Garden Route:South Africa

South Africas Garden route is a scenic road drive along the southern coast of South Africa from Mossel Bay to St Francis. The route runs for 200km of temperate forest,pine plantations and "fynbos"bush alongside the rocky coves and sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. The route also passes through gorges,mountain passes and by lakes. The route appeals to many European visitors as it is well travelled and the pleasant sun makes a change from mid-winter in Europe.

Before you reach the garden route The Winelands region to the east of Cape Town has numerous wine estates can be found in and the towns of Stellenbosch,Franschhoek,Wellington and Paarl. Take a winery tour and linger.The route then continues along highway N2

The Garden Route Game Reserve is set against the Langeberg Mountain Range. A private reserve that is malaria free you can spy giraffe,cheetah, white rhino, lion, elephant, kudu, zebra and wildebeest. Tours and luxury accomodation avialalble.

Mossel Bay bay has been attracting tourists to its sunny sandy beaches beside the INdian Ocean for over 100 years. Mossel By is also the site of the first European landing in South Africa so has a cultural significance. Great for Whale watching.

Wilderness National Park situated between George and Knysna is a beautiful pak of rivers estuaries and lakes with a backdrop of mountains. The Touw River connects lakes which form a internationally recognised Ramsar site. You can also whale and dolphin watch from Dolphin Point. Various adventure activities are available as well as camping and hiking.

Sedgefield is pretty town and part of the Cittaslow movement ,promoting a slower more peaceful way of life. Miles of Indian Ocean beach beaches,wildlife watching,hiking,biking or just relaxing. This is the place to wind down and relax.

George is a town of around 200,000 on the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean. It has all the modern facilities of a larger town including several golf courses.

The Knysna Lake Area is a tidal lagoon and estuary dominated by the Knysna Heads which seperate the serene lagoon from the Indian Ocean. In the forest there are leisurely walks,picnic spots,hikes,biking trails and strenuous day walks .The Harkerville Forest is the end point for one of South Africa’s most popular hiking trails, The Outeniqua Trail which is 7 days and 8 nights long. Participants don’t have to do the whole trail as there are smaller sections to choose from. Birdwatchers won't be dissapointed with a wealth of wading birds. Knysa itself is an attractive tourist town.

Near Plettenberg Bay look out for humpback whales, bottlenose,common dolphins and killer whales especially near Plettenberg Bay.

Tsitsikamma National Park has forest,spectacular river gorges and pounding waterfalls. The park is great for hiking and you'll come across baboons,monkeys,antelope and otters.Natures Valley is a small village and holiday resort within the Tsitsikima Nationa Park as is Storms River the end of the Garden Route.