Immerse yourself in the lushness of ancient forests, dramatic landscapes, balmy weather and warm seas that are the primary attractions of the Garden Route region of South Africa. Stretching down the southwesterly coastline of the country, this region includes the towns of Mossel Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay all offering a luxury stay to visitors.
Start your Garden Route adventure in Mossel Bay with its 800-odd year old Post Office Tree and miles and miles of white sand beaches. Go on a shark-cage diving trip for an intimate encounter with a Great White shark, this is not for the faint-hearted! The region expands after Mossel Bay as you head over the Robinson Pass to the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. This region is also well-known for its championship golf courses and spectacular views from the greens.
In its heyday Oudtshoorn supplied a large percentage of the world’s demand for ostrich feathers, sadly those days are gone but the ostriches are still there and provide a source of healthy, low-fat meat popular with South Africans as are the leather goods made from their skins. Try your luck riding one of these giant flightless birds; it is not as easy as you might think!
Carrying straight on the highway from Mossel Bay will bring you to George, undisputedly the business centre of the entire region. Although not on the coast itself, it is very close to the hamlets of Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay, one of South Africa’s favourite surf destinations. The road winds around a coastal pass to the gorgeous settlement of Wilderness, perched on the mountainside affording visitors fabulous views over the warm Indian Ocean and the lengthy stretch of white sand beach just calling to be walked on. Go a little further through the wetland areas of Sedgefield with their vibrant weekly Farmer’s Market until you reach one of the jewels of the Garden Route region, Knysna.
Knysna is a Mecca for creative types and food lovers! Serenely located on the banks of an estuary with a dramatic entry to the ocean at the Knysna Heads, this charming town is crammed with eateries, galleries, shops and outdoor pubs. A mere 40 minutes away is upmarket Plettenberg Bay overlooking warm, azure seas lapping golden beaches. Almost 40 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded here and the birdlife of the area is abundant.
If you feel the need to shake things up a bit after your languid journey through this lush region, throw yourself off the highest bungee jumping point in the world at the 216m high Bloukrans River Bridge. Visit the famed Tsitsikamma Forest, a lush green indigenous forest just waiting to be explored, go on a hike through the huge trees and cool off in crystal clear rock pools along the way. The river flowing through them ends at the spectacular Storm’s River Mouth.
The Garden Route region really is all about relaxation, choose from a range of luxury accommodation options, tour the area with reputable guides and soak up the sun while strolling on the beautiful beaches. Contact the Southern Africa Travel Team today.
The Garden Route is best known for:
The Cango Caves
Oudtshoorn’s other main attraction is the Cango Caves, consisting of huge caverns formed more than 65 million years ago. You may walk through on a guided tour of the Cango Caves. You can also choose an adventure option that takes you off the beaten track into the darkness of this natural phenomenon.
The Birdlife
Visit the Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary to see more than 2 000 birds flying free an enormous two-hectare dome. This is the world’s largest single span aviary and it is situated just outside of Plettenberg Bay. Of particular interest to bird lovers are the 100 species of incredible African birds, some of them endangered species.
The Knysna Forest
Lose yourself in South Africa’s largest indigenous forest. The Knysna Forest comprises tall and ancient trees including yellowwood, white alders, stinkwood and blackwood trees. It is a lush, green escape from the world, only punctuated by the call of the famous Knysna Loerie and the ghosts of the once abundant Knysna elephant herds.
Off the beaten track:
Swing through the Forest
In the lush forest of the Tsitsikamma, you can swing like the monkeys through the treetops, with safety equipment of course! Glide across ten cabled slides to platforms built high in the giant trees admiring the wildlife and flora around you. With giant ferns waving far beneath your feet, feel free as a bird on this fantasy forest trips.
Dive for fresh Oysters
Cruise the Knysna lagoon and visit the dramatic Heads, all the while learning about Knysna’s oldest industries – oyster farming. You will head out on a replica of an original oyster boat with a flat bottom and spacious deck and go searching for the oyster cultivation beds. Samples are, of course, provided along with champagne to enjoy them with.
Take an Ocean Safari
Don’t miss the chance to take an ocean safari to spot whale, dolphins and seals while in the Plettenberg Bay area of the Garden Route. These close encounter boat trips are the best way to view the magnificent marine environment and besides, are a great fun day out.
