This blog was originally written by Nanje Lourens in 2017 and revised by Adriëtte le Roux in 2022.</em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2022/06/3-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"The Tin Shack St Helena Bay Accommodation","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2022/06/3-1-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2022/06/3-1-1024x541.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":49520,"slug":"climb-into-these-tree-houses","date":"2020-10-29T09:31:00","title":"Climb into these tree houses","excerpt":"<p>Do you still dream of the days when you were able to climb a tree and hide out between the branches for hours? Tree houses have always had a certain charm to them and luckily adults can also enjoy this unique hideout. South Africa is home to some spectacular tree houses, from luxurious treetop lodges <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/climb-into-these-tree-houses/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"justify\">Do you still dream of the days when you were able to climb a tree and hide out between the branches for hours? Tree houses have always had a certain charm to them and luckily adults can also enjoy this unique hideout. South Africa is home to some spectacular tree houses, from luxurious treetop lodges to rustic elevated huts with endless views, and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"LekkeSlaap (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\">LekkeSlaap</a> has rounded up some of these spots for you to escape to! </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sycamore-avenue-treehouse-accommodation/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sycamore Avenue Treehouse Accommodation (opens in a new tab)\">Sycamore Avenue Treehouse Accommodation</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kwazulu-natal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"KwaZulu-Natal (opens in a new tab)\">KwaZulu-Natal</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The tree house straight out of our dreams! <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sycamore Avenue (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/sycamore-avenue-treehouse-accommodation/" target=\"_blank\">Sycamore Avenue</a> offers six eccentric and romantic tree houses in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Midlands Meander (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/midlands-meander/" target=\"_blank\">Midlands Meander</a>. Each tree house has a spa bath, cosy fireplace and private balcony from where you can enjoy the view of the Drakensberg Mountains. The tree houses are not equipped for self-catering, but breakfast and dinner are prepared by the resident chef.</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/sycamore-avenue-treehouse-accommodation/" 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/2020/04/1-3-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49521\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/teniqua-treetops/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Teniqua Treetops (opens in a new tab)\">Teniqua Treetops</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"treetop resort (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/teniqua-treetops/" target=\"_blank\">treetop resort</a> consists of eight eco-friendly suites in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna</a> Forest. Each suite is equipped for self-catering and some of the suites even boast sunken baths for an extra special experience in this indigenous forest. There is a communal swimming pool, playground and entertainment room at the resort. <br></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/teniqua-treetops/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/2-2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49525\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bonamanzi-game-reserve---tree-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bonamanzi Game Reserve - Tree Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Bonamanzi Game Reserve – Tree Lodge</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kwazulu-natal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"KwaZulu-Natal (opens in a new tab)\">KwaZulu-Natal</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Situated in the Bonamanzi Game Reserve, this <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bonamanzi-game-reserve---tree-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"self-catering lodge (opens in a new tab)\">self-catering lodge</a> offers a wooden tree house on stilts. The tree house sleeps six guests and is equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. The tree house is private and about three kilometres from the main reception area where you can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant and make use of the other facilities. </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/bonamanzi-game-reserve---tree-lodge/" 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/2020/04/3-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49527\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tsala-treetop-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tsala Treetop Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Tsala Treetop Lodge</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tsala-treetop-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"five-star hotel (opens in a new tab)\">five-star hotel</a> is situated amidst the treetops of an indigenous forest near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/plettenberg-bay/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Plettenberg Bay (opens in a new tab)\">Plettenberg Bay</a>. The hotel is designed so that you can enjoy the peaceful setting of the forest, and each suite and villa has a private deck with an infinity pool. Wooden walkways connect the main restaurant, lounge area and the outside deck while the forest serves as the backdrop. </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/tsala-treetop-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/4-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49530\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bona-ntaba-tree-house-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Limpopo (opens in a new tab)\">Limpopo</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Gather your friends and family for a unique getaway to <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bona-ntaba-tree-house-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Bona Ntaba Tree House Lodge</a> near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hoedspruit/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hoedspruit (opens in a new tab)\">Hoedspruit</a>. These elevated tree house chalets can be booked separately or together for a group. The comfortable chalets each have a private deck from where you can watch the giraffe, zebra and other game roaming around the camp. There is a central communal building, boma with a braai and a splash pool with a game viewing deck. </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/bona-ntaba-tree-house-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/5-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49532\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/under-milkwood-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Under Milkwood Chalets (opens in a new tab)\">Under Milkwood Chalets</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">These <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/under-milkwood-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tree houses (opens in a new tab)\">tree houses</a> are situated on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon and have access to a beach where you can enjoy water sports or just marvel at the spectacular view! There are fifteen self-catering chalets, including a very romantic honeymoon suite between the leaves. The resort is famous for its luxurious amenities and the units are serviced daily, so you can truly relax in this tranquil setting on the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/garden-route/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Garden Route (opens in a new tab)\">Garden Route</a>. </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/under-milkwood-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/6-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49534\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/pezulu-tree-house-game-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Limpopo (opens in a new tab)\">Limpopo</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/pezulu-tree-house-game-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge (opens in a new tab)\">Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge</a> is built to celebrate its spectacular surroundings and this exclusive tree house lodge wants to give each guest a personal experience. There are ten tree houses built around a canopy of trees and wooden walkways lead to the units. You can enjoy the view and the herds of animals passing below from the spacious balcony and your outdoor shower. </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/pezulu-tree-house-game-lodge/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/7-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49536\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ballots-tree-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ballots Tree House (opens in a new tab)\">Ballots Tree House</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This fairytale <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/ballots-tree-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tree house (opens in a new tab)\">tree house</a> is situated between milkwood trees on the Ballots Bay hillside on the Garden Route. Its secluded location ensures the perfect getaway for nature lovers and those wanting to escape the city. You have access to a sheltered pebble beach where you can cast a line and enjoy a swim. The self-catering house sleeps four adults and two children and is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable break. There are multiple decks where you can sip on a sundowner and marvel at the view! </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/ballots-tree-house/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/8-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49538\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/luara-wildlife/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Luara Wildlife (opens in a new tab)\">Luara Wildlife</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Limpopo (opens in a new tab)\">Limpopo</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/luara-wildlife/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Luara Wildlife (opens in a new tab)\">Luara Wildlife</a> is home to a free-standing tree house on a picturesque farm on the outskirts of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/thabazimbi/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Thabazimbi (opens in a new tab)\">Thabazimbi</a>. The tree house is ideal for a family of four and has an outdoor kitchen where you can prepare a meal high up in a tree! A viewing deck overlooks the dam and you can view game from there. The farm is also a short drive from the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/marakele-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Marakele National Park (opens in a new tab)\">Marakele National Park</a> for more game-viewing opportunities.</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/luara-wildlife/" 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/2020/04/9-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49540\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/the-hermitage-valley-treehouse/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Hermitage Valley Treehouse (opens in a new tab)\">The Hermitage Valley Treehouse</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">An escape to this quaint <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/the-hermitage-valley-treehouse/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tree house (opens in a new tab)\">tree house</a> on the outskirts of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/swellendam/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Swellendam (opens in a new tab)\">Swellendam</a> looks ideal! It is situated on the host’s off-the-grid smallholding with horses and other animals roaming around the cabin. It sleeps two to three guests and is equipped for self-catering. The outdoor shower and sauna adds to this unique experience! You can enjoy a swim in the farm dam and enjoy walks on the farm. </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/the-hermitage-valley-treehouse/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/10-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49542\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/avoca-river-cabins/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Avoca River Cabins (opens in a new tab)\">Avoca River Cabins</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Eastern Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Eastern Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Nature lovers will be in heaven at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Avoca River Cabins (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/avoca-river-cabins/" target=\"_blank\">Avoca River Cabins</a> in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sundays River Valley (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sunday-s-river-valley/" target=\"_blank\">Sundays River Valley</a> near the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Addo Elephant Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/addo-elephant-park/" target=\"_blank\">Addo Elephant Park</a>. There is a wonderful treetop cottage between the Blue Gum trees on the farm and it has two bedrooms and plenty of space for the entire family. The lounge and bedrooms open onto a balcony with braai facilities, patio furniture and a beautiful view. It is a self-catering unit, but breakfast and dinner can be arranged in advance.