The Garden Route and Klein Karoo - Pt1:Garden Route

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo region will be broken up into 2 posts, first focusing on the Garden Route area and thereafter the Klein Karoo.

The Garden Route

Aptly named, the region is seen as South Africa’s “Garden of Eden”. Stretching from Heidelberg in the West to Stormsriver in the East, the Cape Garden Route is a lush landscape that encompasses green grasslands, wetlands, forests and mountains, blue lagoons, lakes and rivers and endless white sandy beaches. 

The region is home to the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, which can be found at the Bloukrans bridge. They many coves and bays in the region are known for being nurseries for Southern Right Whales during the Winter and Spring months, dolphins are also often found frolicking in the waters.

The Garden Route is also a favourite among honeymooners, the superior hotels, spas, golf courses and guesthouses, found in tranquil settings, are picture perfect and provide couples with peace and privacy. 

Well known towns in the Garden Route:

Mossel Bay - like most of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is blessed with mild climate with sunshine most of the year. A laid back seaside town, Mossel Bay boasts the biggest archeological project in world; the Mossel Bay Archaeology project and the smallest commercial harbour in the country. The Dias Museum Complex in the town consists of  four different museums and five heritage sites.

George - nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, known as the "Gateway to the the Garden Route", George is the largest town in the region as well as the 6th oldest town in South Africa. The George Airport links the Garden Route to the rest of the country and is regarded as the economic hub of the Southern Cape. The premier golf resort Fancourt is very popular, there are 9 other golf courses as well as a world-class golfing academy in the town.

Wilderness - this little seaside village has become an internationally sought after holiday resort. The seemingly endless stretch of white sandy beach is a haven in an area with a "eternal spring" climate encompassing peace and tranquility. Bird watching is an especially rewarding opportunity as there is a abundance of over 200 species to be sighted. 

Knysna - home of oysters which are celebrated at the annual Knysna Oyster Festival in June, Knysna is one of the most renowned town is the Garden Route. The indigenous forests that surround Knysna constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in Southern Africa. The town is also famous for the Knysna Heads; a deep, but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea comes in and fills the strikingly beautiful lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. 

Plettenberg Bay - the "jewel of the the Garden Route", this town is revered by nature lovers and adventure sports entusiasts. Plett as it is fondly known as offers visitors unspoilt beaches, remarkable land and boat-based whale and dolphin watching (in season), championship golf courses and almost mythical towering forests.

The Garden Route is a playground for adventure lovers with adventure sports available all the way through the region. From bungy jumping, kloofing, abseiling, surfing, paragliding, sky and scuba diving to horseriding and tree top canopy zip lining.

For information contact the Garden Route and Klein Karoo tourism office on +27 44 803 1427 or of the local tourism info offices in the towns.