Johannesburg, making high-end places to stay in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</a> surprisingly accessible.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33677e9167a2eb098168e7e17c7f4c47\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong>Top Things to Do in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the most of your stay, you’ll want to be close to the action. Here are the must-visit spots:</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/addo-elephant-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Addo Elephant National Park:</a></strong> Located just 30 minutes away, it’s home to over 600 elephants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Boardwalk Waterfront:</strong> A hub for dining, shopping, and family entertainment in Summerstrand.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/sardinia-bay-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sardinia Bay Beach</a>:</strong> A hidden gem with massive sand dunes and crystal-clear water, ideal for sunset walks.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/art-route-67/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Route 67</a>:</strong> An artistic and historical trail consisting of 67 public art pieces symbolising Nelson Mandela&#8217;s years of service to South Africa.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SANCCOB Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth):</strong> A marine bird rehabilitation centre where you can see African Penguins up close.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/gorah-elephant-camp/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Blog-images-resize-1400-x-740-3-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58954\"/></a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tea on the veranda, elephants at your doorstep — at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/gorah-elephant-camp/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gorah Elephant Camp</a> in Addo, all your safari dreams will unfold! Photo: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-090d7ffc70d34f79b375a94c1624e45d\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong>Where to Stay in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aa57cec003e8b5acb722ea8663d035b4\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong>Suburb: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/summerstrand/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Summerstrand</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">If <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</a> had a &#8216;main stage,&#8217; it would undoubtedly be <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/summerstrand/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Summerstrand</a>. This upmarket, vibrant suburb is a popular choice for visitors as it is home to the city&#8217;s top beaches (Pollok, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/hobie-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hobie</a>, and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/humewood-beach/">Humewood) and the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/the-boardwalk-casino-complex/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boardwalk Casino</a>. It’s where the city’s golden coastline meets its modern lifestyle, creating a pocket of convenience that’s hard to beat.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ecefb7c211343c38a758feda5d5b9bf0\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/beachwalk-bed-and-breakfast/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Beachwalk-Bed-and-Breakfast-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58947\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">For those who want to be at the heart of the action, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/beachwalk-bed-and-breakfast/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast</a> is a top-tier 4-star choice located only 60 metres from popular beaches and close to the Boardwalk Mall and Casino. It’s perfect for travellers who value privacy, as each room features its own private entrance leading out to a lush garden or the swimming pool area. It also includes breakfast and offers a quiet, secure environment with Wi-Fi, easy access to the airport and proximity to the Boardwalk Waterfront.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0d481eac9a1ae742d60fc752984d8c6\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/wilmot-cottages/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wilmot Cottages</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Wilmot-Cottages-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58953\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">If you prefer the independence of a self-catering stay, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/wilmot-cottages/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wilmot Cottages</a> offers a charming, home-away-from-home atmosphere in a quiet, residential pocket of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/summerstrand/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Summerstrand</a>. These cottages are pet-friendly and an excellent option for families or long-term travellers who want the flexibility of preparing their own meals while still having the option to order breakfast at an additional cost. Each unit features a private entrance and dedicated braai facilities, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed evening in your own space.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7cd1d20b7e29f11677a6bc38cfee9138\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/6-selwyn-court/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6 Selwyn Court</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/6-Selwyn-Court-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58944\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/6-selwyn-court/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6 Selwyn Court</a> offers a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean and perfectly captures the essence of coastal living. Located directly across from the iconic <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/hobie-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hobie Beach </a>and Shark Rock Pier, it is a fantastic option for couples or solo business travellers who want a secure, lock-up-and-go base that is within walking distance of beachfront restaurants and the Boardwalk. The standout feature is the uninterrupted sea views from the balcony – the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the bay.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-285f2d4914ddca5724230ef273f05ec5\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong>Suburb: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/walmer/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walmer</a> &amp; <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/sardinia-bay-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sardinia Bay</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">If you’re looking to impress a partner, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/walmer/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walmer</a> is the go-to for sophisticated, boutique luxury, where <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/sardinia-bay-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sardinia Bay</a> is more famous for its secluded stays and epic sunsets, making it the ultimate spot for a sundowner picnic or a long horse ride on the beach.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d224f59ba4e776aff5ff3991bbc1dc1\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/all-aboard-charlies-cabin/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">All Aboard Charlie&#8217;s Cabin</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/All-Aboard-Charlies-Cabin-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58946\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">For a romantic retreat that feels like a true hidden gem, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/all-aboard-charlies-cabin/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">All Aboard Charlie&#8217;s Cabin</a> is a must. Tucked away in the fynbos-rich landscape near the coastline, this stay is perfect for couples who want to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with each other. The quirky cabin is one of many on the Chelsea Farm that offer a stay with a rustic yet comfortable hideaway vibe as opposed to traditional hotel stays. The outdoor deck lets you enjoy the sounds of birdlife and the distant roar of the sea.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2213b2297455652cb5744ebc89b73cee\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sandpebbles-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Stables on Sandpebbles Estate</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/The-Stables-on-Sandpebbles-Estate-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58951\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sandpebbles-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This estate</a> is the epitome of tranquillity, offering an elegant retreat for those looking to swap the city noise for the sound of nature. This estate is on a working farm with organic vegetable tunnels, ducks and chickens and a top choice for guests who enjoy nature, horse riding, or long walks on the famous dunes. The Stables is one of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/the-store/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two houses</a> on the property and features two bedrooms, a braai area on the patio and access to the estate’s swimming pool.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28da66fe775f68362bb5b4e685a50ca7\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/weavers-nest-17/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weaver&#8217;s Nest</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Weavers-Nest-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58952\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Nestled in the fynbos-rich area of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/sardinia-bay-beach/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sardinia Bay</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/weavers-nest-17/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this stay</a> is perfect for nature-loving couples or solo travellers looking for a quiet place to reflect and recharge. A unique feature of this property is its unobstructed views of the lush surroundings, which you can enjoy from your private deck. Outside, there is a firepit, a wood-fired hot tub and an expansive garden. This &#8216;nest&#8217; is an ideal choice for those who want a digital detox with its off-the-grid amenities, while still being just a short drive from the dog-friendly Sardinia Bay beach. </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-daa415bfb65acec561d722575fb0da87\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong>Suburb: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/seaview/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seaview</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">For those seeking to escape the city’s bustle without driving for hours, this village suburb is located about 20 minutes from the main hub. The area offers a rugged, rocky coastline filled with tidal pools, and guests will appreciate the small-town atmosphere with friendly locals. It is also one of the best places in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eastern Cape</a> for land-based whale watching! Try to spot some Humpback and Southern Right whales breaching from your balcony. Read more about our whale-watching destinations here.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cd84c7d50f28c00e9ed6a3db51631f2e\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-breeze-99/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ocean Breeze</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Ocean-Breeze-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58949\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This modern <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-breeze-99/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guest house</a> features four suites, each offering uninterrupted sea views from a private balcony and is a fantastic option for couples or solo travellers looking for a peaceful retreat. The property boasts a swimming pool, a sun deck, a communal fire pit and a braai area, and each en-suite room includes a well-equipped kitchenette. With the sea practically on your doorstep, it is one of the best spots in the area for land-based whale and dolphin watching.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b3944be8751a51ba0f87b7528f620ca7\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sun-villa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sun Villa</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Sun-Villa-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58950\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">A multi-storey, seafront <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sun-villa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holiday home</a> designed for relaxation and socialising – Sun Villa is an absolute showstopper for larger families or groups of friends. It can accommodate up to ten guests, and all four bedrooms boast a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. The villa features a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine, a large lounge with a cosy fireplace, and a TV with full DStv. The real MVP: The built-in braai that leads to an expansive deck with a swimming pool and panoramic sea view!