Take
a trip down the Garden Route, visit the Klein Karoo & Eastern Cape,
South Africa
The
Garden Route, South Africa:
Dramatic
river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests
are the quintessential
Garden Route images. Stretching from anywhere
between Stilbaai and
Mossel Bay
in the west, to Stormsriver or Port Elizabeth (PE) in the east, it's a
gorgeous stretch of coastal paradise strung out along the N2. Purists will
squash it up between Mossel Bay
and Stormsriver but, as the popularity of the Garden Route grew and small
towns at its edge realised the marketing potential, it just seemed to spread.
No problem - it spread to some cool places.
The towns generally accepted
to be part of the Garden Route are Mossel
Bay,
George,
Wilderness,
Sedgefield,
Knysna,
Plettenberg
Bay and Stormsriver. Stilbaai and Albertinia have snuck in on the
West and Humansdorp and even Port Elizabeth are muscling in from the east.
Inland,
the Little Karoo and Route 62, which have no pretensions to being the Garden
Route, are often treated as the same destination, as it's pretty easy zigzag
between them by driving the many scenic passes over the Outeniqua Mountains.
Initially the Garden Route was seen as very much a beach and/or family
holiday destination, which it is, but there is also so much to do. There's
great hiking, with rambles ranging from an hour to a few days covering
rocky coasts, deep forests, pretty fynbos and long sandy beaches. The diving
is good, as is the surfing, and there are some fun sea kayaking and flat
water paddling trips. Some of the country's best mountain bike trails snake
through the forests, and there are horse trails for every taste and level
of ability. Tandem skydiving, paragliding, and a range of scenic flights
all offer different birds eye views.
The
Garden Route offers some of the best boat based whale watching in the world,
flower lovers and birders will also have a field day traipsing off through
the forest or the fynbos, and there are numerous national parks and nature
reserves. Steam buffs will love the narrow gauge Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
For the more culturally inclined, there are township tours, museums, lovely
old buildings, funky craft shops, markets, art galleries and loads of live
music venues. And, of course, a flotilla of great restaurants - many of
which specialise in seafood - in each town. The Garden Route is a golfer's
dream destination - you could play a different course every day for a week
and still have a few left over.
Of course, this is not all
good news as golf courses use an exorbitant amount of water and
take up vast amounts of space but, as long as the golf-estate-building
spree fizzles out soon, there should be sufficient space remaining between
the fairways for a bit of forest, perhaps some shops and even a house or
two. But that's not your problem, is it? If you fancy a round in paradise,
get in now before it closes down. And if golf is too slow for you
- there are more international standard polo fields in Plett
alone than there are in the rest of the country put together. You could
spend anything from a weekend to a month at a tailor-made polo clinic.
But what the Garden Route
is most suitable for is relaxation - and even that's been somewhat institutionalised
with almost every second hotel housing a wellness centre or spa. Not that
that's a problem, mind. After a hard day on the beach you'll probably need
a chocolate mud bath, colour therapy or hot stone massage.
The area surrounding Albertinia
is an eco-paradise with breathtaking views stretching from the coastal
area right along the Gouritz River over the dune lands to the South of
the N2 up into the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains to the North.
Albertinia is also a thriving business town. Combine a flourishing dried
flower industry with thatching reed, ochre, clay and two aloe factories
which manufacture cosmetics and health products second to none in the world
and you find that the town contrary to expectation, boasts several thriving
export businesses.
Garden
Route Game Lodge, ALBERTINIA Set against the backdrop
of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards
the entrance to South Africa's world famous Garden Route Coast. Only
3½ scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, private
game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including
the BIG 5. Morning and evening game drives are led by experienced
game rangers who share their knowledge of big game as well as the many
other antelope species, birdlife and local African folklore. Exclusive
accommodation in luxury thatched chalets or spacious rooms all with en
suite bathrooms, designed to offer guests complete comfort and relaxation
in a beautiful setting.
Guineafowl
Guest Resort, Guest House/Self-Catering, ALBERTINIA The first town on the Garden
Route from Cape Town! Hilton and Cherry's guest resort is situated on the
outskirts of Albertinia. Quiet, serene and simply perfect for the tired
traveller. A lovely swimming pool in the centre of the complex to wash
and clear all the travel dust. Start your exploration of the beautiful
and popular tourist destination, the Garden Route, from this point. Self-catering
apartments also available. Rooms are spacious and well-kept.
