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On Monday my SO and I took a day trip through the Tsitsikamma National Park. We turned off the N2 at The Crags outside of Plettenbery Bay and drove down to Natures Valley along the R102 through the De Vasselot Section. What a beautiful drive. There are many places along the road one may stop and alight from one's vehicle to enjoy the beauty of the forests.

The De Vasselot Section was incorporated into the Tsitsikamma National Park in 1987. The size of the section is 2 560,8ha. of which 64% is taken up by forests, while fynbos comprises the remaining 36%.

This poem is printed on one of the information boards along the R102 in the De Vasselot Section

These pics of the Groot River were taken close to the river mouth. (Nature's Valley)

The De Vasselot camp site is on the banks of the Groot River about a 1km from the town of Nature's Valley. It looks like it is very sheltered from the wind and extremely shady. There are no power points at the camping sites. There are 45 camping sites and 10 forest cabins.

Leaving Nature's Valley - the R102:


Overlooking Nature's Valley:

The R102 around Natures Valley and Bloukrantz is well worth a drive. The forests are exquisite. If you have a bit of extra time, avoid the toll fees and take the R102 down to the forest.
This used to be the old N2. I just can't imagine the trucks battling with the slow windy steep road.

Just be aware that the quality of the road in the Eastern Cape, doesn't match the quality of the road in the Western Cape.

The R102 through the Groot River pass is fine. I did the Bloukrans Pass a year or so ago and the road was not too great (washed away on the side in places) - certainly not advisable to tow a caravan along, but a beautiful drive and worth doing.

Lovely pix, and adds another of your magnificent parks that I want to visit. Could make quite a nice and diverse itinerary to visit Golden Gate, Addo, Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Karoo and Tsitsikamma.

Your gorgeous pictures made me all homesick!! I planned part of my honeymoon at Nature's Valley and have been back 3 or 4 times since. It's undiscovered and real bliss. The birding in particular is excellent and I've a list of usually difficult to find birds which I've only seen (and quite easily at that) at Nature's Valley.
I've a trip planned for the first week of Feb 06 so will have to post a small report back then!!

I wonder if the Narina Trogon is on your list.

Nice birds there, that are reasonably easy to tick, include Rameron pigeon, Cinnamon Dove, Narina Trogon, Terrestrial Bulbul and Chorister Robin.

I've heard it at Nature's Valley but eventually only saw it at Ndumo (North KZN). It probably sat and watched me for ages.

Other good ones - Knysna Woodpecker and Warbler, Grey Cuckooshrike, Half-collared kingfisher, Finfoot, Wood Owl and Bluemantled Flycatcher.

Hi there,

The name De Vasselot is no longer being used by SANParks, it has been replaced by Natures Valley. Natures Valley is one of the amazing sections of Tsitsikamma National Park. It is not as popular as Storms River, however I personally believe it has scenic beauty second to none. It is the perfect destination for the ardent outdoor visitor.

Thanks for that info nickyre. One day I would like to revisit that area..