership, yet worth a visit none the less is the toy car collection at Valley Funerals, which currently bears the honour of being the largest privately owned collection of this type in South Africa.

Within easy reach of the town are several equestrian centres, which offer trails and other horse riding experiences to everyone from children, to complete novices, and the more accomplished rider. For the very adventurous, the town is also home to the Western Province Sport parachute club, offering sky diving training and regular jumps.

Another attraction synonymous with Ceres must be the winter snowfalls. This area is one of the few in the largely Mediterranean Cape where snow falls in the winter, and local tourists flock to the area in season to interact with the magical winter wonderland this creates. If you are interested in history, then visit the Toll House monument at Mitchell’s Pass, or the transport riders’ museum which chronicles the town’s time as the main transport route for diamonds to the Cape, and boasts an impressive collection of vehicles from the period.

A bit further afield, but also of interest to culture and history buffs are several locations where well preserved rock paintings from the areas more primitive inhabitants are on display. Other options include the Matroosburg 4 x 4 truck drives, where visitors are treated to a unique trip up the Matroosburg in a 5 ton, all terrain truck or try a trip to Koelfontein Estate, Ceres’s only, but award- winning, wine estate, or the Kaap Agri Co-Op to sample local wines.

Golf lovers need not fret, as the Ceres Golf Club offers 4891m of well maintained course, with a comfortable club house. Bird watching, biking, fishing, hiking and nature reserves are all on offer in the surrounding countryside and mountains, and the friendly local tourism office will be more than happy to advise on these options, as well as provide details of accommodation to suit almost every budget and taste.

For a small town, almost hidden in the Cape Fold mountains, Ceres certainly packs a large variety of attractions, and will almost certainly have something that will appeal to anyone.

Klondyke Cherry Farm: 023 312-1521
Toy car collection: 082 575-3181
Western Cape Parachute Club: 021 462-5666

Related pages and useful links:
Ceres Accommodation
Breede River Valley Accommodation
Breede River Valley Attractions

The KwaZulu Natal South Coast

It is easy, when driving through most of the South Coast area of KwaZulu Natal, to imagine that you have been transported to a tropical island. Roads are edged with lush green vegetation, or the ubiquitous sugar cane and banana plantations. Towns such as Umkomaas, renowned for its angling, as well as a top class golf course, Shelly Beach, named for the prevalence of shells found on beaches in the area, and Margate enjoy the year round bustle of tourists, as does Port Edward.

In fact, the climate of this area is very much like a tropical island, and even in the middle of winter, it is not uncommon to see tourists on the beach, dressed not much more warmly than they would be in the summer months. These beaches are often the first draw card for any visitor. The warm waters are enticing, and there are excellent waves in many places, making it ideal for surfers, bodyboarders and other water sport enthusiasts.

When you do manage to tear yourself away from the mocha-coloured sands, and seek other attractions, one of the first could well be the wealth of excellent game reserves and nature conservation areas. With names such as Empisini, Mpenjati and Nyamazane, there can be no doubt as to the firmly entrenched Zulu culture in the area.

Possibly one of the most breathtaking and famous reserves however must be the Oribi Gorge Reserve, managed by KZN Wildlife. This natural gorge, formed over thousands of years of erosion by wind and water, is home to many animal species, including leopards, baboons and various antelope, as well as many bird species, including kingfishers. Ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Back at the beach, one can find many pristine reefs to be explored, including Arena Reef, Bo Boyi reef and Eel Skin reef. Experienced and novice divers alike can experience many of these reefs, and there are a host of diving schools, where one can take lessons and hire equipment, in the area.

The area also boasts several sanctuaries, including the Uvongo Bird park, and two crocodile parks – Crocworld and Riverbend Crocodile farm, where these prehistoric creatures can be viewed up close and personal. Another attraction for reptile enthusiasts, or simply curious visitors, is Pure Venom Snake Park.

If hiking is on the agenda, there are several in the area, offering trails through forests, for example the Ngele, Oribi and Skyline trails, or along the beach front, and these all vary in length (some a few hours, others several days), facilities on offer, and requirements.

If you are looking for a cultural, rather than athletic experience, the area is dotted with battle sites, Victorian era churches and graves, all of which can be visited by the public, or perhaps plan a visit to the Art Museum in Margate, which showcases local talent, or the Port Shepstone maritime museum, which chronicles the areas shipping history. There are also lighthouses in the area, some of which are natural monuments,. At the craft markets, a visitor is spoilt for choice, and can find many local items to take home as souvenir a of their visit to this beautiful section of the South African coast.

Related Pages and Additional Info:
South Coast Attractions & Destinations
South Coast Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation