Nectar Cottage - Seaside house in National Park on Garden Route
House with 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, Garden
Surrounded by forest, lagoon and only a 100 paces from the beautiful and unspoilt beach and Indian Ocean, Nectar Cottage lies in Nature’s Valley, the only village located inside a South African National Park. The "piece de resistance" of South Africa's most spectacular hiking trail, Nature's Valley is the Pearl of the Garden Route!
Nectar Cottage sleeps 8 to 10 people and has 4 bedrooms (and 2 sofa beds). The house has a spacious sitting room and is fully equipped, including wireless Internet. A home away from home without the hassles!
The large garden with its BBQ area is delightful during both summer and winter. For the cooler winter evenings there is an excellent open fireplace. 250 metres from the house is a good restaurant and shop open 364 days a year.
Nectar Cottage has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an extra warm outside shower. The house is fully equipped with all you need, such as a dishwasher, laundry room, wireless Internet, hairdryer, lots of games, CD's, and books.
Nectar Cottage lies inside a South African National Park so expect to see bushpigs, bushbuck and a large variety of birds in the large private garden of Nectar. The braai/BBQ area in the garden is a wonderful setting for social meals and relaxation.
In winter the house is cosy with its warm fireplace, games and Internet to allow for long, pleasant evenings in. Winter days are usually warm at 26 degrees and ideal for whale watching when whales come to this area to calf and mate.
Nature’s Valley offers a myriad of activities in the area such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding, whale watching, diving, fishing, shark diving, sailing, cruising, paragliding, parasailing, micro lighting, abseiling, bungee jumping (the highest in the world, a breathtaking 216 metres for a full 7 seconds), and visits to numerous nearby parks and resorts.
Nectar offers a (daily) cleaning service on request. On arrival we treat you to a local baker's delicious carrot cake and complimentary postcards. We aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Facilities for this holiday house in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Property
Type:
House
Nearest Airport:
Plettenberg Bay - 20 miles
Nearest Bar/Pub:
Valley Inn - 0.1 miles
Nearest Restaurant:
Valley Inn - 0.1 miles
Location Type:
Beach Holiday, Fishing Nearby, Golfing, Horse Riding, Near the sea, Quiet, Riverside, Rural/Village, Watersports
Bedrooms:
1 Double Bedroom, 3 Twin Bedrooms. 2 Bedrooms can be twin or double. The master bedroom is with a queen-size bed and the Wood Twin room is a twin only. The sofa beds in the sitting room offer an extra 2 sleeping places.
Bathrooms:
2 Bathrooms, 1 Shower, 1 Separate WC. Also a private warm outdoor shower - ideal for after beach visits!
Kitchen:
Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Iron. Nectar has its own laundry room with a washing machine, a dryer, irons and ironing boards. There is also an extra fridge-freezer.
General:
Real Fire, Maid Service, House Linen, Towels Provided, Internet Access. Maid service on request
Dining:
Seating for 8. Dining table seats 8 and kitchen table seats another 4
Entertainment:
Radio, CD System, Board Games. Badminton set and lots of games. Wide variety of books and magazines. CD's and cassettes for use. Wireless Internet. If still bored feel free to work in the garden!
Outside:
Terrace, Garden, BBQ, Parking, Balcony, Garden Furniture. Garage parking and parking on terrain
Suitability:
Children Welcome, Not Suitable For Wheelchairs, Suitable For Elderly, Pets Allowed, Smoking Allowed.
Only well-behaved dogs are allowed into this area as it is a wild life location
Local activities in and around Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Nature's Valley offers hoards of attractions. Within walking distance from Nectar Cottage there is swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding, whale watching, diving, and fishing. This area has some of South Africa's most desirable walking routes.
A stone's throw away is the world's hightest bungee jumping and bridge walking, the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkey Land and a bird sanctuary. A few kilometres further is a snake park, a wolf sanctuary and a butterfly sanctuary. Within a radius of 30 kilometres are numerous (game) parks, sailing, cruising, paragliding, microlighting, abseiling, and treetop tourism to name just a few.