<br></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/avoca-river-cabins/" 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/2020/04/11-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49544\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/vindoux-guest-farm--spa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa (opens in a new tab)\">Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\">Western Cape</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Nestled in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/tulbagh/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tulbagh (opens in a new tab)\">Tulbagh</a> Valley, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/vindoux-guest-farm--spa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa (opens in a new tab)\">Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa</a> is a fruit and wine farm in the foothills of the Saronsberg Mountains. Here you will find four tree house suites and a self-catering tree lodge. The tree houses are ideal for a romantic getaway and boast spa baths and private balconies with gorgeous views of the mountain, orchards and game. This farm offers an array of activities, from spa treatments and cycling to afternoon tea in the garden! </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/vindoux-guest-farm--spa/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/12-2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49546\"/></a></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tree-house-93/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tree House (opens in a new tab)\">Tree House</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kunene/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kunene (opens in a new tab)\">Kunene</a></strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">This remarkable tree house in our neighbouring country deserves a special mention! <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tree-house-93/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tree House (opens in a new tab)\">Tree House</a> is an exclusive tented tree house on the western border of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/etosha-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Etosha National Park (opens in a new tab)\">Etosha National Park</a> in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/namibia/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Namibia (opens in a new tab)\">Namibia</a>. It only sleeps two guests and you receive a cooler box with refreshments and a cold dinner platter. You are also welcome to make use of the facilities at the main lodge six kilometres from from there. A nocturnal game drive can also be arranged at an extra cost. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/13-2.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49548\"/></figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">So, make your tree house dreams come true and start planning your treetop getaway ─ you deserve it! </p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Feature image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/tree-house-93/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tree House (opens in a new tab)\">Tree House</a> (<a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"LekkeSlaap.co.za (opens in a new tab)\">LekkeSlaap.co.za</a>)</em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Untitled-design.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Untitled-design-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Untitled-design-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":28,"author_name":"Danielle Terblanche","author_slug":"danielle-terblanche","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0f91fb90d3bebfefcc8b5e3255f0aa86?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":6},{"id":49135,"slug":"have-you-heard-about-these-lesser-known-attractions-in-sa","date":"2020-10-01T09:45:30","title":"Have you heard about these lesser-known attractions in SA?","excerpt":"<p>We all know about South Africa’s most popular destinations ─ places like Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park and Durban’s beachfront ─ and these really do have much to commend them! But it’s the hidden gems and darling details of our country that makes us click our heels together and say, “There’s no place like <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/have-you-heard-about-these-lesser-known-attractions-in-sa/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap justify\">We all know about South Africa’s most popular destinations ─ places like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Table Mountain (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/table-mountain/" target=\"_blank\">Table Mountain</a>, the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kruger National Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kruger-national-park/" target=\"_blank\">Kruger National Park</a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Durban's beachfront (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/durban/" target=\"_blank\">Durban’s beachfront</a> ─ and these really do have much to commend them! But it’s the hidden gems and darling details of our country that makes us click our heels together and say, “There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home!” <br><br>So, follow <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\">LekkeSlaap </a>as we set out on an adventure through the country to see what interesting destinations each province has to offer. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Mpumalanga</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know<strong> </strong><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mpumalanga/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mpumalanga (opens in a new tab)\">Mpumalanga</a> means “the place where the sun rises” in the Nguni languages? Scenic beauty, climate and wildlife are said to be our country’s most attractive features and they are all found in this beautiful province.</p>\n\n\n\n<p> Situated in the De Kaap Valley and surrounded by the Makhonjwa Mountains, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/barberton/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Barberton (opens in a new tab)\">Barberton</a> was established in 1884 when the Barber brothers struck gold in the area. Barberton still boasts many reminders of the early gold-rush era and museums such as Belhaven, Fernlea House and Stopforth House are well worth a visit. </p>\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/2020/04/Barberton-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49141\"/><figcaption>Left: The farm, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Langlaagte (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Langlaagte.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">Langlaagte</a>, where gold was first discovered in 1886, Right: A <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"coach (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zeederberg08.JPG/" target=\"_blank\">coach</a> arriving in Johannesburg from gold diggings at Barberton.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The town of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sabie/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sabie (opens in a new tab)\">Sabie</a> is the centre of the largest man-made forest in South Africa. The extraction of gold in the 1870s consumed much of the area’s natural forest. But during the Great Depression the government subsidised the afforestation efforts in the area and provided employment to the local farmers.</p>\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/2020/04/Sabie-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49142\"/><figcaption>Left: Lone Creek Falls <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Africa-Mpumalanga-Sabie-Lone_Creek_Falls02.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Forest Walk (opens in a new tab)\">Forest Walk</a>, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SA04010-Wodospad_Lisbona.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Waterfall Lisbona (opens in a new tab)\">Waterfall Lisbona</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Eastern Cape</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know that the more than sixty state-owned game reserves and thirty private game farms in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Eastern Cape (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\">Eastern Cape</a> collectively cover more ground than the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kruger National Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kruger-national-park/" target=\"_blank\">Kruger National Park</a>?</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/valley-of-desolation/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Valley of Desolation (opens in a new tab)\">Valley of Desolation</a> to the north-west of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/graaff-reinet/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Graaff-Reinet (opens in a new tab)\">Graaff-Reinet</a> is a unique ecosystem that creates a type of oasis in the middle of the arid Karoo. The piled dolerite columns are the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature during the Jurassic Period millions of years ago.</p>\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/2020/04/Valley-of-Desolation-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49143\"/><figcaption>Left: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valley_of_Desolation-039.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Dolerite columns (opens in a new tab)\">Dolerite columns</a>, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valley_of_Desolation-007.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Valley of Desolation (opens in a new tab)\">Valley of Desolation</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">South Africa’s first marine reserve, the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tsitsikamma National Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/garden-route-national-park-tsitsikamma-section/" target=\"_blank\">Tsitsikamma National Park</a>, is an area of the Garden Route National Park on South Africa’s southern coast that boasts fifty kilometres of rocky coastline and three kilometres of ocean.</p>\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/2020/04/Tsitsikamma-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49214\"/><figcaption>Left: Storms River Mouth <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tsitsikamma_National_Park_02.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"suspension bridge (opens in a new tab)\">suspension bridge</a>, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2014-11-30_Tsitsikamma_National_Park_Storms_River_Mouth_06_anagoria.JPG/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Storms River Mouth (opens in a new tab)\">Storms River Mouth</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Western Cape </strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know that the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\">Western Cape</a> is the country’s most developed tourism region? Its tourism industry has grown faster and created more jobs than any other industry in the country.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The Western Cape may be known for its Cape Wine Route, but <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/calitzdorp/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Calitzdorp (opens in a new tab)\">Calitzdorp </a>is known as the port capital of South Africa. Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry, climate and there are quite a lot of similarities between the climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro Valley in Portugal.</p>\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/2020/04/Calitzdorp-Port-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49145\"/><figcaption>Left: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calitzdorp_sign.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Welcoming sign (opens in a new tab)\">Welcoming sign</a>, Right: Calitzdorp’s <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calitzdorp_main.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"main road (opens in a new tab)\">main road</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">There’s an old English oak tree just outside the Old Library in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/george/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"George (opens in a new tab)\">George </a>that was planted in 1811. This tree is known as the Slave Tree because of the old lock attached to it and legend has it that the lock was used to chain slaves to the tree when the site was still occupied by the jail.</p>\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/2020/04/Slave-Tree-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49146\"/><figcaption>Left: Outside the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Old_Oak_Slave_Tree.JPG/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Old Library (opens in a new tab)\">Old Library</a>, Right: The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Old_Oak_Slave_Tree2.JPG/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"old lock (opens in a new tab)\">old lock</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Northern Cape</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know that the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/the-big-hole/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Big Hole (opens in a new tab)\">Big Hole</a> in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kimberley/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kimberley (opens in a new tab)\">Kimberley </a>is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world? In 1871, diamonds were discovered at the site and mined manually by prospectors.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kuruman (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kuruman/" target=\"_blank\">Kuruman </a>is known as the “Oasis of the Kalahari” because of a permanent water source that flows from Gasegonyana – commonly called the “Eye of Kuruman” – which produces twenty million litres of water per day.</p>\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/2020/04/Kuruman-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49215\"/><figcaption> <em>Left: An <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kuruman,_Eye_1.JPG/">oasis, Right: The “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Eye,_Kuruman,_Northern_Cape,_South_Africa_(19919680754).jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22>Eye of Kuruman</a>“</em> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The author Olive Schreiner lived in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/de-aar/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"De Aar (opens in a new tab)\">De Aar</a> for many years and visitors to this town can dine in her old house, which has been converted into a cafe, nursery and gift shop.