Wacky Woods

As the summer season reached its peak, being avid festival-goers, our trance family ventured to Port Elizabeth for one last stomp.

Waking up at four in the morning in a bid to not miss a single minute of pure spiritual enlightenment, our two-hour journey passing landscapes one only sees in magazines, was short lived as we got to our magical haven.

Embedded on the mystical Gamtoos River encircled by the historical towns of Loerie, Patensie and Hankey –that shine a beauty of their own, Wacky Woods Resort is every backpackers dream.

Regarded as the gateway to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area -recently awarded World Heritage Site status, the resort offers nature lovers the pleasure of exploring its indigenous Cape flora and fauna and its pristine fynbos which meets an array of beaches within walking distance. One is able to take a leisurely walk breathing in the fresh air exuded by nature, listening to the serene sound of the sea as the waves gently thump against one another and then silently flow like liquid seeping into the sand only to be swept again swiftly.

As the sunrise creeps up under the beautiful mountains that seem to go on far beyond your eyes reach, we turn in, driving down a pathway that resembles an entrance into a world far beyond our imagination. The sky lightens up with a wash of rich blue as the morning songs of joyous birds salute the bright new day.

Welcomed by lush green surroundings and mystical artistic sculptures representative of elongated disfigured creatures, we made our way down to the camping site. Divided by a pathway, the camping spots are neatly spaced out with each one equipped to fulfil basic needs. With power points and lights what more can one ask for?

Taking in the environment of our new found sanctuary, one cannot help but explore the depths of the surrounding trees that reveal a forest with an aura that enchants your curious being. Realising that we have the whole day to fairy around the stomping grounds, we give into the temptation of exploring the magical haven.

For those who prefer a much more luxurious encounter with nature where comfort is key to enticing the inner peace and experience of tranquillity, chalets deep rooted in the forest surround by big trees and a variety of animal life are available to experience the beauty of the land. With thatched rooftops and a structure of solid wood one almost feels like they are living in a jungle.

I suppose the most intriguing thing about the chalets is the view that one can see. With the bush cabin overlooking one of the two ‘lungs’ of the baviaans mountain range, to experience a state of euphoria and rebirth is definitely a journey that will occur.

Walking further up onto the hiking trails, one will encounter the mystical Gamtoos River safe enough to take a cool dip while the African sun beats down at you. And if you have a family with young children then the beautifully crafted swimming pool that lights up at night is another option also to be enjoyed.

Having explored what seemed to be the entire package offered by Wacky Woods Resort, we quickly retreated to the adventure we intended on having and danced until sunset on the grounds provided for the festival.

Reminiscing on the day, I realise now, that Wacky Woods provides one with a desire to connect and appreciate a certain element that nature has to offer and that anyone no matter what you prefer will enjoy the never ending activities available at the resort.

So what are you waiting for? Visit their website at www.wacky-woods.page.tl and book yourself a reasonable holiday of a life time where magic comes to life.

DIRECTIONS

FROM CAPE TOWN, 15km after J-Bay on the N2 take the Mondplaas turnoff,
at the off ramp stop take a right then a left at the next stop,
drive for about 5 km on the R102 till you get to a single metal bridge that crosses the Gamtoos river,
take first left then drive for about 1km and on your right will be Wacky Woods.

FROM PORT ELIZABETH,
take the second turnoff after Van Stadens bridge on the N2 it will be the Thornhill/Hankey turnoff,
at the off ramp take a left then a right at the stop,
on the R102 drive for about 15km till you see the Gamtoos valley take a right at the bottom about 150m before the single metal bridge,
drive for about 1km and Wacky Woods will be on you right.