What to do, what to do. The question most of us end up asking ourselves when winter comes and we’re mostly confined between the four walls of our homes. The winter months are a bit unpredictable. You never know when that little bit of sunshine will fade away and the rain will make its way. Luckily for you, Mooikloof Country Estate is conveniently located for easy access to these fun activities.
1. Knysna Oyster Festival
Calling all wine lovers, food fundies, and adrenalin junkies. What’s better than some oyster tasting, great wine, plus the occasional adrenaline rush in the chilly, cold winter months to help keep you warm. Perfect for a family outing, the Knysna Oyster Festival promises all that, satisfying all your social and adventuristic cravings. It runs from 1-10 July 2022 and is less than an hour’s drive away from Mooikloof Country Estate.
2. Spectacular Hiking Trails
Yes, people still go hiking in the mountains, even in winter. Some say it’s even better than in the summer. Residents of the Garden Route are sure spoilt for choice when it comes to magnificent hiking trails. Trails that venture into the beautiful forests, making you feel at one with nature. The ever-popular Groeneweide Hiking Trail is just a short drive away from Mooikloof.
Described by locals as a “Magical forest on the outskirts of George”, this lovely hiking trail promises a fun, adventure-filled day suitable for the whole family. So whether you’re planning a Saturday morning outing or a spontaneous burst of adventure hits you, rest assured that an adventure awaits around the corner.
3. Whale Watching
Pack a picnic basket and a pair of binoculars for this one because you won’t want to miss this. We’re very fortunate to be able to have such a beautiful coastline stretching from Stillbaai up until Tsitsikamma so that we can witness the raw grace and imposing presence of these timeless marine mammals, even if it is from a distance.
Migrating Southern Right and humpback whales and are visible from May till November. Bryde’s whales are visible all year round, and occasionally, killer whales. Look very closely and you might spot bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins, which are visible all year round.
4. Wildlife sanctuaries
Fun and fur for the whole family await. Have an adventure-filled day at the various wildlife sanctuaries on offer in the Garden Route. The animals are often rescued from unsuitable environments and kept in captivity as a means to protect them from potential poachers. They serve as ambassadors to help educate the general public on these magnificent creatures.
Just a 10min drive away from Mooikloof, The George Wildlife and Animal Park is home to happy and healthy animals. Big cats and a variety of farm animals, even Meerkats. With a spacious farm-like yard, children can run and play around to their heart’s content.
5. Plettenberg Wine Route
For the avid wine connoisseur, the Plett Wine Route in the Plett Winelands stretches from the Garden of Eden in the west (between Knysna and Plett) to The Crags in the east (on the road to Port Elizabeth). The route offers a wide selection of wine estates that you can choose from, each one presenting its unique flavor of experiences. And remember, don’t drink and drive.
6. Bungee Jumping
Feeling a bit daring and adventurous? Bring out your inner daredevil and jump from Africa’s biggest bungee bridge. Come and get your dose of euphoria at Face Adrenalin Bungy in Plettenberg Bay. Don’t worry about the cold, the adrenaline surging through your veins will keep you snug and warm.
7. Treetop Adventures
Fun for every age, so bring along grandma and grandpa. The Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour in Storms River lets you feel like Tarzan swinging from one tree branch to the next, but via ziplines. The starting point for the ziplines is 30 meters in the air and is built around ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees which, according to multiple rumors, are around 700 years old.
8. Ten Pin Bowling in Hartenbos
The weather prediction said 80% chance of rain, but at Let’s Go Bowling, they predicted a 100% chance of all-out fun! Just a 20min drive from Mooikloof Country Estate awaits your destination of fun. Situated at the Hartenbos Seafront Centre, where good food goes hand in hand with good entertainment. And if you’re looking for something more calm and relaxing, the putt-putt course is just around the corner (literally).
9. The Fragrance Route
No, this has nothing to do with the smell of luxury fragrances. Tucked between Mossel Bay and George, this route is made up of about 40km of beautiful countryside. What really makes this route different from any other route, is the little treasures that you may stumble upon along the way. Warm up those hands with a steamy hot cup of coffee at Brothers Coffee Roastery or stop and gaze at timeless vintage cars at The Kobus Halliday Car Museum, and if you’re feeling a bit anthophillic, The Friemersheim Nursery is the stop for you.
In spite of being South Africa’s sixth oldest town, George is still filled with life and energy to this day. Rolled out across this beautiful town is a unique variety of steamy coffee shops, delectable delis, ravishing restaurants and bustling bars. It’s clear to see why so many people chose George as their safe haven, their new home, a town so rich in history and culture, you cannot help but fall in love with it.