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/Schreiner-HuisHouse-953988814660856//" 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/2020/04/Schreiner-Huis-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49205\"/></a><figcaption>Schreiner House’s nursery – Photos: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shreiner House Facebook page (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/Schreiner-HuisHouse-953988814660856//" target=\"_blank\">Shreiner House Facebook page</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>KwaZulu-Natal</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know this province has two World Heritage Sites? The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/isimangaliso-wetland-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"iSimangaliso Wetland Park (opens in a new tab)\">iSimangaliso Wetland Park</a> and the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/drakensberg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (opens in a new tab)\">Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/isimangaliso-wetland-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"iSimangaliso Wetland Park (opens in a new tab)\">iSimangaliso Wetland Park</a> is a huge protected area with five separate ecosystems. Lake St. Lucia forms the park’s centre and is home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos.</p>\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/2020/04/iSimangaliso-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49149\"/><figcaption>Left: A <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hippopotamus_and_Hippo_tour_boat,_iSimangaliso_Wetland_Park.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tour boat (opens in a new tab)\">tour boat</a> spotting some hippos, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISimangaliso_Wetland_Park,_gravel_road.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"iSimangaliso Wetland Park (opens in a new tab)\">iSimangaliso Wetland Park</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The Llandaff Oratory in Van Reenen seats only eight and is believed to be the smallest Roman Catholic church in the world. The oratory was built by Maynard Mathews in memory of his son Llandaff who died saving eight colleagues at a mine in 1925.</p>\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/2020/04/Kerkie-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49150\"/><figcaption>Left: A <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"national monument (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LLandaff_Oratory-001.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">national monument</a>, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Africa-Van_Reenen-Llandaff_Oratory-001.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Llandaff Oratory (opens in a new tab)\">Llandaff Oratory</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Limpopo</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know this <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"province (opens in a new tab)\">province</a> is named after the Limpopo River? The name means “strong gushing waterfalls” in the Ndebele language.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Marakele National Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/marakele-national-park/" target=\"_blank\">Marakele National Park</a> is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of the endangered Cape vulture and there are more than eight hundred breeding pairs nesting on the mountain cliffs. </p>\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/2020/04/Cape-vulture-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49152\"/><figcaption>Left: A <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cape_Vulture-001.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cape vulture (opens in a new tab)\">Cape vulture</a> in flight, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cape_Vulture-002.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Feasting (opens in a new tab)\">Feasting </a>on their prey</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/mapungubwe-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mapungubwe Archaeological Site (opens in a new tab)\">Mapungubwe Archaeological Site</a> is one of the richest of its kind in Africa. Excavations in the 1930s uncovered a royal graveyard, which included a number of golden artefacts, including the famous gold-foil rhinoceros.</p>\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/2020/04/Mapungubwe-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49153\"/><figcaption>Left: The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UP_rhino.JPG/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Golden Rhinoceros (opens in a new tab)\">Golden Rhinoceros</a>, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MapungubweHill.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mapungubwe Hill (opens in a new tab)\">Mapungubwe Hill</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Free State</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know that this <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/free-state/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"central region (opens in a new tab)\">central region</a> forms the main breadbasket of the country? It is characterised by endless rolling fields of wheat, sunflowers and maize.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/golden-gate-highlands-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Golden Gate Highlands National Park (opens in a new tab)\">Golden Gate Highlands National Park</a>, nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, covers an area of 340 km². The park’s most notable and must-see features are its orange and golden, eroded sandstone rock formations.</p>\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/2020/04/Golden-Gate-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49154\"/><figcaption>Left: A <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"winding road (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Gate_Highlands_National_Park,_South_Africa_-_panoramio_(2).jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">winding road</a> through the park, Right: The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Gate_Highlands_National_Park,_view_south_-_panoramio.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Brandwag Rock (opens in a new tab)\">Brandwag Rock</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Vredefort Dome (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/vredefort-dome/" target=\"_blank\">Vredefort Dome</a>, a World Heritage Site, is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site yet found on earth. It was formed about 2023 million years ago when a giant meteorite hit the earth and made a crater that was about three hundred kilometres wide.</p>\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/2020/04/Vredefort-Dome-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49155\"/><figcaption>Left: The Dome <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"from space (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vredefort_Dome_STS51I-33-56AA.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">from space</a>, Right: The crater was about <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"300 km wide (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vredefort_Dome-113482.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">three hundred kilometres wide</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Gauteng</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gauteng (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gauteng/" target=\"_blank\">Gauteng</a>” means “place of gold” in Sesotho? It is also the smallest but most-densely populated province of South Africa. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The old mining town of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cullinan (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cullinan/" target=\"_blank\">Cullinan</a> is where the world’s biggest diamond, the Cullinan diamond, was found on 26 January 1905. The diamond was 3106.75 carats and about ten centimetres long in its longest dimension.</p>\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/2020/04/Cullinan-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49156\"/><figcaption>Left: The diamond in its <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cullinan_diamond_rough.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"rough form (opens in a new tab)\">rough form</a>, Right: The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Premier Mine (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Africa-Cullinan_Premier_Mine02.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\">Premier Mine</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"National Zoological Gardens (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/pretoria-zoo/" target=\"_blank\">National Zoological Gardens</a> in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pretoria (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/pretoria-cbd/" target=\"_blank\">Pretoria</a> is the largest zoo in the country, the only one with national status and is considered one of the ten best in the world.</p>\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/2020/04/PTA-Zoo-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49157\"/><figcaption>Left: A <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Africa-Pretoria_Zoo-001.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"pathway (opens in a new tab)\">pathway </a>in the National Zoological Gardens, Right: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:African_wild_dog_South_Africa.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"African wild dog (opens in a new tab)\">African wild dog</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>North West</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Did you know <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/north-west/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"North West (opens in a new tab)\">North West</a> has several cultural villages that travellers can visit? They provide visitors with a better understanding of the rich cultural background of the traditional peoples of South Africa.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/groot-marico/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Groot Marico (opens in a new tab)\">Groot Marico</a> region is known as mampoer country and visitors can experience this fiery drink at M&M Mampoer for a demonstration on the production process and mampoer tasting sessions.</p>\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/2020/04/Mampoer-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49158\"/><figcaption>Left: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Groot_Marico,_North_West,_South_Africa_(20539016521).jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Marico Mampoer (opens in a new tab)\">Marico Mampoer</a>, Right: A <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Groot_Marico,_North_West,_South_Africa_(19911421033).jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"fiery drink (opens in a new tab)\">fiery drink</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/ottosdal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ottosdal (opens in a new tab)\">Ottosdal </a>is the only place in South Africa where the unique “wonderstone”, or pyrophyllite, is found and mined. Pyrophyllite is used for slate pencils and tailors’ chalk, and combined with other compounds to create insecticide and bricks.</p>\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/2020/04/Pyro-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49159\"/><figcaption>Left: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gabriel (Flickr) (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.flickr.com/photos/cod_gabriel/13225137323/in/photolist-a4x9jz-2isg6ED-2dBBj1a-m9Ehz2-peKqcf-RtMztY-Gv4MuR-RtMAXQ-24nknYs-oZhJ2e-4BujC2-8fh6Vw-p8TaZJ-p8Tb1L-2g6rmTT-jEyiH5-JZ9WUU-255bQoX-JZa1vw-255cPg4-RVj5f4-2ehRgbV-255cQcH-255cKgF-2ehRbHX-2h3W4w4-2fVcisw//" target=\"_blank\">Gabriel (Flickr)</a>, Right: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bobistraveling (Flickr) (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobistraveling/12250751826/in/photolist-a4x9jz-2isg6ED-2dBBj1a-m9Ehz2-peKqcf-RtMztY-Gv4MuR-RtMAXQ-24nknYs-oZhJ2e-4BujC2-8fh6Vw-p8TaZJ-p8Tb1L-2g6rmTT-jEyiH5-JZ9WUU-255bQoX-JZa1vw-255cPg4-RVj5f4-2ehRgbV-255cQcH-255cKgF-2ehRbHX-2h3W4w4-2fVcisw//" target=\"_blank\">bobistraveling (Flickr)</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">We bet you didn’t know about all of these attractions! Did some of these surprise you? Or do you know about one you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All images: Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise specified.<br>Feature image: </em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hendrik van den Berg ( Wikimedia Commons) (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=File%3AGolden+Gate+Highlands+National+Park&title=Special:Search&go=Go&ns0=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:Golden_Gate_Highlands_National_Park,_view_south_-_panoramio.jpg?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\" target=\"_blank\">Hendrik van den Berg<em> (Wikimedia Commons)</em></a></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Feature-Golden-Gate.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Feature-Golden-Gate-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Feature-Golden-Gate-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":7},{"id":49684,"slug":"creatures-knysna","date":"2020-05-07T12:00:53","title":"The Unique Creatures of the Garden Route","excerpt":"<p>The early earth advocate, John Muir, is known to have said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Nowhere is this more apparent than on our most beloved Garden Route. Here are some of its unique inhabitants.