Time runs more slowly in the Goa!ab (or Kouga) Region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Here, travellers experience a unique fusion of ancient and modern cultures, pristine coastline and a vibrant, fertile river valley nestled between three mountain ranges.
It is here where people rediscover their roots as they marvel at the natural forces at play, where mountains meet the sea, rivers cut out gorges and the black rhino nibbles on a spekboom. Here there is space to dream big – and the time to do it.
Many start their journey of discovery walking along kilometres of unspoilt coastal dune fields in the footsteps of the modern world’s oldest cultural group - the Khoisan. There you can share in the exhilaration of pods of hundreds of dolphins at play as they patrol this stretch of the Indian Ocean.
In winter they are joined by the giant Southern Right whales, which have chosen this coast-line as a favourite breeding ground.
Let the open estuary beckon you into the lush river valley - a corridor of towering ochre cliffs, home to kingfishers, fish eagles, otters and water monitors.
Hike, take a boat or drive up-river into a valley surrounded by mountains. A valley where one can walk for hours or days feasting on the untouched splendour of the coastal forest. Join the monkeys and baboons in their enthusiastic celebration of the surroundings and marvel over the many strange and beautiful insects, butterflies and birds as you meander along the game and hiking trails through the fynbos of the Cape Floral kingdom in the Baviaans World Heritage Site.
It is in these breathtaking mountains, with over 190 000 hectares of protected and unspoilt nature that the leopard, buffalo and black rhino live in safety.
Whether you want a peaceful retreat enjoying nature’s healing, or whether you’re after all the adrenaline an African adventure can throw at you - Kouga is a place that will inspire and energise you for life.
Sunshine, sea breeze and the constant sound of nature’s activity await you!
Go on! Embrace the call of nature!
The Kouga Region is a true Eco-Tourism destination. The local tourism industry lives the vision captured in the Mission Statement of the World Eco Summit 2003. In this, Eco-tourism is defined as:
“Low impact tourism which aims to generate conservation based awareness of the natural environment and local community”
We, the people of the Kouga region, are proud to share our respect of our natural and cultural heritage with you.
Text and photos provided by Avenue IMC - 2008 and obtained from www.kougatourism.co.za
