‘Use the stepping stones as a pass through’. The muted advice drifted through the pitch black patch at the base of rear of a deep rectangular cave. The approach to the dark patch was a strip of muddy water, punctuated by a series of convenient rocky protrusions, providing a natural array of stepping stones across the wet cave floor. Closer now, the dark feature opened … Continue reading Into the Earth
‘Could it be watching us?’ Saskia asked. ‘It is possible’ I replied, ‘but highly unlikely. It has probably headed towards the kloof for shelter.’ We had just continued walking after inspecting some fresh Cape Leopard spoor on the Plaat Trail in Marloth Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains north of Swellendam. Following the trail eastwards, we encountered two more sets of leopard spoor heading towards … Continue reading Sauntering in the Shadows of the Swellendam Sundial
Nature’s Playground The Garden Route has deservedly become one of the most popular destinations in South Africa with unrivaled mountain, forest, fynbos and coastal outdoor activity options, making it a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Popular for swimming, fishing, surfing, and whale watching, the scalloped coastline of pristine sandy beaches punctuated by rocky peninsulas and weathered aeolianite hint at the intertidal marine … Continue reading Underwater photography in the Garden Route
Incising the Garden Route coastal belt from the ridge line to the ocean are a number of rivers perfect for kayaking. Tannin stained from Fynbos and Afromontane forest, the rivers flowing from the southern slopes of the Outeniqua and Tsistsikamma mountain range are short. Yet, their brief journey to the ocean holds some incredible sections ideal for kayaking, an opportunity to immerse yourself in pristine … Continue reading The top rivers to kayak in the Garden Route
This week we hosted an incredible group on our flagship 5 day slackpacking Garden Route Coastal Meander between Wilderness and Brenton on Sea. Don’t let the Old Man in. What made the group incredible was their average age of 77 years with the oldest guest at a spritely 85 years old. Undaunted by the terrain and the daily stages, they completed the 51.5km hiking and … Continue reading Garden Route Coastal Meander – Slackpacking with a Youthful Attitude
Garden Route Trail 