The Garden Route is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa, not only to locals, but also to international visitors. The Mediterranean-like climate generally means warm summers and lovely mild sunny winters. In between the stunning town of Plettenberg Bay and Storms River, you will find a little paradise spot called Natures Valley. About 30 km down the N2 it is easy to find the turn off which takes us past typical Southern Cape farmlands. Jersey cows bat their eyelashes while their udders sway heavily as they waddle up the road to be milked. Friendly waves from locals and a quick stop to taste cheese at Natures Way Farm Stall get us in the mood for our escape from the hustle and bustle. The road winds along through the colourful fynbos and the array of proteas has me jumping in and out of the car to take photos.
Natures Valley is a small holiday village which is nestled at the foot of the De Vasselot Nature Reserve. The magnificent Tsitsikamma coastal forest hugs the valley and a three-kilometre stretch of white silky sand stretches along the length of the ocean. As soon as I arrive I feel as though I have stumbled upon some enchanted place. It is so quiet and peaceful you can almost feel the stress draining from your shoulders. As we drive along we spot a bushbuck grazing in the shadows totally unperturbed by our presence. Natures Valley is currently the only formal settlement in South Africa within a Nature Reserve.
At one end of the village you will find a serene lagoon where the Groot River runs into the sea. The forest and dark glossy water emit atrue sense of tranquillity and the distant cry of a fish eagle makes it seem surreal. Canoes and kayaks litter the grassy banks and a couple of locals are fishing for their supper from the waterside benches. A hike up to the point gives us a breathtaking view over the whole area and we decide it would be a perfect spot for sundowners. Although the thought of stumbling back down the steep climb after a couple of cold ones is maybe a good deterrent and we settle for an untouched patch of sand at the eastern end of the beach. As we watch the sun gracefully bow out the breeze dies down and we know the clear skies are going to be extraordinary tonight.
Natures Valley is relatively quiet all year round with a few seasonal visitors, but fills up in December and all of a sudden the streets are teeming with kids playing ball games and families taking afternoon strolls. At night however and with the new moon, it can get very dark which we discovered is ideal for star gazing. After a tossing some lamb chops on the braai and guzzling them down with some good wine, we creep down to the beach, headlamps lighting our way, and run on to the wet sand in search of some phosphorescence. All of a sudden I shriek with delight as the ground underneath me lights up like fairy lights. All around there are bright diamonds glittering by our feet in the water and on the sand and as I drag my feet along I know what Tinkerbell must feel like dropping sparkles as she goes. The night sky is astounding and we spend an hour lying on our backs watching patiently for shooting stars.
This place is an ideal holiday spot for families with a gorgeous long beach, safe roads and a calm lagoon for hours of fun. There are plenty of hikes around the area and all of them end up somewhere with a glorious view of the valley and out over the ocean. From June to November you can see the whales floating just off the backline as many Southern Rights tuck themselves along this bay to calve. There are many families that have been coming here for years and the whole place gives you a sense of community. We head down to the pub and restaurant to enjoy a simple but delicious meal and the owners, Tish and Beefy, are always on hand to entertain us and share some stories of the week. The best thing on the menu is their homemade beef burgers and hand cut chips washed down with an ice cold beer after a long hike. This is enjoyed by almost every group of Otter Trail hikers as they finish up their long five-day walk under the shoe tree in the restaurant’s garden.
There are plenty of places to stay and holiday homes to rent but you will have to book in advance because during season they are very busy and most of the places are booked out well in advance. Our pick of accommodation would be Froggy Pond right at the entrance to the Valley or click here to find more accommodation in Natures Valley.
Contact
Natures Valley Trading Store
Tel 044-531-6835
www.natures-valley.com
Natures Way Farm Stall
Tel 044-534-8849
Email [email protected]
Froggy Pond
Tel 044-531-6835
Email [email protected]
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