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Wind over False Bay.

 

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Goegap Hiking Trail

Although best known for its extraordinary displays of flowers during August and September, this well-managed reserve offers hikers a year-round opportunity to walk around typical Namaqualand granite koppies.

The trail starts behind the office, where you are issued with a map and information brochure. There are also some interesting display boards from which you can learn more about the geology and history of the area before you set out. Spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the local flora at the Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden then take the dirt road to a rocky path that heads up the hill...

(GPS coordinates: -29.66484, 17.99687)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/hiking/goegap-hiking-trail

 

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Howick MTB Trails

This is a single-track delight, where some big climbs will reward you with awesome views over Midmar Dam and the foothills of the Drakensberg. It is a network of flowing single-track routes with some technical challenges, such as rock gardens, drop-offs and biking bridges.

The Howick Mountain-Bike Club does most of its riding in the plantations between Howick and the Karkloof Nature Reserve. It has laid out about 30 kilometres of tracks varying from gentle, tree- and fern-lined paths to attention-grabbing sections with names such as Suicide Slide, The Face, Rushalot and Pines...

(GPS coordinates: -29.476895, 30.218824)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/mountain-biking/howick-mtb-trails

 

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Bushbuck Hills Trail

Bushbuck Hills is a beautiful game farm nestled in the hills outside Swartruggens, about two hours’ drive from Johannesburg. The Pilanesberg Mountains and reserve are visible to the north and, should you want to combine hiking with more hedonistic adventures, Sun City is only 60 kilometres away.

With plenty of birds and approachable plains game but no dangerous animals, the farm is a paradise for nature lovers and offers a variety of easy walking trails from a four-kilometre circular loop to a strenuous 18-kilometre overnight trail...

(GPS coordinates: -25.537243, 26.804666)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/hiking/bushbuck-hills-trail

 

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A Nature Lover at Cape Point

To experience Mother nature in the mother city, I go to Cape Point. Nothing beats spending the day watching wild waves leap against rocky mountain cliffs, spotting lazy seals, (or even a breaching Southern Right whale in winter) and breathing in salty clean air while the wind tangles my tresses and sings through my ears. 

Containing more than 11000 plant species, Cape Point (Table Mountain National Park) is the smallest but richest of the Worlds six floral kingdoms. The unique merging of two ocean currents, the Cold Benguela and the Agulhas current, has resulted in an extraordinarily rich marine life – a third of all marine species in Southern Africa occur here. It’s also home to a large chattering array of birds (250 different species), Cape mountain zebra, eland, and the only shellfish-foraging baboon population in the world. 

Cape Point’s famous lighthouse, built in 1859, standing 249 metres above sea level, is surrounded by beautiful greenery and meandering rocky paths. There are many places to picnic and marvel at the magnificent views, but don't forget to bring along an extra layer as it's known to get very windy.  Also take some time to explore little rock pools – underwater gardens where sea anemones show off, swaying their colourful clown heads. If you're feeling brave then join them,  the icy water is exhilarating! 

It's pure delight for a nature-lover.

Guest Blog by Rachel Lang

www.bushboundgirl.com

 

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Dovehouse Organics

Healthy living is more in fashion now than perhaps ever before. Dovehouse Organics in the beautiful Karkloof on the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander is the strongest advocate of organic training in the area. It offers a host of workshops and demonstrations on every topic relating to organic living. This ranges from exposing the local community to organic produce, to developing skills for farmers to sustain these methods on a long-term basis.

The Live Restaurant prepares delectable, healthy meals while you wait – from its own organically-farmed produce. Enjoy your meal at your leisure, whilst taking in the country atmosphere. The recently refurbished shop has a vast array of products available, including both alternative and conventional (but environmentally sound) make-up, skincare and household goods...

(GPS coordinates: -29.422853, 30.24343)

Read more at www.nightjartravel.com/food-wine/dovehouse-organics

 

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Policeman's Helmet, Royal Natal National Park.