Natures Valley – Colour Dots

Bloukraans Bungee

carynkaleido — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 16:31:06 +0000

Bloukraans Bungee is situated at the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market. This jump is just 40km east of Plettenberg Bay along the N2. You will find the ultimate thrill. Bloukrans Bungy is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the highest Bungy Jump from a bridge in the world. Secured in a full-body harness Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible. book@faceadrenalin.com

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Bloukrans River

carynkaleido — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:42:02 +0000

The Bloukrans River is a short river that is on the boundary between the Eastern and Western Cape. The river originates near peak Formosa in Plettenberg Bay and it empties into the sea at Natures Valley. The world’s highest bungee jump 233 m is set up on the Bloukrans bridge The Bloukrans Bungy is said to be the World’s best bungy jump. It takes place from the top of the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge on the N2 Highway.

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Nature’s Valley Beach

carynkaleido — Tue, 10 May 2022 08:53:47 +0000

Nature’s Valley Beach is the final stop after the 42km Otter Trail. It is part of the Garden Route at the edge of the Tsitsikamma forest (Tsitsikamma, which means “clear water” in Khoi-san). This is a great spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Take care, however, as the beach is quite rocky, it is best to swim in the designated areas. The water is warmer here than it is in the Indian Ocean. The secluded beach is quiet and stretches from the mouth of the Groot River to the mouth of the Salt River. The beach is popular for fishing, as there is the option of rock and surf fishing. The beach is about one kilometre of pristine white sand. The small adjoining village consists of a few homes and some holiday accommodation is available. The sunset from the beach is spectacular. There are lifeguards during peak season, and the beach has Blue Flag status. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Nature’s Way farm stall and nursery

carynkaleido — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:29:17 +0000

Nature’s Way farm stall and nursery is a happy, healthy family lifestyle destination! Along with the Farm Stall, enjoy our Nature’s Way Nursery. We have recently added Anne’s shop to browse & spoil. And if you would like to stay longer, look up our Farm Stay Accommodation…. Eat, Sleep, Farm! 2,5km along the R102 to Nature’s Valley (off the N2) 6602 The Crags,

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The Bloukrans River Bridge

carynkaleido — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:54:25 +0000

The Bloukrans River Bridge is an arch bridge over the Bloukrans River. It was constructed by Concor. Work began in 1980 and was completed in June 1983. The bridge is 216m above the Bloukrans River. The central span is 272m and the bridge is 451m in length. The Bloukrans Bridge is the site of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee. It is operated by Face Adrenalin which launched in 1997. You can also zip along under the arch on a cable slide called the Flying Fox or just go for a more sedate walking tour. The Bloukrans River forms the border between the Eastern and the Western Cape. The Bloukrans Bridge has seen several world records set When built, it was the highest concrete-arch bridge in the world. It is still Africa’s highest bridge. Since then it has been surpassed by the Jiangjiehe Bridge in China. T 33°58′0.1″S 23°38′42.8″E

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The Bobejaans River Bridge

carynkaleido — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:42:09 +0000

The Bobejaans River Bridge is a concrete deck arch -bridge 165 metres high and 286 metres long over the river. It was first conceived in 1971 where a 6-lane freeway was proposed. The brief was adjusted in 1976 to a somewhat reduced width. Construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1983. The river flows in a deep V-shaped gorge on a flat plateau. Before the construction could begin a 220 metre-long pedestrian suspension bridge had to be built in order to access the Eastern bank of the gorge to transport workers and materials. . 33°55′58.9″S 23°32′0.7″E

