SPITSKOP ON PRINCE ALFRED’S PASS

TravelBucket — Fri, 04 May 2018 11:03:18 +0000

Take a day trip to Spitskop and enjoy the scenery deep in the Knysna Forest. If you follow the Prince Alfred Pass that links Avontuur to Knysna you will pass the turn-off to Spitskop. Take your own refreshments as there are no facilities along the road. It is a slow drive as the gravel road may not be in a good condition and in any way, you should not be in hurry because the road is at times very potholed and maybe, just maybe, you will spot an elusive Knysna elephants.

Along the route you will find a couple of picnic spots with the beautiful names like Valley of Ferns, Ysterhoutrug and Diepwalle. In the shade of some indigenous trees at Ysterhoutrug picnic spot you can light a fire for a braai as there are designated areas. This is also a good stop for the children to stretch their legs as there are basic toilet facilities and water tanks to wash their hands.

When you arrive at the top you can, on a clear day, enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. If you know the area you can identify the Knysna Heads as well as some other features like Robberg towards the Plettenberg Bay area. Take note that on a rainy day Spitskop will be covered in clouds and mist and you will not be able to enjoy the view.

But you will ask why is this spot important? In the woodcutters’ era Spitskop used to be a fire station manned by an Italian, Guiseppe Sciocatti, who kept a beady eye on fires in the area. Guiseppe was one of the descendants of Italian immigrants that was lured to the forest to farm with mulberries in a silk trade venture, but things did not work out well for the Italian families. Yet another interesting story for another post.

If you put the following (S 33° 54.723 E 023° 08.229) coordinates into your GPS you will experience this amazing view. Remember the golden rule is to see all and only leave your footprints for the next visitor to enjoy.

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5 “LEKKER” PICNIC SPOTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

TravelBucket — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 06:57:15 +0000

Well let’s first start with the word lekker for those who are not familiar with the Afrikaans language. It can be translated as a lot of things such as great, tasty, nice , scenic, pretty – it all depends in what sentence it is used – but what I mean with lekker is more the use of pleasurable and relaxing with a scenic view. There is not one word in the English language that can describe it quite the same.

SPOT #1 : EBB AND FLOW (NORTH)

Situated on the northern banks of the Touw river it falls within the Garden Route National Park, but day visitors are welcomed. You will be rewarded with some shade under old wild fig trees, a demarcated fire pit, clean ablution facilities and a Knysna Loerie (Turaco) or two.

Need to know: Report to reception and pay your day visitor fee. If you have a SANPARKS Wild Card you are exempted from the day visitor fee (Currently R40 per person for South African citizens).

SPOT #2 : GLENTANA BEACH

With great views over the beach and sea you will find this spot in Kusweg (Beach Road), Glentana. The chances are good that you will spot some dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Be prepared and take an umbrella as the trees do not provide ample shade for a whole day out and about enjoying the sun and sea. There are no facilities on the picnic spot itself, but a brisk walk down the road and you will find ablutions near the main parking area of Glentana beach. At the main parking area there is also outdoor showers to wash off all the sea water and sand.

This is also a great spot to take those sunset pictures!

Need to know: There are no shops in Glentana, so take everything that you need with you.

SPOT # 3 : JUBILEE CREEK

For a forest experience pack the kids and head for the forest behind Rheenendal. Relax on the grass with a blanket and a book while the children amuse themselves in the creek which flows through the picnic site.

Wooden picnic tables and ablutions are provided. Go early as this is a popular spot over weekends.

Need to know Obtain and pay your entry permit at the gate before you follow the gravel road to Jubilee Creek.

SPOT # 4 : KRISJAN SE NEK

Situated next to the road on Kom se Pad, Knysna This scenic drive was made famous by Dalene Matthee in her books. This is one of just a few spots where you can have a picnic on this route. Only three wooden tables with fire grids are provided. Ablutions are in the form of a long drop.

Need to know: Make sure your fire is doused when you leave as this is in a sensitive indigenous forest area. Fires can spread fast and wide as was the case in the recent Knysna Fires in 2017!

SPOT # 5 : ISLAND LAKE

When you travel from George to Knysna on the N2 you will spot this lekker picnic spot on your left-hand side. Follow the Hoekwil turnoff from the N2 and turn to your right on the gravel road just before the railway line. There are no trees, but thatched umbrella style structures provide shade …… if you arrive early. Otherwise take a gazebo to provide some shelter.

Pack everything you need for the day. The nearest shops and fuel is in Wilderness Village.

Need to know: This is a popular spot for water lovers with boats. Take care when you are in the water!!

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