Sauntering in the sunshine of the Bay

MANY travellers to Nelson Mandela Bay are amazed that there are attractions like the Sunshine Saunter that pack into one a little bit of Cape Town’s Chapman’s Peak, KwaZulu Natal’s Midlands Meander and the Garden Route.

This mosaic of beautiful scenery provides a must-do route-to-explore. It is situated on the south-western outskirts of Port Elizabeth and takes travellers from beautiful coastline views through indigenous coastal bush and onto some of the city’s hidden gems.

“Although the Sunshine Saunter offers a variety of optional routes and attractions, there is a suggested route to follow to make the most of the experience,” says NMBT marketing manager Titus Chuene.

The Saunter route starts on the beachfront’s Marine Drive, after which travellers can venture to Cape Recife Nature Trail which has an abundance of birdlife and natural dune vegetation.

“It’s a very special place...doesn’t matter if you want to go for a beach walk, a bush walk or visit the Cape Recife Lighthouse, they are all included on the Roseate Tern Trail through the reserve.  The South African Marine Rescue Education Centre (SAMREC) facility is also in the reserve and worth a visit for both young and old. There’s nothing like seeing the little tuxedo wearing penguins frolicking in the pool while learning about them and other marine conservation,” said Chuene.

The drive along the Wildside offers visitors to the city some of the most scenic views anywhere in and around the Bay. The drive includes a couple of view points for those who want to stop and linger longer.

“The village of Schoenmakerskop is the ideal spot to view sunset. Whilst in the vicinity, have a look at the old Sacramento cannon, do a short walk on the Sacramento Trail or take a dip in one of the inviting gullies.  From here the route goes slightly inland through “mink and manure” country past small-holdings dotted horses and thick coastal bush teaming with birdlife.

“Driving along Sardinia Bay and the Old Seaview Road, Saunter explorers would never say that they are literally a stone’s throw away from suburbia.  A couple of activity options include visiting Custard, the snake, at the Boma Reptile World or horse-riding through the bush or on the beach,” said Chuene.

The area around Seaview and Maitland is also well-known by the locals for its rock pools, giant sand dune for sand-boarding and miles of unspoilt golden beaches for romantic walks.
Should you be in the area for lunch time, restaurants range from good-homemade cuisine enjoyed while overlooking the ocean, picnics in the bush to countryside eateries. This part of the Saunter also offers a couple of small game parks where visitors can see anything from white lions and rhino to giraffe and zebra.  These parks are ideal for photography or
families to have an up close and personal experience of wildlife.

Chuene said the return journey along Kragga Kamma Road offers the opportunity for an afternoon tea or coffee while the kiddies - if you have any - enjoy themselves at one of the touch farms or play areas. Visit one of the antique shops along the way or book a wine tasting at the city’s only wine estate.  All of these activities and attractions are available on the doorstep of the city confines.

“Oh yes,” Chuene cautions, “don’t forget to pick up a map of the IBhayi Sunshine Saunter at any of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s Visitor Information Centres.”