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0e72c9f6de8d085db3f6ddd6a4ec4896\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/elizabeth-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elizabeth House</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Elizabeth-House-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58948\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This spacious, self-catering <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/elizabeth-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holiday home</a> is a fantastic option for families or groups. Its most defining feature is the 180-degree uninterrupted sea view. The house is designed for entertaining, featuring both indoor and outdoor braai facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. With the rocky shoreline and tidal pools just a few steps away, it’s a dream for nature lovers and children who love to explore. Whether you’re watching whales from the lounge or enjoying a sunset dinner on the patio, Elizabeth House is set to help you create core memories with loved ones.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">From sun-drenched family holidays to quiet, wild side retreats, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</a> is ready to welcome you with local charm and open arms. Don&#8217;t leave your adventure to chance; ensure your perfect stay by booking your next getaway <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here</a>. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Feature image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sun-villa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sun Villa</a></em></p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cae6279d3eb2abe66b06645815c455e9\" style=\"color:#ed782d\">Also read:</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/best-stays-in-johannesburg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Stays in Johannesburg: From Business to Pleasure All in One</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/where-to-stay-in-mossel-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to Stay in Mossel Bay: Best Accommodation for Every Type of Traveller</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/best-stays-in-tshwane-pretoria/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Stays for Business and Leisure Travel in Tshwane (Pretoria)</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/70.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/70-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/70-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":48,"author_name":"Bea Punt","author_slug":"bea","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c72cadae38b6ef975d16a155ab5f5237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":8},{"id":58885,"slug":"weekend-getaways-outside-gqeberha","date":"2026-03-02T12:08:34","title":"Weekend Getaways Outside Gqeberha","excerpt":"<p>Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head for an unforgettable adventure in the picturesque Eastern Cape. Less than a three-hour drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), you’ll find a treasure trove of weekend getaways catering to couples seeking a romantic retreat and friends or families planning a fun group escape. Whether you crave <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/weekend-getaways-outside-gqeberha/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"justify\">Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head for an unforgettable adventure in the picturesque <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eastern Cape</a>. Less than a three-hour drive from <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)</a>, you’ll find a treasure trove of weekend getaways catering to couples seeking a romantic retreat and friends or families planning a fun group escape. Whether you crave a break by the water or an adventure-filled refuge in the heart of nature, this region has something for everyone. With an abundance of cosy cottages, charming glamping tents, and luxury homes, your options for a self-catering weekend are limitless. In this blog, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> shows you which hidden gems await in this beautiful part of South Africa.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86d8732b26eb8b5ee64a4488efd49407\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/africamps-addo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AfriCamps Addo</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a871deb7b2b5920acb779ea51f65f726\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/addo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Addo</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/AfriCamps-Addo.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58937\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±74 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and braai facilities.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This boutique glamping experience is situated on the beautiful Hayterdale Trails property at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains in the heart of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/addo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Addo</a>. There are eight structured tents, each sleeping five guests. Each tent features two bedrooms with ceiling fans and a private bathroom with a shower. The open-plan living area has a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining table, a couch, and a fireplace. This leads to a large deck with braai facilities, a hammock, and a wood-fired hot tub. When you aren&#8217;t busy braaiing or relaxing in the hot tub, you can explore scenic mountain bike, trail running, and hiking routes through yellowwood forests and across bushveld hills. Keep an eye out for over 160 bird species, as well as sable and nyala!</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cd5cd6598f8f2a98623f9f82dbe4e789\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/la-maison-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">La Maison Cottage</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cb099286587a0665a9dad9f3e1634f4f\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/la-maison-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nxuba (Cradock)</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/La-Maison-Cottage.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58936\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±246 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Swimming pool, braai facilities, and free Wi-Fi.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This charming cottage for a couple is located on the owners&#8217; property in the heart of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/la-maison-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nxuba (Cradock)</a>, offering spacious, luxury accommodation near local shops, restaurants, and activities. The spacious cottage has one air-conditioned bedroom with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, and an open-plan living area with air-conditioning, DStv, and Netflix. Outside, there is a big veranda with built-in braai facilities that overlooks a lush garden and communal swimming pool.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8fe690b18cced3f23f2a136466f55a2f\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/seal-point-lighthouse/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seal Point Lighthouse</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-04f7b3a49f43e6bd29c3caf549d92638\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-st-francis/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cape St Francis</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Seal-Point-Lighthouse.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58935\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±109 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Bar, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">It’s not every day you get the chance to sleep in a lighthouse! <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/seal-point-lighthouse/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seal Point Lighthouse</a>, at the tip of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-st-francis/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cape St Francis</a> peninsula, offers beachfront accommodation where history and old-world charm meet perfectly. There are two stylish wings on either side of the lighthouse: the East Wing and the West Wing. Breakfast is provided, along with red and white wine, still and sparkling water, gin, whiskey, and everything needed to make a Negroni cocktail. The &#8216;Nevermind&#8217; restaurant next door is a café and bakery serving breakfast, fresh treats, and fire-cooked lunches and dinners. </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-687c3b4f0ec55686b28a2e31cceb6528\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/kleinrivier-mountain-escapes/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes Black Eagle Tented Camp</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c9095a96acd45fb2e6ea987fe3965341\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/uitenhage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Uitenhage</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Kleinrivier-Mountain-Escapes.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58934\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±70 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Braai facilities</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Nestled between pristine mountain fynbos and riverine forests, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/kleinrivier-mountain-escapes/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kleinrivier</a> offers private self-catering units on a 3,000-hectare wilderness farm. Bordering the Groendal Nature Reserve, it boasts a variety of hiking trails leading to mountain pools, with plenty of birdlife and game like kudu and klipspringer grazing on-site. The farm boasts beautiful units that feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, well-equipped kitchenettes, lounge areas with fireplaces, and private verandas with views of the surroundings.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c072c56c9a3e52126bf2fac4353b1c23\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/klein-plekkie-self-catering-accommodation/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Klein Plekkie Self-catering Accommodation</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1dafebeee7f9fdf871eae666a89dfc43\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sunland/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sunland</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Klein-Plekkie-Self-catering-Accommodation.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58933\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±70 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Braai facilities and free Wi-Fi.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Ideal for those seeking a rustic, rural getaway, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/klein-plekkie-self-catering-accommodation/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Klein Plekkie</a> is situated on a dam&#8217;s edge on a citrus farm in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sunland/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sunland</a>, about 15 minutes from Addo Elephant National Park’s main gate. The house has three bedrooms, sleeping five guests. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the outdoor living area features seating, braai facilities, and a TV with a smart box (Netflix and DStv Now). A small wooden deck floats on the dam – perfect for sundowners. There is also a fire pit on the dam&#8217;s edge, board games, kayaks, and a small rowing boat for hours of fun on the water.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d96e3775fe24c7170e7254ede3b9b2cd\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/lands-end-private-game-reserve/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Land’s End Private Game Reserve</a>,</strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0b13c59415eb63f66391e6a7380df777\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/makhanda-grahamstown/">Makhanda (Grahamstown)</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/02/Lands-End-Private-Game-Reserve.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58932\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±128 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Braai facilities, swimming pool, and wood-fired hot tub.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/lands-end-private-game-reserve/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Land’s End</a> is a stunning holiday villa on a farm surrounded by incredible scenery just outside <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/makhanda-grahamstown/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Makhanda</a>. It’s perfect for large groups of family or friends as it can sleep up to 26 guests in six bedrooms. The beautiful living area includes a kitchen with a gas stove and a dining table, as well as a cosy lounge with a fireplace. Outside, you’ll find a covered veranda with a built-in braai, hammocks, a large garden, swing chairs, a swimming pool, and a wood-fired hot tub. The villa is solar-powered and completely off-grid, so load shedding won&#8217;t be an issue here.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ff6c3f3b34351b318779c41a3014a85b\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ikwanitsha-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ikwanitsha Lodge</a></strong></h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a1b33cd86443486c3d9826a679e0d030\" style=\"color:#ed782d\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/greater-addo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 km from Paterson</a></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image img-responsive\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/02/Ikwanitsha-Lodge.