</p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap justify\">The early earth advocate, John Muir, is known to have said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Nowhere is this more apparent than on our most beloved <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Garden Route (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/garden-route/" target=\"_blank\">Garden Route</a>. This area, stretching from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Witsand (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/witsand/" target=\"_blank\">Witsand</a> in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Western Cape (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\">Western Cape</a> to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Storms River (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/storms-river/" target=\"_blank\">Storms River</a> in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Eastern Cape (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\">Eastern Cape</a>, encompasses towns like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Plettenberg Bay (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/plettenberg-bay/" target=\"_blank\">Plettenberg Bay</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mossel Bay (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mossel-bay/" target=\"_blank\">Mossel Bay</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Great (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/great-brak-river/" target=\"_blank\">Great</a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Little Brak River (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/little-brak-river/" target=\"_blank\">Little Brak River</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wilderness (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wilderness/" target=\"_blank\">Wilderness</a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sedgefield (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sedgefield/" target=\"_blank\">Sedgefield</a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Nature's Valley (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/nature-s-valley/" target=\"_blank\">Nature’s Valley</a> ─ places vacationers flock to for a beautiful break. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> <strong>The early earth advocate, John Muir, is known to have said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” </strong></p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Because of its special characteristics, this little strip of land where Afromontane forest meets ocean, is home to some marvellous creatures, many of which can’t be found anywhere else. And, because of the limited size of their habitat, urbanisation and historical exploitation, most of these indigenous creatures face extinction and have learned to be shy to survive. When you visit the Garden Route again, keep an eye out for them and, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll know its story and its worth. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Brenton-Blue Butterfly</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">With its spotted grey-brown wings that glimmer a purple iridescence when they move, the Brenton-Blue butterfly is one of the Garden Route’s darlings. It occurs only on a fifteen-hectare strip in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/brenton-on-sea/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Brenton-on-Sea (opens in a new tab)\">Brenton-on-Sea</a> which has been declared a reserve since 2003. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/Brenton-Blue-Butterfly-Reserve-1288095967962001//" 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/2020/05/Knysna-Diere-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"brenton blue\" class=\"wp-image-49715\"/></a><figcaption>Lucky shots of the Brenton-Blue. | Left by André Coetzer, right by Justin Bode </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">At the moment the butterfly is in a critically endangered state not having been spotted since February 2018, just under a year after the devastating Knysna fires. Apart from its effect on the butterflies themselves, 2017’s fire seems to have driven away the reserve’s Bayne’s Sugar Ants ,<em> </em>a species that plays a crucial role in the life cycle of the Brenton-Blue, and though the <em>indigofera erecta </em>plant the butterfly lays its larvae in has seen a return to the reserve, the ants have not, nor has the butterfly ─ yet. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> <strong>At the moment the butterfly is in a critically endangered state not having been spotted since February 2018, just under a year after the devastating Knysna fires. </strong></p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">But the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Brenton Blue Trust (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.brentonbluetrust.co.za//" target=\"_blank\">Brenton Blue Trust</a> and Cape Nature that manages the reserve are hopeful. They have worked tirelessly to reintroduce the sugar ants and are even offering an award for anyone who can find another Brenton-Blue breeding site so that the population of the reserve can be saved by introducing new individuals. </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/2020/05/17-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"indigofera erecta\" class=\"wp-image-49709\"/><figcaption>The indigofera erecta plant is vital to the Brenton-Blue’s reproductive cycle. | <em>Photo: Hanna du Toit on </em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/Brenton-Blue-Butterfly-Reserve-1288095967962001//" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">In the meantime ecologist, Dr Dave Edge, has been monitoring the reserve and looking for signs of the butterfly. You can track their progress by following their <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Facebook page (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/Brenton-Blue-Butterfly-Reserve-1288095967962001//" target=\"_blank\">Facebook page</a>, visit the reserve with all its other beautiful species (although it is temporarily closed to give the vegetation and habitat a chance to recover) or donate to the fund which keeps this reserve and its vulnerable species going. </p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Knysna Seahorse</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Of the forty documented seahorse species on earth, the Knysna seahorse is the only one that is endemic to South Africa. This little fish, growing up to twelve centimetres in length, can only be found in estuaries in the Southern Cape, namely <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/swartvlei/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Swartvlei (opens in a new tab)\">Swartvlei</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/keurboomstrand/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Keurbooms (opens in a new tab)\">Keurbooms</a> and in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna</a>, apart from a small colony at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/two-oceans-aquarium/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Two Oceans Aquarium (opens in a new tab)\">Two Oceans Aquarium</a>. It is mainly because of its limited range of possible habitats that the little steeds remain at risk. </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/2020/05/6-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna seahorse\" class=\"wp-image-49691\"/><figcaption>A Knysna seahorse among sea plants | Photo: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wikimedia Commons (opens in a new tab)\">Wikimedia Commons</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The Knysna seahorse can change its colour from pale green to brown to purplish black depending on its mood and its family dynamic is quite endearing. They are monogamous animals, remaining faithful to a single partner, a bond that is reinforced by daily greetings. During their courtship dance, the seahorses make smacking sounds (like that of smoochy lips) that are loud enough to be heard underwater. The female deposits eggs in the male’s pouch and, when the time comes, he expels dozens of live seahorse babies into the water. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p><strong>During their courtship dance, the seahorses make smacking sounds (like that of smoochy lips) that are loud enough to be heard underwater. </strong></p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The Knysna seahorse lives in the plants growing at the bottom of the lagoon as this allows them to hang on with their tails, feed on bottom-dwelling organisms and it acts as a safety measure. But, since houses and shopping centers are being built right on the water’s edge, pollution flowing into the lagoons as well as loads of irresponsible activity on these bodies of water have led to a fifty percent decline in the seahorse population in just ten years! Now the Knysna Basin Project and SANParks are collaborating to create awareness. </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/2020/05/9-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna houseboats\" class=\"wp-image-49695\"/><figcaption>Beneath this <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna Houseboat (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna Houseboat</a>, tied to the jetty at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Thesen Island (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/thesen-islands/" target=\"_blank\">Thesen Island</a> Harbour, lives the Knysna Seahorse. Lagoon guests are requested to keep the speed of their boats down in the marina to avoid disturbing the seahorses. | Photo: <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)\">Adri<em>ë</em>tte le Roux</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">When you visit <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Thesen Island (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/thesen-islands/" target=\"_blank\">Thesen Island</a> in Knysna you’ll spot signs on the waterway urging boaters to avoid using their anchors and engines in the planted areas as well as notices near all sidewalk grates reminding visitors that litter will inevitably end up in the lagoon and affect their much-loved seahorses. </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/2020/05/7-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Thesen island seahorse\" class=\"wp-image-49696\"/><figcaption>Notices at Thesen Island’s sidewalk grates, urging visitors to keep the seahorses in mind. | Photo: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Adriëtte le Roux (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/author/adriette-le-roux/" target=\"_blank\"><em>Adriëtte le Roux</em> </a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Knysna lourie</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">One of the less shy animals on the Garden Route is the fabulously flashy Knysna turaco or Knysna lourie as South Africans like to call it. This green and red fruit and insect eater can be spotted all along the evergreen forests of southern and eastern South Africa, but is especially prevalent in and around <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna</a>, so much so that Knysna’s Mardi Gras and Arts Festival is aptly named <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/pinkloerie//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Pink Loerie (opens in a new tab)\">The Pink Loerie</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/05/1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna lourie\" class=\"wp-image-49688\"/><figcaption>A sassy Knysna lourie | Photo: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.bigstockphoto.com//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bigstock (opens in a new tab)\">Bigstock</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Although its green plumage makes it inconspicuous in the treetops, your eye might be drawn in its direction by its <em>kow-kow-kow-kow</em> call which is used to alert its mates to approaching danger. Once you’re looking in the right direction you might spot its bright orange-red beak or the white rims of its eyes and crest. If that doesn’t work, you’re sure to see it when it flies between branches as the undersides of its wings are an impressive crimson. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Interestingly turacos are the only birds whose red and green colour is true. The colour of most birds is a result of a specific feather structure, but the lourie’s turacin (red pigment) and turacoverdin (green pigment) contain copper and if you were lucky enough to pick one up and stir it in a glass of water, the water would turn pink! In museum exhibits, louries’ feather pigments deepen with time as the copper starts to oxidize. </p>\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/2020/05/11-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna lourie birds of eden\" class=\"wp-image-49697\"/><figcaption>The Knysna lourie might be spotted by its red and white rimmed eyes or white crest. This is one of Birds of Eden’s louries. | Photo: provided by the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Birds of Eden (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/birds-of-eden/" target=\"_blank\">Birds of Eden</a> sanctuary near <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Crags (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/the-crags/" target=\"_blank\">The Crags</a></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Like Knysna seahorses, louries are monogamous and, what’s more, they are all for gender equality with both the male and female contributing to the building of the nest, brooding on the eggs and feeding the chicks. And, though louries prefer that nesting be a family affair, they are very social birds at other times and tend to move close to their friends, so keep an eye out when you’re making circles in the forest! </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> <strong>Like Knysna seahorses, louries are monogamous and, what’s more, they are all for gender equality … </strong></p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Knysna Elephant</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The notion of there still being elephants roaming amongst the trees of the Garden Route remains a captivating one. It is an idea that we have come to appreciate not only because of Dalene Matthee and her majestic elephant character Oupoot in <em>Circles in a Forest</em>, but also because, had there been such a herd left, it would constitute the only unfenced elephants in South Africa! </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> <strong>Had there been a herd left in the forest, it would constitute the only unfenced elephants in South Africa! </strong> </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/2020/05/2-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Circles in a Forest Knysna\" class=\"wp-image-49689\"/><figcaption>Knysna’s elephants were made famous by Dalene Matthee’s much-loved novel, Circles in a Forest or “Kringe in ’n bos” in Afrikaans. | Photo of forest: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wikimedia Commons (opens in a new tab)\">Wikimedia Commons</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Historically these highly intelligent and empathetic animals have been hunted to near extinction under the guise of their supposed destructive nature, when their destruction has seldom been more than stress caused by infringement on their habitats. Of course, the value of their ivory tusks was more than enough reason for hunters to assist in the “thinning out” of Knysna’s elephant herds in the early to mid twentieth century.