DescriptionThis restored traditional cottage is fully equipped as self-catering accommodation and has a lovely view into Onderpoort. The flat-roofed home of Koot and Hettie Cordier at "Die Hoogte" is one of the most recent structures in the Kloof. It was only built after the opening of the road in 1962, when it became easier to buy building material, like steel window frames and corrugated iron, in neighboring towns and to use vehicles to transport it. Cordier chose a site which had been erroneously leveled by the road builders. It had a view of his meadows, orchards and goat pens. The dwelling was restored in 2001. Goukamma is a delightful stretch of coastline between Sedgefield and Buffalo Bay comprising endless beaches, and immense dune fields. The Goukamma River, and estuary, are also within the reserve. The Goukamma marine reserve is 18 km in length and extends one nautical mile into the sea. The nature reserve includes a 14 km long coastline, a marine protected area, an extensive dune field with some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa, coastal forests and fynbos vegetation, the Goukamma River and estuary, and the freshwater lake, Groenvlei, which has no in-flowing river and no link to the sea. Goukamma's diverse habitats support many animal species, from grysbok, to vervet monkeys and otters. Groenvlei has six fish species (two indigenous and four alien). More than 220 bird species have been recorded, including spoonbill, African fish eagle, African marsh harrier, Knysna lourie, klingfisher, the rare African black oystercatcher and occasionally the endangered African penguin. The marine protected area is home to bottle-nosed and common dolphins. Southern right whales can also be seen close inshore from about July to October. Goukamma lies between the winter and summer rainfall areas. There is no cold wet or dry season, although the rainfall is higher in spring and autumn, and less in summer. The weather is unpredictable, with some warm days in June and July and the odd cold day in summer. Prevailing winds in summer are southeasterly and in winter are westerly. Watersports and swimming are permitted in the river and ocean. And this lake is one of the best bass-fishing areas in South Africa. Visitors have a choice of four different day-trails, angling, picnicking, swimming, sailing and canoeing and windsurfing. Canoes are available for hire. A horse-riding trail is available for riders who bring their own horses. No over-night trails are available, but avid hikers can chose between four different day-trails. Bookings are not necessary, but hikers must obtain a permit at the reserve on arrival. • Beach walk (14 km, 4 hours): Arrange transport at Platbank, or an out and back walk. Inaccessible during high spring tide. • Circular route (8 km, 2-3 hours): Hike along a fynbos ridge with views of the coast, upriver and estuary. The route returns via a climax milkwood forest. • Goukamma to Groenvlei (16 km, 4-5 hours): The route stretches over the vegetated dunes. Arrange transport at Groenvlei. • Lake walk: a short flat walk along Groenvlei's southern shoreline in indigenous forest and lake fringe vegetation.
DirectionsGoukamma Nature and Marine Reserve lies approximately 40km east of George and 20km west of Knysna. It is sign-posted from the N2 road at the Buffalo Bay turn-off. |
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