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58931\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Distance from Gqeberha:</strong> ±75 km</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facilities:</strong> Bar, on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Located on a 300-hectare reserve with zebras, ostriches, and various antelope, this lodge offers easy access to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/addo-elephant-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Addo Elephant Park </a>and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/shamwari-private-game-reserve-in-cacadu-district/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shamwari Game Reserve</a>. There are four chalets built on stilts, offering breathtaking views of the valley, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/bushmans-river/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bushmans River</a>, and the Zuurberg Mountains. Each chalet sleeps a couple and features a queen-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, a kitchenette, and a covered deck. Breakfast is included and served at the bush bar, which also offers snacks and traditional South African dinners at an extra cost. It’s the perfect place for a sundowner after a day of exploring.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other or planning an unforgettable weekend adventure with friends, the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eastern Cape</a>, with its diverse landscapes and abundant accommodation options, is the ideal destination. Book now, pack your bags, and leave your worries at home, because a dream holiday surrounded by nature is less than a three-hour drive away!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Book your stay near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gqeberha-port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gqeberha</a> on our site today!</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Feature image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/africamps-addo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AfriCamps Addo</a></em></p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c5778b8a937f42b411cc7084b20f828f\" style=\"color:#ed782d\">Read More:</h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/top-getaway-from-cpt-joburg-durban/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top Getaway Destinations from Cape Town, Joburg &amp; Durban</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/7-stays-in-marloth-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stunning Stays in Marloth Park</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/family-friendly-farm-getaways/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Family-friendly farm getaways</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Blog-images-resize-1400-x-740-2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Blog-images-resize-1400-x-740-2-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2026/03/Blog-images-resize-1400-x-740-2-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":48,"author_name":"Bea Punt","author_slug":"bea","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c72cadae38b6ef975d16a155ab5f5237?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":6},{"id":49978,"slug":"kayaking-the-umtata","date":"2020-06-04T11:21:17","title":"A River and its Stories: Kayaking on the Umtata","excerpt":"<p>The morning mist starts to recede as we head to the car park to meet our lift. Just minutes earlier a proper bacon, eggs and toast breakfast, accompanied by strong coffee, was duly enjoyed in the Ocean View Hotel’s dining room. While stirring a dollop of sugar into the warm, aromatic whirlpool, I’d wondered whether <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/kayaking-the-umtata/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap justify\">The morning mist starts to recede as we head to the car park to meet our lift. Just minutes earlier a proper bacon, eggs and toast breakfast, accompanied by strong coffee, was duly enjoyed in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ocean View Hotel (opens in a new tab)\">Ocean View Hotel</a>’s dining room. While stirring a dollop of sugar into the warm, aromatic whirlpool, I’d wondered whether the river would be similarly dark and enlivening.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large is-resized\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/2-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49980\" width=\"600\" height=\"316\"/></a><figcaption>The side view from the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ocean View Hotel's (opens in a new tab)\">Ocean View Hotel&#8217;s</a> dining room. Horses graze on the hotel grounds in the early morning mist.</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Since arriving in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Coffee Bay (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/coffee-bay/" target=\"_blank\">Coffee Bay</a>, every day has offered up an adventure. We dodged cows and pot holes in the dark on the way to our luxurious stay and arrived just in time to avoid getting caught in an impressive deluge of summer rain. We’d hiked over lalis, beaches and passed some more cows all the way to the Hole in the Wall and had a day dedicated to exploring the small village of Coffee Bay with its perfect pizzas, one of a kind coffee shop and lush surroundings.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> We dodged cows and pot holes in the dark on the way to our luxurious stay and arrived just in time to avoid getting caught in an impressive deluge of summer rain. </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/3-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49981\"/><figcaption>Over the course of our <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wild-coast/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wild Coast (opens in a new tab)\">Wild Coast</a> stay, we&#8217;d hiked across lalis to the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hole in the Wall (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/hole-in-the-wall/" target=\"_blank\">Hole in the Wall</a>, enjoyed <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Coffee Bay's (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/coffee-bay/" target=\"_blank\">Coffee Bay&#8217;s</a> main coffee spot and met quite a few chilled cows along the way. </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Today, as on previous days, the adventure is palpable. Johmine and I awoke early and had a to and fro about what would be the best gear for tackling the Umtata, also called the Mthatha ─ I don’t suppose it really cares either way. With bathing suits under shorts and t-shirts, and some flip-flops just to get us into the kayaks, we head to the hotel’s parking lot, applying a small reservoir of sunscreen as we go ─ the previous day’s hike left our shoulders and necks with a permanent, let’s call it, “blush”.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Apart from the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ocean View Hotel’s (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\">Ocean View Hotel’s</a> barefoot luxury, attentive staff and excellent location, its network of vetted, dependable and knowledgeable local guides means guests get to know the Wild Coast in a safe way and are ensured a quality experience.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/4-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49982\"/></a><figcaption>Here, at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ocean View Hotel's (opens in a new tab)\">Ocean View Hotel&#8217;s</a> reception, you&#8217;ll be able to organise a wealth of exciting activities, lead by knowledgeable and dependable local guides. </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">So it is with no small amount of excitement that we meet Mzoxolo (Mzo for short), the owner of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Coffee Bay Kayaking (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Eco-Tour-Agency/Coffee-Bay-Kayaking-751007555073900//" target=\"_blank\">Coffee Bay Kayaking</a>, in the hotel’s car park. Mzo is a proud local with a friendly and professional approach demonstrated by his big smile and firm handshake. We get into the neat safari vehicle along with two of his helpers. One of them, nicknamed General, is sporting yellow sunglasses and plays music on a portable speaker. The tunes are quickly turned to Neil Diamond as we get in and I smile at the thought that our DJ has clearly “read the room” and summed us up as the soft rock type.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The trip to the river is an experience in and of itself. The summer rains that have taken the worst sting out of the region’s humidity, has made the dirt road an obstacle course as it twists and turns its way between grassy knolls dotted with bright thatched rondavels. In the summertime, it’s not really an option getting used to the lay of the roads in this part of the world ─ they shift and slither like a living thing with the rains.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p>In the summertime, it’s not really an option getting used to the lay of the roads in this part of the world ─ they shift and slither like a living thing with the rains.&nbsp; </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/5-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49983\"/><figcaption>The lalis, or grassy hills, of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wild-coast/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wild Coast (opens in a new tab)\">Wild Coast</a> are a photographer&#8217;s dream and are speckled by brightly painted rondawels and rows upon rows of subsistence mealie patches. </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">As we make our way to the Umtata River Mouth, Johmine and I are treated to a look at village life and my morning coffee wish is granted by the lively scenes around us. Greenery swoops by on either side, we idle patiently as sheep and horses consider giving us right of way, and villagers wave from their mealie patches or from small roadside gatherings. Those on the road have a laugh and a quick conversation with the men on our safari vehicle as we slowly make our way past. Soon the vehicle, like the road, becomes a living thing, breathing in villagers on their way somewhere, and exhaling them at their next stop with a quick honk and a wave. I regret not understanding Xhosa as the joyful banter on the way has put me in good spirits.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wild-coast/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/6-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49984\"/></a><figcaption>On our way to the river we learn that one does not honk at animals on the Wild Coast. Rather, one nudges forward ever so slightly until they decide to move. </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Pulling up to the river mouth we are greeted by some more cows. A white building and sign declares that we’ve reached the site of the Umtata Mouth Ferry, established in 1929, which Mzo later explains would ferry passengers from the Kwa Chezi side of the river to Pondoland. With the decline in need for the ferry, it isn’t all that active these days and stands moored some way off. Whatever the ferry’s case may be, as the sun smiles shyly from between the clouds and the bright kayaks beckon for us to come closer, I’m glad we’ve taken the kayaking option.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/7-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49985\"/><figcaption>Cows, kayaks and the ferry building await us at the Umtata River Mouth.</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Johmine and I split up to allow for Coffee Bay Kayaking’s stronger and more adept kayakers to take up the remaining seat in each of our kayaks ─ we’re under no false impressions about our upper body strength. However, we quickly get the hang of it, get a kind of rhythm going, and soon we are on our way around the riverbend heading away from the ocean.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/8-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49986\"/><figcaption>Johmine and General getting the rhythm of the river.</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">I’m not sure what Johmine and General are chatting about, but Mzo is a wealth of information. As our kayak parts the water in an elegant ripple, I am treated to the region&#8217;s stories. Mzo spontaneously takes his cue from the river and I soon consider him its unofficial narrator. When we spot a fish eagle, he relates the heartbreaking life-cycle of this remarkable bird. The differences between white and red mangroves, the beautiful shrubbery framing the river, and the crabs and mud prawns’ dependence on these expertly adapted trees are told in spontaneous fashion.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote justify\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> As our kayak parts the water in an elegant ripple, I am treated to the region&#8217;s stories. Mzo spontaneously takes his cue from the river and I soon consider him its unofficial narrator. </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/9-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49987\"/><figcaption>Mzo is my co-kayaker and a great storyteller. Meanwhile, Johmine is having a ball. Top right photo: Johmine Croeser</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Soon we are heading for a sand embankment to rest for a while. Though this is usually the ideal spot for swimming and I fondly recall the previous day’s splashing in the river near the Hole in the Wall, today just isn’t warm enough to entice Johmine and me. What I’d prefer is more stories from Mzo and he graciously agrees.&nbsp;<br></p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/10-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49988\"/><figcaption>We rest on a sand embankment and Mzo tells us some more stories. </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">I am struck by the wealth of information he offers about the Xhosa way of life, turning our kayaking trip into a cultural cornucopia. We learn that the mealies growing in tyres on so many of the Xhosa huts’ thatch roofs are layman’s lighting conductors and I involuntarily think of popcorn raining from the skies. Mzo explains that the thatch used for the roofs are only to be cut at a certain time of year as decreed by the chief to ensure this practice remains sustainable. He laughs and jokes as he relates the practice of lobola to us ─ a much more colourful story than the watered down cows-then-vows version one is taught at school. After a while I feel that the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wild Coast (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wild-coast/" target=\"_blank\">Wild Coast</a> with its own indecipherable ways and whims has become a little bit more understandable to me.