</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/2020/05/4-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"knysna elephants wikimedia\" class=\"wp-image-49690\"/><figcaption> “A Scene in Sitsikamma” was painted by Samuel Daniell, the appointed artist for a British expedition in 1801. Praised for his accuracy, these elephants seem to depict the Asian and not the African kind, but Daniell’s painting does hint at the prevalence of elephants in the forest more than two hundred years ago | Image: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wikimedia Commons (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page/" target=\"_blank\">Wikimedia Commons</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">On 9 February 2019, after months of video research, SANParks reported that there is a last lone female elephant in the forest. The scientist who conducted the search, Lizelle Moolman, says that though many still hold out hope that there might be more elephants hidden among the trees, the solo elephant’s idiosyncratic behaviour and the fact that she has never been spotted with a herd would have Moolman believe that this is the last free elephant in Knysna. Elephants are herd animals, and had there been any others, this 45-year-old female would have found them.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Today visitors on the Garden Route have the opportunity to see elephants at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/ElephantParkKnysna//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna Elephant Park (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna Elephant Park</a> on the way to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Plettenberg Bay (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/plettenberg-bay/" target=\"_blank\">Plettenberg Bay</a>. Established in 1994, it is the first facility in the country to care for orphaned elephants and the herd currently stands at ten happy, healthy bigfeet. So, in the spirit of honouring the functionally extinct Knysna elephant, supporting the maintenance of this herd would be a kind gesture.</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/2020/05/10-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna Elephant Park\" class=\"wp-image-49692\"/><figcaption>One of the elephants of the matriarchal herd at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/ElephantParkKnysna//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna Elephant Park (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna Elephant Park</a> | Photo: <em>Erin Shattock</em> </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><strong>Knysna Dwarf Chameleon</strong></h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The Knysna Dwarf Chameleon’s claim to fame is that it has the longest tail of all the <em>Bradypodion </em>(“slow-footed”) chameleons and is one of the few of its species to give live birth (to up to thirty babies at a time!). The Afromontane forest near Knysna is this slow-goer’s one and only home.</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/2020/05/14-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"knysna dwarf chameleon\" class=\"wp-image-49704\"/><figcaption>An exquisite Knysna dwarf chameleon curling its long tail around its human branch’s finger. | Photo: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/joggievs/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Joggie van Staden (opens in a new tab)\">Joggie van Staden</a> for <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/AfricanMosaic//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"African Mosaic (opens in a new tab)\">African Mosaic</a></figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">The striking chameleon can reach a total length of 25 centimetres (nose to tail tip); the females only 18 centimetres. However big they grow, these forest dwellers are exquisite, with bright green to bluish skin decorated with splashes of pink, orange, navy and black. These colours change, not to camouflage the chameleon as many would believe, but based on what they are feeling and what they’d like to communicate to each other. When they are happy and unthreatened they might turn bright turquoise, orange or white and when they are in trauma, they turn mostly black.</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> <strong>These colours change, not to camouflage the chameleon as many would believe, but based on what they are feeling and what they’d like to communicate to each other. </strong></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/2020/05/16-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49698\"/><figcaption>Chameleons don’t have upper or lower eyelids. Instead they have one conical eyelid leaving just enough of the eye exposed to see through. Their eyes can also move in different directions at the same time! On the left a seemingly chatty male chameleon exposes the orange inside of his mouth to intimidate another male entering his territory. | Photos: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/joggievs/" target=\"_blank\">Joggie van Staden</a><em> for </em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/AfricanMosaic//" target=\"_blank\">African Mosaic</a> </figcaption></figure></div>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Aldo Kleyn, a Knysna resident has made it his passion to care for these animals since witnessing one unsuccessfully try to cross a road in town a few years ago. After some research he realised how vulnerable they were with the town encroaching on the forests and wanted to help. He subsequently set up a successful rehabilitation, conservation and re-homing project to assist with the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon’s survival and, even after losing his home and chameleon sanctuary in the June 2017 fires, has rebuilt much of what he has lost.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Since these creatures move so slowly, they were particularly affected by the fires and hundreds of devastatingly injured chameleons were found in subsequent weeks. But, just as slowly and surely as these chameleons walk, Kleyn has been able to create awareness of their plight and educate followers on caring for these creatures through his work and his <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Facebook page (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/slow.foot.co.za//" target=\"_blank\">Facebook page</a> which you can follow to show your support. </p>\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/2020/05/12-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Knysna Dwarf Chameleon\" class=\"wp-image-49693\"/><figcaption>A bright little dwarf chameleon poses for us for a last time. | Photo: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/joggievs/" target=\"_blank\">Joggie van Staden</a><em> for </em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/AfricanMosaic//" target=\"_blank\">African Mosaic</a> </figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">______________</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Shy and small or beautiful and bright, the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Garden Route’s (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/garden-route/" target=\"_blank\">Garden Route’s</a> unique animals are worth taking note of. They are the mascots of a healthy, happy forest and when you visit this paradise on the southern coast again, make sure to keep an eye out for them!</p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Main image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/joggievs/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Joggie van Staden (opens in a new tab)\">Joggie van Staden</a> for <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/AfricanMosaic//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"African Mosaic (opens in a new tab)\">African Mosaic</a></em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/05/13.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"knysna dwarf chameleon Joggie van staden","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/05/13-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/05/13-1024x541.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":12},{"id":49373,"slug":"30-unusual-facts-about-south-africa","date":"2020-04-15T08:19:42","title":"30 unusual facts about South Africa","excerpt":"<p>While we’re not allowed to travel outside of the comfort of our homes at the moment, we can marvel at these unusual facts about our beautiful country. South Africa has made history in a number of fields and is home to some pretty spectacular natural wonders that can be explored once the national lockdown is <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/30-unusual-facts-about-south-africa/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"justify\">While we’re not allowed to travel outside of the comfort of our homes at the moment, we can marvel at these unusual facts about our beautiful country. <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"South Africa (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa</a> has made history in a number of fields and is home to some pretty spectacular natural wonders that can be explored once the national lockdown is lifted! </p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"justify wp-block-list\"><li>It takes one minute longer to <strong>boil an egg</strong> in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/johannesburg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Johannesburg (opens in a new tab)\">Johannesburg</a> than in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-town/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cape Town (opens in a new tab)\">Cape Town</a> and <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/durban/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Durban (opens in a new tab)\">Durban</a>. This is because Johannesburg is two thousand metres above sea level where the air is less dense.</li></ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">2. The world’s <strong>largest diamond</strong>, the Cullinan Diamond, was found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed in at an impressive 3 106.75 carats! </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">3. <strong>South Africa moves about five centimetres</strong> further away from South America every year because of a subtle continuation of continental drift. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">4. We love our wine in South Africa and the <strong>largest wine cellar</strong> in the world is situated in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/paarl/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Paarl (opens in a new tab)\">Paarl</a>. KWV Cellars stretches over twenty-two hectares and has a capacity of 121 million litres. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">5. Cape Town is home to the <strong>oldest building</strong> in South Africa: the Castle of Good Hope. It was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India company.</p>\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/2020/04/21-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49375\"/><figcaption><em>The court of the Castle of Good Hope. Image: Bigstock</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">6. The <strong>author of the world-famous <em>Lord of the Rings</em></strong> books, J.R.R. Tolkien, was born in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/bloemfontein/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bloemfontein (opens in a new tab)\">Bloemfontein</a> in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/free-state/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Free State (opens in a new tab)\">Free State</a> in 1892. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">7. The Vredefort Dome near Parys in the Free State is home to our planet’s <strong>oldest meteor scar</strong> – it is two billion years old!</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">8. South Africa hosts the <strong>largest timed cycle race</strong> in the world (Cape Town Cycle Tour), the world’s <strong>oldest and largest ultra-marathon</strong> (Comrades Marathon) and the world’s <strong>largest open water swimming event</strong> (Midmar Mile).</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">9. <strong>Elon Musk</strong>, the CEO of SpaceX and genius behind Tesla, was born in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/pretoria/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pretoria (opens in a new tab)\">Pretoria</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/gauteng/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gauteng (opens in a new tab)\">Gauteng</a> in 1971.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">10. Afrikaans, which is one of South Africa’s eleven official languages, is the <strong>youngest official language</strong> in the world. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">11. There are around <strong>three thousand shipwrecks</strong> off the coast of South Africa and they are all protected by South African laws. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">12. The <strong>dolos</strong>, which is a reinforced concrete block used for protection against the erosive force of waves from a body of water, was invented by a South African draughtsman in 1963. