Plettenberg Bay Things to Do

plett puzzle park

Plettenberg Bay now has a fabulous new and unique attraction, the Plett Puzzle Park.  It features:
The first amazing life size 3-D Maze in South Africa.
An exciting Forest Puzzle Walk which meanders through the natural forest.
A fun Rope Maze for the kids. A Puzzle Gift Shop with game, puzzles and light refreshments.

Plettenberg Bay Entertainment

The Plett Puzzle Park just outside of Plettenberg Bay is a place for visitors of all ages to exercise their bodies and minds in an entertaining, educational and affordable way.

Life Size 3-D Maze in South Africa

3-D Maze is the first amazing life size 3-D Maze in South Africa and was designed to be a challenging and enjoyable life size puzzle.

Forest Puzzle Walk near Plettenberg Bay

Meander through the natural forest near Plettenberg Bay, and test your mental skills en route! Ten puzzles along the route feature word, shapes and general knowledge challenges.

Kids Rope Maze

A spider web of colourful ropes creates a fun challenge for kids. Suitable for children under 16, each contestant clips themselves to a coloured rope and weaves along the rope from start to finish.

Visit the Plett Puzzle Park

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat when you visit the Plett Puzzle Park!

Clearly, romance is in the air between this stunning Belgian Shepherd and his new friend, a beautiful Border Collie. They are both about the same age.

Not too long ago, Hollie got the fright of her life when she first met the big golden dog with the incredible jaws – who wouldn’t? But as they have to learn to get along with one another now, I did the trick with the stick, some cookies, some cuddles and, most importantly, me and my wellies always inbetween. Safety first. Hollie wasn’t comfortable at all, though highly interested in having a play- and runmate, not to speak of a playboy! Although… no, let’s not go there!

After having some close and personal talks with the awe-inspiring yet gentle Mojo, he became so incredibly gentlemanlike that I melted away. Completely, that is! Well, there wasn’t much left of me anyway since we met for the first time. Look how he reaches with his giant paws across my wellies,paws-up – I’m all your’s, no hidden agenda, no guns. Pretty rare these days…

No wonder Hollie was totally smitten! Look at her! Well, what would YOU do?

Romance is in the air

Meanwhile, Mojo hid his face and laughed! He just knew it had worked again… he’s just irresistible! It seems, even those jaws were no deterrent  anymore and, definitely, suddenly there was Romance in the air!
And besides, who doesn’t want a strong and protective partner during rough times?

Which was the cue for me to take both on a long hike up into the mountain, where you feel just so much better if you have those sort of jaws around. Just in case… these days, one just never knows!

I just couldn’t resist to share these talking pictures – enjoy!

Original article by © Bianca Gubalke

elephant sanctuary plettenberg bay

Elephant Sanctuary in the Garden Route of South Africa

The Elephant Sanctuary is situated in a beautiful part of The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, in the scenic and famous Garden Route of South Africa. We are directly adjacent to Monkeyland and the Birds of Eden sanctuary, giving you three world-class experiences in one stop.

elephant sanctuary plettenberg bay

Fully guided elephant tours and guests can interact  with and touch the elephants.

The Elephant Sanctuary hosts a unique and fully guided educational program that sets itself apart from anything else that South Africa has on offer in terms of elephant interaction and touching elephants. Guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest, making this a truly memorable and enriching experience.
Visitors can learn more about elephant habits, behaviour, different personalities and anatomy through up-close and personal interaction. You get an opportunity to touch, feed and even walk trunk-in-hand with these magnificent animals.

One – hour – trunk – in – hand Elephant educational program is suitable for all ages

An experienced guide introduces you to the elephants, sharing with you their backgrounds, behaviours, personalities and more. You can touch, feed, interact and walk trunk-in-hand with the elephants. Suitable for all ages.

elephant sanctuary plettenberg bay

Ride an Elephant at the Elephant Sanctuary near Plettenberg Bay

This includes the full trunk-in-hand educational program followed up by a ride of approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Long pants and closed shoes are recommended.

