The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a wonderfully scenic area offering excellent hiking opportunities. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone and only two hours drive from Durban.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies 21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone. There are numerous picnic spots on the banks of the river.
The Oribi Gorge area boasts cliffs and forests and spectacular hiking trails and idyllic picnic sites. It is dramatic in its scale and spectacularly beautiful in its variety. Wildlife in the Oribi Gorge consists of many Antelope, although the graceful Oribi (after which the gorge is named) is rarely seen.
A photographer's paradise, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve encompasses Forests, Rivers, Rapids and Ravines. What’s more, it’s only 25 kilometres inland from the coastal holiday hotspot of Port Shepstone, which is home to awesome surfing and swimming Beaches and is known for its consistent sunshine.
High sandstone cliffs dominate this 24 kilometre-long gorge, which has been meticulously carved out by the Umzimkulu River. Leopards, troops of Baboons, various small Antelope and a prolific Birdlife inhabit the Reserve. In fact, more than 250 different Bird Species have been identified here, including five species of Kingfisher and seven species of Eagle.
There are several nature Trails for the adventurous and a host of other exciting things to do. These trails are the Hoopoe Falls hike (four hours, seven kilometres), Nkonka hike (two hours, five kilometres), and Mziki hike (five hours, nine kilometres).
The activities of the Area include paintball wars, birding, hiking, ziplining, abseiling, white water rafting, and testing your adrenalin limits on the Wild Swing
Although you can visit the reserve as a day visitor, we recommend an overnight stay to get the most out of your Oribi Gorge experience.

Nestled against the Northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Queenstown, near Tarkastad.
The Tsolwana Reserve derives its name from the Xhosa word ‘spike’, which refers to a 1.9 metre conical shaped hill that sits prominently in Tsolwana Game Reserve.
It is situated in a Mountainous Area with its grassy plains and acacia thornveld home to a wide variety of wildlife that makes game viewing one of the major draw cards to Tsolwana.
The reserve is home to a range of wild life that includes the White Rhino, Giraffe, Eland, Blesbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Cape Mountain Zebra and Springbok. Tsolwana Game Reserve is regarded as having some of the best plains, which makes game viewing possible.
Hiking through the Tsolwana reserve can either be game ranger led or you can venture out on your own, and trails tend to follow game tracks and gravel roads, although routes can be adapted for any group’s needs. The trails range in length from a couple of hours to a two-day overnight trail in the western part of the reserve. Hiking does allow one full benefit of the incredible views in Tsolwana, including some extraordinary rock art sites and crisp river swimming.
Tsolwana Game reserve is an ideal outdoor experience, managing to easily combine game viewing with other outdoor encounters such as Horse Riding, and Mountain Trails and beautiful Scenery.

Set against the dramatic Winterberg Mountains, between Cradock and Queenstown, only three hours from Port Elizabeth, Tarkastad is a typical Karoo town on the banks of the Tarka River, its streets lined with quaint Historical buildings.
Just outside the Town of Tarkastad rest two distinct flat-topped hills, aptly named Martha and Mary - they sit like two heavy women on a stoep, weary from a day’s hard work awaiting the return of men from the fields and indeed, the first farmers settled here in 1795, hence the existence of old watermills, inns and both a Dutch Reformed and Presbyterian Church. The Winterberg Mountains beckon and hiking trails abound, particularly the Toorberg, a 3-day 45 kilometre circular hike that is graded as difficult and includes having to take your own tent, and the Great Winterberg hiking trail.
The Tarkastad Rock Engravings, on a Farm called: 'Grootvlei', just North of Tarkastad, have received quite a bit of attention and are an example of the San rock paintings that draw people to the Area. Other activities in and around the little Karoo town include: 'trout fishing, the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Tsolwana Game Reserve, which lies between Queenstown and Tarkastad with some good game viewing.'

