Hurrah for the Hessequa!

1. Hike and swim near Heidelberg.
On a farn not far from the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve there's a spctacular kloof to explore. Depending on the abilities of the group, Noukloof can keep you busy for an hour or a day.
    Swim in the dark pools, watch baboons scampering over the rocks and raptors circling above, and admire the pristine indigenous vegitation.
Contact: Pieter Kloppers of the farm Leef op Hoop on 028 722 1862

2. Explore Assegaay Bosch on a mountain bike
Mountain biking is a great family activity, but nowadays it's hard to find a place to go where you're not vying for space with 4x4s and quad bikes. The Assegaay Bosch Nature Reserve near Vanwyksdorp is the perfect hideaway for a weekend of exploring the upper courses of the Gourits River, looking at waterfalls and sniffing out buchu plants.
Contact: 028 581 2440, lodge1@assegaay.co.za or www.assegaay.co.za

3. Watch birds on the bank of the Slang River
In the valleys between Vermaaklikheid and Heidelberg, there's a secluded campsite on the Slang River where you can go bird-watching in peace. You'll see herons, black-crowned night herons, kingfishers, egrets, spur-winged geese, grey-winged francolin and more. The Nona Rosa Bushcamp lies between high krantzes and the river, and you need a 4x4 or a bakkie to get there.
Contact: 072 058 3776 (Marius de Beer); www.nonarosabushcamp.co.za

4. Camp next to a stream
At the Aardvark Nature Reserve, between Riversdale and Ladismith, Johan Fourie has fenced off a lovely, secluded spot next to the mouth of the Piets River. The tented camp can only be reached in a 4x4.
    The bedding is clean and the strechers comfortable, and you get a feather pillow to sleep on. The tents are baboon- and mosquito-proof.
Contact: 028 551 2562 or 082 920 3765; www.aardvarklodge.co.za

5. Surf at Stilbaai
Morris Point at Stilbaai is the one place in the Hessequa where surfers will find a wave to ride throughout the year.
    Watch for great white sharks; it should be safe if the locals are in the water. The best thing about the place is that everyone is welcome.