Hiking
The entire Garden Route is a paradise for hiking but Nature's Valley is particularly beautiful. From Nectar Cottage there are spectacular day walks, for example to Salt River Mouth, a route with impressive views via the coast to a remote bay and returning across the mountain. The famous Otter Trail starts at the imposing Storms River Mouth and ends with the spectacular view of the beach, lagoon and ocean of Nature's Valley. Where permits are required these are usually issued at entrance.
Birding
The Garden Route is famous for its birds. Due to the diverse habitat in Nature's Valley, one can watch sea birds and rocky-cliff water birds such as the Cape Gannet and Rock Kestrel. The lagoon attracts estuary and freshwater birds such as the African Fish Eagle, Kingfishers, African Darter and Egyptian Goose. Along the forest paths of Nature's Valley village you can spot Hoopoes, Paradise Flycatchers, the Red-chested Cuckoo or Piet-my-vrou, and the Kysnae Lourie.
Cycling
Popular routes are designated on maps available from the Tourism Bureau or the Forestry Department on 044-382 5466. Detailed paths on Nectar's website. Many undesignated routes are also ideal for cycling and some are listed here below. Most routes pass through an array of natural environments such as forest, fynbos, estuaries, rivers, and mountains. Many of the cycling routes include some single track riding.
Golf
Golf courses on the Garden Route offer a spectacular environment of forest, lagoons, ocean and fynbos. Clubhouse facilities are generally excellent.
The closest golf course to Nature's Valley is Goose valley at Keurbooms Lagoon. A little further is the Plettenberg Bay Golf course and driving range in Plettenberg bay. As all golf courses have their own specific regulations please call for information.
Abseiling
About 20 kilometres from Nectar Cottage is Storms River Adventures (Storms River). Enjoy a 35-metre abseil, ideal for all adventure seekers irrespective of experience, starts with a 35m trek down solid face via a rope ladder. With views of the gorge and Paul Sauer Bridge, the descent continues into a kloof. Ascent from the gorge via a chain ladder. Professionals on hand for assistance.
Horseriding, Polo and Wagon trails
Day, half-day, mini, and even moonlight and champagne breakfast trails are offered by various stables and riding schools in the area of Nature's Valley. The rides generally traverse mountainside and forests with fynbos and beginners are usually welcome. Polo and wagon trails info on Nectar's website.
Tours
There are a multitude of organisations offering organised tours along the Garden Route. Below are all the tours and sites with contact information in the area of Nature's Valley should you prefer to access these places on your own. Also listed are chauffeur-driven wine tours (for those who wish to drink and travel!) and tours for handicapped travellers; as well as adventure tours, marine tours, agricultural tours, and cultural tours. Details on Nectar's website
Scenic routes and Drives
Although the entire area of Nature's Valley is scenic, below are some spectacular short or day trips. Some of these places can be accessed by a short, easy walk. More details on Nectar's website
Monkeyland Park
Monkeyland is a primate sanctuary with experienced game- ranger guided safaris. Numerous species of monkeys as well as large varieties of forest-dwelling birds. Just near Nature's valley and open daily 8am to 6pm.
A stone's throw from Nature's Valley and 400 metres from Monkeyland, the Elephant Sanctuary offers guests an opportunity to not only learn more about these magnificent animals, but also the possibility to walk with them, touch them, and even ride them. Open daily from 8am
Buffalo Hills Game Farm in the Bitou River Valley, the Crags - afew kilometres from Nectar Cottage - have outrides to see rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, kudu etc., and more than 150 species of birds.
Numerous game parks in the area - too many to list!
Nature's Valley has some of the best fishing in the area. Cape Yellow Tail, White Steenbras, Yellowbelly Rockcod, Red Roman, Mussel Crackers and Kabeljou are some of the marine and estuarine fish found in the sea or lagoon of Nature's Valley.
Aquariums
For those who prefer solid glass between them and marine life, there is the NSRI Aquarium at the Knysna Heads with a variety of salt and fresh water fish, featuring local and foreign sea fauna: Moray Eels, turtles, Clown fish, Oscars, Discus, Angel fish, and the famous Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) which is found only in the estuaries of the Garden Route. Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Donations go towards Sea Rescue funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute.