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">13. South Africa has one of the <strong>most luxurious trains</strong> in the world: the Rovos Rail. We also have the luxury short-journey Blue Train and an adventure train called the Shongololo Express. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">14. <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sutherland/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sutherland (opens in a new tab)\">Sutherland</a> in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/karoo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Karoo (opens in a new tab)\">Karoo</a> is home to one of the three <strong>largest telescopes</strong> in the world, SALT. </p>\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/2020/04/22-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49379\"/><figcaption><em>The Southern African Large Telescope in Sutherland. Image: Bigstock</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">15. South Africa is home to the world’s <strong>smallest succulents</strong> (less than 990.6 millimeters) in the Karoo – and the <strong>largest</strong>, the Big Baobab in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/limpopo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Limpopo (opens in a new tab)\">Limpopo</a> which used to have a bar in its trunk.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">16. <strong>Pratley Putty</strong>, which was invented by a South African in the 1960s, is the only South African product to have been to the moon. It was used on the Apollo 11’s landing craft which landed on the moon and on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">17. In 1882, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/kimberley/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kimberley (opens in a new tab)\">Kimberley</a> became the first town in the southern hemisphere to install <strong>electric streetlights</strong>.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">18. South Africa is home to <strong>eight UNESCO World Heritage sites</strong>: The Fossil Hominid Sites at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/strekfontein-caves/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sterkfontein (opens in a new tab)\">Sterkfontein</a>, the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/mapungubwe-national-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mapungubwe (opens in a new tab)\">Mapungubwe</a> Cultural Landscape in Limpopo, the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/ai-ais-richtersveld-transfrontier-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richtersveld (opens in a new tab)\">Richtersveld</a> Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the Northern Cape, Robben Island, the floral regions in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/isimangaliso-wetland-park/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"iSimangaliso Wetland Park (opens in a new tab)\">iSimangaliso Wetland Park</a> in KwaZulu-Natal, the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-near/vredefort-dome/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Vredefort Dome (opens in a new tab)\">Vredefort Dome</a> and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.</p>\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/2020/04/23-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49380\"/><figcaption><em>Garden Castle. Image: Bigstock</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">19. South Africa is home to the world’s <strong>highest commercial bungee jump</strong>. We dare you to dive off the 216 metre Bloukrans Bridge in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/storms-river/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Storms River (opens in a new tab)\">Storms River</a>!</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">20. The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-winelands/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cape Winelands (opens in a new tab)\">Cape Winelands</a> in the Western Cape is the <strong>longest wine route</strong> in the world. It is approximately 850 kilometres long and includes more than two hundred wine cellars. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">21. The annual Sardine Run can be <strong>seen from space</strong>! The shoals are approximately seven kilometres long, one and a half kilometres wide and thirty metres deep. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">22. The world-famous Cango Caves in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/oudtshoorn/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Oudtshoorn (opens in a new tab)\">Oudtshoorn</a> is the <strong>longest underground cave sequence</strong> in the world. </p>\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/2020/04/24-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49381\"/><figcaption><em>Inside the Cango Caves. Image: Bigstock</em></figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">23. Johannesburg is the world’s <strong>largest man-made forest</strong>, home to over ten million trees which help to reduce noise in the city.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">24. South Africa’s tap water is the <strong>third best and safest water</strong> that is ready to drink in the world. </p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">25. South Africa is one of only two countries in the world to have hosted the <strong>soccer, cricket, and rugby world cups</strong>. The first was England.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">26. The only street in the world to house <strong>two Nobel Peace Prize winners</strong> is found in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/soweto/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Soweto (opens in a new tab)\">Soweto</a>. Vilakazi Street was home to former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">27. <strong>Rooibos tea</strong> is a blend of tea grown only in the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cederberg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cederberg (opens in a new tab)\">Cederberg</a> area of the Western Cape.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">28. The <strong>Kreepy Krauly</strong> was the world’s first automatic pool cleaning product, invented in 1974 by a South African called Ferdinand Chauvier.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">29. South Africa has the <strong>second-highest number of official languages</strong> in the world (eleven) – second only to India which has twenty-two.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">30. South Africa was the first country in the world to provide <strong>full protection</strong> for the Great White shark in 1991.</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\">Do you know any more unusual facts about South Africa? Share them with us in the comments below! </p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Feature image: Bigstock</em><br></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Shipwreck.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Shipwreck-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/04/Shipwreck-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":28,"author_name":"Danielle Terblanche","author_slug":"danielle-terblanche","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0f91fb90d3bebfefcc8b5e3255f0aa86?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":5},{"id":47908,"slug":"knysna-houseboat-and-up-the-head","date":"2020-01-09T09:07:17","title":"A Night on a Knysna Houseboat and an Adventure up The Heads","excerpt":"<p>Popeye, Jack Sparrow and Captain Kid did it, and if you dream of captaining your own boat, it’s time to book a getaway on one of the Knysna Houseboats and sail off into the sunset! We decided to test the waters ourselves and put our best steering skills to the test! The Featherbed Co. not <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/knysna-houseboat-and-up-the-head/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap justify\"> Popeye, Jack Sparrow and Captain Kid did it, and if you dream of captaining your own boat, it’s time to book a getaway on one of the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna Houseboats (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna Houseboats</a> and sail off into the sunset! <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"We (opens in a new tab)\">We</a> decided to test the waters ourselves and put our best steering skills to the test! </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com//" target=\"_blank\">Featherbed Co.</a> not only owns the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" target=\"_blank\">Knysna Houseboats</a>, but also offers various activities along the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/garden-route/" target=\"_blank\">Garden Route</a> that include their own nature reserve and trail.</p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna</a> has always been a multi-faceted holiday destination for travelers seeking anything from a romantic getaway to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure retreat for daredevils wanting to zipline or kayak on the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/storms-river/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Storms River (opens in a new tab)\">Storms River</a>. The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Featherbed Co. (opens in a new tab)\">Featherbed Co.</a> not only owns the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna Houseboats (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna Houseboats</a>, but also offers various activities along the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/garden-route/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Garden Route (opens in a new tab)\">Garden Route</a> that include their own nature reserve and trail, restaurants and various boats that can act as venues for weddings and functions, or simply be used for a leisurely cruise.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"> How to keep your boat afloat 101 </h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" 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/2020/01/1-2-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47909\"/></a><figcaption>The bedroom inside the cabin has a lovely double bed.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> We arrived in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/knysna/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna</a> and reported for a quick instructional video on how to steer, moor and handle the boat. After completing a quick knowledge test on important points made in the video, my travel partner was issued a temporary skippers licence. Our luggage was unloaded and we were escorted to our floating home for the night. The boats are extremely well-equipped with bedding, cutlery, crockery, matches and pretty much anything you will need. </p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/knysna-houseboats/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/01/2-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47910\" width=\"600\" height=\"316\"/></a><figcaption>The kitchen is equipped with everything you need.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> We took a quick sail around the bay just to make sure we knew what’s what, after which we said goodbye to our instructor and took to the lagoon in the direction of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Heads (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/the-heads/" target=\"_blank\">The Heads</a>. Equipped with a map of the whole lagoon, it’s relatively easy to find your way around. There are various overnight mooring points. Keeping you on course are multiple numbered buoys ─ it’s important to keep close to these as there are lots of sandbanks scattered on the bottom of the lagoon, which can make for a tricky situation where the only way to get off the sandbank is to wait for the tide to come in. </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/knysna-houseboats/" 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/2020/01/3-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47911\"/></a><figcaption>The instructor takes us on a quick orientation cruise and gives us a map of the lagoon.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> The sun was shining, but the wind was quite strong and after some deliberation, we decided to head back to the bay and moor next to the jetty. We were quite glad about our decision when some of the other guests told us about their night on the rather bumpy waters the next morning. </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/knysna-houseboats/" 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/2020/01/5-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47912\"/></a><figcaption>Adriëtte enjoying a glass of wine while I start preparing the braai.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> …we had a braai on the houseboat’s deck while in awe of the harbour and bay’s twinkling lights. </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> Little did we know that our decision to moor next to the jetty would present some other great opportunities, like enjoying sundowners at the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.facebook.com/TapasandOystersKnysna/?ref=br_rs\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tapas and Oysters (opens in a new tab)\">Tapas and Oysters</a> restaurant overlooking the lagoon. We wanted to use all of the facilities on the boat, so, of course we had a braai on the houseboat’s deck while in awe of the harbour and bay’s twinkling lights. After dinner we spent some time on the roof of the boat and started getting excited for the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com/featherbed-nature-reserve.html/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Featherbed Eco Cruise (opens in a new tab)\">Featherbed Eco Cruise</a> that we would undertake the next morning. </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/knysna-houseboats/" 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/2020/01/4-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47913\"/></a><figcaption>We drank some sundowners on the boat’s roof and enjoyed the sunset.