The Great Fish River, distinguishable from the Namibian Fish River by the word ‘great’, that runs through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, flows for some 690 kilometres before reaching the Indian Ocean 60 kilometres southeast of Grahamstown. The Great Fish River has a length of 692 km and a drainage area of 30,800 square km. Its main Northern Tributary, the Great Brak River, rises in 2,100-metre- high Mountains 48 km South of the Orange River and Northeast of Middelburg. The Tarka River, coming from the Northeast, and the Baviaans and Kat Rivers farther South are the main Eastern Tributaries. The direction of the Great Fish River is mainly Southward; however, about halfway along its course it turns East and joins with the Koonap River before entering the Indian Ocean 60 km, South East of Grahamstown.
The Nguni peoples had settled as far South as the Great Fish River by 1500 CE. In the early 19th Century, the lower Great Fish valley formed a battle zone between mostly British Settlers moving East from the Cape and Tribal Settlements to the North East.
The run-off of the Great Fish River is small and erratic, but there is irrigation development along its course. An irrigation scheme to transfer water from the Orange River basin to the Great Fish River basin was implemented in 1980 with the construction of 82-km- long water tunnel—the world’s longest—from the Gariep Dam, (formerly Hendrik Verwoerd Dam).
It doesn’t flow through any notable towns, other than Cradock and Cookhouse, and its journey is relatively uneventful - the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon, one of the only events on its course, though it does flow through the beautiful Great Fish River Reserve that lies between Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort. It is the mouth of the river that draws people, mostly because the last 20 kilometres of the river is tidal (the Great Fish Point lighthouse, built in 1898, stands just outside Port Alfred) and the area between Port Elizabeth and the Fish River forms the Sunshine Coast - called such because it has more sunshine hours per year than any other part of the country.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality includes: 'Port Elizabeth; Uitenhage; Despatch and Colchester'. Named after; Nelson Mandela, who is South Africa's iconic humanitarian and freedom fighter. This Area is regarded as the 'official gateway' to the scenic Eastern Cape Province and the World renowned Garden Route. It is sometimes referred to as: the "friendly city" or the "water sport capital of Africa".

Nelson Mandela Bay is also recognized by the animal lovers. As both the Mohair and Bottlenose Dolphin, frequent the Seawaters. The Bay is home to the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin. It is the only City that boasts the Big 7 (Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Southern right whale and Great White Shark) within it's Municipal Boundaries.

Port Elizabeth is known for its over 40Km coast that boast a multitude of Blue Flag Beaches and hours of sunshine to enjoy them in. After a fun day out enjoy the fun and entertainment of the Nelson Mandela Bay nightlife. Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, overlooking Algoa Bay, this bustling Sea Port City, flaunts warm, dry Summers and mild Winter temperatures. (This entices water sport lovers to Algoa Bay, throughout the Year.)

In this Bay you will find some of the World's best sailing venues and first-rate scuba diving. With colourful coral species, beautiful Reefs and Shipwrecks. There is often, near perfect conditions for wind-surfing, angling, snorkeling, kite-surfing, fly-fishing and canoeing.

Nelson Mandela Bay has received the "Cleanest Metro in South Africa Award" and "Blue Flag Status" has again been awarded to most of the Beaches. (This is International award only given to those beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards!)

The metro "Townships" that came into being because of the Apartheid Laws, are steeped in History, Tradition and Culture. From their humble beginnings, they have flourished into hubs of activity and social life. The feeling of "Ubuntu" (meaning 'Humanity' in Xhosa), surrounds their very existence. Visitors may choose from a selection of exciting: Social, Historical or Traditional Township, tours on offer. Stand next to the figure of Madiba at the head of the Voting Line; whilst craning your neck to look up at the largest South African flag in the World. All of these can be viewed along; Route 67. "This truly celebrates the coming together of the colonial and struggle History in one, inspiring walking route!"

In addition, around the City is a wide selection of attractions; the sheer diversity of which will excite and delight anyone. These include: a rich Historical Heritage as well as nature-based eco-offerings, activities and experiences. The Area supports the most diverse array of Vegetation Types in South Africa; six of the Country's, seven terrestrial Biomes (bio geographic areas) are represented in the Eastern Cape!

