Maps and Distances
Getting there
See Air Travel and Train Travel for flights and trains to and from Nature’s Valley
| From johannesburg (1200 kms) |
|---|
| Take the N1 until Colesberg. At Colesberg turn onto the N9 via Graaff-Reinet until Uniondale. At Uniondale, turn onto the R339. After Prince Alfred’s Pass turn onto the R340 towards Plettenberg Bay. When you reach the N2, travel east towards Humansdorp and Port Elizabeth. (Note that the route after Uniondale includes sand roads). Total distance approximately 1200 kms |
| For alternate routes (Approx. 100 kms longer) 1. Continue on the N9 till George. Take the N2 direction Knysna, Plettenberg Bay. 2. The route via Port Elizabeth is an easy road without mountain passes. |
| From plettenberg bay (37 kms) |
|---|
| Travel east (direction Port Elizabeth) along the N2 from Plettenberg Bay for approximately 35 kilometres. Once you have passed Keurbooms and The Crags, just before the Bloukrans River bridge, turn right onto the R102, signposted Nature’s Valley. |
| From port elizabeth (200 kms) |
|---|
| Take the Nature’s Valley R102 turnoff just after the N2 tollgate. |
| From the R102 (10 kms) |
|---|
| After approximately 10 km, enter Nature’s Valley. |
Distances
The following table gives approximate distances by car
| Town/City | Distance |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg to Nature’s Valley (via Graaff-Reinet and Prince Alfred’s Pass) | 1200 km |
| Johannesburg to Nature’s Valley (via Port Elizabeth) | 1300 km |
| Cape Town to Nature’s Valley on the N2 | 600 km |
| Port Elizabeth to Nature’s Valley | 210 km |
| Nature’s Valley to Storms River Mouth | 45 km |
| Nature’s Valley to Plettenberg Bay | 37 km |
| Nature’s Valley to Knysna | 68 km |
| Nature’s Valley to Wilderness | 115 km |
| Nature’s Valley to George | 130 km |
| Nature’s Valley to Prince Alfred’s Pass | 110 km |
R102
TRAINS
Travelling by train offers the options of comfortable intercity trains (from Cape Town and Johannesburg to George) as well as luxurious trains – the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, and old-fashioned steam trains – the Transnet Heritage Foundation trains, and the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe which runs between George and Knysna.
| Train | Description | Contact info |
|---|---|---|
| Shosholoza Meyl | Safe long-distance rail, ‘Shosholoza Meyl’ is part of Spoornet (previously known as Main Line Passenger Services) and runs from Pretoria/Johannesburg to George via Worcester or to Port Elizabeth (200 km from Nature’s Valley). From Cape Town to George via Worcester. Regular and Pemier Class | 021 4492252, Fax 021 4496018 E-mail: JoanieJ@Spoornet.co.za Premier Class: 011 7735593, Fax: 021 11 7735596 E-mail: LeonardP@Transnet.co.za To check train times in South Africa see www.spoornet.co.za and click on ‘passenger services’. |
| JB Train Tours | 7-day Tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town with 4-star hotel accommodation. Prices from R3000 p.p. Also motorbike / train tours. | 011 913 2442/ 082 920 6908 E-mail:info@jbtours.co.za www.jbtours.co.za |
| Rovos Rail | An extravagant, luxurious train that travels seasonally between Cape Town and George, and weekly between Pretoria and Cape Town. | 021-421 4020 / 012- 323 6502 E-mail:reservations@rovos.co.za www.rovos.co.za |
| Blue Train | Two to three times a week this 600 Kilometres of luxury journey (including meals, wine and even cigars) runs from Cape Town, via Knysna to Pretoria. Highlights include Knysna, George, Cape Winelands and the Robertson Valley. Tours run in both directions. | 011-773 7631/ 021 449 2672 Toll Free: 0800-117 715 Fax: 021-449 2067 E-mail: BlueTrain@transnet.co.za www.bluedtravel.com/bluetrain |
| Metro Trains | Not recommended in the Gauteng area as they are unsafe here, Metro Rail is a feasable option around Cape Town if travelling with caution (leave all obvious valuables at home and do not travel at night). With the option of 1st (Metro Plus) and 3rd class, Metro Rail provides access to Stellenbosch, Paarl, etc. | |
| Transnet Heritage Foundation | Relaxed ambience of a 1950’s luxurious, authentic steam train travel at affordable prices. Departures from Cape Town to the Garden Route. | 012-449 4391 / Fax: 021-449 4395 E-mail:steamsa@transnet.co.za www.transnetheritagefoundation.co.za |
| Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe | Unfortunately due to the damage inflicted by the storms of 2006 and insufficient funds to renovate the tracks this steam train does not run anymore. |
For information on when and how to book, security and train schedules see: www.seat61.com
or http://terrapin.ru.ac.za
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe over the Kaaimans River, Wilderness
FLIGHTS
There are several flight options to and from the area of Nature’s Valley, including to Plettenberg Bay. The next closest public airport is George but Port Elizabeth, only 200 km from Nature’s Valley, can be a cheaper option. See Travelstart for an overview of flights. For flights to George:Skywise, Kulula, and Mango (only to Cape Town and Johannesburg) for competitively priced flights, as well as SAA, SA Express, SA Airlink, and Nationwide for flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Durban.