<br></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote justify\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> We learn that the mealies growing in tyres on so many of the Xhosa huts’ roofs are layman’s lighting conductors and I involuntarily think of popcorn raining from the skies. </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Back in our kayaks we head straight upriver. Mzo said we might see some flying fish if we were to kayak side by side. This makes fish swimming between the kayaks antsy and they pop up “on the fly” for a quick greeting. They’re so fast that we’re not able to catch them on camera.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just before the next bend we beach on the riverside where the mangroves have cleared and are shown how to look for mud prawns. Mzo also teaches us how to fold a mini kayak out of a ten centimetre piece of reedgrass. To this day, my little kayak stands proudly perched on my computer screen.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/12-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49990\"/><figcaption>River rafting or river crafting? I choose both!</figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Though those made of stronger stuff might head up the river quite a bit further, and this is an option, Johmine and I need to head back for our afternoon activities. The way back is enjoyed with less need for photos and so we apply ourselves for the last stretch to the site of the ferry.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">We are content when we are dropped off at the hotel, our tiny reed kayaks in hand. Mzo flashes us his big smile before departing. Though we have to get ready for our afternoon adventure, we stop and plop down on the hotel’s trampoline first. The gentle rhythm of the springs is a subtle reminder of the river and so we place our tiny kayaks on the net and watch them bob and dance for just a second more as though watching our own morning’s story from above.</p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"img-responsive size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"541\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/13-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49991\"/></a><figcaption>When we are dropped off at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"the hotel (opens in a new tab)\">the hotel</a>, Johmine and I rest on the trampoline for a while to reminisce about the morning&#8217;s adventure.<br></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">_____________________________________</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A big thank you to the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ocean View Hotel (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ocean-view-hotel/" target=\"_blank\">Ocean View Hotel</a> for their hospitality and all of the arrangements and to Mzo and his team from Coffee Bay Kayaking for a wonderful morning on the river. </p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Main image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/author/johmine/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Johmine Croeser (opens in a new tab)\">Johmine Croeser</a></em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All other images by <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/author/adriette-le-roux/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Adriëtte le Roux (opens in a new tab)\">Adriëtte le Roux</a> unless otherwise indicated.</em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/1-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/06/1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":25,"author_name":"Adriëtte le Roux","author_slug":"adriette-le-roux","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7c5a3464085335ee4b8f91a317bf3076?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":9},{"id":46720,"slug":"marine-big-five","date":"2019-10-10T09:26:06","title":"Meet SA’s Majestic Marine Big Five","excerpt":"<p>We’re all familiar with the mighty Big Five roaming our game reserves and national parks, but did you know South Africa also boasts the Marine Big Five? In the light of #NationalMarineWeek, TravelGround is proud to introduce these special sea creatures! Bottlenose Dolphin These aquatic mammals are arguably the most popular among humans and with <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/marine-big-five/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We’re all familiar with the mighty Big Five roaming our game reserves and national parks, but did you know <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-africa?q=south-africa\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa</a> also boasts the Marine Big Five? In the light of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/nationalmarineweek?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Ehashtag\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#NationalMarineWeek</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> is proud to introduce these special sea creatures!</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Bottlenose Dolphin</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These aquatic mammals are arguably the most popular among humans and with good reason, as their half-mooned beaks seem to be smiling permanently! They are a joy to watch as they conquer the waves, jumping up to five metres above the surf. Dolphins are very social with unique communication abilities ─ they chat to each other by making peep-like sounds and by using their body language. They also use clicking sounds to create echoes through which they determine the size and form of an object or location. Dolphins form part of the annual sardine-run phenomenon between May and July as they visibly hunt sardines along the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-coast?q=south-coast\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Coast</a> of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kwazulu-natal?q=kwazulu-natal\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KwaZulu-Natal</a>. They also frequent the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/plettenberg-bay?q=plettenberg-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plettenberg Bay</a> shore and you can get quite close to these friendly faces on a boat cruise.</span></p>\n<h2><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46726 img-responsive\" title=\"Bottlenose Dolphin (Bigstock)\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></b></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay on the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-coast?q=south-coast\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Coast</a> during the sardine run.</span></em></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Cape Fur Seal</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the shores of Southern Africa as their only home, these furry, brown beasts are a sight to see as they laze for days under the African sun. Their clown-shoe flippers hamper them dearly when trying to find their way on dry land, but as soon as they plunge into the big blue, you’ll become aware of their speed and agility. Baby seals, or pups, are usually born at the end of the year and it’s during this time that you’ll often see these tiny creatures shuffling around on the cliffs at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gordon-s-bay?q=gordon-s-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gordon’s Bay</a>. The largest on-land seal colony in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-africa?q=south-africa\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa</a> resides at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kleinzee?q=kleinzee\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kleinzee</a> on the Northern Cape’s <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/west-coast?q=west-coast\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">West Coast</a>, but they are also abundant at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hout-bay?q=hout-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hout Bay</a> and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kalk-bay?q=kalk-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalk Bay</a>’s harbours. You can even snorkel with seals at Duiker Island on the Cape’s Atlantic side.</span></p>\n<h2><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46728 img-responsive\" title=\"Cape Fur Seal (Bigstock)\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/4.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></b></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hout-bay?q=hout-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hout Bay</a> to meet the harbour’s famous seals.</span></em></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>African Penguin</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The African Penguin is only found along the coast of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/namibia?q=namibia\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Namibia</a> and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-africa?q=south-africa\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa</a> up to Algoa Bay. Although penguins appear awkward waddling away on land, they are avid swimmers and divers having to travel many a sea mile to find food. To add to their adorable appearance, they mate for life by offering a pebble to their chosen partner and they can recognise their mate’s call among hundreds. Unfortunately, the African Penguin is an endangered species and SANCCOB is going to great lengths to ensure its survival. Boulders Beach in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/simon-s-town?q=simon-s-town\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon’s Town</a>, Stony Point near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/betty-s-bay?q=betty-s-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Betty’s Bay</a> and St Croix Island near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/port-elizabeth?q=port-elizabeth\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Port Elizabeth</a> are some of the spots where you can admire these black-and-white feathered colonies.</span></p>\n<h2><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46727 img-responsive\" title=\"African Penguin (Bigstock)\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/3.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></b></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/simon-s-town?q=simon-s-town\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon’s Town</a> to visit the world-renowned Boulders Beach.</span></em></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Southern Right Whale</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between June and November, whale watching is a renowned pastime along our coast as these gentle giants move to the warmer shallow waters to calve ─ expect some traffic when driving past a popular whale-watching spot! From bobbing their tails and waving their fins, you’ll definitely be in awe when spotting the largest animal on earth. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness one lunging itself into the air resulting in a gigantic splash. Because whales were previously hunted, they are endangered and that makes a sighting even more memorable. False Bay and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hermanus?q=hermanus\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hermanus</a> are sought-after whale-watching destinations with the latter annually playing host to the Whale and Calf Festival during September.</span></p>\n<h2><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46723 img-responsive\" title=\"Southern Right Whale\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/5-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></b></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hermanus?q=hermanus\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hermanus</a> during whale season.</span></em></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Great White Shark</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each ecosystem has its top dog and when it comes to marine life, sharks are crowned number one. With 300 sharp triangle-like teeth spread over several rows, you’ll be wise to avoid them in open waters. However, there is something thrilling about getting face to face with these fearsome predators ─ safely behind the bars of a cage, of course! If you’d like to get the adrenaline coursing through your veins, you can attempt this daring adventure at Dyer Island and Geyser Island near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gansbaai?q=gansbaai\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gansbaai</a>, Seal Island near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mossel-bay?q=mossel-bay\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mossel Bay</a> and Seal Island near False Bay. Even though the Great White Shark is feared among most and seen all across the world, they are also endangered and in need of protection against extinction. </span></p>\n<h2><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46724 img-responsive\" title=\"Great White Shark\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/6-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></b></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gansbaai?q=gansbaai\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gansbaai</a> and try shark-cage diving.</span></em></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>How can we help our marine life?<br />\n</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Join a beach cleanup project</strong>.