Early Morning Elephant Brush Downs- grooming and brushing the elephants

Interactive program where you take part in the morning or afternoon grooming and brushing down  the elephants. Afterwards you join the training- and stimulation program the handlers do with the elephants every day. This is followed by the educational trunk-in-hand program.

AFTERNOON SUNDOWNER ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE – This program includes all the other programs for the full elephant experience: the trunk-in-hand educational program, and the elephant back ride followed by the elephant brush down program. Rates: R150 per child younger than 8yrs, R375 per older child (8-14yrs) and R725 per adult.

*****Please note our last program of the day departs at 15h30*****
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to program departure to avoid any disappointment of losing your booking.

Contact Details:

Tel No: +27 (0) 44 534 8145

Please note that booking is advisable on all the programmes.
For More info on the Elephant sanctuary near Plett visit

Twenty well-trained and cared for horse welcome you from the green pastures.

horse riding southern comfort ranch

Daily Horse Rides in Knysna forest at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch

Twice daily, visitors go on an unforgettable forest horse ride, accompanied by experienced guides. From beginners to experienced riders can enjoy the lovely Knysna forest, indigenous trees, giant strelitzia, ferns growing wild, fynbos, small streams, mountain views from another angle on horseback.

forest horse rides knysna

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch also offers you a 4×4 play pit. This is a natural and man-made obstacle course for 4×4’s, Quads and off-road bikes. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun! Or join us on a guided quad bike trail on one of our quad bikes.

Stay at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch in a dorm,a double en-suite room . a self catering cottage or camp on our camping site

Don’t want to go home? Camp out or stay in a dorm, double en-suite room, a self catering cottage or in the original Wood Cutters house.

For more information click Here

More about this topic

• Southern Comfort Horse Ranch
• Quad Biking at Southern Comfort Ranch
• Tsitsikamma Wood Cutters Journey
• Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail

Twenty well-trained and cared for horse welcome you from the green pastures.

horse riding southern comfort ranch

Daily Horse Rides in Knysna forest at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch

Twice daily, visitors go on an unforgettable forest horse ride, accompanied by experienced guides. From beginners to experienced riders can enjoy the lovely Knysna forest, indigenous trees, giant strelitzia, ferns growing wild, fynbos, small streams, mountain views from another angle on horseback.

forest horse rides knysna

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch also offers you a 4×4 play pit. This is a natural and man-made obstacle course for 4×4’s, Quads and off-road bikes. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun! Or join us on a guided quad bike trail on one of our quad bikes.

Stay at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch in a dorm,a double en-suite room . a self catering cottage or camp on our camping site

Don’t want to go home? Camp out or stay in a dorm, double en-suite room, a self catering cottage or in the original Wood Cutters house.

For more information click Here

More about this topic

• Southern Comfort Horse Ranch
• Quad Biking at Southern Comfort Ranch
• Tsitsikamma Wood Cutters Journey
• Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail

Quad bike enthusiast, adrenalin junkies and nature lovers can enjoy the guided Quad Bike trails at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch. Both beginners and experienced riders are welcome.

quad bikes at southern comfort ranch

Beginners as well as experienced quad bike riders are welcome at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch

All Quad bike trails start on the man-made obstacle course at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch to ensure riders are comfortable and feel at ease on the Quad bike. The natural and man-made forest trail offers beautiful scenery and caters for beginners, as well as experienced riders. It would be a good idea to watch our videos on the website. You will see there what to expect on your visit to us.

quad bikes at southern comfort ranch

Bring your own 4×4 to Southern Comfort Horse Ranch

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch offers you a 4 x 4 play pit. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun!  Experience the forest from another angle. Enter the natural and man-made obstacle course over the see-saw followed by waterholes, twisters and over 30 obstacles with an adrenaline rush you have never experienced.

The ranch is spectator – and vehicle-friendly to ensure a whole days fun.