Albertinia is the town of the well-known aloe factories for natural products.
Zoutpan
Struishuis Guest Farm, Self-Catering Guest Farm, ALBERTINIA If you find yourself in
a highly stressful environment and need to break away from it all, then
you have to consider the charm and tranquility of Zoutpan Struishuis Guest
Farm. Situated only 1 km from the N2 on the Garden Route between
Riversdale and Albertinia, this charming ostrich farm is the ideal halfway
stopover between Cape Town and PE, with George Airport only 80 km away.
It also offers some of the finest examples of the unique collection of
about 6 500 species of Cape fynbos (plants) that grow only on South Africa’s
coast, and thatch reed that is another main source. At Zoutpan Struishuis
Guest Farm you will experience the warm Afrikaner hospitality of Engela
and Bertie Horn in their stylishly decorated Cape Dutch self-catering units.
Brenton
on Rocks, Self-Catering Townhouses/Suites, BRENTON-ON-SEA Do you yearn for a piece
of heaven on earth, a resting place built on rocks, where the Southern
Right Whale can be seen when they return from the South Pole (July to November)
to mate and to give birth to their calves? There is just such a place,
where the lapping of foam-white waves soothes a fatigued mind and body,
with a heavenly view over a shining sea in which the dolphins play. We
offer two villas, one with 3 bedrooms, and the other with 4 bedrooms.
Both are totally self-catering and fully equipped. We also have 2
Honeymoon Suites, 3 Family Units and 2 Standard Double Rooms. All
suites have basic kitchenettes, equipped with microwave, kettle, toaster,
fridge, crockery and cutlery. All units have DSTV and all bathrooms
are equipped with heated towel rails. Our family units consist of
a bedroom, kitchenette and sitting area with a sleeper couch (units sleep
4, other units sleep 2).
Nature's Valley is
a holiday resort and retirement village on the Garden Route along the southern
Cape coast of South Africa, tucked between the Soutrivier, the foothills
of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, the Indian Ocean and the Grootrivier lagoon.
It has a balmy climate and the unusual status of being surrounded by the
Tsitsikamma National Park.
A network of trails covers
the surrounding hills and beaches. The lagoon offers sheltered water for
sailing and canoeing, without powerboating and beach buggies. A walk along
beaches and a rocky path leads to the Salt River Mouth after crossing Pebble
Beach, a large area completely covered in sea-smoothed cobbles.
East of Nature's
Valley is the Grootrivier Lagoon, which marks the end of the Otter Trail,
starting at Storms River Mouth, 60km further east. This 5-day trail is
considered by many hikers to be the finest in South Africa, being strenuous,
scenic and extremely varied. The route meanders along the coast through
evergreen forest, past boulder-strewn beaches and frequently crossing tannin-stained
streams. Huts are available for the hiker at the end of each day, but bookings
have to be made well in advance.
Nectar
Cottage, Self-Catering Cottage, NATURE'S VALLEY Nectar Cottage is a fully-equipped
self-catering house situated in the only village that lies inside a South
African National Park. Surrounded by forest, lagoon and only a 100
paces from the spectacular beach and Indian Ocean, Nectar Cottage lies
in Nature’s Valley, the only village that lies inside a South African National
Park. The Pearl of the Garden Route! Nectar Cottage sleeps up to
8 people and is fully equipped. The large garden with its social BBQ area
is delightful during both summer and winter. For the cooler winter evenings
there is an excellent open fireplace. 250 metres from the house is an good
restaurant and shop, both open 364 days a year.
Tranquility
Lodge, NATURE'S VALLEY Tranquility is about sound,
not making noise but listening to the natural hum of the living forest,
the sea and its splendour, and the river and its serenity! Here at Tranquility
Lodge in the Tsitsikamma Forest National Park on the beautiful Garden Route
of South Africa we wish you to join us and experience this wonderful place
where the Ocean and Forests meet in magnificent splendour! Leave
the world behind you - let your worries seep away and renew your soul!