<br />\nBy donating your time and energy, you can make a difference in the lives of our flippered friends.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Get educated at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.aquarium.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Two Oceans Aquarium</a></strong>.<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their exhibitions and educationals will provide the whole family with the necessary knowledge about our ocean comrades.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Visit a <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.marineprotectedareas.org.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marine Protected Area</a> near you.</strong><br />\n5% of South Africa’s ocean and coastal ecosystems are specially protected for the benefit of people and nature.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beside magnificent mountain ranges, blissful beaches and fields covered with rainbow-coloured flora, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-africa?q=south-africa\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa</a> is also blessed with an amazing animal kingdom, not only on land, but in the ocean too. So, do your bit to protect and prolong their lives, enriching your own in the process!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feature image: Bigstock</span></i></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/1-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/10/1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":16,"author_name":"Karli Durr","author_slug":"karli-durr","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ddc48d81fe8efa29137afe827dfc7436?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":5},{"id":46499,"slug":"top-public-braai-spots","date":"2019-09-12T09:36:04","title":"Celebrate National Braai Day at South Africa’s Top Public Braai Spots","excerpt":"<p>If there’s one thing all South Africans love even more than our Ouma rusks and Hilux bakkies, it’s a good old-fashioned braai. Sizzling coals, the smell of searing meat and the sun on our skin ─ give South Africans these things, and we’re in shisanyama Shangri-La. We’re so fond of this pastime, we’ve even given <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/top-public-braai-spots/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there’s one thing all South Africans love even more than our Ouma rusks and Hilux bakkies, it’s a good old-fashioned braai. Sizzling coals, the smell of searing meat and the sun on our skin ─ give South Africans these things, and we&#8217;re in shisanyama Shangri-La. We’re so fond of this pastime, we’ve even given the official national holiday, Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, a dual name and purpose ─ National Braai Day. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, Braai Day is around the corner and here at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> we take our heritage responsibilities very seriously. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top public braai spots in each province, giving every South African a prime spot to park their Prado for a day of sizzling fun!</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/kraal-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Kraalbaai Beach</b></span></a></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Western Cape</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46502 img-responsive\" title=\"Kraalbaai | Bigstock\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/2-3.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/kraal-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kraalbaai Beach</a> is located on the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/langebaan/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Langebaan</a> Lagoon and forms part of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/west-coast-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">West Coast National Park</a>. It is easily accessible by car or boat, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach and offers a peaceful setting for a picnic or braai. The famous Preekstoel braai facility is particularly perfect for large groups. Boating and water sport enthusiasts can also enjoy the warm, calm waters of the lagoon. So, pack your braai grid and bathing suit for a formidable Braai Day on a legendary <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Western Cape</a> beach!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R59 per adult and R30 per child outside flower season. R83 per adult and R42 per child in August and September*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 07:00 to 19:00 (summer) and 07:00 to 18:00 (winter)<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 012 428 9111</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/van-stadens-wild-flower-reserve/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve</b></span></a></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Eastern Cape</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46505 img-responsive\" title=\"Van Stadens Bridge | Bigstock\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/5-3.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This lovely resort is a 30-minute drive west of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Port Elizabeth</a>, midway between PE and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/jeffrey-s-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jeffrey’s Bay</a>. It is heaven on earth for Braai Day visitors, offering brick braai sites with wooden picnic tables dotted along the Van Stadens River. The estuary’s crystal clear lagoon is a magnificent sight to behold. Visitors can rent canoes, paddle skis, pedal boats and dune boards by the hour, explore the surrounding sand dunes or just relax in the sun around the lagoon.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: Free<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 07:00 to 18:00 (summer) Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 18:00 (summer) Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays; 07:00 to 17:00 (winter) Monday to Sunday and Public Holidays<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 041 582 2575</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/mokala-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Mokala National Park </b></span></a></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/northern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Northern Cape</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46501 img-responsive\" title=\"Mokala National Park | LekkeSlaap\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/1-4.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/mokala-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mokala National Park</a>, situated approximately 70 kilometres from <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kimberley/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kimberley</a> in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/northern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Northern Cape</a>, is one of SANParks’ latest additions. The isolated dolerite hills create a sense of serenity and seclusion, where visitors can relax in the unspoilt beauty of the sandy plains that skirt the horizon. The park’s activities include bush braais and breakfasts under a 400-year-old camel-thorn tree, guided game drives to see black wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, white-backed vultures, and roan antelope, and guided rock art tours. The Matopi and Kameeldoring picnic areas with braai and ablution facilities are certainly some of the top braai spots in the area and are a must for a Braai Day out and about in the Northern Cape!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R41 per adult and R21 per child*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 07:00 to 19:00 (16 October to 15 March); 07:00 to 18:00 (16 March to 30 April); 07:00 to 17:30 (1 May to 31 July); 07:00 to 18:00 (1 August to 15 October)<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 053 204 0158</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Koppies Dam Nature Reserve</b></span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/free-state/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Free State</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/groups/1918539521769249//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46515 img-responsive\" title=\"Koppies Dam Nature Reserve | Koppies Dam Hengelaars\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-3-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Koppies Dam Nature Reserve is located just outside the town of Koppies, 70 kilometres northeast of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kroonstad/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kroonstad</a> in the Highveld. The dam is popular among fisherman with its waters chock full of yellow fish, mud fish, carp and barbel. Water sports like windsurfing, sailing and skiing are also very popular. Reed and thatch shelters with braai facilities are dotted along the shores of the dam, so day visitors can bring along their fishing and braai gear for a blissful day under the Free State sun.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entrance fee: Free*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 08:00 to 16:30<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 056 777 2034</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/groenkloof-nature-reserve-in-pretoria/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Groenkloof Nature Reserve </b></span></a></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gauteng/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Gauteng</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46504 img-responsive\" title=\"Groenkloof Nature Reserve | LekkeSlaap\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/4-4.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/groenkloof-nature-reserve-in-pretoria/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Groenkloof Nature Reserve</a> in known for being the first game sanctuary in Africa and is located next to the Fountains Valley at the southern entrance to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/pretoria/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pretoria</a>. This 600-hectare reserve is managed by the Department of Nature Conservation and is just a stone’s throw from the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/voortrekker-monument/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Voortrekker Monument</a> and Klapperkop Nature Reserve. Visitors can enjoy hiking, 4&#215;4 trails, game viewing or cycling on the premises. Wildlife on the reserve include zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable ─ all free roaming and relatively tame. There are plenty of picnic and braai areas in the reserve, offering the perfect Braai Day break far from the city’s noise.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entrance fee: R25 for adults, R18.50 for pensioners and children between 7 and 17, and R10 for children under 7*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 05:30 to 19:00 (summer) and 07:00 to 18:00 (winter)<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 012 358 9999 </span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>False Bay Park</b></span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kwazulu-natal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>KwaZulu-Natal</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46503 img-responsive\" title=\"False Bay Park | Bigstock\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/3-4.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">False Bay Park is situated along Lake St Lucia’s western shore and lies within the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/isimangaliso-wetland-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iSimangaliso Wetland Park</a>, which spans an incredible 280-kilometre of the coastline. Swimming is forbidden due to crocodiles in the water, but other recreational activities such as reef diving, hiking, fishing, canoeing and boat cruises on Lake St Lucia are available. A Braai Day along this beautiful shore is a favourite pastime among locals and is certainly a must-do activity for any visitor seeking the riches of nature.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R25 per adult and R18 per child under 12*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 06:00 to 18:00<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 021 975 2189</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Modjadji Nature Reserve </b></span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Limpopo</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/modjadji-camp/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46511 img-responsive\" title=\"Modjadji Cultural Camp | LekkeSlaap\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-1-2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reserve stretches over 305 hectares and is located close to Modjadjiskloof. It features the world&#8217;s largest concentration of a single-species cycad, also known as the Modjadji palm, and offers a superb setting for day visitors, gazing over the cycad forest to the lowveld and the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kruger-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kruger National Park</a>. Visitors can expect to see large game such as blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, impala and bushbuck, and over 170 bird species. Facilities include an information centre, kiosk, picnic areas and, of course, braai sites. Visitor permits should be obtained at the reserve entrance whereafter a day of fresh air and braai bliss can be enjoyed.