The only museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Angling Museum of the JLB Institute of Ichthyology is situated in the Old Gaol, Main Street, Knysna. It houses many donated items such as a large coelacanth caught off the Comoros. Open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Tel: 044-582 6138, Fax: 046-182 3423.
Whale Watching
Whales, dolphins, and seals can be sighted all year round from the beach of Nature's Valley, but whale watching is at its best from June to November when whales mate and calve. The Humpback and Bryde's Whale can be seen while the most common whales off the southern coast are the Southern Right Whales, one of the largest whales measuring between 14 and 16 metres. Orcas can frequently be seen off the coast, along with the Minke Whale that leap clear out the water, and several species of dolphin.
Sailing and Cruises
For fresh-water sailing in Nature's Valley lagoon vessels can be chartered and tuition is available from De Vasselot Nature Reserve. Just 20 km from Nature's Valley is Keurbooms estuary for an eco-experience with unsurpassed views, lyrical birdcalls and rocky outcrops. A ferry trip allows for swimming, walking, and picnicking opportunities.
Salt-water vessels can be rented 30 kilometres from Nectar cottage in Plettenberg Bay or in picturesque Knysna.
Water Skiing and surfing
To conserve the natural habitat of Nature's Valley, water skiing is only permitted in Plettenberg Bay's Central Ocean or Keurbooms River, and Knysna's ocean and lagoon. The Bay of Plettenberg is an excellent venue for Hobie Cat sailing, Surfing and Wave Skiing. The Keurbooms River is an ideal water skiing and canoeing venue and is zoned regarding water sports.
Contact Nature Conservation on 044-533 2125 for more details.
Swimming
Nature's Valley water temperatures vary from 14 degrees to 23 degrees depending on seasons and weather conditions. The sea is suitable for swimming and body or board surfing and lifeguards are generally on duty in December, January and in the April school holidays. Nature's Valley beach has toilets and showers, an excellent restaurant, a shop, and braai/BBQ facilities. Please note that the sea and the dunes are part of the Tsitsikamma National Park and are protected areas.
Nature's Valley Groot River lagoon is a tranquil fresh-water swimming haven. During the winter months, however, swimming can be enjoyed in the heated swimming pool of Aventura Resort, Plettenberg Bay. Telephone 044-535 9309.
Wild Waters Park is an adventure park especially for children. It has a supertube, mini-golf, jumping castle, kiosk, picnic spots and braai areas. Situated in the Piesang River Valley, it is next door to the Plettenberg Bay Health Centre and swimming pool. Telephone 044-533 3815.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Groot River lagoon at Nature's Valley is suitable for canoeing, kayaking and sailing with a labyrinth of passageways for exploration. It is home to, among others, baboons, otters, and a large variety of wetland birds.
The Keurbooms River is an ideal water-skiing and canoeing venue. Contact Nature Conservation on 044-533-2125 for details or if you would like to hire canoes for the overnight canoe trail and stay-over in the Whiskey Creek hut. This overnight canoe trail is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. Boats may be launched at the river slipway situated next to the N2 bridge that crosses the river (Stanley Island turn-off).
Scenic Flights
30-minute flight in the Piper Tripacer over Plettenberg Bay and Knysna lagoon and forest. Also whale spotting trips (between July and November) and 1-day safari trips to Addo Elephant Park and Shamwari.
Just a stone's throw away from Nature's Valley is the site of the world's highest commercial bungee jump - off the Bloukrans River Bridge - 216 metres of free fall for a full 7 seconds. Bloukrans is approximately 10 kilometres from Nectar Cottage and for Bungee Jumping is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. This sport is managed by, among others, Face Adrenalin. They are a professional crew with over 12 years experience.
As an alternative to Bungee jumping there is a Bridgeswing off the old Gouritz River bridge. This is a drop of 65 metres, free fall 45 metres.
Still feeling doubtful? Try the bungee walk along the walkway under the Bloukrans bridge for spectacular views and to calm your nerves while you consider whether or not to take the plunge.
