You’ll have to agree that once you settle in at Oakhurst, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t the kind of place you’re likely to get bored. While there are an endless number of action-packed activities to keep you busy on the farm, the options and interests within a short drive of Oakhurst are also in no short supply. Here are a few easy outings to sink your teeth into on your next Oakhurst visit.
Hit the beach
You’re unlikely to use your beach brolly at Oakhurst, but remember, we’re surprisingly close to the coast here. In fact it’s a hop, skip ‘n jump from Oakhurst down to the vast expanse of beautiful beach at Wilderness. Great for sundowners, long beach walks, an ocean dip on a hot day or just to chill out and catch some sun. The beach at Wilderness is a gem and not somewhere you’ll have to jostle the crowds either.
Paddle the rivers
Some of the Cape’s most spectacular river scenery is right on Oakhurst’s doorstep. Meander along the Touws River, by paddling up to its waterfall on a kayak. Take a canoe trip up the Kaaimans river or down to the river mouth and sandy beach, a great place to while away a few hours in the sun. Both rivers have kayak and canoe outfitters hiring out boats and gear. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Pull on those hiking boots
Both the Half-Collared (7.2km) and Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Trails (5km), are relatively easy hikes following river courses through pristine indigenous forest, and the trails are a 5 minute drive from the farm. Each trail has great swimming spots along the way, with a dip in the chilly river water always exhilarating. As each of the trail names suggest, the chances of spotting a kingfisher while on the trail is fairly good. Grab your permits at the the Sanparks office at Ebb and Flow Campsite. For toddlers and those who don’t need to clock up the kilometers, the Woodville big tree (a giant yellowwood tree) and short forest walk are less than two kays from the farm gate. Further afield there are also some good forest hikes at nearby Saasveld College towards George.
On your bike
Whether you’re after single track or the open road, riding in the area is superb. Oakhurst lies along the old Seven Passes Road, which was once the main drag along the Cape coast before the N2 was built. While covering all seven passes on your bike in one sweep may call for a rather long day out, you can head out towards Karatara and beyond and enjoy the lack of traffic and general freedom the road has to offer. For the single track junky, the much-loved Garden Route Trail Park is just 30km from Oakhurst. There are also some great MTB routes at Bergplass plantation which can be accessed easily on your bike from Oakhurst.
Wine and dine
Needing a snack on your way back from the beach or looking for a great spot for dinner? There’s a super range of eating options both in Hoekwil village (just 5km away) or down in Wilderness. For Sushi and a lazy afternoon beach vibe, Salina’s, which overlooks the beach at Wilderness is your go-to. For a pizza second to none, head for Pomadoro’s in Wilderness village or The Girls on the Square, opposite the Wilderness Hotel for a varied menu of African fusion food. The laid-back, rural atmoshphere of Hoekwil village, just a stone’s throw from Oakhurst Farm is always good, with Mrs B’s, the Hoeka Toeka Pub and Grill or the newly opened Merchant and Maiden offering great food, a relaxed vibe and good value.
Last resort…you could just doing nothing?
With all this going on only a short drive from Oakhurst, as well as our great spread of activities on the farm itself, chilling out and doing nothing might seem like a far-off dream. What we can promise you though is that whether you’re hiking, biking, canoeing or just putting your feet up on your cottage deck with a good book and doing absolutely nothing, A stay at Oakhurst is a farm stay like no other, doesn’t matter how much or how little you manage to do.
