But if you're over all those lush forests, diverse vegetation and lagoons, jump in the car. Plettenberg is a quick drive and a chance for nature lovers to head to the beach and the bars. And the shopping mall. You'll no doubt meet some amateur ornithologists trying on lovely brown camo suits. Compare notes over a beer.

Plett. As the locals call it. Barefoot, beach loving, a taking-it-easy ethos. Plettenberg Bay is a seaside town in South Africa's Western Cape Province. And it's on that most sought-after of tourist routes, the Garden Route.

Redbourne Country Lodge is a spit and a jump away from here and it's surrounded by fine bush. Literally. That old fynbos chestnut. It means 'fine bush' in Old Dutch and is the most studied vegetation type outside of Europe. Generations of scientists - including the big D himself - have been left open-mouthed in amazement at the stuff. Go head... stand in your room and gawp. That's the peaceful Piesang Valley right there. Lush. And that's the Plettenberg Bay Country Club golf course. Also lush.

Accommodation at Redbourne is in 16 en-suite rooms, including four inter-leading family rooms.

The rooms are all Luxury King or Twin rooms. The beds are easily converted into a king-sized double or two three-quarter singles.

There's no aircon in these temperate parts but they do have ceiling fans. Rooms open to a balcony overlooking the valley. Invite your new bird-watching buddy for a sundowner. And look there's the gorsey fynbos you read about earlier. It surrounds the Plettenberg Bay Golf Course and Piesang Valley.

Each room has underfloor heating and a private bathroom with both a shower and tub and a hairdryer. TV, minibar, tea & coffee. Children of all ages are welcome.