Free your mind from the city life blues by relishing in the crispy fresh air of what famous poet Stephen Watson describes as, “A mountainscape both dry and shining, desolate yet so rich.” Explore the mesmerising Cederberg Mountain landscape by taking a leisurely hike or lying back in style on an old-school donkey cart. The Cederberg Wilderness Area is one of the most undisturbed and secluded places in South Africa and is world famous for its wild and rugged landscapes, rock formations, and extraordinary examples of ancient San rock art.

After a magical day of exploring the bewitching Grootvadersbosch forest, rest your tired feet in utmost comfort and luxury at the reserve’s glamping sites. To make things even easier, glamping sites are situated only a few meters away from the forest. This part of the Garden Route boasts some of the widest and rarest varieties of fauna and flora for you to discover. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, the reserve offers spectacular day walks, mountain biking trails, and the Boosmansbos Wilderness where you can fully immerse yourself in the wilderness.

If you’re near the West Coast, check in at the breath-taking Rocherpan Nature Reserve where you will be able to count up to 183 different bird species without stepping off your cabin’s deck. The reserve and its surrounding towns also provide a host of fun and easy activities such as putt-putting, swimming, angling, and light to medium mountain biking trails. When it’s all said and done, Rocherpan also has two picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. You can either picnic at the new braai area behind the bird hides or at the lookout point near the beach.

Gamkaberg is one for the old bucket list if you are a fan of natural and cultural history. Situated in the heart of the Cape Karoo, the reserve contains a deeply rich yet sad history of the extinct Cape lion, only to be redeemed by the rehabilitation of the Cape Mountain Zebra. Gamkaberg also prides itself on its unique set of 4x4 trails, perfect for senior citizens who want to experience all the reserve has to offer while conserving energy. Other activities on the reserve include hiking and walking, swimming, wildlife watching, picnicking, and rock climbing for mature daredevils.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is currently our top-performing location as of its recent installation of the Mbali eco-cabins, each fitted with glass-fronted views that afford occupants breathtaking scenery of the Palmiet River valley. Throughout the years, the reserve’s Oudebosch cabins have also proved to be a favourite for senior citizens for their luxurious design layout and the wheelchair access provided by 2 of them. Each cabin is also fitted with a geyser for you to ease any aches and pains under hot water after a long day of exploring. Activities include birdwatching, walking and hiking, mountain biking, and swimming.