The “Great Outdoors” has grown even greater in appeal thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Where many families used to opt for shopping malls on their days off, the combination of being locked for months together within four way-too-small walls combined with an apocalyptic fear of bringing Covid-19 into our homes has seen a tidal wave of people head into nature for relief.
And we are so very lucky that nature surrounds us in bucket-loads in Nelson Mandela Bay. Every way you turn there is a park or forest or beach to explore. But they’re not all open and they’re not all safe, so we have put together this list of our four favourite day-hiking destinations to inspire you to get out there with your families – to breathe in some fresh air, to get some healthy exercise and to fill your blood with happy endorphins to counterbalance the doom and gloom that surrounds all of us in these strange and uncertain times.
What makes a hike Covid-friendly?
Please remember – always hike in groups and if you are a small group, its best to visit when there are others around, like on weekends.
Continue reading…
The Eastern Cape, with its unspoilt beaches, rolling hills, craggy mountains and massive biodiversity is aptly known as the Adventure Province. This endless natural beauty is what attracted our family to live in Nelson Mandela Bay, where we are literally surrounded by outdoor adventures ripe for the picking.
We have spent the past few years trying to see and do as much as possible as a family in our beautiful city and can now with good authority rate and recommend our top outdoor adventure activities in and around Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay – things to do to suit every adventurous family’s budget.
As avid nature lovers, outdoor junkies and adventure explorers, we are super proud to present our Top 20 adventure activities in our magnificent Nelson Mandela Bay (separated into the Top 5 in each price range):
Continue reading…
We have often visited Cape Recife Nature Reserve to see the lighthouse and beach, but had never done it’s Roseate Tern hiking trail until recently. The 9km trail leads along a spectacularly wild beach and winds its way past an ancient beacon and lighthouse, through some impressive World War II ruins to an amazing viewpoint, across wetlands singing with birds, past a couple of dams with a peaceful bird hide in a circular route that ends where it starts.
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire hike, particularly the ruined army barracks and military observation post and highly recommend it as an ideal day outing for families and one of the top things to do in Port Elizabeth.
Here is a photo tour of the lovely hiking trail:
Continue reading…
The Locally Yours Market is held in the Tramways building in Baakens River Valley, Port Elizabeth on the first Saturday of every month. It is a collection of some of the Eastern Cape’s most talented artisans showcasing their wares and is a perfectly fun family outing.
Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the next Locally Yours Market:
Continue reading…
Walking through the wilderness with the wind at your back and the sun shining warmly on your face is in our family’s opinion the perfect way to spend a day. The combination of clean air, pure silence, breath-taking views and some healthy cardio works magic on our souls. We are so lucky to be literally surrounded with hiking opportunities and have made it our mission to get out there and discover the trails in and around Nelson Mandela Bay.
Here are four of our favourites so far:
Continue reading…
