FIVE FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN THE WEATHER ISN’T GREAT

Plettenberg Bay conjures up images of sun-drenched beaches and calm, balmy evenings watching the sunset. However, even our beautiful bay is known to have a spot of bad weather from time to time. When you have travelled from afar to enjoy a seaside holiday, a couple of days of wind or rain can really put a damper on your vacation spirit, but there is still plenty to do in and around Plett, even when the weather isn’t great.

PLETTENBERG BAY GAME RESERVE

There’s never a bad time to visit Plett’s Big Five game reserve and the cooler weather actually bodes well for better sightings as the wildlife is more likely to be active than in sweltering midday heat. The 2000ha game reserve offers guided 4×4 game drives and horse safaris to view a wondrous range of South African wildlife including, elephant, giraffe, rhino, zebra, impala, buffalo and, in the predator camps, leopard, lion and African wild dogs. The reception area is welcoming and comfortable, with a roaring fire, well suited for a coffee or a bite to eat too! Distance from Cornerway House: 25km

BIRDS OF EDEN

Birds of Eden is both a fascinating local attraction and a sanctuary for over 3500 birds and 220 different species. The world’s largest free-flight aviary traverses an entire 2ha in the Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay and features a large, netted dome, waterfall and multiple walkways through the indigenous forest. Think Jurassic Park, with regular-sized birds of all shapes and colours – a no-touch sanctuary and a wonderful family outing. Distance from Cornerway House: 27km

PLETT WINELANDS

If you’re not travelling with youngsters, or if they are happy to have a day of vegging, then you may enjoy a meander through the Plett Winelands. The estates range from Packwood in the west to Bramon in the east and, in addition to fabulously fun wines and bubblies, their on-site restaurants offer some of the tastiest menus in town. You can choose to self-drive, take a bespoke guided tour or even a carriage ride along Redford Road – expect warm hospitality, cosy venues and some memorable cultivars! Distance from Cornerway House: varies, 24km to Bramon Estate

OLD NICK VILLAGE

Old Nick is a landmark shopping destination best known for its eclectic collection of shops, owned by creative manufacturers, designers and curators. The flagship store is Mungo Design and the newly constructed Mungo Mill – which is a fascinating peek into the world of textiles and weaving. Roost Cafe is known for scrumptious fresh breads and pastries, and steaming cups of barista coffee. Other stores include a nursery, pottery, clothing, collectables and more. The layout of the village makes it a wonderful place to browse and pick up souvenirs. Distance from Cornerway House: 6km

TAKE A ROAD TRIP

One of the joys of visiting the Garden Route is to experience the vast spaces of indigenous forest, mountains and coastline dotted with small towns: you can travel from lake district to ancient Afromontane forest in a couple of hours. Two popular day trips for visitors to Cornerway House are Knysna and Tsitsikamma (Storms River). A trip to Knysna can include a visit to the famous “Heads”, a riverboat trip on the lagoon, quaffing Knysna oysters quayside and shopping at the elegant waterfront. A trip to Storms River could include a meander through the village, surrounded by emerald forest, and a visit to iconic Marilyn’s 60s Diner or a trip into the National Park to marvel at the ancient gorge and beautiful coastal scenery of South Africa’s oldest marine protected area. Distance from Cornerway House: varies, 35km to Knysna and 65km to Storms River

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Don’t be afraid of the winter weather, book your stay at Cornerway House