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The Garden Route

carynkaleido — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:54:44 +0000

The Garden Route: A Flexible Exploration, Not Just a Route The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic travel regions, stretching along the south coast of the Western Cape. Known for its beaches, forests, lagoons, and mountain passes, it is a popular road trip for both local and international visitors. It is one of South Africa’s most scenic and ecologically diverse regions. Although often referred to as a “route,” it’s better described as an area to explore rather than a linear journey. Instead of driving straight through, visitors can make the most of their trip by choosing one or two bases and travelling to nearby attractions from there. The Garden Route is about a 5–6-hour drive from Cape Town, depending on your starting point and stops along the way. Interactive map of the Garden Route. Open the map and click on the red dots to open a page of information about the town you selected The route is not just a road trip – it’s an immersive experience in one of the most beautiful and biologically rich regions in the world. The exact boundaries of the Garden Route are subject to variation. Generally, it is understood to stretch from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River on the border of the Eastern Cape. It covers about 300 km. Inland, it reaches as far north as Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg Mountain Range. However, the route can begin as far West as Witsand. The region includes dramatic coastlines, dense forests, winding rivers, rugged mountains, and peaceful beaches. Best stops along the Garden Route Mossel Bay – Great Brak River – Little Brak River – George – Wilderness – Sedgefield – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Nature’s Valley – Oudtshoorn – Albertinia – Gouritsmond – Stilbaai – Riversdale – Heidelberg, and Witsand Click each one to find out more about each place, or use the interactive map to see where they are on the route The best time to go The weather is generally mild year-round. Coastal temperatures range between 10˚C and 29˚C, with no fixed rainy season (though June–August may see slightly more rain). The best time to visit is from September to March, when the days are long and warm. Still, it’s wise to pack some warm clothes. The Garden Route offers something for everyone – from families with children to solo adventurers, beach lovers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts. You don’t need a 4WD for the trip. A standard sedan or hatchback will work, and there’s usually a petrol station along the N2 every couple of hours and many in each stop. Petrol/service stations often include restrooms and often have convenience stores attached. Some towns along the Garden Route Mossel Bay is usually considered the starting point of the route. This is where the first European landed in South Africa. Explore the Dias Museum Complex, St. Blaize Lighthouse, and the caves below Pinnacle Point. The coastline is rocky, but there are several great swimming spots and sheltered coves. From Mossel Bay, you can choose to detour and follow Route 12 and The Fragrance Route George is often called the “Gateway to the Garden Route.” It lies between the Outeniqua Mountains and the coast and features historical sites like the Slave Tree, the King Edward VII Library, and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is worth a visit, and keen golfers will know of Fancourt, one of the world’s best courses. Oudtshoorn, inland, marks the northern boundary of the Garden Route. It is on the edge of the Klein Karoo. The area is famous for ostrich farms and the Cango Caves. These caves are massive limestone caverns with ancient formations. The area reflects a shift from coastal fynbos to semi-arid landscapes. Wilderness is a peaceful village on the Touw River Lagoon. The Wilderness National Park protects 2,500 hectares of forest, rivers, and coastline. Visitors can hike to waterfalls or kayak in the rivers. The birdlife is spectacular, and the area is also a great whale-watching location. Between Wilderness and Knysna is Sedgefield, with a slower pace and beautiful beaches and calm waters bordering the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is a quieter seaside town that is ideal for families. Ghost story A long-standing story linked to the Garden of Eden near Knysna tells of a mysterious woman said to appear briefly inside passing vehicles before vanishing without explanation. The tale is often connected to violent attacks on settlers travelling through the forests during the early 1800s, when several people were reportedly killed or taken captive along the route. Knysna is famous for the lagoon and the indigenous forests. The original Seven Passes Road from George to Knysna is a scenic drive crossing rivers and gorges. Forest trails feature Outeniqua yellowwoods and Cape chestnuts. The town has a strong arts scene and wonderful restaurants. Plettenberg Bay is loved for its long beaches, whale and dolphin watching, and the Robberg Peninsula, which is home to Cape fur seals. Tailor your experience The Garden Route offers incredible flexibility. Whether you’re after wild coastlines and forest hikes, local art and food, or quiet beaches and luxury stays, you can build an itinerary to match your style. Choose a town or two as your base, and from there, take day trips to nearby attractions, parks, and towns. See the listings attached to the “Towns and Suburbs” pages to get some ideas of places to see along the way. Many visitors choose to base themselves in towns like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. The Western Cape is home to hundreds of bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. You may encounter local wildlife along the way. See our Western Cape Wildlife Guide for species commonly found in gardens, mountains and along the coast See Tips for road trips See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide FAQs about the Garden Route 1. What is the Garden Route?The Garden Route

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The Groot River

carynkaleido — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:20:32 +0000

This river rises in the Great Karoo. In its upper course, it is called the Komsberg. Flowing in a southeasterly direction, it becomes the Buffels River. It then flows south through Laingsburg and then on to the Floriskraal Dam. From there, it flows south. It cuts across the Klein Swartberg Mountains through the Buffelspoort, then into the Little Karoo. At the point where the Buffels River meets the Klein-Swartberg River, it becomes the Groot River. It flows a further 50 km towards where it is joined by the Touws River. It then flows east past Van Wyksdorp, towards the Gourits River. The River flows into the sea through a lagoon at Nature’s Valley Beach The main tributary of the Groot River is the Touws River. See the story of the Groot River Bridge here Dams in the Groot River basin include the Floriskraal Dam with a capacity of 50,300,000 cubic metres, the Bellair Dam with a capacity of 10,100,000 cubic metres, and the Miertjieskraal Dam.

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The Groot River Bridge

carynkaleido — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:10:48 +0000

The Groot River bridge, over the Groot River, is in the southern area of the Cape. It is a right-hand tributary of the Gourits River. The Bridge built in 1983 is a concrete deck/arch bridge 172 metres high with a span of 189 metres. It was designed by Jeffares & Green along with Maunsell & Partners. The bridge is similar in design to the bridge over the Bobejaans River 3.2 km away 33°56′19.9″S 23°33′23.6″E

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Wild Spirit Backpackers

carynkaleido — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:49:28 +0000

Wild Spirit Backpackers is a magical place where everyone is welcome. It bursts with life, diversity, wild creatures and friendly, open-minded people and the most beautiful nature scenes. Khoinania, R102 Nature’s Valley Road, The Crags Plettenberg Bay

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