Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park, is not only home to the traditional Big Five, but the Big 7, which includes the Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark in its marine environment.
Situated a mere 90 minutes’ drive from Jeffreys Bay, the Park is perfectly situated to show off all its natural wonders with all who wish to visit – from the small flightless dung beetles to the hundreds of grey mammoths, the Park was formed to protect and so much more in between!
Activities at Addo abound – from self-drive game viewing, guided game drives and 4×4 trails to short walks and longer overnight hikes or simply bird watching or relishing in a relaxing spa treatment. Addo has it all!
Thornhill
The community of Thornill is situated just outside Jeffreys Bay (25 min drive). This is a small area and many of those inhabiting it either work on the many farms of the region or in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or Jeffreys Bay due to it being positioned so conveniently between the two (approximately 45km from the Friendly City).
Thornhill is situated amongst the rolling hills that characterise the farmlands and countryside of the Eastern Cape. Much of the appeal of this area lies in it being secluded from the justle and bustle of the city life and in its abundance of verdant vegetation, spectacular wildlife and impressive variety of birds.
The Thornhill Hotel is a notable landmark in the village of Thornhill and often boasts live performances on a Sunday afternoon.
Baviaanskloof
The word Baviaanskloof, although derived from the Dutch “valley of baboons,” is associated with pristine nature, narrow gorges with flowing streams, steep mountain passes, vast plains with waving grasslands, and views of unspoilt wilderness. Nature has taken its course over thousands of years to create what is today universally recognized as the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site. Few other places in the world hold evidence of the footprint of human history spanning over a million years. The narrow valley of the Baviaanskloof is just under 200 km in length and bounded by two mountain ranges: the Baviaanskloof Mountains on the north and the Kouga mountains on the south side. The valley lies at a lower altitude than the Karoo in the north.
When entering the Baviaanskloof through the Nuwekloof Pass visitors will be treated to mountain scenery that is often termed the “Skyscapers” of the Baviaanskloof. The road winds along the riverbed with towering cliffs on both sides giving one a taste of what is to come.
Along the way you will encounter the “Geraas Krans” (Noisy Cliff) and the “Baviaanskloof Sleutel” (Baviaanskloof Key). The latter is an overhanging rock with a split right through from the top to the bottom seemingly ready to fall and “lock” the road preventing access into the Baviaanskloof.
After passing the” Key” the road gradually enters the Baviaanskloof farming area also referred to as the Baviaanskloof Hartland. This area is well known for its hospitality and guest accommodation ranging from luxury lodges to campsites, from tree houses to caves.
Apart from accommodation the Baviaanskloof Hartland also boasts numerous 4×4 routes, hiking trails as well as cultural and natural tourist attractions such as San Rock Art, natural rock formations, artesian fountains, wild fig forests and magnificent mountain scenery.
To experience this, visitors should ensure that they spend some time in this area before moving on to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area.
Arriving after night fall is not recommended unless arrangements have been made with the people where you are staying.
Tsitsikamma
Gamtoos Valley
The name Gamtoos catches in the back of the throat with a guttural stop so typical of the wonderfully descriptive Afrikaans language. The word probably originated from Dutch settlers, who called the Khoikhoi clan in the area ‘Gamtousch’, although others argue that it means ‘the roaring lion’ and refers to the sound of the Gamtoos River in flood.
Lying adjacent to the Garden Route, just over 25 min’s drive from Jeffreys Bay, the Gamtoos Valley is home to the three little villages of Hankey, Loerie and Patensie.
It is a vibrant mix of citrus, potato and tobacco farming that forms a collage of cultivate fields and orchards.
Regarded as the gateway to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the valley is a treasure trove of beautiful scenery and interesting landmarks that stretch all the way up to Komdomo, where the Baviaanskloof route begins. The town of Hankey is not only the oldest town in the valley, but also claims to have the largest Sun Dial in the Southern Hemisphere – 36.4m across.
Guarded by the majestic Cockscomb Mountain, the Gamtoos Valley offers visitors a range and diversity of activities to enjoy … from mountain biking, hiking, 4×4-routes, cycling, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, game drives, photo safaris, to day trips into the Baviaanskloof.
St Francis Canal Cruises
Built in 1967, the canal system of St Francis Bay has become a leading South African tourist destination. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil canal waters. Your professional skipper will escort you through the waterways, offering you wonderful views of the architecture, wildlife and as evening draws in, the spectacular sunsets.
Seal Point Lighthouse
The Seal Point Lighthouse was first lit on July 4th, 1878. Since then, it’s been weathering the tempestuous climate of the Eastern Cape to offer indispensable guidance to ships entering the dangerous waters of Algoa Bay. You can now enjoy a wonderful stay in this iconic Eastern Cape landmark.
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