'''Nature's Valley''' is a small village on the Garden Route along the southern Cape coast of South Africa, tucked between the Soutrivier, the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, the Indian Ocean and the Grootrivier lagoon. It has a balmy climate and the unusual status of being surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park.
It is just a short drive east of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and just west of Storms River.
A network of trails covers the surrounding hills and beaches. The lagoon offers sheltered water for sailing and canoeing, without powerboating and beach buggies. A walk along beaches and a rocky path leads to the Salt River Mouth after crossing Pebble Beach, a large area completely covered in sea-smoothed cobbles.
East of Nature's Valley is the Grootrivier Lagoon, which marks the end of the Otter Trail, starting at Storms River Mouth, 60km further east. This 5-day trail is considered by many hikers to be the finest in South Africa, being strenuous, scenic and extremely varied. The route meanders along the coast through evergreen forest, past boulder-strewn beaches and frequently crossing tannin-stained streams. Huts are available for the hiker at the end of each day, but bookings have to be made well in advance.
There is plenty to offer the visitor to Nature's Valley, from the many varied hiking trails to the Animal Sanctuaries next door in The Crags. It is also just a short drive to the World's Highest Bungee at the Bloukrans Bridge and Storms River Mouth
Get in
By Car
Located on the R102, just off the N2, the village is easily accessible by car from Port Elizabeth (3hrs) and Cape Town (6hrs) as well as other towns along the Garden Route.
By bus
The main companies pass along the N2 on their Cape Town to Port Elizabeth route. You can ask to be dropped at the R102 in The Crags and from there you can hitch down to Nature's Valley.
The only BazBus stop is at the Wild Spirit Lodge and Backpackers on the R102 Nature's Valley Road.
By rail & plane
There is no rail station nor airport in Nature's Valley, the closest airport is in George 100kms west.
Get around
The only way to get around Nature's Valley without your own car is to walk.
See
Nature's Valley beach is one of the most spectacular along the Garden Route. The village is surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Do
'''Hike''' the Salt River Cove Trail and the Kalanderkloof Trail, a 5 hour mini Otter Trail
Birds of Eden. he Crags. 0kms out of Nature's Valley. 27 (0)44 534-8906. irdsofeden@monkeyland.co.za. ttp://www.birdsofeden.co.za/.
The Crags Elephant Sanctuary. he Crags. 0kms out of Nature's Valley. 27 (44) 534 8145. ragelephant@telkomsa.net. ttp://www.elephantsanctuary.co.za/crags.htm.
'''Visit''' the other Animal Sanctuaries in The Crags (10kms). Snakes, Birds and Big Cats.
'''Jump''' from the Worlds Highest Bungee at the Bloukrans Bridge (20kms)
'''Rent a canoe''' and spend some hours on the lagoon.
'''Walk''' the final stage of the Otter Trail.
Buy
Local Craft shops in The Crags
Eat & Drink
There is only one shop / restaurant / bar in Nature's Valley serving good food and beer at a reasonable price.
Sleep
Nature's Valley has many B&Bs.
Wild Spirit Lodge and Backpackers. 102, The Crags. rom Plettenburg Bay, 3km along R102, see sign. 27 (0)44 534 8751. ttp://www.wildspiritlodge.co.za/. orms from R100. 33.948878. 3.521256. nfo@wildspiritlodge.co.za. Backpackers Lodge and self-catering. Accommodation incl. Dorms, Doubles and Camping. Shuttle Service to all nearby attractions. BazBus stop.
Get out
The rest of the Garden Route. Nearest cities are Plettenberg Bay to the west and Storms River to the east.