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R10 per person and R20 per vehicle*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 07:30 to 16:30<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 074 834 0383</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/macmac-falls/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Mac Mac Pools</b></span></a></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mpumalanga/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Mpumalanga</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46506 img-responsive\" title=\"Mac Mac Fall | Wiki Commons\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/6-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/macmac-falls/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mac Mac Pools</a> is a popular picnic spot in a shallow rocky river which drops into a series of natural swimming holes. It is located in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sabie/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sabie</a>/<a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/graskop/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Graskop</a> area on the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/panorama-route/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Panorama Route</a> and there are shelters and picnic spots with braai facilities, toilets and a beautiful nature trail for guests&#8217; enjoyment. This lovely walk winds its way to the base of the miraculous Mac Mac Falls, which is also a great picnic spot.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R30 per person*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 08:00 to 16:30<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 013 754 2724</span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Wolwespruit Nature Reserve </b></span></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/north-west/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>North West</b></span></a></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/wolwespruit//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-46516 img-responsive\" title=\"Wolwespruit Nature Reserve | Wolwespruit Mountain Bike &amp; Trail Park\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-4-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reserve on the Vaal River is about 130 kilometres from the Bloemhof Dam and 22 kilometres south of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/leeudoringstad/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leeudoringstad</a>. Due to it relatively small size, it is one of the least-known parks in North West. The reserve offers great birding opportunities and visitors can angle in the rapids of the Vaal River surrounded by unmatched natural scenery. This park is also a favourite among mountain bikers, offering spectacular trails. There are designated braai areas in the reserve and free-roaming antelope, black wildebeest, kudu and zebra are often seen in these parts. If you truly want to take in the natural beauty SA has to offer, spending your Braai Day in this reserve is a must!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tariffs: R30 per person*<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hours: 05:30 to 18:30<br />\n</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact: 018 581 9705</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there is one thing South Africa has no shortage of, it’s braai spots. And with these epic picks from all over the country, you’ll have no reason to stay at home this Braai Day!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Please note that all tariffs mentioned are subject to change.</span></p>\n<p><em>Feature Image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/the-blades/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Blades</a> (<a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap)</a></em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-5.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-5-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/09/Untitled-design-5-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":36,"author_name":"Gerriline Fouché","author_slug":"gerriline-fouche","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3a007c940b2271895fd275d80fc35d54?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":7},{"id":45083,"slug":"seeking-olive-schreiner","date":"2019-05-22T10:00:37","title":"Seeking Olive Schreiner: The Story of a Karoo Nomad","excerpt":"<p>Schreiner wrote that the Karoo makes one realise “many so-called important things are really insignificant, so many insignificant things important.” So, when the city’s starless nights and cordial, cramped offices become too much, I try to recall the dusty solitude of the Karoo to gain some perspective. I learned this teleportation trick in my third <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/seeking-olive-schreiner/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schreiner wrote that the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/karoo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karoo</a> makes one realise “many so-called important things are really insignificant, so many insignificant things important.” So, when the city’s starless nights and cordial, cramped offices become too much, I try to recall the dusty solitude of the Karoo to gain some perspective. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I learned this teleportation trick in my third year at varsity when I was hooked by Olive Schreiner’s poignant description of a Karoo night in </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Story of an African Farm. </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suddenly a lonely space with intermittent </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kopjes </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“like giants’ graves” leapt from the page</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“a clump of prickly pears lifting their thorny arms” to “the full African moon”. You see, Schreiner could describe the Karoo so beautifully since she loved this region so well. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A writer, women’s rights activist, pacifist, anti-imperialist and outspoken non-racialist at a time when very few bore these labels, one would think that Schreiner had come from a big city or secular settlement. Quite the contrary! This remarkable figure was a veritable Karoo nomad and spent the greater part of her life moving around small Karoo towns, many of which retain the charm of days long passed. So, if you’re looking for a way to get to know this arid eden a little better, join <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LekkeSlaap</a> on a trip to the Karoo Olive Schreiner knew. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>About Olive Schreiner</b></h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/Olive-Schreiner.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Olive Schreiner (Wikimedia Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-45114\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"justify wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olive Emilie Albertina Schreiner was born to a Wesleyan missionary couple in 1855 and was named after her three older brothers who had died before her birth.</span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She was asthmatic and the dry Karoo climate suited her health.</span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She finished her most famous novel, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Story of an African Farm,</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by age 20, but it was only published at age 28 </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">under the pseudonym Ralph Iron</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though she stayed in England between 1881 and 1889 and again between 1913 and 1919, she was at her most productive and influential whilst living in the Karoo. </span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After reading </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">African Farm </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in 1890, a Karoo farmer, Samuel Cronwright, started writing to her. The couple were married in 1894 when Schreiner was 38 and Cronwright 30. He, unusually, added her surname to his. She kept her maiden name. </span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schreiner only ever had one child, a daughter, who died soon after birth.</span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though a pacifist, Schreiner sided with Boer interests against the imperial power during the South African War. </span></li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She died in Wynberg in 1920 and was buried in Kimberley, but her estranged husband had her reinterred at Buffelskop near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cradock</a>, as was her wish, with her daughter and her dog, Nkita, by her side. Some years later, he would be interred there too. </span></li></ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Wittebergen near Lady Grey</b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“That almost intolerable beauty”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/mountain-view-country-inn/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/7.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"The Witteberg Mountains around Lady Grey\" class=\"wp-image-45124\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schreiner spent the first ten years of her life at the Wittebergen mission station in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eastern Cape</a>. It was here, among the mountain slopes on a morning walk, that she remembers </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">struggling with her earliest questions</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.humancondition.com/asid-olive-schreiners-recollection-of-the-pre-resigned-mind//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the human condition</a> and finding solace in the almost “intolerable beauty” of the landscape. </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It isn’t difficult to see why the landscapes around <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/lady-grey/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lady Grey</a> inspired Schreiner to believe that there were better, more beautiful ways of living. This little town is huddled below the Witteberg Mountain range, an imposing white-capped sight during winter and lush with grassy footpaths in summer.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/mountain-view-country-inn/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/6.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"A view of Lady Grey with the sandstone church showing.\" class=\"wp-image-45123\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lady Grey was only established a year after Schreiner’s birth, but if you’re planning to visit the historical mission station some 23 kilometres away, we recommend you stay at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/mountain-view-country-inn/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mountain View Country Inn</a>. Dalene, who manages the inn, gladly shares her knowledge and will point you in the right direction. </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On visiting Lady Grey it is worth visiting the sandstone Dutch Reformed Church built in 1913 and walking along the 25 meter high Lady Grey Dam. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Cradock</b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“A wild and beautiful place”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/4.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Schreiner's sarcophagus has a Karoo view on all sides. \" class=\"wp-image-45133\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schreiner lived in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cradock</a> on three occasions. At the age of twelve she went to stay with her brother Theo, the headmaster of the local public school, and read a great deal of books from the public library, where there is still a room named after her. She became a governess at age fifteen and left for <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/barkly-east/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barkley East</a> and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/colesberg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colesberg</a> before returning to Cradock where she completed </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Story of an African Farm</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While staying at Gannahoek Farm in the district she wrote</span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to a friend</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “T</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he six months I have past here have been the most uninterruptedly happy of my whole life. This is a wild and beautiful place.” </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On Schreiner’s third return to Cradock, at age 38, she married Samuel Cronwright</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span></i></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buffelskop outside Cradock is also Schreiner&#8217;s final resting place. She shares her domed sarcophagus with her dog, Nkita, her unnamed baby daughter and her husband, with seemingly endless Karoo surrounding them on all sides. Tours to the site can be arranged through <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buffelshoek Dirosie</a>, a licensed game reserve and lodge. Tours have to be booked at least a week in advance, includes a pamphlet and a snack pack and takes up to four hours by 4&#215;4 with a short walk at the end to complete ─ and guests may see some game along the way!</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/13.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Quaint chalets at Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock\" class=\"wp-image-45136\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cradock has a small but excellent <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/schreiner-house-museum/" target=\"_blank\">museum</a> in the house on Cross Street where Schreiner lived as a child and the town hosts the annual Olive Schreiner Karoo Writer’s Festival (from 8 to 11 June this year). There are also many architectural gems to see, such as the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/die-tuishuise-victoria-manor/" target=\"_blank\">Die Tuishuise &amp; Victoria Manor</a>, as well as Karoo cottages which have been restored and are brimming with old world charm and history.