 |
| Buffalo Bay |
There are many places to visit on the Garden Route - on this day we visited Buffalo Bay, off the N2 towards Knysna. The wind was howling in "Buffs" as the surfers love to call this place. But the hardy souls had already claimed their "braai" places along the coast despite the wind! Most of the benches have surfing boards attached to them and these are all beautifully decorated.
This bay is apparently surfers paradise but there is a "Shark Kit" as you go down to the beach.
This was most probably installed after a shark attack in 2015 when a young student lost a leg.
Whether the advice below is good or not,
"As the shark swims around you, keep your head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact. “Sharks are ambush predators,” Peirce explained. “If you're turning around and facing it the whole time while it circles you, it's not going to be half as comfortable as if it's able to sneak up from behind.”
However, if you are a surfer, you would chat to the locals and get up-to-date info and advice.
 |
| Buffalo Bay |
The beach is very long and one can walk as far as Brenton on Sea, near Knysna if exercise is your daily "fix" on land rather than in the sea! As with most seaside towns in South Africa, many of the homes are holiday houses. There is a caravan park right on the rocky coastline - with amazing views if you can get a seafront stand.
We really loved the holiday vibe of this coastal village, despite the crazy wind. People are friendly and those "braai" places just beg to be used while sitting on one of the surf board benches. There is plenty of parking and a large restaurant overlooking the bay.
 |
| Buffalo Bay |
Goukamma Nature Reserve is just along the road back towards the N2.
There is a small entrance fee and the day we visited there was a large group of pensioners going to the picnic area for some bubbly, lively chatter and their picnic fare. It looked very inviting and a perfect place for a group outing.
Nature lovers can take a picnic into the reserve, or book a stay for a night or two in order to enjoy some of the hiking trails.
 |
| Goukamma River |
There are numerous hiking trails within the reserve and we watched as some hikers pulled themselves back across the river in the tiny ferry boat! It works - although maybe some muscle power is required!
 |
| Goukamma Ferry |
A great time to visit is in September/October when the first spring rains create splashes of bright spring flowers amid the fynbos. This is a year-round destination, as it falls between the Cape’s summer and winter rainfall seasons"
https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/goukamma-nature-reserve
We loved walking along the river (park on the side of the road before you get to the entrance to the actual Reserve) as the views are amazing and the birdlife is prolific. At low tide it makes for a wonderful walk. No dogs are allowed on this section because of the bird life so please leave your doggie at home. The gulls were very protective of the youngsters and we really got told off by one of them. It was both funny and rather endearing to see this level of care from the mother of a chick that was already fairly big. There was no mistaking the fact that I was being told, in no uncertain terms, to back off.
 |
| Goukamma River Walk |
 |
| Goukamma River |