South African Historic Flight and Skyclass Aviation www.flyskyclass.comp offer flights in historic aircrafts.
For flights to and from Plettenberg Bay (only linked with Johannesburg and Cape Town and only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) see Fly CemAir. Plettenberg Bay also has its own airport for private planes. For those who charter or own their own aircraft, both Avgas and Jet-A1 fuel are available during daylight hours and secure overnight parking is provided. Hangar garage facilities are available if prior arrangements are made. For more information contact the Airport Manager on 044-533 9026
For an airport guide with advice and information on transport, airport facilities (including business and disabled facilities), contact numbers and links, maps, and more see http://cities.virgin.net/airport.jsp
See also to access city guides.
Airlines servicing the Garden Route are as follows:
| Airline | Nearest location | Contact info |
|---|---|---|
| Cem Air | Plettenberg Bay | Fly CemAir |
| Skywise | George Port Elizabeth | Skywise |
| Flysafair | George Port Elizabeth | Flysafair |
| Kulula | George Port Elizabeth | 0861 KULULA or 0861 585852 E-mail: info@kulula.com Kulula |
| Mango | Cape Town Johannesburg | JNB: +27 11 359 1222 and CPT: +27 21 936 1061 E-mail: enquiries@flymango.com Mango |
| South African Airways | George Cape Town | 044 801 8448 021 936 1111 South African Airways |
| Skyclass Aviation | Skyclass Aviation specialises in supplying tailor-made air charter services with Classic and modern Airliners. | 011 927 3227 Fax: +27 (0) 11 927 2792 E-mail: enquiries@flyskyclass.com www.flyskyclass.com |
CAR RENTAL
An excellent network of roads links the Garden Route to all major points in South Africa. Within the region itself the roads between towns are excellent. A few minor roads are gravel, but their condition is generally good. The area of Nature’s Valley offers a large variety of opportunities for scenic drives.
Speed limits, unless otherwise indicated, are 120 km/h on open highways, 80 km/h on urban highways and 60 km/h in built-up areas. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and road signage is in accordance with international codes. Petrol (gas) is available at all the towns and along the route at certain points on highways.
Foreign tourists require an international driver’s license, or one from their country of origin that has been certified by their consulate. Please note the legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg per 100ml.
