If you are spending the upcoming long (Heritage Day) weekend on the Garden Route near Plettenberg Bay, here are some ideas on what to do.
1. Visit the equestrian and outdoor market fun
Image: Instagram – @horka_luna_magic
Kurland is the country’s premier venue for equestrian events, and the SA 2018 Adult Eventing Champs are being held from 21 – 23 September. This is a three phase event made up of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country and will be great fun for spectators. There is also an outdoor market with lamb on the spit, Thai food, and a jumping castle for family fun. You can stay at the Hotel or at Kurland Villa, or visit the estate on one of the days to see the show.
2. The Buco Dr Evil Classic
The Buco Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race starts on Thursday 20 September from a new venue in the Plett Game Reserve, with flowing trails through beautiful indigenous forest. Day 2 then traverses the 700-hectare private estate Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate, with day three starting at Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm with its renowned network of singletrack and along a coastline with spectacular views, which forms part of the Robberg Coastal Corridor.
3. Safari in Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Guided safaris at cost R490 per person and will take you on a two-hour game drive on the 2,200 hectare reserve at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The knowledgeable game rangers will hopefully track all of the Big 5 for you, and you could also encounter many species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodiles. The historical country house on the reserve, the Baroness Safari Lodge, has beautiful views over the gorge and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, a wonderful option for an indulgent stay.
4. Rest at the river
Down To Earth Restaurant. Image: Facebook
Stay at a room on the Bitou river at the Plett River Lodge, and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant, Down to Earth. They will have a special on the Saturday night of the Heritage Day weekend that will include a meal for two and a bottle of red or white wine for R250, and the restaurant is open to the public.
5. Cairnbrogie Mountain Pump Tracks and Cafe
Mountain Bike Park at Cairnbrogie. Image: Instagram – @Zootgear
Whether you are supporting riders who start their day 3 of the Dr Evil Classic on the Saturday 22 September, or you bring the bikes and the family to enjoy the pump tracks and cafe on Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm, this will be a great place for an active outing – the bike park has become extremely popular with riders of all skills and the vibe of the race village on the Saturday will make for a fun day out.
And.. another mountain bike race
We won’t make a lot of fuss about this one as the event is sold out, but the Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is worth putting in your calendar for next year. The popular 100km one day race from Uniondale to Knysna via the Prince Alfred’s Pass takes place on Sunday 23 September this year, and if you are a really fit rider keen for a busy weekend, the organisers have reserved a few entries for those who are still to sign up for the remaining few Dr Evil Classic entries. The combination of the Dr Evil Classic and the Karoo to Coast offers four days of mountain biking bliss for the seriously adventurous.
Make sure you make the most of your Heritage Day weekend in and around Plett – and be sure to have a braai!