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">A cruise put to good use</h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#ee782c\"><p> After a quick ferry ride to the foot of the Western Head, we were loaded onto 4×4-vehicles heading up to the very top. </p></blockquote></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> We had a wonderful night’s rest on the comfortable double bed and enjoyed our morning coffee on our deck, after which we headed to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Featherbed Co.’s (opens in a new tab)\" href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com//" target=\"_blank\">Featherbed Co.’s</a> assembly point at the waterfront. Everything works like a well-oiled machine and after receiving our entry bracelets we were welcomed by Nicole, Featherbed’s representative and the person who made this wonderful experience possible. After a quick ferry ride to the foot of the Western Head, we were loaded onto 4×4-vehicles heading up to the very top. </p>\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/2020/01/6-2-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47920\"/><figcaption>The view from the top of the Western Head.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> To say that the view from up there is breathtaking is definitely the understatement of the year! Another big treat was taking part in the reintroduction of indigenous plants by way of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com/conservation/seed-balls.html/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"seed balls (opens in a new tab)\">seed balls</a>. For just a small fee, visitors can purchase ten seed balls and, using a slingshot, shoot them up or down the mountain when getting out at the view point. </p>\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/2020/01/7-1-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47915\"/><figcaption>The seedballs you can buy and shoot into the forest.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> Many South Africans know Rooikrans wood as being perfect to braai with, but in the Featherbed area, this foreign Australian tree was becoming a real problem. The <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"http://www.knysnafeatherbed.com/conservation/post-fire-rehabilitation.html/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Knysna fires (opens in a new tab)\">Knysna fires</a> of 2017 reduced the Rooikrans on the reserve by about 95%, after which natural fynbos like the watsonias, paintbrush lilies and wild sage began to regrow. To date, the 75-hectare nature reserve is home to at least 300 plant species. It is also interesting to note that the very rare Selakant fish have been spotted in the area a few times. </p>\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/2020/01/8-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47916\"/><figcaption>The view from the lookout point.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> We ended our tour at the restaurant on site before cruising back to the Waterfront. Choosing between pumpkin fritters, bread with biltong paté, salads, bobotie, braaied meats, fish, potato bake, koeksisters and ice creams was an impossible task and we opted to just take a little bit of everything the buffet had to offer! </p>\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/2020/01/9-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47917\"/><figcaption>We share a laugh with the chef while in awe of all of the yummy food.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> With stuffed tummies we returned to reality almost in awe of the fact that heaven was basically just a boat cruise away, up high between ocean and sky. </p>\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/2020/01/10-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47918\"/><figcaption>From the top, you can see the many sandbanks in the lagoon.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"> Staying on the Knysna Houseboats and undertaking one of Featherbed’s cruises is definitely a once in a lifetime adventure that will definitely make you fall in love with the Garden Route all over again! </p>\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/2020/01/11-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47919\"/><figcaption>The view from the jetty with one of the houseboats in sight.</figcaption></figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***</p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><em>Thank you to Nicole Tunmer from Featherboat Co. for arranging our houseboat stay and the eco-cruise.</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"justify\"><em>Main image and all other photos: Hesté Nortier and Adriëtte Le Roux</em></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/01/12.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/01/12-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2020/01/12-1024x541.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","author_id":38,"author_name":"Heste Nortier","author_slug":"heste-nortier","author_avatar_url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1f9472ae4af83abc192841c9849fca2a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","readingTime":6},{"id":45472,"slug":"alpacka-your-bags","date":"2019-06-27T09:24:14","title":"Al(pack)a your Bags for these Fluffy Getaways","excerpt":"<p>When Agnes in Despicable Me said, ‘It’s so fluffy I could die!’ we felt that. That’s why TravelGround has compiled a list of stays where alpacas strut their feisty selves right there on the premises and you can aw and ooh to your heart’s content. Fynbos Guest Farm Near Wolseley, Western Cape This working farm <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/alpacka-your-bags/" class=\"hover:text-secondary-foreground\">[…]</a></p>\n","content":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agnes in </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despicable Me </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">said, ‘</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It’s so fluffy I could die!’ we felt that. That’s why <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> has compiled a list of stays where alpacas strut their feisty selves right there on the premises and you can </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aw</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ooh</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to your heart’s content.</span></p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"giphy-embed\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://giphy.com/embed/v9NNpROf3OAfe/" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Fynbos Guest Farm</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b>Near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wolseley/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wolseley</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Western Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fynbos-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45489 img-responsive\" title=\"Fynbos Guest Farm\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/3-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Fynbos Guest Farm\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This working farm at the foot of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/witzenberg-municipality/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Witzenberg Mountains</a> seeks to restore the property’s natural fynbos and renosterbos ecology and has become a shelter for a variety of animals both feathered and fluffy. From zebras to emus and potbelly pigs to alpacas ─ approximately 90% of the animals on the farm are rescues. Guests are welcome to bring fruits and vegetables to feed the animals and can even sponsor them by making a donation toward their care. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fynbos-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45488 img-responsive\" title=\"Fynbos Guest Farm\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/2-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Fynbos Guest Farm\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay:</b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Accommodation is offered in two-sleeper or four-sleeper self-catering cottages, two B&B rooms, or at camping sites with ablution facilities and electricity. There are two small plunge pools on site and nearby <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/tulbagh/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tulbagh</a> has shops and sights to peruse. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fynbos-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fynbos-guest-farm/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Fairview Estates</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b>Near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/fouriesburg/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fouriesburg</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/free-state/">Free State</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45514 img-responsive\" title=\"Fairview Estates\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-3.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Fairview Estates\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different farming ventures on <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this scenic estate</a>, but its most quirky agricultural pursuit is alpacas. Fairview’s herd hails from the first fifty alpacas imported to South Africa in 2001 and their progeny have been living on the estate ever since. So come and meet Captain Russo, Pedro, Napoleon Dynamite, and Fairview’s other plucky alpacas! </span></p>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45490 img-responsive\" title=\"Fairview Estates\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/4-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Fairview Estates\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay:</b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Accommodation is offered in four unique accommodation options, but the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/rooms/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twin Towers</a>, a three-storeyed, refurbished silo with a wood-burning fireplace, is the best option if you’d like to be close to the fluff. The communal pool is also located behind the Towers. Do note that a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The artsy village of <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/clarens/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clarens</a> is just 50 kilometres away.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/fairview-estates/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b>Near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cradock</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastern Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge-cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45491 img-responsive\" title=\"Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/5-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This game lodge boasts alpacas </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their larger family members, llamas, not to mention a variety of game. The alpacas at <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge-cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge</a> stay in a sheep camp where their innate feistiness makes them the perfect deterrent for jackals. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge-cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45492 img-responsive\" title=\"Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/6-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Buffelshoek Dirosie Lodge Cradock\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay: </b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation is available in double, twin, triple, and quad family rooms, each with its own bathroom and basic self-catering facilities. The lodge is just 19 kilometres from <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cradock</a> making it the ideal, quiet escape while still being conveniently close to town. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge-cradock/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/buffelshoek-dirosie-lodge-cradock/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Comfrey Cottage Collection</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/lady-grey/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lady Grey</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/eastern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastern Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/comfrey-cottage-collection/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45493 img-responsive\" title=\"Comfrey Cottage Collection\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/7-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Comfrey Cottage Collection\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set at the foot of the Witteberg Mountains in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/lady-grey/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lady Grey</a>, this <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/comfrey-cottage-collection/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">four-star guest house</a> offers lush, park-like gardens in summer and a blanket of snow during winter. Stroll along the river, through the orchards, herb and vegetable gardens, and finish by feeding the alpacas who are always keen for an extra bite to eat! </span></p>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/comfrey-cottage-collection/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45494 img-responsive\" title=\"Comfrey Cottage Collection\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/8-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Comfrey Cottage Collection\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay: </b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation is offered in three uniquely-decorated cottages, each containing a number of en-suite bedrooms. Be treated with homemade buttermilk rusks and a welcoming sherry and if you prefer a self-catering stay, this can also be arranged. The guest dining room and lounge area has a log fire during winter and lovely fresh mountain breezes in summer.