The Garden Route in South Africa is legendary for its extreme natural beauty journeying across spectacular mountain passes, along the pristine coastline boasting some of South Africa's top coastal resorts Gateway to this natural paradise is the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth, which has wide open beaches and an impressive promenade, wonderful examples of early Victorian architecture. It also has a huge nature reserve with riverside walks within shouting distance of the city centre.
Sadly, what nature provided in the form of indigenous yellowwood and iron wood forests along the Garden Route were mostly felled by settlers for the classic homesteads of the Cape. Today just 650m of the original forest survives, preserved for posterity in state forests such as the Tsitsikamma National Park. This incredibly beautiful 80-kilometre long coastal plateau juts out to sea for five kilometres, forming part of a unique diving trail. Above water, the park is alive with fynbos, wild orchids, lilies, otters, baboons, small buck and 280 bird species. once noted for its 500 elephants, legend has it that just a single illusive old bull remains of the original herd after relentless hunting.
With its succession of bays, white sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and tidal pools, it's hardly surprising that many of the country's premier coastal resorts are to be found here.
The Wilderness area, with its series of huge lakes and abundant wildlife, is a favourite destination for water sports, hikers and nature lovers. Sedgefield, a small village set on the Swartvlei lagoon, is particularly lovely.
Knysna is perhaps the most visually arresting resort, with its famous sandstone Heads guarding the sea entrance to its huge tidal lagoon, which is surrounded by deep green forests, marshes and stunning beaches. Knysna is the country's largest commercial oyster farming centre, and for 10 days every July, the Oyster Festival draws thousands of festive visitors. |
· Enjoy the beaches of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay and many other beautiful coastal towns
· Experience a Game Experience at Shamwari, Addo Elephant Park, or one of the many other private game reserves
· Bungy jump off the worlds highest commercial bungy site - The Storms River Bridge.
· Experience the beauty of Knysna, and sample famous oysters straight from the lagoon.
· Take the Outeniqua Tjoe - Tjoe along the coast from Knysna to George.
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