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Nature's Valley is a nature lovers paradise. (And
when it was made it was good)
Nature's Valley is a small village situated at the mouth of the Groot River at the
bottom of the Groot River pass alongside the Groot River estuary and forms part
of the Tsitsikamma De Vasselot nature reserves.
The local community is striving to to minimize inappropriate development in
the area in order to minimize environmental impact.
The famous Otter trail ends in and most hikers seek accommodation in Natures
Valley after doing the Otter trail to rest up before moving on.
Nature's Valley is 29 km from Plettenberg Bay on the Port Elizabeth side next to
a beautiful lagoon on the Indian Ocean, enfolded with mountainous forest with rich
fauna flora and a bird watchers paradise. The Knysna loerie is plentiful in the
forest and trains of bottle nosed dolphins can be seen in the waves with
whales visiting frequently, especially the southern right whale is common here in
early summer.
Arguably the most beautiful part of the Garden Route in South Africa, Nature's Valley
is unique in that it lies nestled in the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest,
- the only residential area within a South African National Park. Southern Cape
Bushbuck, Bushpigs, and wild birds can frequently be seen in the gardens of Nature's
Valley village.
There are plentiful scenic walks and you can be revitalised by soul inspiring walkabouts
in this true garden on the Garden route. Rest assured you can enjoy a safe exploration
of nature.
Natures Valley is flanked by an escarpment on the one and the Indian ocean on the
other side and forms part of the Tsitsikamma National Park. The Kouga, Kammanassie
and "Groot Swart" mountain ranges stand guard over the valley
The Groot river flows into the Indian ocean and the estuary forms a lagoon where
swimming sailing and canoeing is very popular with holiday makers.
The ecology is closely monitored and managed. The population varies dramatically
with the seasons, from less than 100 off-season to an estimated 2000, excluding
day visitors, during peak season.
Natures Valley accommodation for tourists who wish to do the
Otter trail is available in the form of self-catering units and bed and
breakfast establishments.
The Bloukrans bridge where the highest bungee jump in the world can be experienced
is about 20km away and another 10 km on will take you to the Storms River where
the famous Otter trail starts.
Hiking trails and guided walks with the most interesting and beutiful fauna and flora with old indigenous trees and Cape fynbos.
The Tsitsikamma hiking trail starts at Natures Valley and ends at the Storms river bridge.
The Natures Valley Salt river day hike can be followed via the coast route or the Keurpad route and although difficult is exciting and worthwhile.
The hike will take between 3 and 6 hours depending on fitness.
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