Eastern DREAMS…

RICH IN NATURE, CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND BEAUTY, TRAVELLING SOUTH AFRICA’S SECOND LARGEST PROVINCE IS A MAGICAL JOURNEY OF MYSTERY, ADVENTURE AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS. HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS...

Kicking off: getting there

Travelling from Cape Town our first destination was Tsitsikamma. Getting there is an adventure on its’s own. There is the option to drive to Tsitsikamma from Cape Town (about 8 hours), but with a jam-packed trip we did not have the time. I would recommend if strapped for time, fly into Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) or George. Having done this trip before, I opted to fly into George because while it is a bit longer (speed limit is lower), it is a more scenic drive passing Knysna and Plett (perfect for a bit of a detour).

Destination Tsitsikamma

Tsitsikamma is arguably one of the most magical places in South Africa. It’s lush forests, captivating coastline and natural splendour highlights some of the best scenery SA has to offer.

To properly enjoy Tsitsikamma you need at least a week to explore some of the great multi-day hikes, However, if you strapped for time you can opt to do shorter walks like the Storms River Mouth Bridge Trail, which is about an hour.

Storms River is a charming little village and feels safe. A few quaint shops and sufficient cafes help add to the happy yet natural vibe.

Popular in Tsitsikamma

• Hike the Otter Trail – a multi-day hike where you traverse forest and coastline.

• Canopy tour – involves ziplining through the forest, crossing suspension bridges and learning about the ecology of the area from an experienced guide.

• MTB and general hiking.

• Bloukrans Bridge Bungee – one of the world’s highest jumps (216m).

• Water activities – includes tubing, kayaking and canyoning adventures.

STAY AT: The Fernery Lodge & Chalets

Near Storms River, The Fernery Lodge & Chalets, which offers luxury accommodation, manages to effortlessly blend in with the gorgeous forest surrounds. It has a restaurant onsite and a spa to help you unwind. A perk of staying here includes the friendly yet efficient service by employees.

Must

try!

Throw the low carb diet out the window. When in Tsitsikamma stop at the Oudebosch Farmstall for a heavenly roosterkoek, a type of bread that is cooked on a grid over coals and loaded with a filling of your choice. Wash it down with some ginger beer.

Did you know? Tsitsikamma has various forest types including coastal, evergreen and montane.

Destination Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB)

Perhaps it was the relaxed vibe and beauty of Tsitsikamma, but the two-hour drive to Gqeberha on the N2 was fairly chilled. If you have some extra time, you can do a stop-over at Jeffery’s Bay to experience some good waves.

Activies:

Did you know? NMB is the Bottlenose Dolphin capital of the world with approximately 28 500 Bottlenose Dolphins sighted in the bay.

Highlights of Nelson Mandela Bay

Route 67: Starting at the Campanile this route offers 67 art works depicting Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work in the fight for freedom. All artwork was done by local artists.

Sacramento Trail: A popular and easy 8km coastal walk that offers amazing scenic sites of land and sea. There is also a chance to spot dolphins and whales when in season.

Beach about: There are loads of awesome beaches, such as Hobie Beach, to explore, chill on, or have a meal at, and it’s a perfect spot for sundowners.

Addo Elephant National Park: Has the highest density of African elephant in the world but is also home to a variety of other animals including lions, buffalo, zebra, and eland. In addition to offering safaris, Addo also offers adrenalin pumping adventures such as ziplining and sand sledding.

Top tip: If travelling the NMB region, purchase the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass, which is a smart card that offers you free admission to certain attractions, in addition to discounted rates for selected activities, shops etc.

Destination Amatola Region

Dense forests, majestic mountains, flowing waters, history and culture – these all define the Amatola region.

Highlights

Amatola Mountains: Sunlight filtering through the lush afromontane forests, waterfalls, panoramic views and a magical feel – this is the Amatola Mountains. Originally inhabited by the Khoisan hunter-gatherers, it later became a fortress for the Xhosa people during time of war.

Hiking trails: The Amatola Hiking Trail is an iconic yet challenging trail. This six-day (100km) hike sets off at Maden Dam near King William’s Town and traverses through Hogsback. It is advisable that you attempt this only if you are fit and skilled at hiking. If you are a novice, ensure you have experienced hikers with you.

While the Amatola Hiking Trail is well-known, there are shorter hiking and walking routes available to explore if you are strapped for time or lack the fitness for a six-day hike. Examples include:

• Military Path, Hogsback: About 2km walking through forests and opportunities to spot an array of birdlife. According to legend, Hangman’s Tree (found on this path) was used as a means to execute of soldiers who were considered deserters.

• Andersons Dam Trail, Stutterheim: About 8km, this trail is suitable for various fitness levels. In addition to amazing scenery, there are picnic spots and ablution facilities for a great day out and about.

• Kologha Forest Blue Day Walk, Stutterheim: Approximately 3km, this hike is suitable for all fitness levels and traverses through indigenous forest and passes magnificent waterfalls.

• Katberg Hiking Trail, Katberg Forest Station: This can take two to three days or a couple of hours if you design your own trail. There are some challenging aspects to this trail, so it’s best to have a level of fitness.

• Pirie Forest Hike, halfway between King William’s Town and Stutterheim: A bit of a hidden gem, this is a 9km circular hike. The hike begins at the same spot as the Amatola Hiking Trail and turns off. To many visitors this trail seems like visiting a fairy wonderland.

Hogsback

Located high up in the Amatola Mountains, this village is magical. Dominated by indigenous forest and majestic waterfalls, Hogsback is a gem for nature lovers. Activities found here include mountain bike trails, hiking, horse riding, exploring the arts and crafts route and a host of eateries.

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is said to have been inspired by the area to create his fantasy universe, Middle Earth.

Stutterheim

Located at the foot of the Amatola Mountain range, Stutterheim boasts a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, abseiling, canoeing and picnicking.

Visitors can also pop in to the Stationary Engine Museum, which houses one of the most comprehensive collections of restored stationary engines. There is also the Cata Village Museum, which highlights the history of the Xhosa village of Cata.

Kidds Beach

Before heading back to the city life and reality, one more stop – Kidds Beach. Chill out at this seaside escape on the Sunshine Coast that boasts stretches of white sandy beaches and water activities such as surfing, fishing and tidal pools for kids.