Nelson Mandela Bay is also the gateway to more than a Million Hectares of the malaria free Game Reserves of the Eastern Cape. This includes the Addo Elephant National Park as well as numerous private and upmarket Reserves offering the 'big five" experience. The City that boasts the Big 7 (Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Humpback Whale and Great White Shark) all within 45 minutes of the City. 20km East of the Bay at Coega, there is a deep-water Port currently under construction. Being the centre of the Country's motor vehicle manufacturing industry. The Port has the ability to import large volumes of containerized components and materials, for various industries. Today employment in the metro is mainly by the automotive, auto component, food, pharmaceutical, tourism, agriculture, textile and rubber industries. Nelson Mandela Bay has been dubbed the "Detroit of South Africa"! Uitenhage is host to Volkswagen SA, Port Elizabeth is home to General Motors and Ford Motor Corporation.

There is a Gorge that lies in the Valley, stretching for over 100 kilometres, between the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the North and the Kouga Mountains, to the South. Recently awarded World Heritage Site status, this 192 000 hectare u-shaped reserve lies about 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth and is named after the baboons that roam the area - a mix of the Dutch word ‘baviaan’ for baboon and the Afrikaans word ‘kloof’ for ravine. The Kouga Wilderness lies in the incredible Kouga Mountains on the edge of the Baviaanskloof, advertised as the real outdoor experience, and where you go to climb rocks, kloof, fish, watch birds, hike and adventure on, 4X4 routes.

This spectacular Kloof (which is part of the R332 route) links the Western section of the Baviaanskloof within the higher Karoo hinterland, and more specifically, the Towns of Willowmore and Uniondale,(which are standard Baviaanskloof refuelling points). The Pass needs to be driven slowly to best appreciate its dramatic, unique geology. This is a big Pass and that involves multiple River crossings - none of which are conventionally Bridged. (Should you find the first two crossings difficult or the current too strong, rather turn back as conditions get much worse the further down the Kloof you proceed!) The Pass contains 41 bends, corners and curves within it's length, which includes 1 full horseshoe bend and 10 other bends in excess of 100 degrees. The gradients are generally fairly easy and never exceed 1:12, but the road surface can vary between quite good (the road had just been graded on the day of filming) to badly corrugated and rutted and the road is also frequently damaged by floodwaters, so make your way too cross, at the river crossings.

Baviaanskloof, the area, includes the Karoo towns of Willowmore and Steytlerville as well as a number of small stock farms, and the little town of Patensie lies at the start of the Gorge. The last stop, so to speak, before entering the wilderness of the Baviaanskloof. A single dirt Road, which follows the dry River Beds, where it can, taking in some of the most breathtaking Passes through Mountains along the way, was built between 1880 and 1890 by Thomas Bain. The Baviaanskloof Area, like the rest of the Eastern Cape, is a Region free from the threat of malaria. Although mosquitoes may bite one during the Night, these do not carry this illness. This makes the area ideal for families with little ones and the elderly in tow. It continues to winds its way through the Valley, with no other access, in or out. With 42 River Crossings, assisted only by causeways, all of which are liable to flood during heavy rainfall, your journey is bound to be both exciting and beautiful - an area awaiting discovery! This Land of raw wilderness, with its rocky Passes and rugged Gorges can only be travelled from East to West or from West to East. Baviaanskloof offers hours of beautiful scenery - Veld, indigenous Forests, crystal Mountain Streams, sheer Cliffs and Waterfalls, and is home to an amazing diversity of plants and species - from Yellowwoods to Karoo Bossies and Fynbos.

"The best time to visit is in Spring, before the heavy Summer rains or in Autumn before it gets too cold, and one should try to avoid Long Weekends or Holiday Seasons, if one can."

