Keen birdwatchers will find more than 250 species represented here including the spectacular Narina Trogon (definitely one of the most gorgeous birds to spot in South Africa), Knysna Loerie, African Fish Eagle, African Black Oystercatcher and lots more!
Chacma Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Bushbucks, Blue Duikwer, Genets and Bush Pigs are the commonly seen in the Valley, including Leopard tracks and the Cape Clawless Otter on rare occasions.
Dolphins often frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of life. The gentle giant of the ocean, the Southern Right Whale also visits here, coming inshore to breed.
Nature's Valley Wildlife_Bushbuck
Nature's Valley Wildlife_Knysna Loerie
Nature's Valley Wildlife_Oystercatcher
Nature's Valley Wildlife_Bushbuck
Nature's Valley Hiking_Grootrivier
Nature's Valley Hiking Trails
Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail
Nature's Valley Hiking_Grootrivier
Canoeing
The quiet and serene Valley is one of the most tranquil places to canoe in the Garden Route area.
Hire a canoe at the Nature’s Valley Rest Camp (De Vasselot Camp Site) and enjoy these peaceful waters with great birding opportunities on the Groot River and Estuary.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot the secretive African Finfoot or the majestic Narina Trogon.
Canoeing on the lagoon
Canoeing on the lagoon
Canoeing
Canoeing on the lagoon
Kurland Polo, The Grags
Kurland Polo, The Grags
Kurland Polo, The Grags
Kurland Polo, The Grags
The Bucket List
Wildlife
Hiking Trails
There are numerous hiking trails in the area. The most well-known trail is the world famous coastal Otter Trail, undoubtedly the most iconic 5-day hiking trail in South Africa that starts at the Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park and ends in Nature's Valley. Then there is also the beautiful 2-6 day in-land Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail that starts at De Vasselot Rest Camp in Nature's Valley and ends at the Storms River Mouth.
You can hike some beautiful shorter day trails in Nature’s Valley, but the 3-6 hour Salt River hike is definitely one to put on your to do list! It can be followed via the coast route or the Keurpad route and, although difficult, it is exciting and worthwhile.
The Kalanderkloof Hiking Trail covers an area of 4.8 kilometres, starting in the forest opposite the entrance to the De Vasselot Camp Site. A few 100 meters along the trail the road forks and here you can choose a relatively easy and spectacular walk along a river with amazing forest scenes and towering Yellow woods of 100s of years or you will choose a steep walk up the side of the mountain starting in beautiful forest and leading to steps through Fynbos. This hiking trail is easily mastered and can be extended to include the Salt River trail for those Adrenalin junkies that would crave a bit more.
Click here for a comprehensive Nature's Valley Trails Guide.
Visit the Nature’s Way Farm Stall
This is the best place for homemade ice cream, yoghurt, milk, cream and delicious cheeses - the perfect spot for a delectable lunch or a nice relaxed cup of coffee. The Nature’s Way Farm Stall is traditional, family run, working dairy farm and is also extremely kid-friendly. On the R102 towards the N2 highway from Nature’s Valley.
Cycle the Groot River Pass
You can cycle up and down the Grootrivier Pass (R102). This pass is an everlasting favourite and a joy to ride, amongst the indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma. With its steep, winding meander through a low traffic area, it is definitely a must on most cyclists’ lists.
Organised Activities
The Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) combines research and education to reach the public. The NVT and the local church hosts various summer and Easter holiday programmes for the whole family that includes:
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The popular Triathlon as a fun event for the whole family
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Responsible fishing competitions on the estuary (you’ll need valid fishing and bait permits, attainable from the local post office)
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Sing at the Christmas Carol Service – an annual gathering on the Syndicate lawn where families spend some time singing and reflecting what they are grateful for– overlooking the magnificent Groot Estuary
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Witness Father Xmas boating - Where else can Santa arrive across the lagoon on a boat to deliver presents to your kids? If you are in the valley over this time of year, pop in to the NVRA office for more details – the stuff kids’ memories are made of!
