Travelling in the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa
The Garden Route is one of the most spectacular drives in the world, many have the following words when they think of the Garden Route South Africa -awesome,exceptional, extraordinary, magnificent, outstanding, preeminent, remarkable. The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay in the west as far as Jefferey's Bay in the East. A self-drive holiday couldn't be easier - one single road, the N2 national highway runs straight through the Garden Route. The drive is stunning with one side bordered by forests and mountains, and the other side lagoons sheltered behind a barrier of sand dunes and fantastic unspoilt beaches.
PLETTENBERG BAY
Plettenberg Bay (Bitou)basks in the glow of its radiant beaches. Plett is a beautiful upmarket resort with a reputation as a playground for wealthy South Africans. It is easy to see why early Portuguese explorers christened Plett "Bahia Formosa" (Beautiful Bay). Adventure possibilities seem limitless. The Bay teems with 300 resident dolphins, whales, sharks and its own enchanting seal colony.
KNYSNA
Knysna is a bustling town boasting a fantastic holiday atmosphere. Culture starved holiday makers will be delighted by Knysna's art galleries, African curio markets and a surprising number of excellent restaurants and bars. Knysna hosts its annual Oyster festival in July. Come enjoy for Knysna Oysters
WILDERNESS
Wilderness is a real discovery! Aptly named, it is surrounded by rivers, a waterfall, two estuaries, expanses of indigenous forest and the mighty Indian Ocean thundering along its unspoilt beaches.
GEORGE
At the heart of the Garden Route, George Airport provides several flights a day to Johannesburg and Cape Town, thus is an ideal gateway to the Garden Route. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train is the last steam train in Africa running daily between Oudtshorn, George and Knysna.
OUDTSHORN
Home to the Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Meercat Research Centre, Buffelsdrift luxury tented Game Lodge, Kango Winery, Wilgewandel Holiday Farm, Le Pitit Karoo, Horse Ranch Highgate Ostrich Show Farm and much more. Oudtshoorn makes for a fun filled break for all the family.
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is a unique South African bushveld experience in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Luxary en-suite tents with airconditioning are situated at the edge of a large watering hole. From your deck you can spot hippo, buffalo, rhino,giraffe, elephants wilderbeast and zebra.
MOSSEL BAY
The thrill seeking traveler will get an adrenalin fix at Mossel Bay. Here you can come face to face with Great White Sharks in cage diving. Divers don't need certification, so anybody brave enough can join in! Spend the day in the water with several of these intriguing creatures. For those travel companions not quite so brave, the boat accommodates spectators.
Situated in spectacular mountains near Mossel Bay, Botlierskop Private Game reserve offers luxary tented suites, elegantly decorated in Colonial style. Experience rhino, lion, buffalo, giraffe and many more species during an exhilarating 3 hr guided game drive in an open vehicle. Malaria Free.
The Point Hotel is a suprisingly affordable 4 star hotel, with spectacular sea views. Each room is sea facing with a private balcony. You can watch Humpback, Southern Right whales or dolphins passing by from your bed!
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
Tsitsikamma National Park is proudly known as the 'Garden' of the Garden Route. Here forests cascade uninterrupted into the Indian Ocean and wildlife thrives in abundance. Diving and snorkeling are most rewarding in the Park. Storms River is a picturesque little village nestled at the eastern side of the National Park. Storms River Adventures offer an enormous range of activities including black water tubing, abseiling and pot holing. Bloukrans Bungee, the world's highest (216m and 8 seconds of free fall!), is only a short drive away.
JEFFEREYS BAY
'J' Bay has undoubtedly the best surfing in South Africa, and is renowned for its super tubes. A chilled out surfing vibe is apparent throughout this laid back town.
PORT ELIZABETH
PE has some wonderful beaches and holds some interesting South African history and architecture. Those seeking a safari experience should head beyond PE to Shamwari Game Reserve or to Addo National Elephant Park. |
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