From Coast to Mountain Crest – The Ultimate South African Getaway Package

Spend four unforgettable days exploring and experiencing the splendors of beaches and mountains in the Garden Route of South Africa.  This special package includes two nights at Sandpiper Cottages, the hosts of the famous Oystercatcher Trail, situated in the quaint fishing village of Boggomsbaai.  The package also includes two nights at the four Star Eight Bells Mountain Inn situated at the foot of the Robinson Pass.  Daily breakfasts and free use of all outdoor facilities including swimming, tennis, squash, bowls, walking trails in the mountains and on the beach and so much more!  Two children under twelve sharing with adults also stay absolutely free.

This is the perfect add on to any Southern Africa Safari Holiday.  Extra experiences like a guided hike on the Dolphin Trail or Oystercatcher Trail plus a beach lunch at Fransmanshoek with snorkeling or a guided outride on horseback in the mountains through forests and Fynbos can be added.  Whether you are visiting Africa with your family, or on a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, as a bucket list safari, or visiting just for the hell of it, a few extra days in the Garden Route of South Africa will most definitely enhance your experience.

The Garden Route is a very popular stretch of the southeastern coast of South Africa.  The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast.  Some of the better-known towns include Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.  It has the mildest climate in South Africa and the second mildest climate in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.  The Garden Route is sandwiched between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Boggomsbaai is situated close to Mossel Bay, and is one of the best-kept secrets on the Garden Route.  No one is really sure where Boggomsbaai got its name, but its most likely the “boggom” or the bark of the baboons in the area.  You can hike along the beach and look for the elusive “pansy” shell.  Hikers can walk along the coast to Vleesbaai or Dana bay.  While hiking you may spot some Cape pheasant, steenbok, or bushbuck.

Imagine a safe golden beach with whales and dolphins at play in the surf, romantic thatch roof cottages, fireplaces and candlelight dinners.  Red wine, starry nights, beach walks, a full moon and lasting memories…  This you could experience at Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai, this is as close as you could possibly get to your dream of a holiday in paradise.  The Sandpiper cottages are rustic but luxurious, and you could choose the self-catering or bed and breakfast option.

The Oystercatcher Coastal Hiking Trail is a fantastic eco-adventure.  And is rated as one of the top slack packing trails in the world.  You can discover ancient stone-age caves, dolphins, whales, remote dunes, rare fynbos, Oystercatchers, Sandpipers, Wild Oysters and marine rich rocky pools.  The trail is fully and professionally guided.  On this five day, 4 night hiking trail you will hike from Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay to the Gourits River.  Whilst enjoying the natural wonders, you can also swim in small safe bays, experience brilliant stargazing nights and sunny days.  You only have to carry a small bag, as your luggage is shuttled for you.  You will fondly remember he tasty traditional meals.  On your hike you will also learn more about the habits and plight of the endangered African Black Oystercatcher.  You will enjoy a total ecological encounter with marine species, wonderful beaches, dynamic dunes, rare plants and wide variety of birds and mammals.  This is a truly eye opening educational experience.

The Eight Bells Mountain Inn is situated in the Ruiterbos Valley region at the foot of the Robinson Pass between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.  This quaint inn was established more than eighty years ago and is renowned for its hospitality, great service and huge variety of recreational facilities set in breathtaking mountain scenery.  You have a choice of tastefully decorated accommodation, from log cabins and thatched rondavels set in lovely enchanting gardens with an abundance of bird life.  The Inn is located close to the green coastal belt of the Garden Route as well as the Little Karoo, making it easy to explore the many natural wonders, diverse activities and Scenic Mountain passes in this area.  On the 400-acre estate itself you can enjoy horse riding, walking trails and excellent birding.

Contact us at Road Travel Africa to assist you in adding this package to your South African Trip – the Garden Route really is exquisite, and should not be missed.  You could choose to do the hike first, or at the end of your holiday – you may even decide just to spend a few lazy days at Boggomsbaai or in the Ruiterbos Valley – the choice is yours!  We look forward to hearing from you.

Cape Town Summer with Urban Chic

Sunkissed beaches, a fresh south-easterly breeze, busy bars and sidewalk cafés and locals and tourists alike dressed in the bare essentials to try and keep cool under the glaring South African sun.  These are the characteristics of a typical Cape Town summer. Arguably the best time to visit our friendly city.  Summer weather in Cape Town typically runs from December to March annually.  Even though March is officially the start of the new season, mother nature tends to conveniently forget about this and blesses us Capetonians with another month of glorious weather.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site

The iSimangaliso wetland park has it all, from gorgeous beaches, amazing wetlands to the magnificent Big 5, experience this wonderful world heritage site while staying in luxury at Makakatana Bay Lodge.  This September Road Travel can offer 20% discount on a 3 night package.  This brilliant offer is subject to availability, so contact us without delay to arrange your special trip in KwaZulu Natal.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a very special slice of Africa and offers some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences imaginable.  It stretches along the Zululand coast from Mapelane in the south to Kosi Bay in the north.  The name has recently been changed from Greater St Lucia Wetland Park to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, to reflect the many areas that make up its 220 000 hectares, such as Kosi Bay, Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay, Mkhuze Game Reserve, False Bay, Fanies Island, Charters Creek, Lake St Lucia, Cape Vidal and Kosi Bay and Maphelane.  Besides Lake St Lucia – a unique, 38 000 ha expanse of lake, islands and estuary, the park incorporates an astonishing variety of habitats ranging from the Ubombo mountains to grasslands, forests, wetlands, mangroves and vegetated dunes, with magnificent beaches and coral reefs.  The park is internationally recognized and a World Heritage Site.  The Park is due to be integrated into a transfrontier park, the Ponta do Ouro-Kosi Bay Transfrontier Conservation Area, straddling South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland. This is in turn planned to become a part of the greater Greater Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area.  The mosaic of landforms and habitat types creates breathtaking scenic vistas. The site contains critical habitats for a range of species from Africa’s marine, wetland and savannah environments.  The park is not inhabited by people apart from six small townships in the Kosi Bay Coastal Forest Reserve.  There are also two villages (Makakatana and St Lucia Estuary) which are enclaves within the Park but not part of it.  About 100,000 people from 48 tribal groups live in villages surrounding the Park and community conservation programs are key to minimizing conflicts and maximizing benefits.  A progressive neighbor-relations policy fosters good relations with communities who live near the Park to ensure that they derive direct benefits from the protected area such as free access, business and employment.

Makakatana Bay Lodge is an intimate contemporary hideaway and the only privately owned Lodge set on the banks of Lake St Lucia, within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.  The pristine Indian Ocean beaches, combined with the St Lucia Estuary stretching inland for 65 km, provide an undeniable attraction to lovers of wildlife.  The Lodge is positioned in the forest on the edge of the lake, and accommodates only 12 people, enhancing the intimacy, privacy and personal service.

The park supports 367 bird species, five different eco-systems and turtle nesting grounds in the marine reserves.  Wildlife in the wetlands include zebra, rhino, elephant, giraffe, leopard, buffalo and antelope complementing the abundant hippo and crocodile.  The 3 night package rate includes safaris into the wetlands by vehicle or boat, trips to the coastal beaches and safaris to the world-famous Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, seeking out the Big Five.