Reflections on a beach in paradise – Garden Route South Africa

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Nature truly is amazing. Today I want to share with you some sweet photos of my recent tour of one of the longest and cleanest beaches on the entire south coast of Africa. You’ll see the indigenous wild tortoise that I encountered in the dunes, as well as the flock of seagulls that nest here in this marine and bird sanctuary at Keurbooms river mouth on Keurbooms beach. A wide view of Robberg peninsula in the background, from the dunes on Keurbooms beach.

This little river mouth flows downstream and into the lagoon at the tourist town of Plettenberg Bay. From the lagoon, the water then eventually flows out to sea via the mouth. Being right next to the ocean, this lagoon is affected by the tides. When it’s high, the sea washes upstream and at low tide the fresh water flows out to sea quite prolifically.

Some curious overturned roots among the indigenous "Fynbos Floral Kingdom" that grows on the dunes. Close-up of the roots in what looks to me like an ant hive.

Today I’m on the opposite side of the river mouth from the actual town. You can’t reach this stretch of beach from the town at all, since the river mouth is just too dangerous to cross on foot. You need to drive out of the town and on to the main highway. Then you simply travel east for a few minutes until you come to the road turning right toward the ocean, which will take you to this side of the river mouth.

Curious jellyfish washed up on the long sandy stretch of beach, with the town of Plettenberg Bay in the distance.

Today the tide was really low, so it made some fascinating reflective patterns in the puddles left by the lingering sea water. The ripples on the sand that would normally be covered by ocean looked quite curious with their undulating patterns. You can see that the tide had been rough and somewhat stormy prior to my arrival. The washed-up fresh green river grass is a clear indication that the current was strong and the water quite rough, to wash so much river grass out of the mouth of the lagoon and out to sea, where it then gets washed up on the pristine white sandy beaches.

Fresh green river grass washed up after being washed out to sea via the river mouth nearby, facing west Facing east

Other than that, the white beach sand is so pure and fresh to look at, that it gives the feeling of cleanliness and appears really healthy. The prolific seagulls that nest at this bird sanctuary on the dunes between the ocean and the lagoon, seem to be very relaxed and used to the odd passer by. They nest here in the dunes and breed seasonally. It makes for a wonderfully expansive and airy space overall.

Seagull nesting dunes, with the lagoon just behind the low dune, out of shot.

I mean, look how much fresh air there is. Notice how much wide open sky and, of course, ocean you can find in this stretch of the African shoreline. I hope your skies are just as clear and blue as they are here. The air is very clean, so if you are looking for a place to retreat to for your health, then this is the place for you.

Tortoise in the distance on the white sand up ahead Up close Here you can see how close the tortoise lives to the sea shore

The little indigenous tortoise that I photographed was an extremely rare sighting since these creatures are so shy by nature. It’s only the second time in the 15 years I have been visiting these shores, that I have actually seen this breed of tortoise directly. And it’s perhaps the only time I have photographed them. So this photo shoot of the tortoise is rare to legendary, dear nature and photography lovers.

Lagoon on the far left and sea on far right of the picture, facing east, with river mouth and town behind me

The seagulls are conversely, quite common. You see plenty of them any day of the week. What they lack in uniqueness, they make up for in numbers. Along with that, the rare imagery of reflected water in the usually submerged sea floor, makes for quite a spectacle. The clear blue sky reflected in the water upon the soft white sand is just like a zen garden – the perfect place to meditate on the eternal moment.

Puddles and reflections on the water at very low tide

If you want to find a perfect hideaway retreat space to add to your travel itinerary, then this particular stretch of the Keurbooms river mouth and beach is just the place for you. The town of Plett nearby is really small and the beach is really huge, so it is usually deserted on the long white sandy shoreline. You will certainly find all the space, fresh air and great health that you need, so be sure to hop on by when you have the chance.

Lagoon in the middle ground with part of the town behind it, from the beach A moment of serious reflection Robberg peninsula in the distance, with the town on the right - a holiday paradise

(photos my own)

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