We ended up staying an extra day on Leisure Isle—it was such a nice spot, and we were at risk of growing roots! But after packing up and visiting the “Food Lovers Market” to stock up on provisions, we got back on the N2 and drove just under 200 km, crossing from the Western to the Eastern Cape. About two hours later, we arrived at the gates of “Villa Verde” and found ourselves at the foot of what looked like a very large tree house. This would be our base for the next five days. We love having a bit of space, and this place checked all the boxes, offering a great vibe with stunning views over the Indian Ocean and the golden shoreline, which we later discovered was home to some beautiful beaches.
The following morning, we set off late, heading towards Tsitsikamma National Park on a cooler day that threatened rain. Our first stop was to see the infamous “Big Tree,” an 800+ year-old Yellowwood tree stretching over 36 meters high, with a circumference of 9 meters. We reached it via lovely walkways that snaked through a rainforest, which, even without the Big Tree, would have been worth the visit. From there, we continued further into the park to Storms River, a dramatic coastal area known for its stunning scenery. The mouth of the Storms River meets the Indian Ocean, and there’s a notable suspension bridge that offers incredible views of the cliffs that the river winds down into the ocean.
To get there, we had to climb up to the headlands, which was about a 2 km climb of mostly steps, with a few flat stretches, and only some scant tree cover. We were grateful for the cooler weather, as it made the climb much more fun. Once we reached the top, it was well worth the effort with amazing views as a reward.
On the way back, we stopped at Cape St. Francis, where we visited a very busy fish restaurant. The fish came straight from the small trawlers anchored in the quaint port, offering the freshest seafood we’ve had in a while. A perfect way to end a great day.
Dream Chasers 