Jordan Restaurant Stellenbosch

 When food becomes art👨‍🍳 Marthinus Ferreira and the team pride themselves on using seasonal ingredients, which means the menu changes regularly. Visit Jordan Restaurant at Jordan Wine Estate Stellenbosch to see the magic happening in real life. 😋

Whale Trail Availability 🐳

Whale Trail, always wonderful!👣🐳 Let me know if you want to join on our next Whale Trail 20 to 25 August 2024. Only 4 places available.. Fully catered. Only carry daypack.🎉🐳 Please also look at the Whale Trail Page. 

Cost: Including Meals,  Accommodation, Trail, Porterage. Only carry daypack.R10 500 Per person in Whale Season (June to December)

Out of Whale season R8900 (January to May) Good chance to see dolphins all year round.

The Whale Trail is a must-do if you love hiking and appreciate the outdoors. The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline. The reserve is part of the Cape floral region and is a World Heritage Site that hosts one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Famous for the large pods of whales that congregate during breeding season annually.

Between June and November, scores of the large endangered Southern Right whale, calve close to the shoreline. That being said, the hike itself is just as wonderful when the whales are not present. De Hoop Reserve acts as a nursery to the young whales during breeding season. It is said to be one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching areas. The Southern Right whale spends the summer in the far Southern Ocean feeding close to Antarctica and migrates north in winter for warm-water breeding. If you’re lucky you’ll also see large schools of resident dolphins and seals, as well as sharks in the marine reserve.

Expanses of fynbos, grasses and proteas lie before you every step of the way. The landscape is constantly changing as is the vegetation. The first two days are mountainous and as you move along the coast on the third, fourth and fifth day, the coastal scenery is breathtaking. De Hoop is part of the Cape floral region, which is one of the planet’s smallest, and most threatened floral kingdoms. The reserve is essential in conserving rare lowland fynbos. De Hoop has an estimated 1,500 plant species.

Stellenboschberg Ridge

We ascended from Paradyskloof side, Eden Forest. We descended towards Coetzenburg, then back to cars.

The views from the top are amazing. One can see the whole Jonkershoek Valley, Simonsberg, Table Mountain,  False Bay all the way to Cape Point. Beautiful Fynbos.

Alternatively one can ascend via Assegaaibos, on the Jonkershoek side or Coetzenburg.

Strenuous hike. Approximately 6 to 7 hours, be prepared with food and water.

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/JvakutpfyAb

Start Eden Forest

https://maps.google.com/?cid=859782873173489165&entry=gps

Amatola Trail

 Amatola Trail 

On the way to start the Amatola Trail enjoy the rural scenery and the cows. The Amatola Trail is widely regarded as the toughest and one of the most amazing hutted hiking trails in South Africa. A six-day and five-night hike starting at Maden Dam near King Williams Town, traversing the incredible Amatola Mountains and ending in the iconic village of Hogsback. 

The Amatola Trail is truly amazing. One of the most beautiful hikes I have ever hiked. I consider it as the Comrades of South Africa’s Hiking Trails 👣 

Day 1

Maden Dam – Gwiligwili Hut (11km)

Day 1 is the easiest and Day 1 Maden Dam – Gwiligwili Hut (11km) shortest day of the whole trail, and the only day you don’t need to set off at Daybreak. Dan ftom Away with the Ferries will take you to start at Maden dam and then you climb 700m on the first day. You climb through a beautiful indigenous forest  You will notice what looks like fresh dog poo everywhere, it’s digested soil, from giant earthworms and they often grow to 1m in length !

Gwiligwili Hut is perched on top of a hill with views forever and beautiful sunset.

Water: Take 1 liter to 1.5 liter of water with you. There are one or two opportunities on way to fill up at streams 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/3iq05nOkiAb

Day 2

Gwiligwili Hut – Dontsa Hut (18km Or 19.6km)

Day 2 Traverse through indigenous forest the entire distance with the Keiskammahoek valley below. It is a long day of undulations which can be exhausting for the less than fit. Dontsa hut is in one of the few patches of pine plantation that you will pass through. Pine on one side and indigenous forest on the other. 