For more information on Quad Biking at Southern Comfort western Horse Ranch click here

More about this topic

• Southern Comfort Horse Ranch
• Horse Riding at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch
• Feathers Gallery in Knysna
• Tsitsikamma Wood Cutters Journey
• Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail

Finally, the Psychic Delia website is back online, after it had been hit by a terrible hack attack – as so many others over the past year and, especially, month. Psychic Delia O’Riordan is a prolific writer with a large readership following her articles on Psychic Readings, Paranormal phenomena and many other topics so many people get more and more interested in today.

Psychic Delia Website

A personalized “Join me on Facebook” and “Join me on Twitter”  tab has been integrated on the Psychic Delia Website – and all that remains now is to redo the Shop.

Just Ask Delia’s readings are extremely helpful as you can read on the Testimonials page (these are real people that can be contacted!). Please use the Contact page if you want to urgently book a reading and the Shop is not ready yet. Otherwise, I hope I get it done by tomorrow!

Sometimes family and friends are just too close and you need a neutral professional to help with an issue – that’s where Delia O’Riordan can be of immense help!

barons palace hotel oudtshoorn

Stay at The Barons Palace Hotel in Oudtshoorn

The Barons Palace Hotel in Oudtshoorn reveals to her guests an era of affluence and opulence. The Hotel was built at the turn of the century by a wealthy Ostrich Baron. Lush drapes, high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and original ostrich plume showcases recreate an era of gracious elegance.

Hotel Accommodation in Oudtshoorn

Baron’s Palace hotel in Oudtshoorn comprises of 31 en-suite apartments, each of which is equipped with a telephone and colour TV. 24 of the air conditioned rooms open onto the swimming pool.
Other facilities include an a la-carte restaurant, a Bistro and a bar.

Getting married, planning a wedding in Oudtshoorn?

The hotel is ideally equipped to host weddings and other special functions.

Conference Venues in Oudtshoorn

Conferences at Barons Place are catered for in two separate venues.

The Barons Palace lies in close proximity to the famous ostrich show farms, Cango Caves, cheetah ranch and numerous other attractions.

For contact details and more information on the Barons Hotel in Oudtshoorn click here

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch offers a  variety of affordable accommodation options.

accommodation in tree house

Southern Comfort Ranch offers Self Catering Accommodation, Camping and Backpacking near Plettenberg Bay and Knysna

Accommodation options includes backpacking in  dormitories, double en-suite bedrooms, family rooms, self catering cottages, a Tree house and camping sites for caravans and tents.
Guests can relax in the games room and lounge, next to the swimming pool or take part in the one of the activities at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch.

Southern Comfort Ranch Cottage

Activities at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch near Plett includes Hiking, Quad biking, Horse Riding,

These activities include forest horse rides, forest hiking trails and guided Quad bike trails. If you have your own Quad, Off Road Bike or 4X4 you can have fun on the natural and man-made 4X4 obstacle course and play pit. You can of course also just relax in the tranquil atmosphere and clear you mind, or read a book!

camping at southern comfort ranch

The tuck shop at Southern Comfort Ranch is open all day

Get a delicious snack from the farm kitchen. The tuck shop is open all day till late night  with drinks and light snacks.

Bring your friends or office staff for relaxing, team building or workshop weekend.

The ranch is ideal for students and school groups.

For your children we offer a birthday party with a difference.

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch is also the perfect place for a real rustic farm wedding.

Amenities:
Bedding is supplied, but unfortunately no towels.
Please bring extra blankets during the winter months.

