HESSEQUA – The Hessequa region is branded as The Explorer’s Garden Route due to its off-the-beaten-track experiences it offers. The following are 7 tourist facilities which are regarded as hidden treasures within Hessequa – The Explorer’s Garden Route.
1. UKRAINIAN MUSEUM
This facility is located at the Ha!Qua Youth facility in Riversdale and is considered a community-based experience. At the Ukrainian Museum, you can see some traditional clothing, cultural artifacts, mural from Crimea and history of Ukrainian. The Museum is available to the general public by appointment only.
Chris Taute: 083 298 3349
2. GOURITSMOND COMMONAGE
The Gouritsmond Commonage is a walking trail network partly on board walks, taking visitors through five different biomes – saltmarsh, coastal strandveld, dune thicket, transitional fynbos and Protea fynbos. At least 14 endangered plant species and one red data species and the endangered butterfly (Poecilmitis brooksi teari) have been identified in the area, which is home to many species of birds, insects and reptiles.
Tel: 028 713 7953
3. SPASIE RESTAURANT AND RUM DISTILLERY
Spasie Witsand is a Restaurant with deli products, and your one stop hub for water and ice in Witsand. The restaurant is also a licensed spirit producer and is well-known for its artisanal Rum.
Tel: 083 418 4110
4. GYSMANSHOEK PASS
The Gysmanshoek Pass connects Heidelberg with Riversdale and is one of the least-known passes within South Africa. It is also one of the most scenic passes and an experience every adventure seeker should complete. The pass is approximately 12 km long and contains 51 bends, corners and curves. The average gradient is a mild 1:36 – but there are two very steep sections close to the summit, where the gradient gets as steep as 1:5 and FWD cars might well experience tractions issues – even in dry weather.
5. ALBERTINIA GOLF COURSE
Established in 1929, this one of the few remaining sand courses South Africa and the venue where the South African golfing champion, Louis Oosthuizen started his golfing career. The 9-hole course offers a challenge to any player and should be ideally included within any golfing tour.
Tel: 084 491 0105
6. THORN AND FEATHER ACCOMMODATION
Thorn and Feather is a self- catering establishment in Vermaaklikheid, rented on an exclusive basis – there are no other guests on the property during your stay. The property consists of a series of stone buildings interlinked by well-maintained walkways to facilitate privacy and togetherness. The facility can accommodate a total of 6 adults (2 sharing per cottage) and 3 children, making it the ideal family getaway.
Tel: 083 453 2994 l https://thornandfeather.com
7. EDEN 4X4 SAND ROUTE
The Eden 4×4 Sand Route is a popular venue for camping and 4×4 enthusiasts and offers about 9km of pure excitement. The route consists of a scenic loop that is not too difficult – depending of the driver’s level of experience. The “Speelgat” will test any 4×4 driver’s skillset and the performance of the vehicle. Remember to deflate the vehicles tyre to about 1-bar.
Tel: 072 155 4257
