Supreme Natural Splendour
South Africa’s renowned Garden Route, slumbering peacefully along the Indian Ocean shoreline, is a region blessed with supreme natural splendour.
This holiday hotspot has earned its reputation as a perennial favourite amongst both local and international tourists, and at less than 500 km from Cape Town along the coastal N2 highway, it is a lovely day drive. The timeless Knysna Forest stands out as a jewel in the Garden Route’s botanical crown, imparting a tranquil ambience to the area.
Venture beyond the emerald forests and you will discover a range of other natural treasures along the Garden Route. The unspoilt beaches of Goukamma, the Sedgefield freshwater lakes and the inland skyscraper peaks edging the vast and arid plains of the adjacent Karoo.
Venture Beyond
The pristine marine estuaries and a mountain river network carving down from the surrounding ranges that form the Garden Route shapes an outdoor playground of note. The Garden Route has prime mountain biking territory, but with a diverse range of out-of-the-saddle action and leisure options on the cards.
Anything goes, from fly-fishing the estuary, abseiling off the craggy Knysna Heads or kayaking the breathtaking coastline. Otherwise you could dolphin-watch from a paraglider, do a horseback outride along remote beaches or hike legendary multi-day routes such as the Otter Hiking Trail. Not to be missed is the annual Knysna Oyster Festival held in July, but only if you’re keen on crowds.
By Jacques Marais
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