THE EXOTIC GARDEN ROUTE
With pristine beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and kloofs, the Garden Route is a stunning holiday destination, a place to restore your soul and revitalise your body and mind.
South Africa's 'Garden of Eden', is a combination of long sandy beaches, picturesque lagoons, lush green forests and majestic mountain ranges. Stretching from the Slang River near Heidelberg, to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River, this scenic jewel is wedged between the mountains and the sea and has a temperate climate.
The area known as the Klein Karoo is a scenic valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. Sightseeing includes the Old Post Office Tree, Mossel Bay, Bartolomeu Dias Museum
George
Situated in a picturesque environment on a coastal plateau
between the Outeniqua Mountain Range and the Indian Ocean, George and the surrounding area have a temperate
climate throughout the year. It is ideally situated half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth - an ideal
place to explore the surrounding areas. There are many historical landmarks such as the Slave Tree, now a national
monument, and King Edward VII Library - said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in George. The
coast includes secluded Victoria Bay - renowned for surfing, and Herold's Bay, a small, holiday resort with large tidal
pools, safe bathing and good angling opportunities. As for sport; George has 2 of the top 10 golf courses in South
Africa and also offers flying, gliding, horse riding, squash, tennis and a variety of hiking trails and mountain
biking.
Knysna
Knysna is one
of the Southern Cape coast's best-known holiday destinations. Situated between lush forests and the shores
of the peaceful lagoon, it offers many activities and attractions. The Knysna heads is one of the greatest.
A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head with spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna.
The Western Head is the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along
the coast and in the world with an oyster hatchery. The Millwood House Museum houses material relating to the history
of the town, and includes artefacts once owned by George Rex. The Knysna Forest - the largest indigenous forest in South
Africa comprises of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species was once home to the great herds of Knysna Elephants,
- now believed that only one lonely cow remains. Knysna also contains a variety of birds’ species including the
famous Knysna Loerie.
Plettenberg Bay
The town of Plettenberg Bay (known as Plett) is situated on the Southern Tip of
the African coast and is located in one of the most popular tourist areas along the Garden Route. Originally
christened "Bahia
Formosa" (beautiful
bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay and is trendy and very popular as a tourist destination
and is renowned for its endless, white beaches, beautiful lagoon and river mouth, whale watching, nature reserve,
pansy shells and night life.
