Activities

Only the best make the list

Hiking

The entire Garden Route is a paradise for hiking but Nature’s Valley is particularly beautiful.

food and drink

The most beautiful part of the Garden Route, self-catering house available in Nature’s Valley with great food and wine in surrounding area.

fishing

Nature’s Valley has some of the best fishing in the area. Cape Yellow Tail, White Steenbras, Yellowbelly Rockcod, Red Roman, Mussel Crackers and Kabeljou are some of the marine and estuarine fish found in the sea or lagoon of Nature’s Valley.

birding

Nature’s Valley luckily has local Kynsna Turacos, Forktailed Drongos and the Sombre Greenbul in residence.

cycling

Popular routes are designated on maps available from the Tourism Bureau or the Forestry Department on 044-382 5466..

golf and bowls

Golf courses on the Garden Route offer a spectacular environment of forest, lagoons, ocean and fynbos. Clubhouse facilities are generally excellent.

abseiling

Abseiling is an adventurous but controlled descent by a rope or chain down gorges and kloofs and passing through the spectacular environment of the Tsitsikamma.

riding and polo

Day, half-day, mini, and even moonlight and champagne breakfast trails are offered by various stables and riding schools in the area of Nature’s Valley.

tours

There are a multitude of organisations offering organised tours along the Garden Route.

scenic routes

Although the entire area of Nature’s Valley is scenic, below are some spectacular short or day trips

parks & sanctuaries

There are countless parks, resorts, sanctuaries and such in the near vicinity of Nature’s Valley.

markets

Tip: Visit Old Nick’s market on Wednesdays and Harkerville on Saturdays.

theatres & museums

Don’t miss the Barnyard Theatre in the Crags.

aquariums

For those who prefer solid glass between them and marine life, there is the NSRI Aquarium at the Knysna Heads with a variety of salt and fresh water fish.

diving

Diving and snorkelling along the Garden Route are excellent and Nature’s Valley offers the opportunity of salt or fresh water conditions.

whales

Whales, dolphins, and seals can be sighted all year round from the beach of Nature’s Valley, but whale watching is at its best from June to November when whales mate and calve.

sailing

For fresh-water sailing in Nature’s Valley lagoon vessels can be chartered and tuition is available from De Vasselot Nature Reserve.

cruises

For fresh-water sailing in Nature’s Valley lagoon vessels can be chartered and tuition is available from De Vasselot Nature Reserve.

boating

To conserve the natural habitat of Nature’s Valley, water skiing is only permitted in Plettenberg Bay’s Central Ocean or Keurbooms River, and Knysna’s ocean and lagoon.

swimming

Nature’s Valley water temperatures vary from 14 degrees to 23 degrees depending on seasons and weather conditions.

canoeing

The Groot River lagoon at Nature’s Valley is suitable for canoeing, kayaking and sailing with a labyrinth of passageways for exploration. It is home to, among others, baboons, otters, and a large variety of wetland birds.

surfing

To conserve the natural habitat of Nature’s Valley, water skiing is only permitted in Plettenberg Bay’s Central Ocean or Keurbooms River, and Knysna’s ocean and lagoon.

water skiing

To conserve the natural habitat of Nature’s Valley, water skiing is only permitted in Plettenberg Bay’s Central Ocean or Keurbooms River, and Knysna’s ocean and lagoon.

skydiving

Organisations offering air activities in the area of Nature’s Valley.

paragliding

Organisations offering air activities in the area of Nature’s Valley.

microlighting

Organisations offering air activities in the area of Nature’s Valley.

helicopter

Organisations offering air activities in the area of Nature’s Valley.

bungee jumping

Just a stone’s throw away from Nature’s Valley is the site of the world’s highest commercial bungee jump – off the Bloukrans River Bridge – 216 metres of free fall for a full 7 seconds.