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*sigh* and to think i was there only last week...

we were based in storm's river, but took a a day trip to Natures Valley, absolutely beautiful, also did the last part of the otter trail just to taste a bit of it again.....one of the best in the world i tell you....
i snorkeled in the lagoon, though not much fish activity as expected, it was mainly to see the environment in the water...

N/V looks like a great place to spend a few days, How far would I have to travel for supplies (Ice for the coller, milk..nothing major)?

there is a small shop next to the retaurant selling basics on the west side of the village, but for more substantial groceries, your best bet is plettenberg bay, about half an hour away

I am also totally in love with the western section of Tsitsikamma. Those passes have a rich history and we always find a new picture that needs taking. The place has "moods" !

Natures valley has always been the place where I saw unusual birds.
Walk around in the rest camp and the riverine forest around the Groot River and you are sure to hear a Narina Trogon, Knysna Loerie or a Sugarbird.
There are times of the year when the little Kingfishers calling near the river, drive me around the bend with longing for something I do not know .
Where the passes cross the streams there are little places to pull off the road. Stop there and sit next to the stream.Let your soul catch up with your body. GLORIOUS !

Springtime is the special time of the year when the terrestrial Orhids next to the road will turn you into a greenie instantly.
Go there...

How bad is the road leading to Nature's valley from the N2? Will a normal sedan be able to drive on it?

I have decided to go stay here in 3week's time.

The roads from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town are really OK.
Lots of repairs have been made and is still being done.
We are still experiencing some stoppages where road works are going on, but it is a lot better than December.
If you want to drive the Bloukrans and Groot River passes around Natures Valley/De Vasselot, they have been repaired, but you need a strong vehicle if you are pulling a caravan.
Some of the corners are somewhat tight as well.
There are some magic moments along these passes.
Wind down your car window, slow down and just experience the trip through the passes.
The story is that the original passes were made by following the Elephant trails.

Hi Everyone

I'm new here - been reading the forums for a while now.

We will be staying in Nature's Valley Rest Camp from 19-26 December in one of the Forest Huts.

I know the area well - I've stayed at Storms River rest camp, Wilderness NP, Knysna, but never visited Nature's Valley Rest camp although I have been to the Groot River mouth.

We'll also be spending 2 nights in a chalet at Mountain Zebra NP on the way down from JHB and another 2 nights in a cottage at Karoo NP on the way back up. I last visited Mountain Zebra in '96 so I'm keen to see it again. Karoo NP will be a first.

I'll see if I can post a trip report once I get back.

OK here's a very brief trip report (finally!).

We spent two nights at Mountain Zebra, really beautiful park but very little game was to be found (compared to our last visit 12 years ago).

On the way down to Nature's valley we whizzed through Addo, saw a breeding herd of elephant. Then on to Nature's Valley.

I must say Nature's Valley exceeded all expectations. We stayed in the forest hut for a week. What a beautiful camp! Clean ablutions, beautful forest. Even though the camp was full, you always had privacy. The beach at Nature's Valley was never full, even though it was the middle of December. We will definitely return there.

On the way home we stayed two nights at Karoo NP. What a gem! It must be the most relaxing place I have ever been. All you hear is the birds and the wind. The bossie trail was very interesting and so was the fossil trail. We will be spending some more time at Karoo in December!

That's all I have time for. I have some pics. Will try to remember to bring them.

Two visitors to our braai Sat 07 July 2007 in Nature's Valley

Bushpig


Large Spotted Genet

What a beautiful bushpig though the genet looks fiesty!

We also saw this one which looks older (grey head).
He also has one eye missing
Look at the teeth!!

We will be there next week (25-27 July). I can but only hope to catch a glimpse of them!

James

Nyala

Where will you be staying?

Henk,
we will be staying in one of the forest huts in Nature's Valley. Any specific one you could reccomend?


James

Hi,

I'm very new to camping and have booked in for the weekend to stay at Nature's Valley. I've been trying to find out information about the restaurant but have been battling to understand the information. Is the restaurant in Storm's River? If I want to go there for dinner, will I not be able to because of the gate times?

Thank you.