INFO FOR DAY TRIPPERS

BOTLIERSKOP PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Three-hour guided game drive (daily at 10 am) R530 per person. Sundowner game drive R780 per person, snacks and drinks included. Game viewing on horseback: R330 per person per hour. Book a picnic spot for R650, which includes a picnic basket for two people, a bottle of wine and access to the pool and children’s play area.

044 696 6055; botlierskop.co.za

OUTENIQUA NATURE RESERVE

If you’re feeling fit and adventurous, there are some epic day hikes in the mountains. The Kouma Trail (13,8 km), for example, starts and ends on Robinson Pass and guarantees enormous views.

Hiking is free. See more at capenature.co.za

OAKHURST FARM

Day visitors can do archery (R150 per person), ride a horse (rates on request), fish in the dam (R150 per person) and go on a tour of the dairy (R80 per adult; R40 per child). Make arrangements in advance. 084 384 1266; oakhurst.co.za

GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK

Entrance fees vary between the different sections: R38 per adult and R19 per child in the Wilderness section, for example; R46 per adult and R23 per child in the Knysna section (free with a Wild card). Fees apply even if you just want to take a quick turn past the Woodville Big Tree near Wilderness, or the Dalene Matthee Memorial near Rheenendal. There are cycling routes and hiking trails galore. sanparks.org

KNYSNA FOREST

One of the best ways to experience the forest is to join a half-day tour in your own vehicle with Bhejane 4x4 Adventures. The route goes through a special concession area closed to the public, and a knowledgeable guide will be in constant contact via two-way radio. R450 per adult;

R250 per child under 12 – the rate includes a tea/coffee stop in the forest and lunch at Diepwalle. Book at least two days in advance. There’s a similar tour on mountain bikes. 044 535 9033; bhejane.com

GARDEN ROUTE TRAIL PARK

A few years ago, dairy farmer Rob Dormehl built the most fantastic network of single-track mountainbiking trails on his farm in the hills behind Sedgefield. It fast became a top destination for mountain bikers, with trails to suit the whole family. Sadly, a fire in 2018 destroyed most of the network and the park was closed – temporarily at first, but such was the devastation that Rob considered closing for good. Luckily for us, he changed his mind, set to work fixing everything up and the park is planned to reopen in December 2019. Fingers crossed. Take your mountain bike if you’re going to the Garden Route these holidays – you don’t want to miss this. gardenroutetrailpark.com