A sample of car rental agencies:
| Agency | Location | Contact info |
|---|---|---|
| Avis | George airport Plettenberg Bay | 044-876 9314 044-533 1315 www.avis.co.za |
| Banger Car Hire | George | 082 574 6062 Fax: 044-874 3662 E-mail: info@bangercarhire.co.za www.bangercarhire.co.za |
| Economic Car Hire | Operating in Plett, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. | 041-581 5826 / 082-800 4258 Fax: 041-581 5840 E-Mail – econhire@iafrica.com www.economiccarhire.co.za |
| Gecko Transport Car Rental | Prices include unlimited mileage and across border travel permitted if arranged. | Tel: 021 7157000 Fax: 021 7157400 Email: info@gecko-transport.com www.gecko-transport.com |
| Imperial | George Plettenberg Bay | 044-876 9017 044-533 3176 / 083-244 4321 |
| Tempest Car Hire | George Airport Knysna cape Town airport | 044-876 9250 044-382-0354 021-424 5000 www.tempestcarhire.co.za |
| United Vehicle Services | 200+ outlets & one-way drop offs possible. Economy, midsize, executive, microbuses (even 1-ton pickups, panel vans and 4×4’s) | Toll free: 0800-225157 www.unitedvehicleservices.co.za |
| Thrifty Car Rental | Affordable car rental options from Cape Town International Airport | www.thrifty.co.za |
For ROUTES AND DISTANCES to and from Nature’s valley see Maps and Distances
For a more comprehensive list of car rental companies see www.ananzi.co.za/catalog/Travel/CarRental/
For online booking click on Car Rental South Africa Network
South Africa car hire offered by African Welcome, a car rental company operating in both South Africa and Namibia.
TRANSFERS, SHUTTLES AND COACHES
| Agent | Description activity | Contact info |
|---|---|---|
| Buzz Shuttle service | Shuttle service around the Plett area to all the tourist attractions such as Natures Valley, Bungee jumping, Monkeyland, etc. Single and round trips from R90. Pick up at the Caltex station, Main Road in Plett. | 074 166 2899 |
| Baz Bus | Specifically designed for budget travellers and backpackers, travellers buy one ticket to their final destination and can “Hop-on, Hop-off” wherever and as many times as they like, with no time limit. Drop-offs in Nature’s Valley. | 021-439-2323. E-mail: info@bazbus.com www.bazbus.com |
| Gecko Transport | Private, safe, luxurious, and flexible tour and transport service who go where you want to go and stop where you want to stop. From airport transfers to inter-town shuttles, pickups and drop offs, including the starting and finishing points of the famous Otter trail in Tsitsikamma. | 044 533 3705. E-mail: info@geckotours.co.za www.geckotours.co.za |
| Intercape Mainliner / Translux Express | Covering a large variety of destinations in South Africa in comfort and style. Luxury, affordable, air-conditioned transport | 044-382 1971 / 044-382 1407 / 021-405 3333 / 021-449 3333 |
| Greyhound | On-line booking, travel passes, student and senior citizen discounts, air-conditioning, reclining seats, and comfortable travel | Cape Town: 021-418 4310 / 021-505 6363 Port Elizabeth: 041-363 4555 / 041-568 4879 www.greyhound.co.za |
| Megacoach | Luxury shuttle service | 021-505 6400 Fax: 021-505 6444 E-mail: cape@megacoach.co.za www.megacoach.co.za |
| Garden Route Passenger Services | bus charters country wide and transfers from George Airport. | 044 873 0952 Cell: 082 485 1516 Fax: 086 618 5556 |
| Ardis Cape Town Tours | Microbus travel with max. 7 people to Nature’s Valley from Cape Town and vice-versa. Drinks and fruit supplied during travel as well as tourist stop opportunities. English and German spoken. R 2000 per microbus one-way CT to Nature’s Valley or vice-versa. | 021-790 8864 / 021-790 6039 / 082-655 0137 Fax: 021-790 7880 |
| JP Shuttle | 044-533 3581 | |
| Taximan | 24 hour transfers for small groups (1-4 people) | 044 533 3705. E-mail: info@geckotours.co.za www.geckotours.co.za |
| Mvubu Tours / Transfers | Professionally run tours and transfers | 044-382 1971 / 044-382 1407 / 021-405 3333 / 021-449 3333 |
| Carpe Diem Travel / Transfers | Transfers from Port Elizabeth (airport) to Natures Valley | 0794610258 E-Mail: info@carpediemtours.co.za |
| Big Foot Express | Airport and Garden Route Transfers | 044-532 7777 (24hr.) / 082-656 7777 Fax: 044-532 7881 |
| African Eagle Garden Route Shuttle | Shuttles, tours and Garden Route Transfers | www.daytours.co.za |
| Tours for South Africa | Shuttles, tours and Garden Route Transfers | www.toursforsouthafrica.com/ |
For routes and distances to and from Nature’s valley see Maps and Distances