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/die-tuishuise-victoria-manor/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/8.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Market Street in Cradock with restored Karoo cottages.\" class=\"wp-image-45135\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Matjiesfontein </b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“A sense of exhilaration and freedom comes over me”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After saving up enough from her governess work, Schreiner moved to England intending to study medicine, but her health prevented it. On return to South Africa in 1889 she stayed in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/matjiesfontein/" target=\"_blank\">Matjiesfontein</a>, a grand hotel and railway-station village, for two years while her health improved. In a letter to Havelock Ellis she expressed her love for the veld around town, saying that “a sense of exhilaration and freedom [came] over [her] on [her] walks.” It has even been reported that Rudyard Kipling made a special journey to Matjiesfontein specifically to visit her. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After strolling through the town, its gardens and museums, it is worth making your way to a thoroughly secluded stay, much like a writer’s retreat in the vast Karoo. <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/snyderskloof-karoo-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage</a> is just 25 km from Matjiesfontein, and is the perfect spot to get some of the fresh Karoo air which so soothed Schreiner.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/snyderskloof-karoo-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/9.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Snyderskloof Karoo Cottage\" class=\"wp-image-45139\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Kimberley</b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“It’s like having the sun in the house again”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As newly weds, Schreiner and Cronwright settled in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kimberley/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kimberley</a> in 1872. Her time in Kimberley marks a happy marital period in which she once described her husband’s return after a few day’s absence as “having the sun in the house again”. After the death of her only daughter and with rising political tension and financial difficulty, the couple eventually relocated to Johannesburg, narrowly missing the Siege of Kimberley (1899 &#8211; 1900).</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/McGregor.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Left: The McGregor Museum | Right: The Africana Library (Adriëtte le Roux)\" class=\"wp-image-45190\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of Schreiner’s letters can be seen in the Africana Library in Du Toitspan Road and an exceedingly informative tour of this beautiful library can be arranged on request. More information on the siege is on display at the McGregor Museum, a natural history museum where Rhodes resided during the siege, and, of course, no trip to Kimberley is complete without a stop at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/the-big-hole/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Big Hole Centre</a> to experience the diamond industry in its heyday.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/the-big-hole/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/groot-gat.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"The big hole in Kimberley (Adriëtte le Roux)\" class=\"wp-image-45189\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you’re looking to stay over, try <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/jungnickel-guesthouse/" target=\"_blank\">Jungnickel Guesthouse</a>. This Victorian guest house is central, yet tucked away in a quiet corner and you’re ensured heartfelt service and hearty meals.  </span></p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Beaufort West</b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“I begin to feel a new person.”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Schreiner never actually lived in town, she and Cronwright stayed on the farm Wagenaarskraal for a short while after leaving <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/johannesburg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johannesburg</a> when the South African war broke out. Being back in the Karoo did Schreiner’s health well and </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">she writes:</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> “As soon as I get as low at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/beaufort-west/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beaufort West</a> I begin to feel a new person.”</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/karoo-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/Beaufort.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"The Karoo National Park\" class=\"wp-image-45188\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On a trip through Beaufort a visit to the breathtaking <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/attractions/karoo-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karoo National Park</a>, home of the critically endangered riverine rabbit, and other game like the aardwolf, eland and mountain zebra, is not to be missed. If you’d like to experience the truly open skies and fresh air around Beaufort like Schreiner did, sleep over at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/die-skooltjie/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Die Skooltjie</a>, a historical farm cottage outside of town.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/die-skooltjie/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/16.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Die Skooltjie\" class=\"wp-image-45141\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Hanover </b></h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><b>“The prettiest village I have ever seen”</b></em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soon after Wagenaarskraal, Cronwright arranged for himself and Schreiner to move to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hanover/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hanover</a>, where he opened a legal office. Here, the Schreiners lived with their dog, Nkita, and a family of meerkats for six years. Their house in Grace Street is still called Olive Schreiner House.</span></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As outspoken boer supporters, the couple was welcomed by the Dutch population, and it was whilst living in Hanover that Schreiner met Emily Hobhouse, with whom she’d correspond until her death. Though much taken with Hanover, Schreiner and her husband’s relationship steadily deteriorated and, with the town under martial law, she had to cope with harsh restrictions and &nbsp;horrible scenes of war. To escape from the very real threats around her, she became increasingly interested in women’s rights and wrote her collection of feminist musings, </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Woman and Labour</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> whilst staying here. </span></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Hanover remains a favourite stop along the N1 and is indeed the archetypal Karoo town. Take a walk up Trappieskop where South Africa’s first observatory stood to get a bird’s eye view of this pretty little village. And, if you’re looking to stay over, get your share of gracious Karoo hospitality at one of the quaint <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hanover/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">accommodation options</a> in town. &nbsp;</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/3-darling-street-guest-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/12.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"View from Trappieskop\" class=\"wp-image-45142\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">After leaving Hanover for <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/de-aar/" target=\"_blank\">De Aar</a>, the last Karoo town Schreiner lived in, her health declined so severely that she went to seek medical assistance in England and was stuck there by the outbreak of World War I. She died soon after her return to South Africa in 1920.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whilst living in Sussex Schreiner </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wrote</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “Our African sky gives one the [&#8230;] sense of perfect freedom and wild exhilaration; sometimes one feels as though, for no reason that could be given, one were almost in an ecstasy of happiness when one goes out alone.” So, when looking for your next escape, close your eyes and imagine Schreiner’s expanse ─ or better yet, go there yourself. &nbsp;</span></p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/die-skooltjie/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/die-skooltjie-vlaktes.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"A beautiful scene at Die Skooltjie, Beaufort West\" class=\"wp-image-45143\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Main image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/snyderskloof-karoo-cottage/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Snyderskloof</a> on LekkeSlaap</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All quotes in this blog are from <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.oliveschreiner.org//" target=\"_blank\">The Olive Schreiner Letters Online</a>, except for the quote from The Story of an African Farm.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All photos in this blog that are not acknowledged are from LekkeSlaap.co.za.</em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/Olive-Schreiner-Blog.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/Olive-Schreiner-Blog-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/05/Olive-Schreiner-Blog-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":25,"author_name":"Adriëtte le Roux","author_slug":"adriette-le-roux","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7c5a3464085335ee4b8f91a317bf3076?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":9},{"id":44167,"slug":"backpacking-the-baz-bus-way","date":"2019-03-28T13:23:04","title":"Cape Town to Gqeberha: Backpacking the Baz Bus way","excerpt":"<p>Longing for a road trip but not in the mood for counting kilometres, and worrying about petrol prices and falling asleep behind the wheel? Baz Bus will have you leaving all that planning, stress and trouble behind. Forget about a rigid itinerary, booking connecting bus rides and breaking the bank! This guide will help you <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/backpacking-the-baz-bus-way/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Longing for a road trip but not in the mood for counting kilometres, and worrying about petrol prices and falling asleep behind the wheel? <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/bazbus//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Baz Bus</a> will have you leaving all that planning, stress and trouble behind. Forget about a rigid itinerary, booking connecting bus rides and breaking the bank! This guide will help you get from <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Town</a> to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/akkommodasie-in/port-elizabeth/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gqeberha</a> in a unique and much easier way! </span></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>A bit about Baz Bus</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After backpacking through Europe, Barry Zeidel did some research into backpacking around South Africa and found that our lack of public transportation made it difficult for travellers to find their way. So, he created a unique transport network to help backpackers get around and after 21 years in the business, Baz Bus is now transporting more than 10 000 travellers each year! The fleet of 22-seater buses, all equipped with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and trailers big enough to carry sporting equipment, pick up travellers on the doorstep of more than 200 establishments along their route.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, now that we’re all on the same page, let’s get planning:</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Mapping our moves</b></span></h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=12hr-DV1QNLiTunbQDvNwjsolqhL_Kj9d\%22 width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Kick it in Cape Town</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Mother City</a> has more than her fair share of adventure activities, so here are just some of her highlights: Climb Table Mountain, visit the V&amp;A Waterfront, climb Lion’s Head during the full moon or just watch the sunset, rollerblade down Sea Point’s promenade, catch a train to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kalk-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalk Bay</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://surfshack.biz/sup//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stand-up paddleboard</a> in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/simon-s-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simon’s Town</a>, learn to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://surfshack.biz/surf-school//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">surf</a> in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/muizenberg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Muizenberg</a>, say hi to Nemo at the Two Oceans Aquarium, visit the Planetarium for free on a Wednesday, and watch a Summer Sunset concert at Kirstenbosch.