Water: Take enough water with. The water in the streams below Hut 2 is not safe to drink

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/ChYJaiTmiAb

Day 3

Dontsa Hut – Cata Hut (20,62 km 2024m Ascent)

This is a very long tough day, with lots of outstanding views. For the first time you leave the forest behind as the trail ascends to the plateau, where macchia grassland and a myriad of wildflowers grow. 

The day tarts up up up, initially in indigenous forest, then along the escarpment.  Be careful of slippery rocks at the waterfalls. Rather do not go over the top of Doornkop, it's not marked, one can essily get lost.

At Hairpin Bend, it is  decision time.   Either,  go left down the hill to Waterfall Forest (Rivendell) past the Cata Forest Station if the weather is good and you are in good health.  

Waterfall Forest is a huge highlight. After Cata Forest Station on the corner of the Forestry road, look for a rock with S25 and arrows and a footprint.  Take the trail at the split following the  footprint and leave the forestry road. 550m of ascent between Cata Forest Station and Cata Hut. Absolutely worth it. It is beautiful. 

Or

If weather very bad, it's past 2pm or a hiker is struggling then turn right and go up the Forestry Road and take middle route (Mordor).    Markings are quite poor.  

Water: You can drink all water from Hut 2 onwards,  except from the green tanks. Enough water on way to fill up.

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/fMAYwz8miAb

Day 4 - Cata Hut to Mnyameni Hut (14.56km 634m Ascent)

Big climb - lots of up and then nearly 1000m down. 

Geju Peak - In good health and good weather, definitely go over Geju Peak, which is a huge highlight. If not, take SC (Short Cut) marked on a rock at the split.  The Short Cut through the saddle is only recommended in bad weather or if a hiker is injured.

The 2 trails meet again at the Meteorite. Hit with some of the stones with your hiking pole to hear a lovely musical noise.

Steep switchbacks and cliff edges into Malan Forest, an enchanted forest. Cross the river 11 times on the way to the hut. Spend time in the pools. 

Water: Fill up at least 1L of water in pools on the way up before the peak.   No water until well after the meteorite. 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/KQSzbnaniAb

Day 5 Mnyameni Hut to Hog 3 (19.42km 991m Ascent)

Caution!! Inkanyamba / Smaug, the dragon lives here!  

Start early so that there is sufficient time to swim at least 3  times in the heavenly pools.  

The day starts off steep (and normally is prone to being overgrown) until Hog 3 and then follows the stream out in the open. 

Incredible scenery and lovely waterfalls and pools to swim in.

Watch out for the cliff edges during the first climb under the mountain. 

Towards the end of the day, along the cliff edge, there is a small land slip. Be extra careful.

Water: Plenty if good equality drinking water on he way.

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/WaP0qrbpiAb

Day 6 Hog 3 to Hogsback (16.2km. 1000m Ascent)

Visit Baines Falls, before setting off on last day of the trail. The trail goes up up up 900m (past the dam and water full up) ascent to Hog 1.  At top of the climb you are on the edge of Hog 1 from where you can see the whole route you've hiked and forward to Hogsback. Beautiful!

After the sign congratulations g you know finish the trail, take the turn off to walk back via Madonna and Child waterfall and  the Big Tree. It is a beautiful trail through the forest. Absolutely worth it to this which is also known as The Amatola Plus.

In extreme weather or injured, do not attempt the peak take other roads back to Hogsback.

Water: Fill up water at Zingcuka Hut in case cows have dirtied water at the dam at the top of the Ridge.  Then fill up after the dam,  just over the road before the big push up behind Hog1.  There is no water from here until you're coming down Tyumie Falls near the end. 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/0TCPxGvpiAb

Cederberg

The solitude and breathtaking natural beauty of the Cederberg is captivating. Exposure to natural elements and a degree of freedom and isolation ensures a true wilderness experience.

