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Hey there Nature lovers I want to share with you some photos of my recent trip inland and upstream along the Keurbooms river, here in the Garden Route, South Africa. Usually I post about the coast and the region where the Keurbooms river washes out to sea. However, there are some equally beautiful stretches of this river higher up in the mountains about 30 kilometers inland, closer to its source.

Approaching the Keurbooms river up in the mountains near the source

This region of the southern Africa coastline is called the Garden Route and it is one of the most beautiful pars of the entire country. The vegetation is lush and the rain plentiful, although rainfall has been diminishing over the decades, according to one long time resident that I spoke to along the river.

This remote mountain top region is another face of the paradise called the Garden Route

My travels took me to a remote and hidden part of the river seldom seen by anyone. So you will have the opportunity to glimpse this unknown treasure of a place today, which I had all to myself during my time on these banks. It’s easy to find this stretch of the river by simply turning inland from the coastal highway just outside the town of Plettenberg Bay, and driving up into the mountains along the road to Uniondale.

A deeper pool, created by damming up the far end in order to create the track for cars to cross

Once up in the mountains, it is possible to find some camping spots at designated resorts if you wish to enjoy and extended stay in this region. I had access to the river – which is fairly shallow with the diminishing rainfall – and was able to hike along it and swim in the occasional pools. What a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

The water is fresh and clean, and tinged a golden brown due to the indigenous vegetation that grows along its banks. The site is truly awesome and it looks like you are swimming in a pool of beer or tea, or some other such refreshing drink. The local road crosses the stream at a shallow point, though you still have to wade through the shallows. So hopefully your vehicle has the ability to clear the water level as you motor over the rocky man-made forge or track to the other side.

Another deeper pool for swimming - a paradise to behold

This is the perfect place for a peaceful meditation retreat or simply a space to relax and soak up the healing effects of the river and the natural surroundings without any disturbance. Time flows by like the constant stream of the river. It seems like it is always present, just like the stream appears to be always in one place. And yet underneath the appearance, there is the constant swift flow of fresh water passing by, never to be seen again in the same place.

The beauty of nature is uplifting to the mood of the observer at a place like this

Thus it appears to be simultaneously changing and yet never changing. The place is conducive to relaxation, meditation or solitary contemplation on the beauty of life when well situated in such a pure and natural place. Being up in the mountains makes it a bit cooler, so you want to aim for a visit in the warmer months.

I was able to spend hours daily over the course of a few days simply sitting and meditating beside the flowing river, and I had many realizations about life, the universe and our true nature as eternal spirit soul living in a temporary material body. And the surroundings remained unchanged, nurturing and supporting throughout. I also found several pools for swimming as I explored along the banks of the stream, and I’m sure you will enjoy the space as much as I did, when you come for a visit to this part of the world.

Paradise in the wild and remote mountains

The water has a softening effect on the skin and hair, making it a very healthy experience to swim about or float in the rock pools. It’s not deep, wild or tropical, but rather cool, mild and gentle with an unending sound of trickling or bubbling murmurs as the water flows over the rocks.

The dogs enjoyed the water just as much as I did

Awesome golden water color to lift the mood

I hope that wherever you are, you are also able to tap in to this kind of beautiful natural surroundings occasionally. It truly is good for the mental and physical health to spend time in such environments, without the distractions of crowds or busy activity. There is still wifi and internet via satellite if you require, so you don’t have to feel cut off or deprived in any way. Just bring plenty of supplies, since the shops are over 30 kms away, back down the mountain at the coast.

Subtle colors of the indigenous ”Fynbos Floral Kingdom” unique to this region of the African south coast. — Subtle colors of the indigenous "Fynbos Floral Kingdom" unique to this region of the African south coast.

If you ever wish to find out more or – even better – come to this region to explore, the feel free to look me up and make contact. I will be happy to show you around the place. Otherwise look out for my regular posts here, as I reveal more of my amazing discoveries for your viewing pleasure.

Picturesque and artistic rock patterns scattered all along the river banks

(photos my own)

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