Things to do near
Thornhill
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserves
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Port Elizabeth (8 km from Thornhill) Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve was established in 1951 and is situated 40 km from Port Elizabeth. It is one of the top places to see lowland fynbos, flowering proteas and a variety of other endemic fynbos. Visitors can see a large variety of vegetation in the various habitats of the escarpment. There is an abundance of succulents, ericas, leucadendrons, and other indigenous flora.
The reserve aims to protect the large variety of bird, plant and animal species within the area. Bird watchers can feast their eyes on more than 170 bird species and a number of raptors frolicking in their natural habitat along the rocky gorge. This includes the forest buzzard, jackal buzzard, booted eagle, African crowned eagle, peregrine falcon, black sparrowhawk, and lanner falcon. There is an indigenous coastal forest along the gorge of Van Staden's River. It is home to the Knysna turaco, the Knysna warbler, and the sombre greenbul, among many others.
There is also a nursery in the reserve which sells indigenous flora, and scenic picnic sites on the plateau that are perfect for relaxing over a meal. There are two hiking trails for those who want to explore the reserve. The River Walk is four kilometres long and the Forest Walk is six kilometres. Mountain bikers can explore the plateau section of the reserve, and there are easier sections which are ideal for families to cycle on.
Beaches
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Blue Horizon Bay (12.9 km from Thornhill) Van Stadens Beach lies at the mouth of the Van Stadens River and has a wonderful lagoon for swimming, fishing and paddleboats. Tall dunes offer some fun sand boarding. The river is suitable for small boats to navigate upstream to the gorge. Lifeguards are on duty over the peak holiday season.
Beaches
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Gamtoos Mouth (14.9 km from Thornhill) At the mouth of the Gamtoos River lies a stunning beach with a huge stretch of soft white sand, perfect for lengthy strolls. The scenic lagoon and river offer safe swimming, boating and canoeing.
Beaches
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Maitlands (20.6 km from Thornhill) At the mouth of the Maitland River lies a magnificent bathing beach backed by huge sand dunes stretching for about 5 km West from Beachview to beyond Blue Water Bay.
Kids love the dunes for tobogganing and sand boarding. Maitland River Beach is ideal for leisurely strolls along the waters edge where you can collect sand mussels.
Hiking Trail
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Port Elizabeth (21.9 km from Thornhill) This day walk takes about three hours and is 3 km in length. It is an easy circular walk that passes through a portion of the forest and links up with the old wagon trail to a disused lead mine.
Bushbuck, blue duikers, porcupine and rodents, as well as a large variety of birds can be spotted. Hikers should take their own water, as the stream water is not drinkable. This trail is great for children. Information boxes and a small hall for conservation education is situated on the trail.
Nature Reserves
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Jeffreys Bay (24.1 km from Thornhill) Enjoy clip clopping along untouched beaches and through indigenous vegetation with well-schooled horses and experienced guides. All rides start on the farm Papiesfontein between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous Rivers, 10 km from Jeffreys Bay.
The 13 km trail leads over pretty dunes to the river mouth and a long stretch of beach – perfect for an exhilarating gallop. Along the way you’ll see abundant birdlife, animals and marine life. Bookings are essential.
Popular Attractions
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Uitenhage (24.1 km from Thornhill) BallynaFagh Farm offers visitors a relaxing setting to enjoy a wonderful outride on well-schooled horses.
Explore this little bit of African bush and country lanes on horseback. Rides are about 1.5 hours in length with something to suit all levels of experience. If you're new to horse riding, lessons can be arranged.
Beaches
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Beachview (24.8 km from Thornhill) The attractive beach at Beachview is situated on a section of Port Elizabeth’s coastline that is fantastic for long beach walks. Beachview is a good place for beachcombing and to start hiking to the next beach at Maitlands. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season but swimming is not safe due to strong rip currents and backwash.
Hiking Trail
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Uitenhage (25.7 km from Thornhill) Located about 8 km out of Uitenhage is the Groendal Wilderness Area, which features many lovely walking trails.
The Blindekloof Trail is 16 km long, which will take about 4 hours to complete. An easy day’s walk, the trail starts from the office parking area, leads through succulent thicket and forest, following the Blindekloof Stream to Crystal Cavern Pool. Hikers return along the same route.
The Upper Blindekloof Trail is a 2 day, 32 km long trail. This is a fairly difficult hike. From the parking area it leads uphill for 16 km, then descends steeply to Blindekloof Stream. Hikers follow the stream until the Paardekloof junction. Hikers will then climb steeply out of the kloof, and downhill back to the parking area. This route involves many compulsory swims.
To organize your hike, contact the reserve manager.
Popular Attractions
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Jeffreys Bay (27.2 km from Thornhill) So you’re visiting J-Bay and can’t surf or skate? Why not try sandboarding. Skilled instructors will be on hand to teach you the basics and in no time you’ll be flying down the dunes.
Popular Attractions
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Jeffreys Bay (27.2 km from Thornhill) Learn the basics of kite boarding in Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay. Keen learners from all over the world come here to experience the perfect waves and adrenalin rush. Dedicated and skilled instructors teach beginners the techniques in no time at all.
Popular Attractions
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Jeffreys Bay (27.9 km from Thornhill) Explore reefs teeming with soft coral, ragged tooth sharks, fishes, dolphins and whales. JBay Dive School offers Scuba diving courses, dive charters, dive equipment, sales and air fills. The school can be found on the main beach next to launch site (opposite Training Edge Gym).
Popular Attractions
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Jeffreys Bay (27.9 km from Thornhill) Enter a whole new wonderful world – under the sea with Steve Potts’s dive charter and Scuba diving school. You’ll be in good hands; Steve has more than 4000 dives and is one of CMAS-ISA's top instructors.
Courses include 1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star, Dive Masters, Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Rescue, O2 Administration, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, 2 Star Instructor and Compressor Operator.
Beaches
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Jeffreys Bay (28 km from Thornhill) Dolphin Beach is home to the legendary surfing spot Supertubes, known as the best wave in Africa and one of the top five right-hand breaks in the world. And it’s also home to Billabong Pro, now a qualifying series.
Achieving Blue Flag status, the beautiful wide sandy beach is very popular with families and holidaymakers. The Jeffrey’s Bay Shell Museum, a public information kiosk and a number of restaurants and shops are very close.
Dolphin Beach is great for lengthy beach walks, stretching all the way to the Gamtoos River and beyond. There’s also an amazing reef to snorkel on calm days.
Lifeguards and security are on duty during high season (November to end April).
Fun Parks
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Jeffreys Bay (28.6 km from Thornhill) Funky Frogs is a play centre situated in Fountains Mall. There’s so much for your pipsqueak to do – the Island Jumping Castle, various jungle gyms, scooter track and a variety of educational toys. Grab a coffee and relax while watching your little one having fun or escape to shop unencumbered or enjoy a quiet meal at one of the surrounding restaurants.