After spending the weekend in Knysna and taking part in the Knysna Forest Half marathon, we decided to drive to Plettenberg bay for breakfast. Then head to our next stop, near the small town of Uniondale.
I love road trips along the garden route, there are so many things to explore and do along the way. However I always feel like I don’t have enough time to do everything on route.
We left Knsyna, travelled along the N2. Stopped at The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary but it started raining heavily and we decided not to go in.
Just outside Plettenberg Bay, towards Port Elizabeth we came across “DOWN TO EARTH” . A natural/organic restaurant , situated on the Bitou River. Despite the rain, the view over the river was fantastic. In summer this spot must be buzzing but in winter, it was perfect with a warm fire and homely interior.
This restaurant is open daily for Breakfast and Lunch with a strong focus on healthy , locally and ethically sourced ingredients. 
I enjoyed the BITOU BREAKFAST which was their creative take on Eggs Benedict. It was served on a potato rosti, topped with smoked salmon, and complete with a fresh garden salsa. The service was incredible and the meal was outstanding. I would be keen to go back to try out their lunch menu.
We left Plettenberg Bay via the R340 and came across a sign for GIRAFFE VIEW, and immediately turned left to find out more. Sadly they weren’t open on a Sunday. According to their website, this safari tented camp, offers game drives daily and day visitors are also welcome. This is now on my bucket list. (Anything with the word “GIRAFFE” in the title deserves a visit.)
We carried along the R340 until we hit the scenic Prince Alfreds Pass (R339). It’s along this route that we found The World Famous Angie’s G Spot. The route along to here is so scenic, but be warned it is a dirt road for about 40km. 
We had been told by a Plett local to stop here for lunch , and that the curry was superb. This quaint little spot was the perfect half way point between Plett and Uniondale. 
A sign in front ,stated that they serve lousy food and warm beer. The food was far from lousy and the staff super friendly. In fact every guest that walked in was so friendly and chatty. The warm fire place defrosted us on this cold rainy snowy winters day. The curry was indeed a winner. 
Next stop Uniondale. I’d heard so much about this picturesque town because of its famous ghost story hich was turned into a local movie. (Die Spook van Uniondale). However as it was a Sunday, everything was closed. The streets were quiet and it really reminded me of a ghost town. We drove to a couple of the restaurants which were all closed , even though a few locals told us that they were open on a Sunday. 
30km from Uniondale is Eagle Falls, our home for a night. Eagle Falls is situated deep in the heart of the Kammassie Valley near Uniondale on the Molen river, between Knysna and Oudtshoorn.
On arrival we were greeted by the cutest little dog but on closer inspection we saw a skinny hungry pup who had just given birth. We asked the manager about her and were told that she belongs to the owner. We were then showed to an outdoor toilet where the pups were, with only a small blanket to share. It was snowing on the mountain and the temperature was -2degrees. 
The friends we were travelling with are also dog lovers and the state of this pooch really upset our stay. (She was cold, dirty and under nourished) .
I always love getting to a spot where friendly dogs greet us, it leaves me with a warm memory. (My favorite pooch is “Bella” from Thylitshia , a guest house off the R328 towards Oudtshoorn. Bella is a friendly Jack Russel who always spends time at each villa, and melts my heart with her loving attitude.)
The self catering chalets are very basic, but the views are spectacular. There is plenty to do from horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, 4×4’ing. Remember to bring all your own amenities including Braai grids, matches and an extra blanket as it gets really cold in winter. The warming blanket on our bed didn’t work and neither did the wifi cards which they sold to us for R50.
The manager named Kin, was on duty was incredibly helpful and even assisted in making us dinner (after our disappointing trip into Uniondale to find a restaurant.)
Next stop on this local road trip is Wilderness.
Keep an eye on my blog for my 48 Hours in Wilderness.
Happy Travels.
xoxo
After spending the weekend in Knysna and taking part in the Knysna Forest Half marathon, we decided to drive to Plettenberg bay for breakfast, before heading to our next stop near the small town of Uniondale.