MOTORING NEWS - April will soon be upon us, and so will the school holidays and seemingly endless public holidays.
If you’re looking to take advantage of the extra days off and spend some quality time with your family, you might not be sure what to do or where to go, as you’re spoilt for choice in South Africa.
With a vast number of routes to follow and towns to stop off at, there will always be a route to discover, but the Garden Route is a gem which should not be missed.
Roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route has some well-known attractions, from the likes of Monkeyland, Storms River and Knysna Elephant Park, to the Bloukrans bungee jump. But if you’ve already explored these activities, here are more hidden gems the route has to offer you and your family over the holiday period.
Garden Route Walking Festival
South Africa’s only walking festival spans over the Easter weekend from the 14th to the 17th of April 2017, and consists of 52 different walks to suit all interests and fitness levels. Registration for the festival is free and, while it’s only in its second year, it offers a vast number of nature-filled walks to help you get outdoors, appreciating the environment, as well as the conservation efforts of local charities.
From the Knysna forest, to the Plettenberg Bay beaches, Sedgefield lagoons and Tsitsikamma mountains there is a walk for everyone. Most of the walks are free, but the more advanced walks which require either a permit, guide or both do have a fee attached which goes to the charities involved. The festival gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with family, meet new people and revel in the beauty the Garden Route has to offer. For more information about registration visit the Garden Route Walking Festival site.
Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market
Located on the outskirts of Sedgefield, the Wild Oats Farmers’ Market has become an important institution in the town, and not to be missed if you’re in the area. Founded in 1999, it offers fresh, local, seasonal produce from bread, cheese and milk to fruits, vegetables, meats and preserves.
All food sold is free-range, organic and as fresh as they come. Able to seat up to 600 people, the market caters for a large crowd ready to relax with friends and family while browsing the produce, eating a meal and listening to the live music. The market is open every Saturday from 7:30am to 12:00pm in summer, and 8:00am to 12:00pm during winter. There is a focus on being environmentally friendly, so recycled plates and containers are used and recycling bins are placed throughout the venue. The market makes a concerted effort to support local producers and entrepreneurs, offers a vast and safe area for children to play in, and even allows your furry friends to join you if on a lead.
Teniqua Treetops
This holiday accommodation offers a private and unique place to stay within the canopy of the Knysna forest. The eight environmentally-friendly, treehouse-style rooms offer one-of-a-kind views, fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens, balconies, and webers for the braai enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a virtually technology-free vacation filled with breathtaking views and a different kind of accommodation setting, the Teniqua Treetops offers you just that. The resort also offers easy access to the river, and an entertainment area kitted out with a swimming pool, trampoline and table tennis. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or a new way to experience accommodation in Knysna, this gem tucked high up in the treetops will provide you with a new and revitalizing experience.
Swim with Seals
Diving with seals is an adventure unique to the Robberg Peninsula. Offshore adventures offers an 80-90 minute trip that starts at Central beach, where all the necessary details and equipment are given. After making your way to Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area you can dive into the water with a professional diver and enjoy swimming with the seals in their natural environment. The colony is home to roughly 6000 Cape Fur Seals which are protected by a team of conservationists who support research, education and rehabilitation of the seals. Feeding and touching is prohibited so as not to disturb their natural environment, but you’ll get up close as they are naturally inquisitive creatures. Trips occur all year round and every day of the week at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 14:00pm, if the weather is cooperative.
So, with the April holidays fast approaching, take a road trip to the Garden Route and try a few activities off the beaten track. As April approaches though, so do colder days and rainy conditions. Before you set off on your road trip, ensure your car is prepped to get you to your destination safely by doing all the regular checks of your tyres, water levels, oil levels and windscreen wipers. Also do ensure you have sufficient Car Insurance and you’ll be ready to go. For more road safety tips to get you ready, take a look at How to Be Safe on the Road This Winter.
This article was written in collaboration with Hippo.co.za.
