A bit of a dull start to the day so we decided to take a drive - after a delicious breakfast on the waterfront - to Noetzie Beach. The guy that owns the apartment in which we're staying recommended it, but didn't reveal its secret.

Driving there was quite an experience - turning off the main road we were on to a dirt track - and driving through parts of a township! Squalor would not be the word I'd use as the shanty-town corrugated-roof covered 'houses' were scrupulously clean. Abject poverty is probably nearer the mark - and I have to say it is discomforting.

Then the dirt road continued through a beautiful forest of gigantic pine trees and down to a small car park with sign pointing to a public footpath down to the beach. After a steep slope and down several dozen steps we emerged onto the most idyllic beach imaginable. Crystal blue Indian Ocean breaking on the soft sand and not a sole in sight.

The secret of this beach became apparent as we reached the sea and turned around. There are 6 castles built on its border!

The contrast between the shanty town and the castles was remarkable.

Then we made our way back to Knysna and fell asleep on our own private beach on Thesen Island. You can't get better than this.

Oh, and then we went to Mitchell's brewery - and tasted all 8 of their brews! Well it'd be rude not to.