Paradise is a state of mind, but it certainly helps to be located in a suitable environment to feel like you’re in paradise. My current travels have brought me back to a state of paradise both subjectively and objectively speaking. After a little journey around my country of South Africa recently, I have returned to what must be the most picturesque and beautiful part of the entire country, namely the Garden Route and its world class beaches.

Welcome to paradise on earth - pure clean white sandy beaches with epic geological features, and nature as the artist.
Welcome to paradise on earth - pure clean white sandy beaches with epic geological features, and nature as the artist.

On today’s hike along a remote and seldom seen stretch of the coast, just outside Plettenebrg Bay, I was reminded why I spend so much time here (years) and how austere the rest of the country is by comparison. Drought and poverty seem to hang over the majority of the nation and perhaps the world today, but here in this little unknown holiday town, the environment - as dictated by nature – is just exquisite.

The Indian ocean washing up on the shores of Africa, where my hiking trail leads me eastward though the thick dune cover vegetation.
The Indian ocean washing up on the shores of Africa, where my hiking trail leads me eastward though the thick dune cover vegetation.

The coastal hiking trail took me east, away from the town of Plett and towards a region called Nature’s Valley. On this part of my exploration trail, I was able to absorb myself in what appeared to be a heavenly stretch of sea shore that stretched for miles. From here you can see a slight glimpse of the town in the distance further along the coast toward the west. However, there are no people or any signs of human activity whatsoever on this part of the shoreline, except the occasional footprint in the sand.

Picturesque rock pools on the shoreline of this remote paradise destination.
Picturesque rock pools on the shoreline of this remote paradise destination.

Thus it makes for an epic sense of freedom and spaciousness, surrounded by lush green indigenous coastal vegetation that covers the hilly dune landscape all along the shore. Add to that the pristine snow white sandy little beaches which align the shore like pearls strung on a thread, and you have a setting of immense beauty.

The rock pool from above with Robberg Peninsula in the distance, facing west.
The rock pool from above with Robberg Peninsula in the distance, facing west.

The vast open Indian ocean makes up half the landscape too, and with the crisp blue sky and mountains in the distance, you could be on any paradise shoreline on earth. Therefore the original European sailors from the Portuguese Empire who first passed this bay in the late fifteenth century, called it Bahia Formosa – the Beautiful Bay. Today the highest mountain peak in the distance is called Formosa Peak, based on this original name.

One of numerous epic little beach coves, strung like pearls on a thread all along this part of the shoreline.
One of numerous epic little beach coves, strung like pearls on a thread all along this part of the shoreline.

It’s still the end of winter now, with Spring just days away. Wait until summer arrives and the bliss just intensifies as the days of fun in the sea and sun stretch on way into the later hours. Basically any day of the year in any season will find this little hidden gem of a travel destination to be attractive and inviting. The occasional rain showers do little to dampen the warm blissful feeling one experiences when hiking along this stretch of beach surrounded by original natural conditions for miles on end.

Notice the camo lizard in the foreground, like a prehistoric dinosaur amid the indigenous vegetation.
Notice the camo lizard in the foreground, like a prehistoric dinosaur amid the indigenous vegetation.

I presume it looked identical thousands of years ago, since no human influence has ever changed this particular stretch of shoreline. A few miles further down the coast to the east my trail will come to the Nature’s Valley beach. In coming days I will venture further along this hiking trail, perhaps cross the Soutrivier (Salt River) that washes out to the sea, and actually reach that part of the coast.

My next leg of the coastal hike, toward the Salt River and Nature’s Valley, facing east.
My next leg of the coastal hike, toward the Salt River and Nature's Valley, facing east.

I’ll be sure to add to my photo collection as I progress along the way, and share with you more pictures of paradise, as I see it, from my subjective point of view. Of course, looking at the photos you may well agree that even objectively speaking, this region has all the characteristics of what one might expect in a paradise on earth. So stay tuned for more heavenly scenes heading your way in days to come.

A place that fills the heart with love, thanks to nature’s warm embrace.
A place that fills the heart with love, thanks to nature's warm embrace.

(photos my own)