</span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/comfrey-cottage-collection/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/comfrey-cottage-collection/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Oude Wellington Estate</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/wellington/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wellington</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Western Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/oude-wellington-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45495 img-responsive\" title=\"Oude Wellington Estate\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/9-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Oude Wellington Estate\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Situated in the heart of the <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/cape-winelands/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Winelands</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/oude-wellington-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oude Wellington Estate</a> produces wine and brandy and offers loads of entertainment such as open-air table tennis, a big chess set, a swimming pool, and a host of friendly animals for parents and children alike to pet. These include dogs, cats, geese, ostriches, and alpacas, most of which will come when called. </span></p>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/oude-wellington-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45496 img-responsive\" title=\"Oude Wellington Estate\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/10.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Oude Wellington Estate\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay: </b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation is offered in five air-conditioned, self-catering rooms with free Wi-Fi. Alternatively, guests can stay in a collection of cottages sleeping up to five. Guests can have dinner in the rustic restaurant under the shady oak trees or inside the working distillery. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/oude-wellington-estate/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/oude-wellington-estate/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Bright Valley Tented Chalets</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b>Near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/caledon/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caledon</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/western-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Western Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bright-valley-tented-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45500 img-responsive\" title=\"Bright Valley Tented Chalets\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/12.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Bright Valley Tented Chalets\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nestled in <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/tesselaarsdal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tesselaarsdal</a> near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/caledon/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caledon</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bright-valley-tented-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bright Valley Tented Chalets</a> offers the ultimate getaway experience complete with a splash pool, a trampoline, and jungle gym for the kids, as well as a petting farm with alpacas. The alpacas at Bright Valley are brothers named Thumper and Chaos, and they share their home with the dwarf goats Bucky, Billy and Nelly, a rabbit family and two zebras.</span></p>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bright-valley-tented-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45499 img-responsive\" title=\"Bright Valley Tented Chalets\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/11-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Bright Valley Tented Chalets\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay:</b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Accommodation is offered in elevated tented chalets boasting a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. Each tent has a kitchenette, bathroom, lounge, deck, and a private boma. The arty coastal town, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/hermanus/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hermanus</a>, is only 45 kilometres away. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bright-valley-tented-chalets/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/bright-valley-tented-chalets/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Blesfontein Guest Farm</b></h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #3093d6;\"><em><b>Near <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/sutherland/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sutherland</a>, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation-in/northern-cape/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Northern Cape</a></b></em></span></h3>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/blesfontein-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45502 img-responsive\" title=\"Blesfontein Guest Farm\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/13.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Blesfontein Guest Farm\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Situated on the Roggeveld escarpment with a spectacular night sky, <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/blesfontein-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this guest farm</a> offers game viewing on horseback, an amateur observatory, occasional snow in wintertime, carpets of flowers in spring, and, of course, some tame animals to admire which include (you guessed it) alpacas! The tame animals are all used to being hand-fed and therefore love visitors. </span></p>\n<p><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/blesfontein-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-45503 img-responsive\" title=\"Blesfontein Guest Farm\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/14.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"Blesfontein Guest Farm\" width=\"1400\" height=\"740\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The stay: </b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodation is offered in ten basic self-catering units. Some have communal kitchens, but each has its own bathroom and most have an indoor fireplace or a braai. Dinner and breakfast are available by prior arrangement. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/blesfontein-guest-farm/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> | </span><a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/blesfontein-guest-farm/rates/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rates</span></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">________</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive img-responsive wp-image-45473\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/Add-a-little-bit-of-body-text-1-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80\%22 alt=\"\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1494\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you’re looking for the next weekend getaway with the kids in tow, or are only in it for the fluff factor, a herd of irresistibly cute faces await at these hand-picked stays.</span></p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"giphy-embed\" src=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://giphy.com/embed/5Bvu84OEog45W/" width=\"480\" height=\"308\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></p>\n<p><em>Main image: <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.bigstockphoto.com//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bigstock</a></em></p>\n<p><em>All photos from <a href=https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za//" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LekkeSlaap</a> unless stated otherwise. </em></p>\n","featured_image_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-2-1.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_alt":"","featured_image_medium_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-2-1-300x159.png?auto=enhance,format,compress&q=80","featured_image_large_url":"https://tvg-blog.imgix.net/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-2-1-1024x541.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":5}],"first_page_url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=1","from":1,"last_page":45,"last_page_url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=45","links":[{"url":null,"label":"« Previous","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=1","label":"1","active":true},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=2","label":"2","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=3","label":"3","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=4","label":"4","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=5","label":"5","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=6","label":"6","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=7","label":"7","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=8","label":"8","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=9","label":"9","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=10","label":"10","active":false},{"url":null,"label":"...","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=44","label":"44","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=45","label":"45","active":false},{"url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=2","label":"Next »","active":false}],"next_page_url":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual?page=2","path":"https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/blog/category/unusual","per_page":8,"prev_page_url":null,"to":8,"total":358},"categoryTitle":"Unusual","categories":[{"id":2,"name":"Accommodation","slug":"accommodation-2"},{"id":3,"name":"Adventure","slug":"adventure-2"},{"id":29,"name":"Bloemfontein","slug":"bloemfontein-2"},{"id":30,"name":"Cape Town","slug":"cape-town-2"},{"id":16033,"name":"Cederberg","slug":"cederberg"},{"id":4,"name":"Children","slug":"children-2"},{"id":31,"name":"Drakensberg","slug":"drakensberg"},{"id":32,"name":"Durban","slug":"durban"},{"id":33,"name":"Eastern Cape","slug":"eastern-cape"},{"id":5,"name":"Entertainment","slug":"entertainment-2"},{"id":6,"name":"Events","slug":"event"},{"id":7,"name":"Family","slug":"family-2"},{"id":7055,"name":"Featured","slug":"featured"},{"id":8,"name":"Food","slug":"food-2"},{"id":34,"name":"Free State","slug":"free-state"},{"id":35,"name":"Garden Route","slug":"garden-route"},{"id":36,"name":"Gauteng","slug":"gauteng-2"},{"id":10,"name":"Holiday","slug":"holiday-2"},{"id":37,"name":"Johannesburg","slug":"johannesburg"},{"id":38,"name":"Karoo","slug":"karoo"},{"id":39,"name":"Kruger Park","slug":"kruger-park"},{"id":40,"name":"KwaZulu-Natal","slug":"kwazulu-natal"},{"id":41,"name":"Limpopo","slug":"limpopo"},{"id":11,"name":"Luxury","slug":"luxury-2"},{"id":12,"name":"Luxury for Less","slug":"luxury-for-less"},{"id":42,"name":"Mpumalanga","slug":"mpumalanga"},{"id":14138,"name":"Namibia","slug":"namibia"},{"id":43,"name":"North West","slug":"north-west-2"},{"id":44,"name":"Northern Cape","slug":"northern-cape"},{"id":45,"name":"Overberg","slug":"overberg-regions"},{"id":13,"name":"Photography","slug":"photography-2"},{"id":15,"name":"Regions","slug":"regions"},{"id":17,"name":"Romance","slug":"romance-2"},{"id":18,"name":"Tips and Tricks","slug":"tips-and-tricks"},{"id":19,"name":"Top Travel Lists","slug":"top-travel-lists"},{"id":20,"name":"Tourism News","slug":"tourism-news"},{"id":21,"name":"Travel","slug":"travel"},{"id":1,"name":"Uncategorised","slug":"uncategorised"},{"id":22,"name":"Uncategorized","slug":"uncategorized"},{"id":23,"name":"Unusual","slug":"unusual"},{"id":24,"name":"West Coast","slug":"west-coast-regions"},{"id":25,"name":"Western Cape","slug":"western-cape-2"},{"id":26,"name":"Wild Coast","slug":"wild-coast"},{"id":27,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"wildlife-2"},{"id":28,"name":"Winelands","slug":"winelands-regions"}]},"url":"/blog/category/unusual","version":"939360e3db52b6e7cef99615aec6d778","clearHistory":false,"encryptHistory":false}">
Sometimes life can get pretty mundane if you’re going through the routined motions, and from time to time we’re all looking for something other than the usual beach holiday or bush getaway to put the spring back in our step. The good news is that we live in a country filled with unique landscapes and […]
Turning old shipping containers into luxurious living spaces has become an increasingly popular architectural pursuit for the ecologically minded over the past few years. Ingeniously upcycling worn-out containers into sleek homes offers several advantages: it employs more eco-friendly building methods, is way quicker than brick-and-mortar building, and, since you can connect or combine the containers […]
Do you still dream of the days when you were able to climb a tree and hide out between the branches for hours? Tree houses have always had a certain charm to them and luckily adults can also enjoy this unique hideout. South Africa is home to some spectacular tree houses, from luxurious treetop lodges […]
We all know about South Africa’s most popular destinations ─ places like Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park and Durban’s beachfront ─ and these really do have much to commend them! But it’s the hidden gems and darling details of our country that makes us click our heels together and say, “There’s no place like […]
The early earth advocate, John Muir, is known to have said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Nowhere is this more apparent than on our most beloved Garden Route. Here are some of its unique inhabitants.
While we’re not allowed to travel outside of the comfort of our homes at the moment, we can marvel at these unusual facts about our beautiful country. South Africa has made history in a number of fields and is home to some pretty spectacular natural wonders that can be explored once the national lockdown is […]
Popeye, Jack Sparrow and Captain Kid did it, and if you dream of captaining your own boat, it’s time to book a getaway on one of the Knysna Houseboats and sail off into the sunset! We decided to test the waters ourselves and put our best steering skills to the test! The Featherbed Co. not […]
When Agnes in Despicable Me said, ‘It’s so fluffy I could die!’ we felt that. That’s why TravelGround has compiled a list of stays where alpacas strut their feisty selves right there on the premises and you can aw and ooh to your heart’s content. Fynbos Guest Farm Near Wolseley, Western Cape This working farm […]