Accommodation Options:
* 2 Sleeper Dormitories
* 4 Sleeper Dormitories
* 8 Sleeper Dormitories with mini kitchenette and bathroom with shower
* Double en-suite Rooms
* 4 Sleeper Family Rooms
* 6 Sleeper Self Catering Cottages
* Tree House with Double Bed
* Camping Sites for Tents and Caravans

Rates:
Camping:  From R70
Rooms: From R95  per person sharing

Contact Details of the Ranch

Tel No:  +27 (0) 44 532 7885

Half-way between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route, next to the Garden of Eden you are on the doorstep of Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch. This forest get-away is a must for nature lovers Located between Knysna & Pletteberg Bay off the N2 along the Fisantehoek road

“Dill from Noordhoek” could become a niche product for me as the plants are thriving so well in my garden! As we are moving towards the shortest day and the longest (and probably coldest) night down here in the Southern hemisphere at the tip of Africa, we have to use every minute of sunshine to get on with all that needs to be done in the garden, planting and transplanting, just before the next storm or rains hit us!

That’s when I also noticed that my dill (Anethum graveolens), which is also called ‘Lao coriander’ when grown in Laos and Thailand, is much higher than the 40-60 cm mentioned in many manuals! It’s not only a very useful culinary as well as medicinal plant and herb, but in my view also pretty decorative in gardens, besides the fact that it attracts beneficial insects. I love the fragrance and use almost everything – the fernlike aromatic leaves, stems and seeds – when preparing delicious meals, especially in winter vegetable soups, colourful healthy salads and fish dishes. It’s unbeatable in mashed potatoes, cucumber pickles  and with smoked salmon.

Here we go again: food! I could go on and on. . . so could you, I’m sure !

Dill from Noordhoek

My other agenda when it comes to ‘Dill from Noordhoek’ is, of course, digital photography! And Dill is so incredibly photogenic! Whether as a plant with its fine twigs and umbrella-shaped yellow flowers or when the seeds ripen! As I’m not back to normal eye-sight just yet, I am starting slowly to get back into swing with my images. The photo below is the original I took about a month ago with my Fujifilm – and I think it’s rather sharp although, at that time, I wasn’t seeing that sharp anymore and wondered why!

But to get back into swing, I worked on this simple photo in ADOBE Photoshop to give it a different look, an antique frame, and playing with black & white values. When seeing the photo, I immediately saw an arum lily as well, and tried to bring this out as a little side note – not that it is important, but it inspired me to work around it! If you squeeze your eyes and look at it from further away, it’s actually quite amazing!

So that’s for today’s article on “Dill from Noordhoek”…. working my way up again after losing all my work since February due to a bad hack – so don’t be surprised by seeing changes in the website soon, too!

Have a happy weekend and enjoy a good meal – with or without dill!

At Southern Comfort Horse Ranch we believe in keeping people busy therefore we have developed a range of exiting activities.

horse riding southern comfort ranch

Horse riding, quad biking, 4×4 obstacle course, hiking trail and  picnic in the Knysna  forest  near Plettenberg Bay

quad biking near plettenberg bay

Visitors can participate in horse riding in the knysna  forest near Plettenberg bay in the Garden Route, Quad biking, test

their driving skills on our 4 x4 obstacle course or go for a 2 to 4 hour hiking trail in the Knysna forest.

Southern Comfort Horse Ranch is well known for their trained and well cared for horses

Southern Comfort Horse Ranch is well known for their well-trained and cared for horses. Beginners and experienced riders

can go on an unforgettable forest horse ride, accompanied by experienced guides

4×4 obstacle course at  Southern Comfort Horse  Ranch near Plettenberg bay

4×4 trail near plettenberg bay

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch also offers you a 4×4 play pit. This is a natural and man-made obstacle course for 4×4’s, Quads and off-road bikes. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun! Or join us on a guided quad bike trail on one of our quad bikes.

Picnic in the knysna forest

For the not so active people we have table tennis, a pool table or the can just have a picnic in the knysna forest.  A relaxing time in the sun at the swimming pool also may not be a bad idea.

