The land that time forgot – hidden discoveries along the deserted south coast of Africa

in Worldmappin3 years ago

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If you want to discover a part of the planet that feels as if you are the only one to find it, then the far south of Africa has just the place for you. I know every place is as remote from every other on our giant planet, but some of my discoveries while hiking along the remote shoreline of southern Africa appear quite beautiful and yet also completely deserted.

A beautiful shelter among the indigenous flora on the southernmost shoreline of Africa
A beautiful shelter among the indigenous flora on the southernmost shoreline of Africa

Add to that the fact that they appear as if they’ve not been seen by another human soul for years. I’m not far from the nearby tourist town of Plettenberg Bay which is full of tourists lapping up the sunny white sandy beaches right now, yet this particular stretch of the coastline is totally isolated and inaccessible unless you know the region well.

A different angle on the scenic view of Africa’s southern shore
A different angle on the scenic view of Africa's southern shore

As a result I am able to evade the throng of families pouring onto the pristine beaches and swimming or surfing for their summer holiday, and explore another section of the seaside tourist region which is perhaps the most beautiful in all of southern Africa. There is not a single trace of another person on this part of the shoreline, and no sight of another human whatsoever.

The lesser known parts of this pristine tourist coastline - for your viewing pleasure
The lesser known parts of this pristine tourist coastline - for your viewing pleasure

It feels as if I have the entire place to myself and all the time in the world to explore it. You will love these remote little hidden alcoves, caves and indigenous shoreline forests, with their secret gardens and sheltering groves. Thus you can get the best of both worlds when visiting this region of Africa’s southern shoreline.

Capturing the eternal flow of timeless oceanic momentum is possible when you get into the zone
Capturing the eternal flow of timeless oceanic momentum is possible when you get into the zone

On one day you can go surfing and on another you can go hiking or exploring along the hidden trails just around the corner. But if you don’t actually know the place, you will overlook this hidden side of the gem that is the Garden Route region of this coastline. Fortunately I have had some time to make a proper investigation of the region and today I bring you some images of the lesser known hidden facets of this gem on the Cape south coast.

A view of the epic rock formations - this time from above
A view of the epic rock formations - this time from above

While hiking along the paths up on top of the cliffs, I eventually come to some little path that makes its way down the steep slopes to the sea level and the rocky beaches. Sometimes there is no path and I make my own. That’s because hardly anyone comes here. It is a protected nature reserve type of area but you might not find any reference to this part of it on any map or brochure. So I’m giving you a sneak preview and personal private tour for your pleasure.

An amazing flow of fresh rain water pouring down the cliff side to the ocean below
An amazing flow of fresh rain water pouring down the cliff side to the ocean below

I also discovered another powerful little stream, just after some decent rain recently. It comes storming down the hill to the cliff edge and then just pours over like a torrent down to the shoreline below. This makes a second river discovery for the records. It consists of more of the run-off that occurs after the rain and it collects in the little gorges to get funneled down to it’s final destination into the Indian Ocean just below.

Your own personal meditation cave with a view of eternity
Your own personal meditation cave with a view of eternity

With all this free flowing water and the innumerable little caves I have found so far, it looks like a really hospitable place to camp out. You don’t even need a tent as the weather is mild and the caves provide perfect shelter if you were to stay overnight. There is plenty of fire wood for cooking too.

A lush environment not seen by other humans until now, or so it seems
A lush environment not seen by other humans until now, or so it seems

The constant sound of the crashing waves nearby add to the overall ambience, like a sound track to the whole journey. This sound, along with the sound of the running stream trickling over the rocks, make up a symphony of nature, punctuated by occasional birds singing their sunlight sonata. The unending sound of the ocean will lull you to sleep at night or take you on an inner journey if you were meditating here in one of the caves.

View of your cave from the outside
View of your cave from the outside

These sights and sounds are able to purify the mind and consciousness if you simply spend time immersed in them. It makes for a perfect place to have a retreat from the hectic city life or strange affairs of civilization today. By limiting access to mass media through living on these shores for a few days or weeks, you might forget about what’s going on in the wider world, or even forget what time it is historically on the planet.

Living a perfect life of delicate balance is possible right here
Living a perfect life of delicate balance is possible right here

This timeless eternal present moment can be yours if you wish, so feel inspired to make a pilgrimage to the land that time forgot, to the shores not seen by another human, where you may not even see another human soul, and yet be surrounded by a lush abundance of life and good health at any time of the year. Wherever you are, I hope that you can also tap in to this kind of paradise, for our planet is full of such hidden gems – if you know where to look.

Some parts are inaccessible and to be admired from a respectful distance
Some parts are inaccessible and to be admired from a respectful distance

(photos my own)


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Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Your post has been manually curated by the @pinmapple team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!

Hey @ybanezkim26 many thanks, you are very kind. I'm feeling inspired.

You're welcome! Awesome work!

Wow, very interesting nature and cliffs there! I would love to see more of Africa. there must be very beautiful places, untouched by humans :)

Beautiful, rugged country over there. The waterfall looks so cool as it runs down the cliff and drains into the sea. Enjoy the peacefulness.

Your posts defintely manage to make me feel like I have been part of your amazing hikes along the South African coastline. Thanks for sharing 😀

awesome!

Congratulations @julianhorack! Your post made the TravelFeed team happy so we have sent you our big smile. Keep up the good job. 😃

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I have never travelled in that region. From the pictures the place looks stunning. I have always read about South Africa safaris and the wildlife, this is all together a new look of the place

Yes South Africa is a nature wonderland, with some of the best surfing spots and whale watching right in my bay annually.