Outward Bound Route
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Outward Bound in Nelson Mandela Bay Explore the Outward Biome; and Forest Biome, which includes Montane and To R72 WILDLIFE AND NATURE 32 Coastal Indigenous Forest. Spectacular examples of lo- Aquatic Game Reserves Nelson Mandela Bay is the nature-lover’s paradise, offer- cal vegetation are Ericas, Proteas, wild daisies, the Cape 44 ing a unique combination of seaside and African bush East London Thatching reed, the Yellowwood, Schotia and Coral 11 Bound Hamburg surroundings, all in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. The Trees, Spekboom (favourite food of the elephant), Tree Bay is within an hour’s drive of several internationally Fuschia, Sneezewood, Guarri, the Num-num and other Town acclaimed game reserves, offering visitors an unforget- shrubs (found predominantly in the Addo area), many Bell 9 table experience of African wildlife. Most reserves boast King Williams 6 Route! varied grass types, Euphorbia, Aloe and other succu- 5 the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoc- lents, along with herbs and bulbous plants. eros). 4 3 61 7 Bird watching Adventure & Sport Nature Reserves One of the most popular national parks, the Addo El- 2 Ngqushwa 15 Nelson Mandela Bay and the surrounding areas have 60 1 8 Wooldridge ephant National Park, is situated just 40km from the city OVERVIEW MAP 50 59 many locations for interesting bird watching and excel- 37 16 centre and is home to more than 450 elephants as well 58 51 Fallodon as the Big 7 (consisting of the Big 5 and the Southern lent sightings are assured. Explore these beautiful terrains 56 57 19 Right Whale and Great White Shark). Within the limits of on your own or take a guided walk through nature to 6 spot the area’s abundant birdlife. 13 52 Nelson Mandela Bay, an unbeatable variety of walking Peddie 12 13 R67 29 and hiking trails are available. These offer both coastal 55 53 62 and valley routes with breathtaking scenery and a wide 18 Beaches 4 Animal Interaction range of other outdoor adventures. WATER SPORT AND SPORT Seafield 54 8 Nelson Mandela Bay, dubbed as the water sport capi- 36 tal of Africa, has hosted countless national and interna- 49 Nature reserves Vlei Middledrift 10 The beauty of the Nelson Mandela Bay nature reserves tional sporting and water sport events in recent years, PE Breakfast stretches from rocky shores and river estuaries to in- including the prestigious Ironman South Africa Triathlon. Airport digenous floral fynbos. Enjoy the golden beaches and The Bay offers ideal conditions for all year round water 43 unspoilt sand-dunes or the lush indigenous forest and sports and has an abundance of action-packed activi- Alfred Port Doubledrift ties. Alice 41 untamed wilderness. All of these diverse areas can be 45 R345 explored in and around the Bay. Game Reserve Bathurst Water sport activities include swimming, snorkeling, 63 body surfing, sunbathing, yachting, windsurfing, surfing, Located in and around the city environs are the Van R67 jetskiing, canoeing, kite-surfing, power-boating, fishing Outward Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve, the Cape Recife Nature 33 and beautiful beach walks. In summer, professional 15 Reserve, Maitlands Nature Reserve, The Island Nature Kenton-on-Sea Reserve, Swartkops Aloe Reserve, the Van Der Kemp- fully-trained lifeguards patrol most beaches. Basic resort 46 courses, as well as the full range of scuba instruction, 23 47 skloof Nature Reserve, the Lady Slipper Nature Reserve 38 Reserve Fort charters and hiring of diving equipment are offered by Ndlambe and the Groendal Wilderness Area in Uitenhage. An- R67 Beaufort Scuba Diving Outfits. Contact Ocean Divers Internation- Kudu Nature other unique and noteworthy environment is the Sun- Andries Vosloo Bound Fort Brown al, tel: 041 581 5121, www.odipe.co.za, or Pro Dive, tel River days River which flows through the Coastal Dune Fields. 64 041 581 1144, www.prodive.co.za. Bushmans Located on the east bank of the river, these Dune Fields Boknes stretch 50 km east towards Port Alfred and fall within the 17 With its superb weather and excellent and varied sport- Addo Elephant National Park boundaries. R343 30 Route ing facilities Nelson Mandela Bay is any sporting enthusi- Grahamstown asts dream destination. The city has many active sports 24 clubs catering for bowls, golf, tennis, badminton, squash, R344 volleyball, pool, darts, athletics and cycling, as well as 34 seasonal sports, such as soccer, rugby, hockey, roller Alexandria hockey, cricket, motor racing and many more. In addi- Makana tion to sports activities, Nelson Mandela Bay also hosts a Bird Island variety of sporting events with its newly built state-of-the- Cape Woody art stadium the bay is set to become a more prominent 27 player in sporting events. 