We offer superb accommodation - each room is equipped with a double sit-on-top
kayak for you to explore the lagoon and its fantastic birdlife. Tranquility
Lodge has its own hotpool for you to relax in and enjoy. We have also arranged
two complimentary excursions for you..
Wild
Tongue Backpackers, Backpackers Lodge, NATURE'S VALLEY We are the Wild Tongue Backpackers,
situated between The Crags and Nature's Valley. Encircled by indigenous
forest and fynbos covered slopes, our farm is nestled on a hilltop overlooking
the Tsitsikamma mountain range and Peak Formosa. Spend your evenings under
the stars in our beautifully crafted Driftwood Boma and outdoor braai area.
Our Log Cabin with its welcoming fireplace, hardwood floors and comfy couches
becomes home all year round. Have a drink and absorb the art that is created
by our staff and visitors. Centrally located between Plettenberg Bay and
Storms River National Park, in the heart of the Garden Route, we are an
8 min. drive from Nature's Valley Beach. We offer a drop off and pick up
from Nature's Valley & The Otter Trail.
Witsand/Port
Beaufort, situated at the mouth of the mighty Breede River, is a holiday
destination with a difference. It is situated 300km from Cape Town at the
mouth of the Breede River along the Garden Route. The central feature
of the Malgas/Witsand area is the magnificent Breede River. It is one of
the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse
species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of
the best fishing estuaries in the country with tidal action that reaches
60 km upstream. The river is also ideally suited to a range of water sports
The area's claim to fame is that they have the largest concentration of
Southern Right Whales on the South African coast, growing at an annual
rate of 7%. The official whale count done from a helicopter in October
2002 revealed 117 adults and 49 calves in St Sebastian Bay. On a good day
up to 50 are visible from the shore.
Breede
River Lodge, Port Beaufort/Witsand The Breede River Lodge is
situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
The area is a mariners dream both on the river and the sea. Angling features
as the number one attraction with many record breaking catches over the
years - as will be seen on the Breede River Lodge Wall of Fame. Enjoy
a multitude of sports at the Breede River Lodge! From relaxing water taxi's,
deep sea fishing charters, skippered boat hire, spear fishing, horse rides,
hiking, bird watching, walks and kayaking, to the more energetic quad biking
on a nearby farm.
Classic Drives - The Garden
Route, South Africa by Rod Ritchie
The stunning Garden Route
runs from South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, Cape Town, for
800 km along the scenic coastline between this city and Port Elizabeth.
The area enjoys a Mediterranean maritime climate and the trip is regarded
as one of the world’s truly classic coastal drives.
As you drive along the well-forested
coastal plain, you’ll find freshwater lakes, lovely lagoons filled with
water birds, indigenous forests of giant yellowwood trees and fields covered
in colourful wildflowers. It’s easy to see why visitors are drawn to this
beautiful region year-round.
One of the highlights of
a drive along the Garden Route is a stop at the sleepy coastal town of
Hermanus
near the southern-most tip of Africa. The town is situated next to a 12-km
path that runs along the cliff top, right next to the ocean. From May to
December, pods of Southern Right Whales swim to within 20 metres of the
cliff as they travel along the coast.
The more adventurous traveller
can try some heart-stopping shark cage diving, sea kayaking, abseiling,
scuba diving, sand boarding, and paragliding. Those looking for something
more relaxing to do can visit the vineyards in a nearby valley and do the
short drive to the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean
meets the Indian Ocean.
You will have to drive inland
to visit Oudtshoorn, which was built in the early 1800s, in the
centre of the Klein Karoo, a semi-desert area wedged between the
coastal mountains to the south and the spectacular Swartberg mountain range
to the north. The town was the world capital of the Ostrich feather industry
during Victorian times, and many grand houses from that era are still standing
today. There’s plenty to do in Oudtshoorn – you can try riding an ostrich
at an ostrich farm, take a tour through the magnificent Cango Caves that
stretch for kilometres throughout the mountains, visit the vineyards, and
even stroke a Cheetah at Cheetahland.