After sunset relax at one of the 3 fireplaces with a hot or cold drink. Join the family at the dinner table and enjoy a home cooked meal or make your own B.B.Q.  End the evening at the pool table or compete in a tennis table game. After all the excitement your body will definitely need a deep tissue massage also offered on the farm. Don’t forget to jump into the swimming pool!

pool table at southern comfort horse ranch

Accommodation on Southern Comfort Horse Ranch

Don’t want to go home? Camp out or stay in a dorm, double en-suite room, a self catering cottage or in the original Sod Farm House.

Team building near Plettenberg bay in the Knysna forest

Bring your friends or office staff for relaxing, teambuilding or workshop weekend. The ranch is ideal for students and school groups. For your children we offer a birthday party with a difference. Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch is also the perfect place for a real rustic farm wedding.

pool at southern comfort horse ranch

The last visible sunset at Chapman’s Peak is a good reason to send everybody a cheerful “Good Evening from Noordhoek” – in gold !

On its path – depending on who’s looking from where and how of course – the sun disappears from our sight around mid February and returns around mid November. At Christmas we see it sinking into the Atlantic Ocean, right in front of us.

Good Evening from Noordhoek

These days we unfortunately spend more time on cleaning out hacks than enjoying something like a peaceful and serene “Good Evening from Noordhoek” – or grabbing a digital camera and taking photographs.

However, it seems these brave guys have upgraded from hitting normal people to the likes of Facebook and Microsoft. May those entitities deal with them accordingly.

Now for a glass of champagne to celebrate the end of February 2013 – on my sister’s birthday February 29th – forever young! Cheers!

barons palace hotel oudtshoorn

Stay at The Barons Palace Hotel in Oudtshoorn

The Barons Palace Hotel in Oudtshoorn reveals to her guests an era of affluence and opulence. The Hotel was built at the turn of the century by a wealthy Ostrich Baron. Lush drapes, high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and original ostrich plume showcases recreate an era of gracious elegance.

Hotel Accommodation in Oudtshoorn

Baron’s Palace hotel in Oudtshoorn comprises of 31 en-suite apartments, each of which is equipped with a telephone and colour TV. 24 of the air conditioned rooms open onto the swimming pool.
Other facilities include an a la-carte restaurant, a Bistro and a bar.

Getting married, planning a wedding in Oudtshoorn?

The hotel is ideally equipped to host weddings and other special functions.

Conference Venues in Oudtshoorn

Conferences at Barons Place are catered for in two separate venues.

The Barons Palace lies in close proximity to the famous ostrich show farms, Cango Caves, cheetah ranch and numerous other attractions.

For contact details and more information on the Barons Hotel in Oudtshoorn click here

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch offers a  variety of affordable accommodation options.

accommodation in tree house

Southern Comfort Ranch offers Self Catering Accommodation, Camping and Backpacking near Plettenberg Bay and Knysna

Accommodation options includes backpacking in  dormitories, double en-suite bedrooms, family rooms, self catering cottages, a Tree house and camping sites for caravans and tents.
Guests can relax in the games room and lounge, next to the swimming pool or take part in the one of the activities at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch.

Southern Comfort Ranch Cottage

Activities at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch near Plett includes Hiking, Quad biking, Horse Riding,

These activities include forest horse rides, forest hiking trails and guided Quad bike trails. If you have your own Quad, Off Road Bike or 4X4 you can have fun on the natural and man-made 4X4 obstacle course and play pit. You can of course also just relax in the tranquil atmosphere and clear you mind, or read a book!

camping at southern comfort ranch

The tuck shop at Southern Comfort Ranch is open all day

Get a delicious snack from the farm kitchen. The tuck shop is open all day till late night  with drinks and light snacks.

Bring your friends or office staff for relaxing, team building or workshop weekend.

The ranch is ideal for students and school groups.

For your children we offer a birthday party with a difference.

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch is also the perfect place for a real rustic farm wedding.

Amenities:
Bedding is supplied, but unfortunately no towels.
Please bring extra blankets during the winter months.