40 21 R72 26 R350 36 East 35 Riebeek 16 42 3 7 Alicedale BIOMES Paterson Nelson Mandela Bay and environs has a rich diversity of 65 vegetation, fauna and landscapes. Furthermore, the re- 39 gion is also an important meeting ground of all seven ma- 66 jor converging Biomes, namely: The Thicket Biome which 28 R342 includes the valley bushveld flora; The Savannah Biome; 31 St Croix Island 32 Brenton Island The Fynbos Biome characteristic of a winter rainfall; The 2 67 11 Grassland Biome which includes Flora of higher altitudes; Sheldon 2 44 "Ikhaya lenkululeko - The home of the Spirit of freedom." 1 The Succulent-Karoo Biome with its Flora which flourishes To under arid and semi-arid conditions; The Nama-Karoo 68 www.nmbt.co.za Long Hope Main Gate Matyholweni Gate Cradock 22 Bay Coerney Addo Colchester Bluewater Zuurberg COASTAL AND BEACHES Other outdoor activities include mountain climbing, 9 kloofing, abseiling, sand boarding, horse riding and quad Valley Nelson Mandela Bay’s pristine beaches are legend- Port biking. Most of the trails are suitable for family outings R335 ary; with four beaches retaining their full stage Blue and can be enjoyed as an action-adventure or simply R336 Sunday’s River Sunday’s Elizabeth 20 Flag status and one having been awarded pilot status 25 as a relaxing stroll in the breathtaking nature. Outdoor R335 (2008/09). The international Blue Flag is awarded annu- Schoenmakerskop living is ideal in Nelson Mandela Bay with its favourable DIVING ally to beaches that meet excellence in the areas of weather one can soak up nature anytime of the year. Despatch safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental stan- Route National Park dards. South Africa is the first country outside of Europe Blue Crane Addo Elephant to win Blue Flag accreditation for its beaches. Summer SCENIC DRIVES Kirkwood TOURIST INFO & BOOKINGS water temperatures range from 18 to 21°C; and from 14 R75 to 19°C during winter making the climate ideal for swim- Create your own adventure with a self-drive into the View Mountain ming and various other beach activities. heart of some of the most beautiful and exciting places 10 in and around Nelson Mandela Bay. R400 Experience the Ibhayi Sunshine Saunter - Your suggested Kabouga Visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay can choose from a wide variety of Uitenhage Northern beaches self-drive alternative guide to stunning beaches, beauti- accommodation facilities which are available in the area. Whether your The Northern beaches, providing superb angling and 12 ful countryside, game farms, sports and country restau- Darlington swimming opportunities, Brighton Beach, St George’s 48 preference is a luxury hotel or a five star game lodge, a guest house, bed & rants - all within 45 minutes of the city centre. This pictur- Strand and Bluewater Bay. Bluewater Bay is near the breakfast or backpacker, Nelson Mandela Bay offers excellent and exciting esque circular drive offers a multitude of exploration and N2 highway, within walking distance from the Swartkops highlights the coastal riches of the area along the West- Diving Sites outside the Bay Shore Entry 10. Malay Pools Boat Entry Riy Banks 11. 12. Suicide Reef Avalanche 13. 14. Mark 4 15. Thunderbolt Reef Wrecks 16. The Patti possibilities. For enquiries or bookings contact Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s Call River mouth. The 12 km beach is popular for swimming, ern Seaboard of Nelson Mandela Bay. The route covers Centre via [email protected] or call 041 582 2575. boating, fishing, whale/dolphin watching and beach scenic areas including the beautiful rugged coast along walks. Wells Estate has a long pier over the dunes and Groendal Marine Drive. Explore the coves and rock pools along Wilderness includes a paddling pool and waterslides. NELSON MANDELA BAY TOURISM - VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES: the rocky section of the shores before retiring to a luxury seaside resort or enjoying a cup of tea at a charming Nature Reserve Airport Visitor Info Centre: +27 0(41) 581 0456/7 Southern beaches tea garden overlooking the lush countryside. View pods Boardwalk Visitor Info Centre: +27 0(41) 583 2030 Humewood, King’s, Hobie and Pollok Beaches comprise of dolphins and whales, which frequently visit the coast- R331 the main beachfront area. King’s Beach, a magnificent line, while having lunch at one of the picnic spots. Donkin Visitor Info Centre: +27 0(41) 585 8884 1,6 km-long expanse of golden sand extending from the Boekenhoutskloof Uitenhage Visitor Info Centre: +27 0(41) 922 5214 harbour wall to Humewood provides safe swimming, The villages of Colchester and Canonville are nestled Aston Bay Greystone Website: www.nmbt.co.za body surfing, sunbathing and long beach walks. The on the banks of the Sundays River, a few kilometres from Bay Jeffreys Kleinpoort Kouga promenade encompasses children’s playgrounds and Hankey R330 E-Mail: [email protected] the river mouth where it flows into the Indian Ocean Bay Francis toddlers’ paddling pools.