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 South
Africa's Garden Route, also known as Outiniqualand was once
the home of the Outeniqua or 'honey people', a Khoikhoi tribe
who gathered honey made from the abundant wild flowers of
the region. It is a narrow coastal plain stretching along
250km of the country's most scenic coastline. A mild climate
and year-round rainfall have created a lush, green Eden where
nature has bestowed her abundant riches.
Trees, flowers, lakes and rivers have made the Garden Route
a paradise for birds. The colourful Knysna
lourie and seldom
seen Narina trogon inhabit the indigenous forests while kingfishers,
fish-eagles and waterfowl frequent the coastal estuaries.
But the giants of these primordial forests are the Outeniqua
yellowoods - now protected and no longer felled and of course,
a handful of Knysna elephants that roam the higher reaches
of the densely wooded mountain slopes.
Large parts of the Garden Route are now protected areas or
preserved as national parks that can still be enjoyed by visitors.
The coastline is mostly sheer cliffs with secluded bays and
long stretches of pristine golden beaches. Southern right
and pygmy whales visit the shores in summer and schools of
bottle-nosed dolphins frolick in the waves all year round.
There are many ways to discover the beauty of the Garden
Route. Catch a ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe that
runs from Knysna through Wilderness to
George every day. This traditional steam train winds its
way across lakes
and estuaries, meanders through
forested
valleys and hugs the rugged slopes along the Indian
Ocean coast, affording spectacular views of the
surrounding countryside.
Or if you prefer to drive, you have the choice of several
scenic mountain passes. The Outeniqua Pass connects George
to Outshoorn in the Little Karoo. This modern expressway
provides ample view points from which to enjoy the towering
mountains and the Montagu Pass with its old toll house.
Prince Alfred's pass takes a route north from Knysna through
kilometers of lush indigenous forest and pine plantations.
After passing through picturesque farms in the idyllic Keurbooms
Valley, you begin a long climb to the top of the escarpment
to reach the old Karoo town of Uniondale.
The Seven-Passes Road runs parallel to
the coast and connects George to Knysna. For those with some
time on their hands,
this 80km drive winds through densely wooded gorges and pastoral
farmlands following the route staked out in the 1860s for
transport riders by Thomas Bain, master roadbuilder. There
are several picnic spots including one at "The Big
Tree', a giant yellowood believed to be over 800 years
old.
The Garden Route is perfect for exploring the wonders of
nature on foot. The Outeniqua Hiking Trail runs for 150km
along the southern slopes of the Outeniqua range, ending at
Witfontein forestry station and providing accommodation at
rustic overnight huts along the way. The world-famous Otter
Trail is a walk of several days through pristine tracts of
marine reserve, craggy river gorges and stretches of breathtakingly
beautiful coastline.
About 100km inland from Storms River, the valley of
Baviaanskloof is
for traveler’s with an adventurous
spirit who want to experience a pristine piece of South
African wilderness far from the well-trodden tourist
routes. Fantastic camping in this rugged and beautiful mountain
reserve.
The towns and seaside villages of the Garden Route are
relaxed and friendly and provide a huge variety of accommodation
and holiday activity options. Knysna,
set on a spectacular lagoon has its roots in the tree felling
and ship building tradition
of the 1800s. Today the town is a mecca for kitesurfers,
fishermen and sailors. Don't miss the annual Oyster
Festival when locals
and visitors alike gather to devour dozens of these delicacies
while they sip cold beer and watch the sun set at festive
Waterfront bars.
Plettenberg
Bay is a glamorous holiday destination famous
for its fantastic beaches, warm oceans and waterskiing on
nearby lagoons. This thriving town offers luxury accommodation,
good restaurants and facilities and a vibrant nightlife during
holiday season.
A few kilometers to the east is Natures Valley, set in the
Tsitsikamma National Park. The coastal section of the park
was the first marine reserve declared in Africa. This 5000ha
sanctuary stretches along 100km of rocky shores, secluded
beaches, steep ravines and tidal pools. The main attraction
of the park is the greatly varied sea life with hundreds of
species of fish, sea anemones, sponges and sea snails.
Opportunities for adventure abound on the Garden Route and
local operators are well equipped to make your trip worthwhile.
Mountain biking and 4x4 trails are especially exciting in
this mountainous terrain. There are also spectacular locations
for bungi jumping, paragliding and deep sea fishing, or,
if you are looking for something different, a Tsitsikamma
treetop
tour will take you on a guided eco-adventure from platform
to platform across the forest canopy.
| Garden Route
- selected destinations |
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More Info - www.tourismcapetown.co.za/gardenroute
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