Accommodation Options:
* 2 Sleeper Dormitories
* 4 Sleeper Dormitories
* 8 Sleeper Dormitories with mini kitchenette and bathroom with shower
* Double en-suite Rooms
* 4 Sleeper Family Rooms
* 6 Sleeper Self Catering Cottages
* Tree House with Double Bed
* Camping Sites for Tents and Caravans

Rates:
Camping:  From R70
Rooms: From R95  per person sharing

Contact Details of the Ranch

Tel No:  +27 (0) 44 532 7885

Half-way between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route, next to the Garden of Eden you are on the doorstep of Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch. This forest get-away is a must for nature lovers Located between Knysna & Pletteberg Bay off the N2 along the Fisantehoek road

At Southern Comfort Horse Ranch we believe in keeping people busy therefore we have developed a range of exiting activities.

horse riding southern comfort ranch

Horse riding, quad biking, 4×4 obstacle course, hiking trail and  picnic in the Knysna  forest  near Plettenberg Bay

quad biking near plettenberg bay

Visitors can participate in horse riding in the knysna  forest near Plettenberg bay in the Garden Route, Quad biking, test

their driving skills on our 4 x4 obstacle course or go for a 2 to 4 hour hiking trail in the Knysna forest.

Southern Comfort Horse Ranch is well known for their trained and well cared for horses

Southern Comfort Horse Ranch is well known for their well-trained and cared for horses. Beginners and experienced riders

can go on an unforgettable forest horse ride, accompanied by experienced guides

4×4 obstacle course at  Southern Comfort Horse  Ranch near Plettenberg bay

4×4 trail near plettenberg bay

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch also offers you a 4×4 play pit. This is a natural and man-made obstacle course for 4×4’s, Quads and off-road bikes. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun! Or join us on a guided quad bike trail on one of our quad bikes.

Picnic in the knysna forest

For the not so active people we have table tennis, a pool table or the can just have a picnic in the knysna forest.  A relaxing time in the sun at the swimming pool also may not be a bad idea.

After sunset relax at one of the 3 fireplaces with a hot or cold drink. Join the family at the dinner table and enjoy a home cooked meal or make your own B.B.Q.  End the evening at the pool table or compete in a tennis table game. After all the excitement your body will definitely need a deep tissue massage also offered on the farm. Don’t forget to jump into the swimming pool!

pool table at southern comfort horse ranch

Accommodation on Southern Comfort Horse Ranch

Don’t want to go home? Camp out or stay in a dorm, double en-suite room, a self catering cottage or in the original Sod Farm House.

Team building near Plettenberg bay in the Knysna forest

Bring your friends or office staff for relaxing, teambuilding or workshop weekend. The ranch is ideal for students and school groups. For your children we offer a birthday party with a difference. Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch is also the perfect place for a real rustic farm wedding.

pool at southern comfort horse ranch

The first March Lilies (Amaryllis belladonna) 2013 greeted me early this morning when I stepped into my garden! The ideal moment for some flower photography: a bright pink bouquet of amazing beauty with Chapman’s Peak in Noordhoek, South Africa, in the background! The perfect “Good morning from Noordhoek!”

First March Lilies 2013

Perhaps it’s a bit early for the first March Lilies, but I am thrilled whenever I see them coming up! It means that it will get a little cooler and – hopefully for Nature and the gardens – the rains are not far away!

First March Lilies 2013

The huge trumpetlike flowers of the Amaryllis belladonna exhude a fine scent and are an unforgetful sight when growing in carpets on a mountain slope. They love rocks and rocky soil. While the seeds are distributed by the wind, they have large clumps of bulbs that can be separated during the dormant season and transplanted. That’s how I transplanted these in a sheltered yet very central spot, close to rocks and agapanthus.

I will have to inspect my garden for all the secret places that may explode in pink within the next days! They will attract honey bees and carpenter bees and I have seen sunbirds hovering over them. Unfortunately, there’s also a black and yellow striped caterpillar – the lily borer – that means big trouble. If I see it I remove it by hand and cut off the infected and damaged parts of the foliage. If I don’t, the little bugger continues to eat its way through and the stem eventually collapses. I’m sure there is other food around – just not these stunning march lilies that don’t last forever anyway!

