See some of the Western Cape’s wonderful wildlife in a coastal nature reserve that combines the flora and fauna of both the ocean and the land.
Experience the beauty of the Garden Route in Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. This stretch of coastline is ideally placed for encountering a variety of animals. Spot whales and dolphins in the oceans and explore the biodiverse land to see birds, antelope and other creatures in the colorful undergrowth. Stay overnight in the UNESCO-listed site to fully immerse yourself in this stunning wilderness.
A wide variety of animals live in the nature reserve, which spreads across 6,180 acres (2,500 hectares) of the Western Cape’s coastline. Bring a long lens camera to snap photos of vervet monkeys and grysbok. Look in the undergrowth for sightings of the elusive honey badger or the prickly porcupine.
Crane your neck upward and look to the skies for some of the reserve’s 220 different bird species. Bird-watching enthusiasts will relish the chance to see an African black oystercatcher. Head to Groenvlei Lake to see hundreds of birds flying around the landscape.
Walk along one of the dramatic beaches and look for some of the creatures that live in the protected marine area. Bring binoculars to spot bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins jumping over the waves. Keep looking out to sea to try and spot southern right whales breaching the water.
Goukamma is also home to incredibly diverse plant life, including the fynbos, a biodiverse stretch of shrubland that is particularly colorful during the rainy seasons. Elsewhere in the park, spot milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees.
Stop to dine in one of the restaurants in the reserve or take your own food to one of the many picnic spots. Accommodations and a golf course are also situated within the parkland.
Visit Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve in September and October to see the floral kingdom of the fynbos burst into a panoply of colors. Drive for 30 minutes west of Knysna along the coast to reach the reserve, then use one of the parking points that are located throughout the park.
