LOCAL TRAVEL
BUFFELSBAAI BLISS AND A SEAFOOD FINALE
After a few hours of nature therapy, we took a short drive to Buffelsbaai, a little seaside gem just down the road, where the Wildside Restaurant sits right on the beach. This is where time slowed down, toes went into the sand, and the white wine I enjoyed went down smoother than a Friday knock-off.
We ordered the seafood platter, a glorious mix of prawns, calamari, and line fish that tasted like the ocean itself had been seasoned by angels. As the sun dipped behind the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of gold and pink, it hit me: this is the real South African luxury.
surrounded by silence, except for the wind in the trees and the occasional distant crashing of waves.
No Wi-Fi. No phone signal( unless you’ re one of the chosen Vodacom few). Just you, your thoughts, and the ever-present sound of your travel companions rummaging for snacks. Nights were peaceful until I started wondering where that field mouse had disappeared to.
Not five-star hotels nor influencer-style infinity pools; just good food, good company, and sand sticking to your ankles because no shoes are allowed.
OFF THE GRID, ON THE VIBE
Our cottage, the Blacktail cottage, was the kind of place that makes you rethink your city life. Simple, neat, and stocked with all the utensils you could need because yes, you will be making coffee with a stovetop kettle and pretending you’ re in a National Geographic documentary. There’ s something deeply satisfying about being
THE AFTERTASTE OF ADVENTURE
Driving back along the N2, I felt that bittersweet post-trip glow you feel when you’ ve seen something pure; something that reminds you how small you are in the best possible way. Goukamma isn’ t loud or flashy. It’ s the kind of place that slows your pulse and resets your perspective.
It teaches you that sometimes the best connection isn’ t through Wi-Fi, but through sandy trails and those ridiculous moments when you’ re trying to pull a ferry across a river with both arms shaking, because you’ ve just discovered muscles you didn’ t even know existed.
So, if you ever find yourself cruising the Garden Route with a full tank, a decent playlist, and a craving for something real, pull off at Goukamma. Remember to pack snacks, a brave heart for field mice, and your best sense of humour. IB
76 INBOUND SA / DECEMBER 2025