Back on coast, the Garden
Route takes you to George, located on a 10-km plateau that runs
from the majestic Outeniqua Mountain to the Indian Ocean. Besides enjoying
whale watching, surfing, swimming, scuba diving and paragliding, you’ll
find three of South Africa’s top golf courses are also located here. The
Fancourt Golf Estate is especially popular, with an 18-hole course designed
by Gary Player, a golf academy, exclusive hotel and conference centre,
restaurants, and numerous sporting facilities.
Further along the coast toward
Port
Elizabeth is the town of Knysna, also a very popular tourist
destination. This laid-back town is situated between a lush indigenous
forest, home to the last of the forest-dwelling elephants in Africa, and
a beautiful lagoon teeming with birds and other wildlife. The oysters grown
in this unpolluted lagoon are among the tastiest in the world. The closest
beach is in nearby Buffalo Bay, a favourite spot for fishing, surfing and
swimming, as well as whale and dolphin watching. The entire area surrounding
Knysna, with its incredible biological richness and beauty, is a paradise
for the eco-traveller, with plenty of places to camp, hike, canoe, kayak,
and observe the unique wildlife.
At Plettenberg Bay, there
are ten important nature reserves as well as marine reserves. The endangered
Southern Right Whale calves in the bay from July to December, and seals
and dolphins live here all year round. In the bay you can snorkel and scuba
dive on unique soft coral reefs, and on the beach you’ll find a wide range
of water sports on offer, including fishing, surfing, swimming and sailing.
Nearby, there are superb hiking and mountain biking trails, horse riding,
kayaking and canoeing in scenic Nature’s Valley and Stormsriver.
Your drive along the Garden
Route ends in Port Elizabeth, on the shores of beautiful Algoa Bay.
Author Bio - Rod Ritchie,
a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing
and Fodors. www.bon-voyage.co.uk"> Bon Voyage Travel and Tours provide
tailor made tours and www.bon-voyage.co.uk/worldwide">holidays to South
Africa for the individual traveler. Visit their website at www.bon-voyage.co.uk.
Strewn along the South East
Coast of Africa lie hidden a shoreline of secret coves and enchanting forests
that envelope the magical Garden Route. Starting in trendy Cape Town the
Garden Route takes you on a scenic journey through picture perfect beaches
and unspoilt wilderness and ending off in the miniature coastal city, Port
Elizabeth. Visitors from across the globe flock to our shores all year
round to experience this road trip of a lifetime.
The Sights and Scents
The Garden Route is a ten
day vacation ride on a guided tour safari, stopping at lazy beaches, seaside
resorts and tiny seaside villages encircled with wild flowers in all the
colours of the rainbow.
Whether you're a tree-hugger,
bird fanatic or just looking for a peaceful time away from city buzz, the
Garden Route has got to be priority on your holiday to-do list. The constant
Mediterranean climate of the Garden Route allows it to be a perfect getaway
destination in both summer and winter. In summer the forests are fresh
and green and most of the wild flowers have already started blooming. Though
much more visitors are expected in the warmer seasons, the mild winters
are just as beautiful with the sweet sounds of the birds and the scent
of unpolished soil just dampened from the drizzle, an ideal place to meditate.
The coastline which escorts
the Garden Route lies parallel to a series of enigmatic lakes, majestic
mountains and amber coloured rivers that stream close to the mountain like
minuscule pathways. Three of the countries most infamous hiking trails
are founded here: The Tsitsikamma, The Dolphin Trail and The Otter Trail.
The twisty hiking trails mysterious appearance leaves room for plenty adventure.
The guided tour safari also
takes you on a land cruise to the world's best whale watching destination,
Hermanus, which boasts some of the most scenic roads in the country. You'll
stop to enjoy some fine food and wine at the Cape Winelands and then pass
the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, before you eat your way through
as much oysters as you can in Knysna, and witness the unbelievable sights
at the Tsitiskamma National Park.
If you don't want to be restricted
to a planned pleasure trip you may also opt for a Self Drive Safari where
you have the freedom to explore the Garden Route at your own pace. There
is no disadvantage to self drive safari's as South Africa has well constructed
roads and excellent mobile phone network coverage, on the contrary self
drive safari's have become even more popular than guided tours as visitors
that travel the Garden Route want to be free from a planned itinerary since
there are still so much sights and scents that remain uncovered.