Interestingly, the longish leaves of the amaryllis belladonna only appear after flowering and remain green and juicy throughout winter. This rather unusual phenomenon is called hysteranthy.

Quad bike enthusiast, adrenalin junkies and nature lovers can enjoy the guided Quad Bike trails at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch. Both beginners and experienced riders are welcome.

quad bikes at southern comfort ranch

Beginners as well as experienced quad bike riders are welcome at Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch

All Quad bike trails start on the man-made obstacle course at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch to ensure riders are comfortable and feel at ease on the Quad bike. The natural and man-made forest trail offers beautiful scenery and caters for beginners, as well as experienced riders. It would be a good idea to watch our videos on the website. You will see there what to expect on your visit to us.

quad bikes at southern comfort ranch

Bring your own 4×4 to Southern Comfort Horse Ranch

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch offers you a 4 x 4 play pit. Bring your own 4×4, Quad or off-road bike and have fun!  Experience the forest from another angle. Enter the natural and man-made obstacle course over the see-saw followed by waterholes, twisters and over 30 obstacles with an adrenaline rush you have never experienced.

The ranch is spectator – and vehicle-friendly to ensure a whole days fun.

For more information on Quad Biking at Southern Comfort western Horse Ranch click here

knysna elephant park

Knysna Elephant tours, elephant back rides or exclusive safaris at Knysna Elephant Park

The Knysna Elephant Park near Knysna provides a home for orphaned elephants and offers visitors a taste of nature in an area where vast herds once roamed. Join the elephants in their controlled free-range environment where you will be able to appreciate their magnificent presence up-close-and-personal. Whether you chose our daily tour, elephant back ride, exclusive safari or overnight accommodation, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.

knysna elephant park

You are allowed to feed and touch the elephants at Knysna Elephant Park

We are open every day of the year. Our guided Daily Tours take visitors to the elephants every half hour from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Here you will have the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph our gentle giants. There are no barriers or fences to spoil your close encounter, and when the elephants chose to wander off again into the field, you are welcome to stay and watch them for as long as you wish.

knysna elephant park

Elephant Back Rides offer the once in a lifetime opportunity to ride these incredible creatures. As you traverse through indigenous Cape fynbos atop of the elephants, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountain range. The experience is rounded off with refreshments at the Lapa which overlooks pristine indigenous forest. Exclusive walking and riding safaris are also available where you can have the elephants all to yourselves. Booking is essential.

Knysna Elephant Park situated between between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

Visit us between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay just off the N2. We look forward to your visit.We are open 365 days of the year. For more information and bookings use the Booking enquiry form or contact us on the included contact details and use “gardenroutedirectory” as your reference.

Contact Details of Knysna Elephant Park:

Tel No: +27 (0) 44 532 7732
Fax No: +27 (0) 44 532 7763

Need more information on Knysna elephant park visit

Improve WordPress Security with Salt

How to improve security on WordPress and what are Security Keys? If your website has ever been hacked, you probably have changed passwords and access names, but have you ever thought of changing your WP Security keys?

Without going into technicalities, just know, that WP comes with security keys. Defaults are loaded in the database. Additional keys can be edited in the wp-config.php file.

By default the wp-config.php contains:

define('AUTH_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('LOGGED_IN_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');
define('NONCE_KEY', 'put your unique phrase here');

When installing WP, the so-called Salts are often created automatically. If they are not there, you are invited to create your own unique pass phrases.