Middelburg is a modern Town situated in the Cultural Heartland of the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. Middelburg serves as the Agricultural, Industrial and Communications centre for the surrounding Area. Initially, Middelburg was planned as an ideal halfway point between Pretoria and Lydenburg in 1859. However, nothing resulted from this idea. In 1864, The Dutch Reformed Church bought the farm of 'Sterkfontein' and in 1866 the town of Nazareth was developed on it. In 1872, Nazareth was then renamed Middelburg.
Today, Middelburg is well known as the Stainless Steel Capital of Africa. It is home to a large stainless steel plant named 'Columbus Stainless'. For travellers, Middelburg offers an abundance of exciting activities as well as unique Cultural experiences. First stop is the Botshabelo Historical Village and craft markets. This area boasts rich cultural significance and is great to explore. Another must stop area is the Traditional Ndebele Village home to the well known Ndebele people. Of course, the ultimate way to experience all Middelburg has to offer is to enjoy game drives in the game reserves as well as hiking on the numerous splendid trails offered. Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing round of golf at the undulating golf course in Middelburg.
Middelburg is situated just minutes away from the Loskop Dam, and home to the Middelburg Nature Reserve, Kruger Dam as well as the Middelburg Dam. The dams in the area allow for an abundance of exciting water sports such as sailing and fishing to be enjoyed. The Middelburg Nature Reserve provides shelter to numerous fascinating game species, while the abundance of marked trails offer a better glimpse of the beauty of the highveld, including large colonies of gorgeous cycads.
Hundreds of people travel to this area every year to enjoy the Middelburg Jazz Festival held in March. This event is spectacular to experience and a perfect excuse for a getaway. Middelburg has plenty to offer all history lovers as it is home to a few museums and fascinating monuments. These include the Memorial Museum, Meyer’s Bridge, Dutch Reformed Church. The English Fort and Armoury: Remnants of the Anglo-Boer War (ABW), 1899-1902, if you are interested in ABW history then the English Fort is definitely worth inspecting. Whilst the walls are now crumbled, you can still get a good idea of its great positioning by looking through one of the last remaining peep-holes. With 270 degree views of the surrounding land, it is understandable how this Fort stood strong against Boer attacks. Unlike the Fort, whose prominent positioning makes it hard to miss, you have to really know where you are going if you are to find the armoury. Hidden in a thicket, built against a sheer rock face, its carefully concealed positioning was key to ensuring the ammunition it housed remained safe. Middelburg Cemetery: Whether it is ABW, World War or Apartheid history you are interested in the Middelburg cemetery is certainly worth a visit. The first thing that jumps out is the segregation of graves, with English, Afrikaans and Jewish on one side and Hindu, Muslim, Black and Coloured on the other. Each is separated further, with English graves separate to Afrikaans, soldiers graves separate to civilians and religious separation to allow distinct burial customs to be acknowledged. Only in the section where ‘Heroes’ are buried does this segregation not apply. Amongst the graves are Australian war heroes, South Africa folk song composers, victims of the ABW and many unmarked graves that we can only guess the stories of. It is a sombre, yet thought provoking, stop on this interesting tour. The 1st Courthouse and Prison: Now home to the endearing Tannie Bossie, Middelburgs first Courthouse holds a surprising revelation. The first Prison was not adjoining the Courthouse, it was under it! Three trap doors allowed prisoners to be lowered into a maze of adjoining crawl spaces. Not big enough for a man to stand or even sit comfortably. This dungeon is not recommended for those fearful of enclosed spaces, but again it sheds an interesting light on the life of convicts and the treatment of fellow human beings in the Town’s early days.
No matter what your preference, Middelburg has plenty to offer all travellers. From fascinating cultural tours to adrenaline pumping watersports in pristine dam areas, Middelburg is the ideal holiday destination. For anyone interested in ABW history this is a must, the house where Louis Trichardt famously signed the ABW Peace Treaty. Whilst somewhat nondescript from the outside this beautifully maintained house holds great historical significance for what went on inside its four walls over a hundred years ago that cements its place in South African history. A truly iconic landmark of Middelburg is the White Church. This picture perfect White Church, is the oldest in the town and has been drawing people to Middelburg since the town began. The impressive church organ is a port of call on Middelburgs spooky ghost tour and is claimed to be heard each year at midnight on the 18th of December! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the church is definitely worth a visit, as few are as beautiful. The Jewish Synagogue: Although the synagogue is no longer a religious building is worth stopping by and checking out the flagstone. A reminder of the town’s once strong Jewish presence, it is symbolic of the towns darker past when intolerance saw its Jewish residents pushed out. The Synagogue is now a monument to these families who left an indelible mark on the town including the English School, the Blood Service, Kanhym Estate and Nando’s! The shopping centre might not look like much, it was built on a site of important cultural history. It once belonged to Jacob Maree, father of Sarie Marais who was the inspiration for the famous Afrikaans folk song ‘Sarie Marais’. Jacob Maree, himself, was in fact the inspiration of the Afrikaans rewrite of ‘Frere Jacques’, ‘Vader Jakob’. Both written by Jacob Maree‘s son-in-law who is also buried in the Middelburg Cemetery. Within the shopping centre is also the very first Middelburg Nando’s which happens to be built on the exact spot where Robert Brozin co-founder and CEO of the global chain Nando’s grew up. The Middelburg Station Building: One of the towns few Heritage sites, this is a ‘must see’ for anyone interested in South African History. An interesting fact is the station was built using the same building plans as Middelburg Station in the Netherlands, a symbol of trans-global unity going further than just a place name!
The Middelburg Observer and Frewin Printers: The town’s oldest newspaper the Middelburg Observer was first known as the Herald and came into existence in 1903. The owner and the Observer’s first editor Oscar Henry Frewin is widely considered to be the man who did the most for community newspapers in South Africa. Three generations of Frewin have since owned the paper before selling it to the Caxton Empire. Meijers Bridge: One of the three historical bridges to be found in Middelburg, this bridge is perhaps more famous than the other two thanks to the fight over the spelling of its name. The Meijers, Meyers, debate still rages on. With the bridge and street having different spellings! Certainly worth a trip for anyone interested in South African architecture and historical bridges.

