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South Africa, Travelinds

Tsitsikamma, Storms River Mouth – I <3 South Africa

Destination: Tsitsikamma

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Description

Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in South Africa and it is situated on the world-famous Garden Route.  TsitsikammaIts rolling green hills, sheer cliffs, wild oceans, fascinating wildlife and rugged beauty are simply breath-taking; Mother Nature at her finest.Tsitsikamma

 

Tourist Must-sees

In the National Park itself, there are camping facilities, chalets, hiking trails, picnic spots, a bird-watchers paradise, plenty of wildlife and the rugged sandy beaches that belong to the earth, not to tourists.Tsitsikamma view

There are also amazing sight-seeing opportunities in the nearby areas of Storms River Mouth and the village, Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay and The Crags.

The Big Tree, The Otter Trail, Robberg Nature Reserve and Birds of Eden are some of my favourite spots in this area.

 

Attractions range from the highest bungee-jump in the world at Bloukrans to the five-day beach hike on the Otter Trail, this place offers adventure-seekers a multitude of thrilling endeavours.

 

There are also a number of acclaimed restaurants nearby.

I especially recommend De Oude Martha in Storms River Village (a short drive from the Tsitsikamma Reserve). There are also other interesting places like Canopy Tours, Monkeyland and the Elephant Sanctuary to make for a great day out with the whole family.

 

Tsitsikamma is also a perfect setting in which to relax and enjoy the sunsets, or do some serious whale-watching and stroll along the green pathways alongside the dark blue coastline.

My favourite place

My favourite place here is at the Tsitsikamma National Park at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp. There are cute wooden cabins here, perfect for a romantic getaway, where in fact we enjoyed a very romantic spring break in October 2011.

Otter TrailMemory Bank:

We walked a little way along the Otter Trail to reach the famous waterfall pool, seeing antelope, cormorants, whales, dolphins, seagulls, baboons and kingfishers along the way. Then followed a lunchtime picnic followed by a cool swim in the tannin-coloured waters below the waterfall before heading back along the trail. A little way before the camp, we found a secret rock pool below the path where we enjoyed a dip in the refreshing waters; dodging the bunch of sea urchins on one end of the pool.  Such an amazing day!

Fun facts:

  • Whale-watching Season: June to November
  • Climate:                                 Temperate Coastal Climate – The wettest months are May and October, and the driest are June and July.

Helpful Resources:

Booking website: Tsitsikamma National Park (SANPARKS)

Recommended Tour Agent: Imvelaphi Safaris (her name is Jeannette and she is a vibrant, knowledgeable and professional entrepreneur who will provide you with an awesome tour package).

Check out more posts about South Africa here >> *I <3 South Africa*

 

South Africa, Travelinds

Port Elizabeth – I <3 South Africa

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Destination: Port Elizabeth,

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Port-Elizabeth

Description:

Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and is situated on the east coast.  A main city in the Eastern Cape Province, it has a large harbour, beautiful beaches, a developed infrastructure and a good local university.

Tourist must-sees:

This area is a great draw-card for tourists with everything from white sandy beaches to a mixed bag of friendly locals, to the sprawling National Addo Elephant Park only 40 minutes out of the city.

Some top recommendations from me include:

  • King’s beach and the Boardwalk shopping complex
  • Schoenmakerskop – village and seaside experience
  • Bluewater Bay area – beach days, picnic and children’s activities
  • Sunday’s River – ferry, estuary and holiday resorts.
  • National Addo Elephant Reserve – with “Big 5” and easy driving. It includes whale and dolphin sightings on the coastal reserve side.
  • Van Staden’s Wild Flower reserve – hiking, picnicking, bird-watching

My favourite place:

This is, by far, Sardinia Bay – a magnificent white beach with impressive sand dunes, rough coastline and endless rock pools to explore further down the beach. Great for any time of the day, early morning runs, picnics, beach days or romantic evening strolls.

Day Trips:

From Port Elizabeth, a day trip to the following destinations is a breeze: Port Alfred, Addo Elephant Park, St Francis Bay, Bathurst, Grahamstown, Kenton-on-Sea and Plettenberg Bay.

Don’t forget to do the absolutely beautiful drive along the coastline to the north of East London.  Grab a picnic lunch and beach gear and explore the coastline to find the hidden treasures of Glen Gariff, Haga-Haga and Morgan’s Bay too!

Fun facts:

Nicknames: The Friendly City, The Windy City, Algoa Bay, P.E., The Bay,

Title: Port Elizabeth was not named after Queen Elizabeth as often assumed, but after the late wife of its founder, Sir Richard Donkin.

Check out more posts about South Africa here >> *I <3 South Africa*

South Africa, Travelinds

East London – I <3 South Africa

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Destination: East London,

Eastern Cape, South Africa

routes.co.za
Source: www.routes.co.za

Description:

East London is a lovely coastal city in the wilder parts of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa.  It has a small harbour, really beautiful beaches, sought-after schools and maintains a relaxed small-town vibe.  It even has two shopping malls – Vincent Park and Hemingways Mall.

My favourite place:

This has to be a toss up between two classic Slummies landmarks – the rugged expanse of the sandy Nahoon Beach and a famous drive in cafe called The Windmill, with THE best milkshakes (in the world?), ice-creams and toasted sandwiches.

Tourist Spots:

Best Beaches: Nahoon beach, Gonubie Beach, Cintsa

Best Restaurants: Two Dogs (Beacon Bay), Le Petit (Nahoon), Cafe Neo (beachfront), Fish River Sun (highway), Lavender Blue (Beacon Bay), The Heavenly Pancake House (Gonubie).

Tourist Spots: There are also so many private game reserves on the coastal road from East London to Port Elizabeth and the famous Nanaga Farm Stall where you can find a plethora of curios, as well as fresh and delicious South African snacks like biltong, nuts, chocolate treats and dried fruit.

Accommodation: We’d also like to recommend a stay at the Seaforth Guest House, a quaint bed and breakfast right near the beach in Gonubie – they also offer an on-site beauty salon. Bonus!

Day Trips:

From East London, a day trip to the following destinations is a breeze: Hogsback, Cintsa beaches, Port Alfred, Bathurst, Grahamstown and Trennery’s Hotel.

Don’t forget to do the absolutely beautiful drive along the coastline to the north of East London.  Grab a picnic lunch and beach gear and explore the coastline to find the hidden treasures of Glen Gariff, Haga-Haga and Morgan’s Bay too!

Fun facts:

Nicknames: The Slum, Slondon, Slummies

Rugby team: Border Bulldogs

Check out more posts about South Africa here >> *I <3 South Africa*