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The annual Church Bazaar is a definite MUST! This is where you get to see the Nature’s Valley community come together to raise funds for the Church, sample the best home-made goodies on the planet, and catch up with old friends from days gone by.
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Nature’s Valley Art Exhibition - have a look at all the amazing artists and the vast array of art forms and mediums on display
Nature's Valley Trading Store
Nature's Valley Trading Store
Take a drive
You will be amazed to find out how many things are there to do in and around Nature’s Valley and it’s all just a stone’s throw away!
Eat out:
Ristorante Enrico - Keurboomstrand: https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteEnrico/
Nature’s Valley: https://www.facebook.com/NaturesValleyRestaurant/
Other restaurants: https://www.plett-tourism.co.za/eat/
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Visit the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Learn more about snakes and other reptile species (such as monitor lizards and crocodiles)
www.lawnwoodsnakesanctuary.co.za
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Visit Radical Raptors
Learn more about the rehabilitation and rescue of birds of prey. Witness a range of trained birds take flight in their natural environments.
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Visit Birds of Eden
The largest single free flight aviary in the world, incorporating indigenous forest, waterfalls and elevated walkways and home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species. Previously caged birds from many parts of the world enjoy free flight here.
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Visit Monkeyland
Learn more about our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing at the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary - an opportunity to interact with free roaming primates from all corners of the globe.
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Visit The Elephant Sanctuary
Visitors are taken on a journey into the world of the African elephant and are able to touch, feed and get to know these majestic animals.
www.plettenbergbay.elephantsanctuary.co.za
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Visit Tstsikamma National Park / Storms River Mouth
This is where the world renowned Otter Hiking Trail begins and Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail ends. Experience exciting black water tubing, safe snorkelling and wonderful diving excursions in this pristine marine nature reserve. Take a walk along the forest trails and perhaps brave the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth.
https://www.untouchedadventures.com/
https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/storms_river/
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Visit Robberg Nature Reserve
This peninsula is a national monument steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts. There are three circular hiking routes on offer that vary in terms of distance and difficulty. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of the birds, whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and other wildlife.
www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
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Visit the Bloukrans Bungy
The world’s highest commercial bungy bridge and highest commercial natural bungy jump in the World. It also features the flying fox - a 200m cable slide (foofy slide) onto the archway of the bridge.
https://www.faceadrenalin.com/
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Visit Tstisikamma Tree Top Canopy Tours
Located in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, many of the platforms are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old! Standing within the crown of these giants and looking down at the lush forest floor thirty metres below is an experience of a lifetime.
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Visit the Plett Winelands (‘Bubbly Route’)
Bramon Wine Estate owners, Caroline and Peter Thorpe, planted the first grape vines in 2001. Plettenberg Bay is now recognised as one of South Africa’s ‘Wine of Origin’ regions, and also the smallest. The area’s climate makes it more conducive to cooler-climate wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties. Plett hosts an annual Wine & Bubbly Festival during school holidays during the month of March. There are currently 18 wine farms from Harkerville to the Crags. Must-Visit Wine Farms near Nature’s Valley include: Newstead, Kay & Monty Vineyards, Lodestone Wines, Packwood Wine & Country Estate, Plettenvale Wine Estate and Bramon Wine Estate.
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Play Golf at Goose Valley
18-hole signature golf course designed by Gary Player, Goose Valley Golf Club has a magnificent 72-par course, state-of-the-art driving range, elegant clubhouse with restaurant & bar and a well-stocked pro shop. Breath-taking views of the lagoon, ocean and Tsitsikamma Mountains. No caddies but golf carts are available. There are competitions on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
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Visit Plett Polo Club (Kurland)
Plett Polo Club is based on the beautiful Kurland Estate, opposite the Nature’s Valley turnoff from the N2. With 9 polo fields in the area, hundreds of ponies, polo pro’s and a 6 month playing season, Plett Polo is widely considered the leading polo club in the country, if not the entire African continent. The polo season in Plettenberg Bay spans from December to April and attracts an ever increasing number of international patrons, top professionals and polo enthusiasts from around the world.
