Category: Outdoors

adventure, Cape Nature, Forest, Fynbos, Hiking, Outdoors, South Africa, Travel

Sauntering in the Shadows of the Swellendam Sundial

‘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

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Agriculture, camping, Cape Nature, Garden Route, Outdoors, South Africa

The top rivers to kayak 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

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Forest, Garden Route, Guided Nature Trail, Hiking, Outdoors, Sedgefield, South Africa

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, a Japanese concept, is the broad reference to taking in the full spectrum of the forest through your five senses. Extending beyond the simple activity of walking through a forest, it is the process of absorbing the entire experience of the forest through your sight, touch and smell. Preparing for Forest Bathing Switch digital devices off Slow down and observe nature Breathe in … Continue reading Forest Bathing

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adventure, Cape Nature, Day walk, Fynbos, Garden Route, Hiking, Outdoors, South Africa

Hiking Trails in the Outeniqua Mountains

While most backpackers know the epic 7 day Outeniqua Trail from Beervlei to Harkerville, the other day hikes are relatively unknown except to the local hiking and trail running community. Indeed, the hub of trails in the Outeniqua Mountains can be found just north of the coastal town of George, approximately 450km east of Cape Town. In terms of activities in the Garden Route, the … Continue reading Hiking Trails in the Outeniqua Mountains

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Ecology, Garden Route, Guided Nature Trail, Nature, Outdoors, Photography, Science, South Africa

The deception of colour.

Ever since I read ‘Seven deadly colours’ I have been fascinated by colour presentation of the multitude of fauna that exists. Often, the colour of an animal is not actually a pigment, but a sophisticated means of tricking the viewers brain into registering something very different to reality, a means of disguise. Then there are species with elaborate structural colours (one of the 7 colour … Continue reading The deception of colour.

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