THE GARDEN ROUTE

This is an area of beauty and charm, infused with tranquillity  and peace.   Characterized by fossilized dunes, lakes, soaring indigenous forest on the Outeniqua and Tsitsikama ranges, concealing secretive and rare forest elephants and  giant ancient trees , this region is a living monument to millions of years of natural history.  This untamed narrow strip  of 140km coastline from Still Baai to Storms River on the warm Indian Ocean makes the Garden Route one of South Africa’s most beautiful recreational areas.     With a mild year round  climate, many small towns are within easy reach, offering markets which feature local arts and crafts, antiques, delicacies,  produce, restaurants, tours, and a friendly resident population.  Rivers with spectacular gorges are a feature of the Garden Route.     The Knysna Seahorse is a threatened species only found in the Knysna Estuary and other rare creatures include the Cape Clawless Otter, Leopard, Caracal, Cape Porcupine, Bushpig, Reptiles, Water birds,  and the Cape Dune Mole Rat.   Early hunter gatherers ate fresh berries, nuts and fruit found in the forests and  used fish traps in the ocean still used by local people today.       Visitors today can enjoy deep sea angling, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water skiing, paragliding, golf, and many other activities.      Travellers are easily served by local airports located at George and Port Elizabeth.

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