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Experience The Wilderness Of South Africa

By Lloyd Leach


Many vacationers think a holiday should include carnivals, boardwalks lined with souvenir shops and game arcades, or casinos. Others like hiking along mountain trails, backpacking into remote places, or scaling the highest mountain they can climb. Those who would rather see nature up close and personal without undue exertion or danger, and who prize peace and quiet, should experience the Wilderness on the Cape of South Africa.

One of the most beautiful countries on earth, South Africa has many ecosystems. This particular region is called the Afromontane, an area of forested peaks and extensive coastlines. The town faces the ocean across the Touw Lagoon, a tiny bay at the mouth of the Touw river. It backs up to cliffs whose tops are covered with dense forest. The beaches are white sand, the ocean is quiet, and there are many rivers and lakes for water-skiing, fishing, boating, and other water sports.

There are lots of activities, all centered around the scenic beauty and natural resources of this area. Guests fish, boat, water-ski, and lounge on the beach. They hike, mountain bike, hang glide, go horseback riding, and climb to the heights to spot whales and dolphins. Attractions include the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features regional plants of interest for their beauty or their healing properties. This ecosystem is unique, relatively small, and very fragile.

The area is largely protected today, with managed timbering of its forests and protection for the many birds and animals that make their home here. From Blue duikers to chameleons, the forest teems with life. (It's hoped that some elephants may still be surviving in the forest, although they may be gone.) But whales and dolphins play off-shore, water and land birds can be seen from the boardwalk that makes up part of the Pied Kingfisher Trail, and plants such as many varieties of fynbos make every nook and cranny gorgeous.

A mild climate helps the flora and fauna flourish and makes things pleasant year round. Average temperatures range from 10 degrees to 28 degrees Celsiuis. That's about 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There's ample rain to keep everything lush but lots of sun, too.

The town exists to give tourists a memorable experience, one which will make them want to return again and again. It also hopes to raise awareness about the value of the ecosystem of the area and the need to preserve it. The sheltered nature of the Southern Cape makes even the ocean peaceful. The natural beauty and diversity of flora and fauna await visitors on every turn.

This resort town has annual events. However, they are not the usual tourist attractions like carnivals or Taste of the Town community-wide festivals. Here, people eagerly await the April plant sale and the fall Wildflower Show. Many species of whale can be seen off the coast from June to November. People go to Dolphin's Point and other high overlooks to spot whales and dolphins.

The internet can tell you more about this little bit of heaven at the end of the continent of Africa. Check out the white sand beaches and the flora and fauna that might not be found anywhere else. June to November is whale season, but there are things to do and see all year round.




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