To beat the heat we woke up at 5:30am and quickly ate our breakfast before heading off to hike Monk's Cowl. It is located in Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, just a short drive from our backpacker accommodation the Inkosana Lodge. There are several hiking options within the park. At the entrance you can register the number of people in your party and let them know which trail you plan to hike. This precaution would come in very helpful in case you got lost or injured. Along with the spectacular scenery, this nature park offers chances to see the Western Cape Otter. We spotted their … [Read more...]
A Stroll Through Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch Gardens is a must see while visiting Cape Town. This beautiful attraction sits at the foot of the eastern slope of Table Mountain. The gardens cover an area of 528 acres with 36 acres of landscaping that showcases indigenous South African plants. Enjoy a casual stroll along the pathways that take you across rolling lawns and past streams and ponds. The gardens are inhabited by a large variety of birds. It's a great place to spend the afternoon with a picnic. Summer Concerts In The Park On Sundays in the summer months from November to April the gardens host … [Read more...]
Birds Of Eden Sanctuary
Birds of Eden is located in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa and right next door to the other attraction we visited called Monkeyland. If you have any interest in exotic birds we highly recommend this place. It is the largest free flight bird aviary in the world. The entire two hectare area is covered in a dome of fine netting. Inside it is just like a huge natural forest and in most areas of the reserve you would never know the netting is there. … [Read more...]
Valley Of Desolation
The Valley of Desolation is located in the Camdeboo Nature Reserve of South Africa. From the town of Graff-Reinet you can do an easy day trip to the valley as well as The Owl House Of Nieu Bethesda. The massive dolorite rocks that tower from the valley floor were formed millions of years ago from volcanic forces and erosion. There are hiking trails in the area that range from one hour to overnight. If you are not up to a hike you can drive the 14km road up to the summit. The drive offers fabulous panoramic views of the valley. … [Read more...]
Tuxedo Wearers Of Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is located in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa, just 45 minutes drive from central Capetown. It's a popular attraction because of its resident penguin colony. While we stayed in Simons Town we went to view the penguins on three separate occasions, we love them that much. The area where the majority of the penguins are is on Foxy Beach. A small fee of 35 Rand will allow you to view them from the fenced boardwalk. Many penguins were nesting. Penguins can desalinate sea water. They have special glands in their heads that filter out the salt. Their feathers do not stay … [Read more...]
A Day Hike Along The Rugged Coastline Of Tsitsikamma National Park
The Otter trail in Tsitsikamma National Park ranks alongside the best trails in the world. It has to be booked a year in advance due to its popularity. The trail follows rugged Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. It's just over 42 km's long and takes four nights and five days to complete. If you're not up to doing the full Otter Trail you can get a taste of it by doing the first half day section known as the waterfall circuit. It is 6.4 km's and takes between three to four hours round trip. It is open to day visitors without any prior reservations. … [Read more...]
Prince Alfred Pass, A Scenic Route In The Cape Mountain Range
After visiting the Karoo Heartland of South Africa we headed towards the Garden Route on the coast. What we thought would be a shorter route ended up being over three hours of driving on a nail biting road called the Prince Alfred Pass. When we looked at our map there appeared to be two choices of how to get to the coast. … [Read more...]
Monkeyland, A Primate Sanctuary On The Garden Route
Monkeyland is a large primate sanctuary and rehabilitation reserve located just east of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Located right beside Monkeyland is another sanctuary called Birds Of Eden. You can visit both places without even moving your car. The majority of the monkeys at this property have come from unfortunate situations. Many were lab test animals that lived in cages or were rescued from careers of performing. Others are dropped off at the reserve when ignorant people realize a monkey does not make an appropriate pet. … [Read more...]
Cape Agalhus, The Southernmost Point Of Africa
Many people mistakenly think that Cape Point is the southern most point of the African continent, but there is no question that Cape Agalhus holds the rightful title to this status. Technically Cape Point would be the most southwestern point of Africa. There does seem to be some debate over where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Several organizations including the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, the International Hydrographic Organisation and South African Navy have all agreed that it is Cape Agalhus. Our drive started from Hermanus. It took us … [Read more...]
South Africa Has Exceptional Backpacking Accommodation
Of all the countries we have been to, I would have to say that South Africa offers some of the best examples of backpacking accommodation that we've stayed in. Many of them are more like resort properties than they are hostels. The locations range from large rural properties to city buildings, but they all seemed to provide everything a backpacker needs. The common amenities are self catering kitchens or optional cheap meals, internet rooms, or full wireless, a bar, laundry services, game and movie rooms, dorm and private accommodation and tour and activity options. … [Read more...]
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