The Cederberg Conservancy was constituted in 1997 as a voluntary agreement between landowners to manage the environment in a sustainable manner. It consolidates 22 properties in the central Cederberg as one of the core corridors of the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor and it is active through quarterly meetings and awareness days.

Visitors to the area can engage in bird watching or easy hikes to the Stadsaal cave and Elephant rock art. For the more adventurous visitor the Conservancy offers Mountain bike trails or overnight hiking trials that vary from one to five nights, depending on your level of fitness and ability. 

https://www.cederberg.co.za/

Buy permits from Cape Nature .

Twin Peaks Hike Stellenbosch

Twin Peaks ( Pieke) Jonkershoek Stellenbosch. Fantastic hike. The views are absolutely amazing. 👣

The trail starts in Jonkershoek nature reserve. Plan for a full day's hike and download a good map of the trail. It is not always easy to find the trail. It is not an easy hike. Need to be fit. Some stretches of trail slightly technical.

Check out my activity on Strava.(Select link, click open to view route.)

 https://strava.app.link/jel5fseh4yb

Lavender & Olives

Lavender & Olives at Owls Rest  Delighful& Interesting visit.🪻🌿

https://owlsproducts.co.za/home/

Arangieskop Hiking Trail

Arangieskop, is a beautiful 2-day hiking trail, in the magnificent Dassieshoek Nature Reserve just outside Robertson in the Western Cape. It is often referred to as the “Kilimanjaro of the Cape ". Not because of its height, but due to the relentless uphill of the first day and downhill of the second. Fantastic!

Check out my activity on Strava:

https://strava.app.link/EwYA4dtWsxb

https://strava.app.link/7no5lKoWsxb

 

Koedoeskop Private Mountain Reserve

Koedoeskop, literally, in Afrikaans, Kudus’ Hill, is a privately owned 5000 hectares' nature reserve, in the Eastern Cape, committed to the preservation of fauna & flora.

Lovely peaceful, quiet setting between the mountains. Activities such as guided game drives, walking & hiking, mountain biking are available. Delicious food, attentive friendly staff makes you feel at home. Great pool area for warm days and a lovely cozy fireplace for cold winter days. The boma is also great, sitting around a fire under the Karoo skies - magic!

It is a long drive on dirt roads but absolutely worth it. 

Northern Part of Kruger National Park

 Pafuri is arguably one of the most scenically beautiful and diverse wilderness areas in the Kruger National Park. This 26,500ha concession, belonging to the Makuleke people, boasts nearly 80% of the Kruger Park’s biodiversity. Immerse yourself in the beauty, splendour and stillness.

The Outpost lodge accommodation offers en-suite luxury spaces cantilevered on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River.  Offering 180º of uninterrupted views. Absolutely amazing!

Contact details

 

 🚙 🐘 🥾 🥘🍷🦒

Easy Travel & Tours

Annie Delport

Mobile: + 27 (0) 82 542 3605

Mobile:  + 27 (0) 81 758 8370

Web:    http://www.easytravel-sa.com/

  

Blog: https://anniestours.blogspot.com/?m=1

🇿🇦  🇳🇦  🇧🇼  🇿🇼

Experience the Magic of Southern -Africa!

Lanzerac Spa

The wonderful and luxurious Lanzerac Spa is on one of the oldest wine estates in the region, surrounded by vineyards and folds of beautiful mountains. 

It’s the perfect place to unwind and spoil yourselves. The hydrotherapy facilities are enticing – mist rooms, a steam room and sauna, experience showers, two traditional rasul chambers and a sparkling-blue indoor heated pool with a jacuzzi on the side. Loungers on  terrace overlook the valley, plus there is health café. 

There are seven treatment rooms. Every inch of you, from top to toe, can be pampered and revitalised in this oasis of wellness.

Befitting its wine-farm setting, natural, grape-based TheraVine products are used, as well as African-inspired TheraNaka treatments and natural-skincare brand Elemis are used.