North of Nature's Valley and the Garden Route lies the Klein or Little Karoo, perhaps the most diverse wine region in South Africa and with no less than 17 vineyards, among them the excellent Die Krans and Boplaas wineyards. The Klein Karoo is situated between majestic mountains and its vineyards grow mostly in the fertile soil next to riverbanks. The climate is in general drier than that of other wine regions, which contributes to the mostly organically cultivated vineyards. A diversity of microclimates allows winemakers to produce a variety of quality wines, including dry wines, fortified wines and brandies. World-class port and South Africa's champion white muscatel are produced here, as well as an extensive range of dessert wines. Members of the Klein Karoo Wine Route produce increasingly outstanding red and white wines, ranging from full-bodied cabernets to lighter drinking wines.
The wine route lies some 250 km north of Nature's Valley and stretches along the R62 from Montagu
Mampoer is South Africa's local 'fire water', a powerful fruit-based liqueur that at Nyati is made with double-distilled "naloop", fresh maroelas, "naartjies", lemons, limes, apricots, peaches or a secret blend of wild berries and infuses for at least six months before it is ready for bottling. With a hefty 60% alcohol by volume and the unique, piquant flavour of the bushveld, mampoer is one of South Africa's favourite drinks. The traditional Mampoer distillery and whitebaits products of Nyati , thrice been voted Best Mampoer in the Country, is situated between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Wittedrift/Avontuur road. It is open from 9am to noon and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Bookings recommended.
The R62 Brandy Route was launched recently, stretching from Worcester along the R62 including Montagu, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust.
Nature's Valley lies in the Tsitsikamma National Park on South Africa's spectacular Garden Route. It is in the Plettenberg Bay area, approximately 520 kilometres from Cape Town.
Rental rates for this house
Price Per Week
Quoted In
Approximately equivalent to
UK Pound
Euro
US Dollar
22 Jun - 20 Jul 2009
£485.00
€611.10
$785.70
3 Oct - 14 Nov 2008
£365.00
€459.90
$591.30
15 Nov - 10 Dec 2008
£485.00
€611.10
$785.70
11 Dec - 23 Jan 2009
£1000.00
€1260.00
$1620.00
24 Jan - 30 Apr 2009
£485.00
€611.10
$785.70
1 May - 21 Jun 2009
£375.00
€472.50
$607.50
22 Jun - 20 Jul 2009
£485.00
€611.10
$785.70
21 Jul - 31 Aug 2009
£375.00
€472.50
$607.50
1 Sep - 10 Dec 2009
£485.00
€611.10
$785.70
11 Dec - 18 Jan 2010
£1100.00
€1386.00
$1782.00
19 Jan - 30 Apr 2010
£500.00
€630.00
$810.00
Rental Notes: Please note that a 20% deposit is required with bookings and is refunded after departure.
Guestbook
"30 March 2007
Thanks so much –we had a beautiful, restful time. Nectar cottage is a haven in an exquisite area. We hope to visit again sometime.
" - Fran Shenker
"28-03-07
Dear Maaike, Thanks for everything. We had a great stay and were extremely impressed with the way you keep your house, Kind regards
" - Clifford Fram
"06-03-07
House was perfect, thank you very much!
" - Martin and Claudia Dirnberger
"Paradise found! ‘Nuff said,
" - Terry, Olga and Tom, Newcastle-in-Tyne, UK
"18-01 to 21-01-07
Nature’s Valley ….. there are no words, or not enough words, to describe this fantastic, amazing and spectacular place! When we finished the Otter Trail it was such a treat to walk into a homey and welcoming guest house. Thank you " - Martin, Richard, Tom and Celeste from the USA
"Dear Maaike
I would like to let you know that we all had a wonderful stay at Nectar Cottage. Rose, your agent was also wonderful to us and we appreciated all she did for us, including the delicious carrot cake she so kindly provided. Please would yo" - Petra de Nobrega
Availability of Nectar Cottage
This property is normally available
for rent between January
and December each year.
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Owner joined site on:
15 March 2007
Property listed since:
16 March 2007
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