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.

Impofu hiking trail in Mountain Zebra National Park

The three-day Impofu hiking trail has reopened in Mountain Zebra National Park after being closed since July last year following the death of a hiker attacked by a buffalo on one of the trails.  The 25km hiking trail, which goes through the 28 000 hectare park, including its highest peak, Bakenkop, will now operate as a guided trail.

Day one of the hike will pass through grassland and mountains, passing the park’s Big Rock.  On day two hikers will have the chance to view herds of eland and mountain reedbuck.  The final day of the hike will pass through riverine thicket and end at the Mountain Zebra National Park rest camp.  Two mountain cottages, which can accommodate 10 hikers, will be available for the overnight stop.  The huts will be equipped with solar-powered fridge facilities and gas cookers, and feature an outside braai area.  Hikers must bring their own provisions and bedding, and need to be 16 years or older to participate.

Established in 1937, this Eastern Cape nature reserve, consists of beautiful plains, scenic mountain landscapes, ravines with Karoo vegetation and wooded valleys.  The Mountain Zebra National Park is a place of rolling plains, craggy hills and deep valleys, and has become a haven for the Cape Mountain Zebra.  The Park has saved these animals from extinction, presently accommodating a population of about 300.  Other mammals found in this Eastern Cape game reserve include the Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, Cheetah, Caracal, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Red Hartebeest and Gemsbok.  The higher areas of the park are home to Mountain Reedbuck and Grey Rhebok.

The highlight of your journey to Mountain Zebra National Park is the 300 plus Cape Mountain Zebra after which the park is named.  The difference between these Zebra and Burchell’s Zebra are narrower stripes, the absence of shadow stripes in Cape Zebra and orange facial coloring.  In the wooded valleys, guests can search for Kudu, African Buffalo and Black Rhino.  Cheetah and Caracal are the main predators in this National Park.

In the Eastern Cape, guests can enjoy warm summers and cold winter nights.  Rainfall averages about 400 mm per annum, with regular snowfall on the high lying areas.  Mountain Zebra National Park is home to an impressive diversity of bird life.  Guests traveling through this area could spot Blue Crane, Ostrich, Stanley’s bustard, Secretary bird, woodpecker, Large-Billed and Eastern Long-Billed lark, Rock-Thrush, Mountain Wheatear and the Orange-breasted Rockjumper, to name a few.  The Park boasts a rich variety of flora, and in spring the veld is covered by the glorious shades and hues of flowers.  Fynbos and renosterveld bush flourish in the temperate climate, with rains coming mainly during the early summer and winter months.