To keep it simple, you may use the automated key generator from WordPress, click HERE

When clicking on the above link you may get something like this (don’t use the below keys, get your own and keep them secret!):

define('AUTH_KEY', ',Z9!M|Lccf;Y]]@gD{ G^.CI~koampO,Rc{Uev+E)nOdoB~E<+;J|svK=}/!i4}J');
define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY', 'V}jovPJ6BXCD0C (.t[wf7-h^MSO.tCTE`|1jVw^J#^%~3@ZuoWHfCy[+zpFogM#');
define('LOGGED_IN_KEY', 'JU+Nh5|hAz-J6&}Trgkg`vn-$cjPV3S3<^ZTk{<vD_|P^L>w+[=q5ovK*p450E9`');
define('NONCE_KEY', 'C!w3rs.=K^y2dx,YX]*-$z=hP+=WFa3cl?18VxF0?VD.dtR&R0xK*$&+IJ&QKB)J');
define('AUTH_SALT', '&Ry7_ueekL-DO0s*DBeCw7+NPZ6^AcGbTrre@]^6NjnFtWu$FMK{$UGkTxC<;71J');
define('SECURE_AUTH_SALT', '3bd~/> k1]kjOf|)Q^Mi%-36TOmSt>-Z$1QuF*<Z|1NfY3Yz[W1/;H/yvL~0sz0V');
define('LOGGED_IN_SALT', '+&%:*T^5FN5[j6A9?Oq25QoE?sI<6u)(GAa4>8`o#jt3Yd0m}xg@iBA}+;.lb|*U');
define('NONCE_SALT', 'fr28HY1.]Jb3;L{{RmUj{j_}6r]p0[M<d8|+[}$%j#?cGJcC vMX-|;Loph.-bLV');

Replace the above defaults or your existing keys with the new keys from the generator (change a few digits if you really are paranoiac). Just overwrite the existing lines in your wp-config.php and save to server.

Change these keys once in a while, namely after a hack.

If you need further help, please comment below or contact me through support.

Move an existing WP installation into its own folder

To increase security and to better organize files and folders on the server, you may want to move the WP core files into its own folder. Here is how to proceed.

By default many users install their WordPress core in the root directory. The resulting default URL of the site and of WP is http;//myblog.com

You want to move WP while keeping the same URL as before, not just for the home page but also for your posts, pages and other links (media for example).

The name of the new folder, where WP core will be hosted can be anything. For the purpose of this exercise I will call it: ‘myscripts’

Before you start, backup your Database and files.

1. Deactivate all plugins and empty cache if applicable.

2. In your Dashboard go Settings > General and change the WordPress Address (URL) to http://myblog.com/myscripts

You will now get an error or a messed up site, but don’t worry, we will fix this right away.

3. Access your server via FTP or from your cPanel.

4. Create a new directory under the root directory named ‘myscripts’

5. Cut and Paste all WP files and folders into the new folder

6. Make a copy of WP index.php and of  .htaccess file and place them back into the root directory (from where you have moved the WP core files).

7. Edit index.php from the root directory (do not change the files you have moved).

Line 17 reads:

require('./wp-blog-header.php');

Change it to:

require('./myscripts/wp-blog-header.php');

8. Login to your dashboard and reactivate your plugins, you are ready to go.

Your blog is back up and running, but you may have an issue with your image links. By default your media were stored in the uploads directory:

http://myblog.com/wp-content/uploads/

Now they have moved to:

http://myblog.com/myscripts/wp-content/uploads/

1. Download and install the Plugin called: Search and Replace from the Plugins tab in your Dashboard.

2. Go settings and Search for: http://myblog.com/wp-content/uploads/

and Replace with: http://myblog.com/myscripts/wp-content/uploads/

All links are corrected and your media display properly.

If your posts are syndicated to other websites where their content is displayed, all the image links will be broken since you have changed the location of the uploads (image) folder.

Here is how to remedy:

1. Access server via FTP and edit .htaccess in the root folder and in the folder ‘myscripts’

2. Add the line:

RedirectMatch 301 ^/wp-content/uploads/([0-9]{4})/([0-9]{2})/(.*)$ /myscripts/wp-content/uploads/$1/$2/$3

Done, now all links to the old uploads folder will be permanently redirected to your new uploads folder and images will be displayed properly.

I hope this helps.