OVERVIEW

A coastal stretch of magnificent scenery encompassing mountains, rivers, coastal views and
seaside towns, the Garden route offers visitors hundreds of kilometres of well-developed tourism infrastructure and diverse experiences.

The Garden Route is easily accessible from Cape Town by road (4 hour drive). There are many variations as to how best the Garden Route can be explored, but one of the most rewarding is by vehicle. This allows for flexibility and it also provides the visitor with the opportunity to take in the magnificence of the scenery and its diversity. Given the wide variety of activities and accommodation available, it is best to allow the guest to choose for themselves. Below is a smorgasbord of the types of activities available and depending on preferences indicated, an itinerary will be tailored to best suit the individual’s needs.

Download this page as a PDF (457kb)
Should you not have Acrobat installed, click here to download the free Acrobat Reader.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

General Sightseeing

The coastal scenic beauty, nature reserves, history, wildlife, arts and crafts and the related activities provides the curious tourist with large variety of sightseeing opportunities.

Relax on the Beach

This stretch of coastline is home to some of the most magnifi cent stretches of beach imaginable. Warm waters, safe swimming facilities and easy access make it a day at the beach a definite on any itinerary. Plettenberg Bay is without a doubt South Africa’s most desirable beach destination.

Birding

The birdlife is spectacular – Knysna alone has recorded more than 230 different species of birds including some special interest forest varieties. Tours can be arranged for those interested in birding

Visit The Cango Caves

The Cango Caves is one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. The cave’s exquisite dripstones, curtain-like formations hanging from cavern roofs, calcite flowers, stalactites and stalagmites create an underground wonder-world. Trained guides are at hand to conduct visitors along the magic paths of the world’s finest stalactite cave that venture 800m into the mountainside.

Dolphin Cruises

Large shoals of Dolphins are regularly seen playing beyond the breakers along this coastline. Dolphin cruises offer you the opportunity to view these amazing animals more closely.

Whale Watching

Between July and November each year ever increasing amounts of Southern Right Whales (as well as other species) seek the protected waters of the bays along the Garden Route. The whales come close to shore in order to calve and it is this that offers extraordinary whale viewing opportunities. Excellent land and sea based opportunities exist to view these giants of the ocean.

Forest Tour

Much of the indigenous forests were destroyed in the early colonial days. However, the remaining forests are jealousy protected and are easily accessible to visitors. Walking, picnicking, bird watching, hiking and mountain biking are some of the activities enjoyed in the forest independently or on guided tours.

SPORT

Golf

The Garden Route is South Africa’s golfing mecca and there are very few places on earth that offer such a selection of world-class courses. Five of the countries top ten courses are situated within 100km (60 miles) of one another – not surprisingly, Ernie Els has made his home here and is presently involved in designing and building a golf estate in the region.

Hiking, Mountain Biking & Horse Riding

The mountains, beaches, beautiful indigenous forests and many Nature Reserves provide a wide variety of wonderful hiking, mountain biking and horse riding experiences.

Fishing

Fly-fishing, rock, surf, deep-sea, bass and trout fishing are all available along this portion of the coastline.

WATERSPORTS

Scuba Diving

Diving along this coastline offers varied diving experiences; these include reef dives, shore dives, wreck dives & shark dives. Diving courses are offered and qualifi ed instructors are on hand to help to enjoy this wonderful activity.

Surfing

There are many surfing spots along this portion of coast. Africa Bespoke will take in to consideration levels of competence when recommending a surf spot. Equipment can be hired and there are some excellent surf schools that cater to all levels of ability.

Sailing

Both lakes and lagoons in the area offer excellent sailing opportunities. For the more adventurous hobiecats can be launched from the beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

General Watersports

Watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, surf-skiing, are just some of the examples of the variety of availability along most of the coastline. Many of them can be done independently or alternatively qualified guides are readily available on request.

ACTION

Great White Shark Diving

Mossel Bay is one of the few locations that offers the experience of coming eye-to-eye with a Great White Shark. Underwater cages are suspended from the back of a boat and the sharks are attracted with bait. This is a truly frightening but memorable experience.

Bungi Jumping

The world’s highest commercial bungi jump measuring an awesome 216 metres can be done from the Bloukrans Storms River Bridge near Plettenberg Bay. For adrenaline junkies this is an absolute must.

Forest Canopy Tours

Travel through the forest from tree to tree suspended 30 metres above the ground. The forest canopy tour takes you through the forest traversing from one massive to tree to the other.

Skydiving

South Africa offers one of the best ‘value for money’ sky diving experiences. The Garden Route is one of the most awesome places to satisfy any urge of jumping out of a plane with a parachute attached.

Paragliding

The Garden Route has numerous locations that allow for safe paragliding (both tandem and if qualified, individual). Paragliding allows you to glide above some of the most beautiful coastline the country has to offer.

Gliding

Plettenberg Bay is the only venue in the country that offers commercial glider rides for tourists. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is offered over one of the most scenic bays in the country.

Micro-lighting

It is difficult to describe the thrill of flying low over this beautiful coastline and being able circle at a low altitude over dolphins, whales or any other interesting sightings.

Abseiling

Abseiling can be enjoyed in many spectacular surroundings.

Blackwater Tubing

This involves travelling down a narrow gorge in tubes. It is a guided tour and you are supplied with the necessary equipment (helmets, tubes and wetsuits) It is a great day out, lasting approximately 6 hours (lunch is supplied).

© african agenda
all rights reserved
all photo's © SA Tourism