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Cape Town:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44188 size-large\" title=\"Top left: Once in Cape Town; Top right: Never@home Cape Town; Bottom left: Mojo Hotel; Bottom right: Saltycrax Backpackers\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Cape-Town-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/once-in-cape-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Once in Cape Town</a> | <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/never-home-cape-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Never@home Cape Town</a> | <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/mojo-hotel/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mojo Hotel</a> | <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/saltycrax-backpackers/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saltycrax Backpackers </a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Movin’ on up in Mossel Bay</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mossel-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mossel Bay</a> is the only town on the Garden Route with a working harbour, it’s listed as having the mildest climate year round, second to Hawaii, and it has the only north-facing beach on the coast ─ probably contributing to that mild climate! And with the most consistent waves along the coastline and more than five surfing spots, it’s also very popular among surfers. Avid sandboarders can lace up their boots for the longest sand-board ride in South Africa ─ <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.dragondune.com//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dragon Dune</a> is 350 metres long! Otherwise you can visit Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a guided game drive, horseback safari, or a relaxing spa day.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up Points in Mossel Bay:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44192 size-large\" title=\"Santos Express\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Mossel-Bay-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/santos-express/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santos Express</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Get golfing in George</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">George is known as the golf capital of South Africa and the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/outeniqua-travel-lodge-51/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Outeniqua Travel Lodge</a> is situated opposite one of three George golf courses listed in SA’s top-ten golf courses. But if golfing is not on your to-do list, the lodge organises day trips to the Klein Karoo to visit the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.cango-caves.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cango Caves</a>, or you can head to Herold’s Bay and keep your eyes open for whales breaching in the bay.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in George:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44189 size-large\" title=\"Outeniqua Travel Lodge\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/George-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/outeniqua-travel-lodge-51/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Outeniqua Travel Lodge</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Wet and wild in Wilderness</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wilderness boasts wetlands and forests to explore and with that comes more than 250 bird species to look out for, so bring those binoculars! With all of Wilderness’s adventure activities on <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairy-knowe-hotel-13/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fairy Knowe Hotel’s</a> doorstep ─ we’re talking kayaking, paragliding, horseback riding, hiking, abseiling and stand-up paddle boarding ─ visit their in-house adventure centre to get your adventure fix as soon as possible.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Wilderness:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44196 size-large\" title=\"Fairy Knowe Hotel\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Wilderness-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairy-knowe-hotel-13/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fairy Knowe Hotel</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Know Knysna inside out</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to check out the King Edward tree ─ this tree is 700 years old, 46 metres tall and has a circumference of seven metres! But if you’re in the mood to get that adrenaline pumping, head to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnaribadventures.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Knysna Rib Adventures</a> for an awesome speed-boat experience. <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe-knysna/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe Knysna</a> also offers adventures, such as whale watching, sunset cruises, kayaking, forest hikes, brewery tours and guided Rasta village experiences.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Knysna:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44191 size-large\" title=\"Island Vibe Knysna\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Knysna-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe-knysna/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe Knysna</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick up the pace in Plett</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life in Plett is all about lazy, sun-filled beach days or adventurous active days. Go skydiving, bungy jumping, mountain biking or abseiling; visit the wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves to spot some monkeys, birds, big cats or elephants; or hit the waters for canoeing, kayaking or whale watching. <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/albergo-for-backpackers/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Albergo’s</a> Adventure Centre has helpful staff that will help you plan all activities and day trips. Most of the activities can be booked on the same day, so you’re welcome to just pop in.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Plett:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44194 size-large\" title=\"Albergo for Backpackers\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Plett-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/albergo-for-backpackers/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Albergo for Backpackers</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Sun’s out in Storms River</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you’re an adrenaline junky, you can’t pass up this chance to bungy off the world’s highest bungy-jumping bridge! Bloukrans bridge is situated just 15 minutes from Storms River and an absolute must … if you’re not afraid of heights. And if you’re not quite ready for that type of adrenaline rush, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.untouchedadventures.com//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Untouched Adventures</a> has several adventure activities to choose from, including kayak, lilo and snorkel adventures, or you can head on over to Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours for some Ziplining!</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Storms River:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44195 size-large\" title=\"Left: Tsitsikamma Backpackers; Right: Tube 'n Axe Boutique Lodge, Backpackers and Camping\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Storms-River-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tsitsikamma-backpackers/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tsitsikamma Backpackers</a> | <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tube-n-axe-boutique-lodge-backpackers-and-camping/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tube ’n Axe Boutique Lodge, Backpackers and Camping</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Jet off to Jeffrey’s</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we all know, J-Bay is known as the surfing Mecca of South Africa. In winter, the waves pick up and attract surfers from all over the world, and if you do find yourself here, a surfing lesson or session is definitely a must ─ <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe-jeffreys-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe Jeffrey’s Bay</a> offers daily surfing lessons! But if that’s not exactly up your alley, you can try your hand at sandboarding or horseback riding.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in Jeffrey’s:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44190 size-large\" title=\"Left: Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay; Right: Jeffreys Bay Backpackers\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Jeffreys-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe-jeffreys-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay</a> | <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/jeffreys-bay-backpackers/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jeffreys Bay Backpackers</a></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Peace out in PE</b></span></h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As PE (Gqeberha) is very popular among watersport enthusiasts, the fact that <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe---the-harbour-masters-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe The Master’s House</a> is just a stroll away from the local surf spot, The Pipe, is very convenient. But when the weather is just not playing along, you can take a day trip to the renowned Addo Elephant Park, or participate in a township tour ─ either way, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to keeping busy in PE.</span></p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><b>Pick-up points in PE:</b></span></h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-44193 size-large\" title=\"Island Vibe - The Harbour Masters House\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/PE-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"444\" /></p>\n<p class=\"accommodation_title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/island-vibe---the-harbour-masters-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Island Vibe &#8211; The Harbour Masters House</a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have absolutely no excuse not to plan that road trip you and your friends have been wanting to take. Book your accommodation with <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a>, get that Baz Bus ticket and decide which of these activities you’ll tick off your to-do list!</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>Feature image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://unsplash.com/photos/lxXUlNad7h4?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ryan Johnson</a> on Unsplash</em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Feature.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Feature-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/03/Feature-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":27,"author_name":"Nanje Lourens","author_slug":"nanje-lourens","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d30b7ff74128a1426cade284d16cb74b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":6},{"id":42870,"slug":"golden-hour-glory-7-locations","date":"2018-12-06T11:05:11","title":"Golden Hour Glory ─ 7 Locations, 7 Spectacular Horizons","excerpt":"<p>Bathed in the golden light of the sun disappearing behind the horizon, everything looks dazzling. But where do you find those extra special, pristine spots to enjoy a sunset in all its glory? We live in a country that offers so many of these natural treasures, it seems almost impossible to choose! Now summer is <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/golden-hour-glory-7-locations/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathed in the golden light of the sun disappearing behind the horizon, everything looks dazzling. But where do you find those extra special, pristine spots to enjoy a sunset in all its glory? We live in a country that offers so many of these natural treasures, it seems almost impossible to choose! </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now summer is here in full force, which means there are plenty of days ahead to chase remarkable sunsets. That’s why <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> took the initiative of pointing out seven scenic places in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/south-africa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa</a> where you can bask in the magic of the golden hour with your favourite people, without the man-made clutter on the horizon!</span></p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ee782c;\"><strong>At the Top of the World in Hogsback</strong></span></h1>\n<hr />\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/BqtMddKAAH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"12\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"></div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"></div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"></div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram</div>\n</div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"></div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"></div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"></div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.instagram.com/p/BqtMddKAAH_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Marie Demers (@petit.gateau)</a> on <time style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;\" datetime=\"2018-11-28T01:49:30+00:00\">Nov 27, 2018 at 5:49pm PST</time></p>\n</div>\n</blockquote>\n<p><script async src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"//www.instagram.com/embed.js/">

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