Garden Route

Stretching from Stilbaai, the Garden Route takes you on a journey of about 350km through white beaches, mysterious forests gorges and headlands. every town is within an hour's drive of each other and following the N2, the traveler pasts by Mosselbay, Hartenbos, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Stormsriver.

Mossel Bay offers many beaches on the shores of the mild Indian Ocean and is popular amongst families, locals and tourists. Bartholomew Diaz first founded the town in 1488 and it is now home to a Maritime Museum, Shell Museum and Aquarium. Mossel Bay also offers boat-based shark and whale watching, hiking and walking and plenty of water and outdoor activities including golf.

George is have the nearby beaches of Herold's Bay and Victoria Bay which are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and surfing and for a scenic train trip take a journey on the Outeniqua Choo Choo which travels between George and Knysna.

Wilderness is a nature and outdoor enthusiasts delight. The area stretches from the Kaaimans River to the borders of the Goukamma Nature Reserve and includes the Wilderness National Park as well as rivers, lakes and long stretches of beach.

Situated on the shores of the picturesque Knysna Lagoon you will find the extremely popular town of Knysna. Home to the rare Knysna seahorse, the lagoon is a protected area and regular guided lagoon cruises will introduce you to the lagoon as well as the spectacular cliffs at the Knysna Heads which lead out to the Indian Ocean - sunset cruises with fresh oysters and champagne are also available. Wander along the vibrant main street and enjoy some shopping. Beach walks at Brenton-on-Sea or the romantic Noetzie Beach with castles dating back 100s of years will make any couple fall in love all over again.

Plettenberg Bay has become a commercialized holiday destination with many locals owning holiday homes in the area. Surrounded by a backdrop of the majestic Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, Plettenberg Bay offers wonderful beaches with clear, warm waters making them ideal for hiking and swimming. Outdoor activities include boat-based whale and dolphin watching trips. The warm evenings are perfect for enjoying a wide range of restaurants, cafes and beach bars catering to all ages. Within driving distance are Monkey Land and a selection of private game reserves.

The secluded Nature's Valley is an area where time has stood still. If peace and quite are what you are looking for, this is the place to be. Walk along the rugged beach, cool off in the lagoon and soak up the tranquility and solitude. There isn't much accommodation available, but its well worth a day-trip.

Route 62 a little bit more in land also offer quite allot to see and is called the Little Karoo. The Outeniqua Mountains looks like a painting and the Cango caves are the deepest caves in South Africa taking breaths away since it has been discovered. Crawl through holes only 30cm wide and climb up the devil's chimney if you want your hart to race.

Back to the Garden Route and its activities, the destination offers a very suitable family holiday as there are endless things to do. Some of these include hiking on beaches, mountains or forests. If you are the extreme kind, surfing some of South Africa's biggest waves are not uncommon and diving, sea kayaking and mountain biking are awaiting you! Tandem skydiving, paragliding and scenic flights guarantees unforgettable views. For the more tranquil person, horse riding on beaches with the sunset as a backdrop may be the thing for you.

Museums, old buildings will satisfy even college professors and art markets and craft shops wont make mom go home empty handed. The seafood restaurants are out of this world and every town have places where you can feel the spray of the ocean on your face while dining like a king. Golfers will loose their wives on the Garden Route and can be called the golfer's paradise as even Ernie Else have a home near George.