The distance from Cape Town
to Port Elizabeth is an estimated 769km but that doesn't mean that you're
going to complete the trip within 12 hours. There are plenty of stops you
can grab a quick bite to eat or even sit down and dine, and if you're keen
on staying the night (or two) there is an endless list of cosy little guest
houses available.
The Top Four Attractions
Pack your travel bag with
your camera to capture all the memorable sights the Garden Route has to
offer. There are four main attractions that are essential for all Garden
Routers:
The Cango Caves
The Cango Caves exceeds man's
expectation of a natural beauty. This fortress of corridors and dripstone
formations is the result of a geological flaw in the Swartberg Mountains,
formed by the merging of hundreds of thousands of years of time, water
and natural chemistry. Many of the hallways and caves still stand exactly
as it was when created and they all carry dreamy descriptive labels such
as the Organ Pipes, which is the mirror image of an actual organ.
Monkeyland
Next stop: A hearty meal
in the bubbly forest of Monkeyland. Its is an innovative primate sanctuary
set up in an untouched natural forest that homes chimpanzees and ape species
from all over the world. It's unique in it being the only location in the
world where you are able to have your café latte while watching
the primates playing. Visitors leave this thrilling venture always coming
back for more.
The Elephant Park
There is a sad history about
the Knysna Elephants, but one you will only learn on your Elephant Safari.
Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, the Elephant Park is home to
the world's southernmost elephants as well as South Africa's resident elephants,
and with the help of your tour guide you will be well informed about the
differences between these two species. Get a panoramic view of the lush
native and exotic forests as you roam on elephant back. Guided nature walks
alongside these humble mammals are also available for those afraid of heights.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
The Choo-Tjoe (pronounced
choo-choo) is a vintage little steam train, the only one in the world that
passes across a scrap of the ocean and large lake. The train is popular
as a means to see part of the Garden Route that runs from George to Knysna.
This one-way three hour train ride with a view takes you on a charming
adventure along the coast and also passing the Kaaimans River Bridge, one
of the most photographed fixtures in the world.
Be Part Of The Experience
The best part of the Garden
Route is that there are accommodation spots in almost every tourist attraction
location. Apart from Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route, Montagu is
at the top of our list of stunning places to stay. It is rich in rock formations
and is best known for its hot mineral springs. Other top resorts include
Swellendam, a rural Cape Dutch town, Hermanus, the little town on the coast
where whales flock to each year, and Plettenberg Bay, known to the locals
as the best beach in the Western Cape.
So whether it's a family
break you're planning, a romantic getaway or honeymoon, connect with a
travel operator that knows the area and make sure to experience the South
African Garden Route. It's a treasure...
About the Author - RoadTravel
is an accredited and well established tour operator specialising in tailor-made
travel and safaris to southern Africa. Their vision is to share the
magic that is Africa; to encourage clients to return again and again and
above all to create authentic and memorable experiences for their clients.
Dramatic
river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests
are the quintessential
Garden Route images. Stretching from anywhere
between Stilbaai and
Inland,
the Little Karoo and Route 62, which have no pretensions to being the Garden
Route, are often treated as the same destination, as it's pretty easy zigzag
between them by driving the many scenic passes over the Outeniqua Mountains.
Initially the Garden Route was seen as very much a beach and/or family
holiday destination, which it is, but there is also so much to do. There's
great hiking, with rambles ranging from an hour to a few days covering
rocky coasts, deep forests, pretty fynbos and long sandy beaches. The diving
is good, as is the surfing, and there are some fun sea kayaking and flat
water paddling trips. Some of the country's best mountain bike trails snake
through the forests, and there are horse trails for every taste and level
of ability. Tandem skydiving, paragliding, and a range of scenic flights
all offer different birds eye views.
The
Garden Route offers some of the best boat based whale watching in the world,
flower lovers and birders will also have a field day traipsing off through
the forest or the fynbos, and there are numerous national parks and nature
reserves. Steam buffs will love the narrow gauge Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
For the more culturally inclined, there are township tours, museums, lovely
old buildings, funky craft shops, markets, art galleries and loads of live
music venues. And, of course, a flotilla of great restaurants - many of
which specialise in seafood - in each town. The Garden Route is a golfer's
dream destination - you could play a different course every day for a week
and still have a few left over.
