Plaatbos forest and Storms River Pass

The Tsitsikamma is one of my happy places. It is where I go to recharge my soul and get close to nature and that is what we as a family did a couple of week ago. It wasn't a comprehensive charge, but a quick visit one just to breath in the fresh Tsitsikamma air and … Continue reading Plaatbos forest and Storms River Pass →

Spending a day in the Tsitsikamma – video

I have always wanted to make travel videos. When I started working as a tourist guide in 1998 I had a little video camera which I filmed my tours with. Back then I didn't know anything about editing. The video was basically what I shot and I had to make sure the video was rewound … Continue reading Spending a day in the Tsitsikamma – video →

Hogsback – a fairy wonderland of forests and waterfalls

Hogsback must be one of the most beautiful areas in the Eastern Cape and one of my favorite destinations in the province yet it's been a good decade and a half since I've last been there. Every year the Damselfly and I threaten to go for a weekend but every time we end up going … Continue reading Hogsback – a fairy wonderland of forests and waterfalls →

Exploring the old Storms River Pass

I have a special connection with the Tsitsikamma forest. It is where I go to plug in my soul for a bit of a recharge. It doesn't even have to be an extended recharge. Just a couple of minutes sitting in the forest next to a stream taking in the forest with all my senses is … Continue reading Exploring the old Storms River Pass →

A stream runs through it

If I had to show this photo to anybody and ask them where the picture was taken, they would probably guess places like the Tsitsikamma, Knysna forest or Hogsback. Although all of these are likely candidates, in all cases they would be wrong. This specific scene is hidden away in a valley near Baviaans Lodge … Continue reading A stream runs through it →

Forest scenes and senses from the Tsitsikamma

The Tsitsikamma is famous for its stunning scenery, magnificent forests and exciting adventures. I often wonder how many people visit here and marvel at the big things but totally miss the little ones. Ferns with new leaves opening up, soft moss growing on a rock, bracket fungus on the side of a log, the sound … Continue reading Forest scenes and senses from the Tsitsikamma →

The Big Tree

For my last post in this week's series on the Tsitsikamma I featuring a thing and not an activity. The Big Tree is probably one of the best known landmarks in the area and a very popular stop for tourists. An easy 500 meter boardwalk takes visitors to one of the giants of the forest. I … Continue reading The Big Tree →

Storms River Mouth Trail

I can never rave enough on how awesome the Tsitsikamma National Park. Its an absolutely beautiful place and the amount of visitors, both domestic and international, that go there daily is proof that its one place you cannot miss when travelling along the Garden Route. Most of these visitors do the Mouth Trail from the … Continue reading Storms River Mouth Trail →

Tsitsikamma Forest Trail Part 3: Up the old pass

The first part of our walk through the Plaatbos Nature Reserve took us on various trails through the forest before taking a halfway break next to the Storms River by the old low water bridge. This left us with the walk back up to the village on the Storms River Pass. In 1879 the famous pass builder Thomas … Continue reading Tsitsikamma Forest Trail Part 3: Up the old pass →

Tsitsikamma Forest Trail Part 1: Plaatbos Nature Reserve

I find forests to have some kind of therapeutic effect on me, hence the fact that I will find any excuse to go and spend some time around forests. It's no surprise then that I found myself and Family Firefly on a family outing in Storms River Village in the Tsitsikamma. Three days around the forest for … Continue reading Tsitsikamma Forest Trail Part 1: Plaatbos Nature Reserve →