The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a spectacular tapestry of fresh water lakes, sandy beaches, tranquil lagoons, ancient tangled forests, scenic rolling hills and deep river gorges stretching across the south eastern coast of South Africa. The name comes from the first settlers movements towards the east coast. They referred to this fertile land as the “Garden of Eden”. It is home to a cornucopia of marine life including soft coral reefs, penguins, whales, great white sharks, dolphins and seal colonies.
The climate is kind with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. In summer the average highs are in the mid 20 degrees Celsius and in winter 13 degrees. The central part of the Garden Route is formed by the coastline of the Indian Ocean and the north is bordered by the Little Karoo, a semi desert region.
The Garden Route is the perfect self drive holiday for families and combines well with a few days in Cape Town, the Winelands and the Eastern Capes malaria free game reserves. Besides the allure of the white sandy beaches there are many activities on offer that will appeal to all age groups including bungee jumping, abseiling, surfing, sea kayaking, flat water paddling, mountain biking, horse riding, scenic flights, shark cage diving, hot air ballooning and boat based whale watching. For the culturally inclined there are township tours, museums, art galleries and a fine collection of restaurants.
The Garden Route is also a golfer’s paradise - you could play at a different course everyday of the week or if you prefer something a little faster paced then you then you may want to head for Plettenberg Bay with its many international standard polo fields.
The Outeniqua Choo - Tjoe train is another highlight. The Railways links George and Mossel Bay, travelling along a scenic route that is not accessible by car with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. As you travel through the Garden Route you will descend the exquisite mountain ranges and travel across the lagoons where the ocean meets the river.
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn owes most of its origin to the ostriches that adapted themselves to this semi-desert habitat. Their feathers became highly sought after during the 19th century when they were used to embellish the Art Nouveau fashion of the time. Farmers domesticated them and made fortunes from exporting their plumes to Europe. Between 1875 and 1880 ostrich prices reached up to GBP 1,000 a pair. Over production eventually led to a sudden slump in fortunes for the town. The ostrich industry recovered slowly and after the second Anglo Boer War an even bigger boom started and it was during this period that the opulent “feather palaces” were built. The boom peaked in 1913 and subsequently collapsed with the outbreak of the First World War. Most of the farmers returned to traditional farming; however the town is still home to the world’s largest population of ostriches.
Oudsthoorn is the start of the Route 62 wine route and is home to several wine producers who produce some of South Africa’s best Port style wines. It is also home to an underground wonder – the Cango Caves with their vast halls and towering formations which are situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the beautiful Swartberg Mountains.
Oudtshoorn is also home to Meerkat Magic – an interesting conservation project where you can get within a few metres of a burrow and observe these comical creatures as they interact with other.
George
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Garden Route” George is the largest town in the Garden Route. Complete with its own airport, George is a centrally located stepping off point for your exploration of the Garden Route. It has all the comforts of a big city with plenty of small town charm and historical landmarks. Set slightly inland it is close enough to Victoria Bay and the Outeniqua Mountains to offer a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers. George is also a popular golfing destination with the 18 hole Gary Player designed Fancourt Golf Estate a particular favourite.
Knysna and Wilderness
Another well known attraction is the Knysna Heads – two huge sandstone cliffs which guard the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea where a look out commands the most incredible views over Knysna.
Wilderness lies on the foothills of the impressive Outeniqua Mountains surrounded by many rivers, natural lakes and lagoons in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is best known for its tranquil sea and white sandy beach that seems to stretch on forever. This long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Klaaimans Rivers and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level. Wilderness has numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins.
Plettenberg Bay
The great forests that lie at the feet of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the Plettenberg Bay. These indigenous forests are an interesting mixture of fynbos and temperate forest and offer hikers the opportunity to see the few remaining forest elephants of South Africa. The area is teeming with birdlife with over 300 species living in habitats ranging from forests to wetlands. The endangered Southern Right Whales are a common sight in the bay during the July to December breeding season and dolphins are frequently seen in the surf. A twenty minute drive away from Plettenberg Bay is the Bloukraanz Bridge, home of the highest bungee jump in the world at 216 metres.
Jeffrey’s Bay
The bustling town of Jeffreys Bay is bordered on both sides by pristine nature reserves and rivers and is where international surfers flock to catch legendary waves. It is a year round fun place to be – a paradise of sunshine, classic reefs, dolphins and a thriving artistic community.
Gansbaai
The unspoilt fishing village of Gansbaai is well known for its excellent whale watching. From the breathtaking cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches of Pearly Beach – this is where you will find one of the world’s best land – based whale watching hotspots. Onwards to Dyer Island is where you will find the mysterious great white sharks who feed on the abundance of seals. The sharks are particularly active in the winter season between April and September. If you have the courage you can take a boat trip on to Dyer Island and hop into a steel meshed cage - to be lowered into an ocean of natural wonders and the opportunity to come face to face just centimetres away from these mighty beasts.
Tsitsikamma and Storms River
The Storms River/Tsitsikamma area lies in the heart of the Garden Route – between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the sea. It is a wonderland of natural beauty and you will be amazed by the rolling seas, sheer cliffs, forests and vegetation. The forests of Tsitsikamma are home to the ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The area is a photographer’s paradise and is best explored on a Tree Top Canopy Tour where you can fly through the forest on cables strung from tree to tree. The Storms River is also a popular adventure sport destination with black water tubing and white water rafting activities on offer.
Swellendam
The charming town of Swellendam is situated at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It is the third oldest town in South Africa and the stately Drostdy (magistrate’s office and residence) is one of the many fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The area is a botanists dream with an abundance of wild flowers. Wildlife such as the endangered Bontebok and Cape mountain zebra abound. Bushbuck, klipspringer, grey rhebuk, Cape grysbok, baboon, mongoose, genet and the occasional leopard and over 200 species of bird can also be found in this area.
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Knysna Oyster Festival, South Africa
The Luangwa River in Zambia is getting to its peak
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Overflowing with wildlife
Meet the relatives
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