Mountain Zebra National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and it lies in the heart of the Karoo, which means it’s easily absorbed into a road trip through some of the most scenic countryside, littered with characterful towns.
Not only are there four adult Lions (two females were introduced to join the males only in late 2015), but in August last year the very first litter of Lion Cubs in the area for 130 years was born in the park. Which should dramatically up the chances of your spotting a lion whilst visiting! There are also Leopard, Caracal and Brown Hyena (only about five Hyena, though, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled). In 2007 the park introduced four Cheetahs. At last count there were 17 of them. You can track Cheetah on foot, although a sighting is not guaranteed – the Mountains tend to interfere with the radio tracking. Following on foot can mean bundu bashing (Cheetah generally don’t oblige by walking in the road) and often they head for the mountains, making sightings difficult.
At the same time your guide will point out other action you might miss in the park – an Aardwolf burrow, a herd of Eland close by. Cheetah tracking is only for those over the age of 16.
The campsite makes a visit to the park really affordable for families. It’s really well maintained with hot water, kitchen and laundry facilities, and spotless ablutions. Best out of season, obviously! Expect to see herds of zebra, eland, springbok, kudu, and red hartebeest.
The Mountain Cottages, deep in the park, are absolutely wonderful and the best-kept secret of the reserve (you will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach them), although, to be fair the chalets are equally as great, just not as private or as exciting (although the views out over the valley are superb). Each of the Mountain Cottages sits up on a Hill with marvellous views out across the park. Neither has electricity but there are gas stoves, fridges and solar lights. Doornhoek Farmhouse, another option, overlooks a Dam and the effect is to make you feel as though you’re the only people staying in the Park.
Don’t forget warm clothes as the vehicle is open to the elements (you have only a roof over your heads). This is an exciting way to see the park with a guide, and watch how different the park becomes when day changes to night. It leaves reception daily at 5pm and takes about two hours (no children under six). Most visitors inevitably do the Kranskop and Rooiplaat loops, two great loops for spotting herds of Game and Ground Squirrels; even the odd Buffalo or Rhino but, if you can, drive the 4×4 Sonnen Rust trail in the north-west section of the park. It heads up onto a plateau after curving around the unusual Rock formation, 'Saltpeterskop'. The views from here are great, particularly if you’re trying to spot Birds, Black Rhino and Cheetah, are fantastic!
Time your visit with the annual SA National Parks Week (usually mid September) and you can get into the park for free.
If you need WiFi, the best place for it is at reception; the restaurant is not brilliant (rather self-cater, although the lamb shank gets good reviews); there is a shop but it is limited and pricey (they do sell homemade koeksisters); take warm clothes, even in summer, as the evenings get chilly (winter even more so).
With a Wild Card you get unlimited access to the Mountain Zebra National Park and another 80 odd parks across the country (including Kruger); there are three rock art sites in the park.