About
Nature's Valley
The
Marvelous
Village
Arguably one of South Africa’s most beautiful holiday destinations, this magical hidden gem with its giant yellowwood trees, indigenous forest, fynbos, blue flag unspoiled beach, rugged coastline, numerous hiking trials and tranquil lagoon will exceed every nature lover’s expectations. It’s a sea, land and forest affair in one place!
Nature’s Valley is a pleasant place to be at any time of the year! During the winter months (May, June, July, August) there are still many sunny, warm days (temperatures around 18˚C - 25˚C) to enjoy. On warm winter days, you can sometimes be one of the only people on the beach – where else in the world can you find this solitude?
Nature’s Valley is nestled at the foot of the Grootrivier pass, approximately 30km east of Plettenberg Bay and approximately 30km west of Storms River where the world famous Otter Hiking Trail starts and Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail ends. Nature’s Valley also acts as the starting and end destination of both these hiking trails - undoubtedly the most iconic hiking trails in South Africa! Many hikers make use of NVH's self-catering accommodation options to prepare them for the long journey ahead and to take a rest and recover after the long walk. Hikers often extend their stay!
Apart from these two iconic hiking trails, Nature’s Valley also offers many other smaller day-trails to explore during your stay.
Situated within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, the village is completely surrounded by protected areas: the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park and the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area. The village itself is registered as an urban conservancy with CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority, while the region falls within a listed World Heritage Site, i.e. the Cape Floristic Region. Natures Valley is flanked by an escarpment on the one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side and forms part of the Tsitsikamma National Park. The Kouga, Kammanassie and "Groot Swart" mountain ranges stand guard over the valley.
The Grootrivier flows into the Indian Ocean and the estuary forms a lagoon where swimming, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding and canoeing are very popular with holiday makers. The village has one small shop that sells basic groceries as well a rustic restaurant that serves delicious wood-fired meals. There are no banks and definitely no shopping malls. Petrol (gasoline) and ATM facilities are available at The Crags on the N2 near the Nature’s Valley turn off.
