Friday, May 16, 2014

Experience The Wilderness Of South Africa

By Lloyd Leach


Attention, holiday planners. It may be time to experience the Wilderness, as in the town on South Africa's Cape. This is the place for seeing nature up close without having to trek into a remote area, sleep in a tent in Grizzly Bear country, or give up activities that make vacations fun as well as memorable.

This small town in South Africa, among the most beautiful of countries, has welcomed visitors since the late 1800s. It lies in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, with the ocean before it and the forest behind. Visitors can enjoy the ocean or the quieter waters of lagoons, rivers, and lakes. The extensive beaches are glorious stretches of white sand.

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.

Major events are not carnivals or festivals but the April plant sale and the fall Wildflower Show. Guided walks through the Botanical Gardens or a hike to Dolphin's Point to look for whales are typical pastimes. You can take tea in the Garden and follow that up with a visit to the Southern Cape Herbarium.

This resort town is so integrated with nature that Wilderness is an apt name. It's also noted for hospitality, peace and quiet, and the beauty of its location between forested mountains and the deep blue sea. Go to bask in the sun, watch the birds and animals, enjoy a special brand of hospitality, and learn more about a unique area of our world.




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