In South Africa between Mossel Bay and Storms River, you will find the Garden Route that runs parallel to the south cape coastline which features lakes, mountains, golden beaches, cliffs and dense indigenous forests.
The Garden Route has a
well-developed tourist infrastructure, making the region popular all year round.
The pont at Malgas is the only remaining pont in the country, ferrying vehicles
and livestock across the Breede River. Whale watching attracts tourists at
Witsand and Port Beaufort from June to November. The area also has a few
free-range ostrich farms.
The harbour at Mossel Bay is one of the most modern commercial and recreational
harbours on the southern Cape coastline. The Information Canter at PetroSA
(formerly Mossgas) informs visitors about the project and the production of
synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay's offshore gas fields. Other attractions include
the Attequas Kloof Pass, Anglo-Boer/South African War blockhouses and the
Bartholomew Diaz complex. Great Brak River offers a historic village with many
opportunities for whale and dolphin watching along the extensive coast. Game
farms hosting four of the Big Five enrich the wild and bird life.
George is at the heart of the Garden Route and the mecca of golf in the southern
Cape, as it is home to the renowned Fancourt Country Club and Golf Estate and
various other acclaimed golf courses.
Board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe on its daily trip along the coastline between
George and Knysna (except Sundays) at the Outeniqua Transport Museum, where one
can enjoy a variety of enterprises. Visitors can also board the Power Van here,
and enjoy a glimpse of the Garden Route Botanical Garden.
The George Museum with its timber history as theme offers ongoing exhibitions.
The Montagu and Voortrekker Passes are national monuments, providing spectacular
views of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, which offers several hiking trails. The
George Airport, the Outeniqua Pass, the railway line and the N2 offer excellent
access and make George the ideal hub from which to explore the Garden Route and
Little Karoo.
Victoria Bay and Wilderness are popular for their safe bathing and unspoilt
nature. Wilderness is the western gateway to the southern Cape lakes area. It's
a nature lover's paradise, best known for its beaches, lakes, placid lagoon and
lush indigenous forests. Bird watchers flock to the Langvlei and Rondevlei Bird
Sanctuaries in the Wilderness National Park, which host over 230 different bird
species. Other activities include biking, abseiling, horse-riding, paragliding,
scenic drives, canoeing, scuba ping and fishing.
Sedgefield borders Swartvlei Lagoon, the largest natural inland saltwater lake
in South Africa. Activities include beach horse-riding, hiking, angling and
bird-watching. Knysna has officially become South Africa's favorite destination.
What makes it unique is the fact that the town nestles on the banks of an
estuary, guarded by The Heads (two huge sandstone cliffs) surrounded by
indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches.
This natural wonderland is home to the largest and smallest of creatures, from
the Knysna seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare delicate butterflies and the
endemic Knysna Loerie, a colourful forest bird. Over 200 species can be found in
the abundant fynbos and forest settings. Knysna is also famous for its
delectable homegrown oysters, enjoyed with locally brewed beer in quaint pubs
and restaurants. An eclectic mix of art galleries showcases the diversity of
talent in the area. The area also offers lagoon cruises, forest hikes, golf and
adventure sports. A visit to the Knysna Quays is a must.
Plettenberg Bay is adventure country, offering boat-based whale watching, black
water tubing, hiking, and forest and cycling trails. Look-Out Beach is one of
the Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.
The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve at Plettenberg Bay offers a canoeing trail,
and the Robberg Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of land, marine, geological
and archaeological wealth.
The Tsitsikamma National Park offers many scenic walks and trails, including the
world-famous Otter Trail. It also boasts the only underwater trail in Africa.
The Park is South Africa's first proclaimed marine reserve. There are several
bungee-jumping spots in the area, including the highest bungee jump in the world
at the Bloukrans River Bridge. Other popular activities include boat cruises,
trout-fishing, whale watching, ping, sea-kayaking, gliding, golfing, abseiling
and canoeing.
Klein Karoo Kannaland
The Klein Karoo Kannaland is a semi-desert area broken by unexpected lush river
valleys. Excellent wines and port are produced in the Calitzdorp and De Rust
areas.
Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich-feather capital, is the region's main town. The
Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pass are also worth a visit. The Klein Karoo
Nasionale Kunstefees is held in the town annually. Some 29 km from Oudtshoorn
lie the remarkable Cango Caves, a series of spectacular subterranean limestone
caverns. Bearing evidence of early San habitation, the 30-cave wonderland boasts
magnificent dripstone formations. Between 200 000 and 250 000 people visit the
Caves annually.
Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission stations midway between Ladismith and
Calitzdorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and hiking trails through orchards
and vineyards, while the Seweweekspoort is ideal for mountain-biking, hiking,
and protea and fynbos admirers.
Calitzdorp boasts four wine estates, three of which are open to the public. The
spring water of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and is reputed to have
medicinal properties. The Gamka Mountain Reserve is home to the rare and
endangered Cape mountain zebra.
De Rust lies at the southern entrance to Meiringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge
extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range. Halfway through, a beautiful
69 m-high waterfall can be seen. Wine farms in the area are open to the public.
Ladysmith is home to the Towerkop Cheese Factory. There are various hiking
trails, mountain-biking trails and 4x4 trails in the area. The Anysberg, Klein
Karoo and Towerkop Nature Reserves can also be visited.
Uniondale, on the main route between George and Graaff-Reinet, features the
largest water-wheel in the country, the Old Watermill. Uniondale Poort is a
scenic drive linking Uniondale with Avontuur in the Langkloof Valley.
At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fynbos is dried and packed for the export
market. Donkey-cart rides take visitors to Anglo-Boer/South African War grave
sites.
South African Coach Tours operates all over South Africa. We have coach charter partners with infrastructure created to maintain and manage a fleet of luxury coaches. All vehicles are air conditioned and are fitted with Radio/tape/CD, onboard computer and PA systems as expected from these type of vehicles. Passenger liability insurance to the amount of R100 million per incident is in place. Driver selection is strict and only those with the necessary skills and experience are employed.
South African Coach Tours is offering you this 5 Day 4 Night Garden Route Tour.
If you have any questions or comments please call me on 0720390184 or e-mail me on coachtours@12234455.co.za.
Po Box 12216 Die Boord 7613 Stellenbosch South Africa
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