In Garden Route and Eastern Cape;
In the Western Cape, running between Quartzite Mountains and the Indian Ocean is one of the most scenically beautiful areas in the world. This area is known as the Garden Route.
In a nutshell
In the centre is lovely Knysna (pronounced 'nighs-na'), which is famous for its world-class oysters - you'll be enjoying them in lagoon-front restaurants, as our hotels are based around this area.
Exploring more of the Garden Route, you'll discover diverse wonders, from the stunning mountain passes of Calitzdorp to pretty, sleepy little towns like Ladysmith. Near Knysna is gorgeous Plettenberg Bay, a wide crescent of sand with excellent seafront cafs, shops and restaurants, and brilliant whale watching between Jul and Oct (there are dolphins too!). Outdoor activities include the highest bungee jump in the world. At the eastern edge of the Garden Route is one of the country's best-preserved forests.
Sightseeing ideas
- Enjoy the adventurous canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest, riding on cables amongst the treetops.
- Visit Shamwari and Kariega (malaria-free) game reserves for close encounters with the 'Big Five'.
- Visit the Cango Caves with their spectacular limestone formations.
- Addo Elephant Park is only 72km from Port Elizabeth. Make sure you visit.
- Take a sunset Champagne cruise from Mossel Bay to Seal Island.
- Visit Nelson Mandela's humble childhood home and a museum.
- Sun yourself on one of Port Elizabeth's wide open beaches, then stroll along the impressive promenade.
Getting there
The best way to explore all that the Garden Route has to offer is by car from Cape Town. It is possible to take an internal flight to Port Elizabeth or George and collect your hire car from there, but you'll be missing out on the beautiful scenery of the Garden Route - the stunning mountain passes, pristine coastline and the indigenous yellowwood trees of Tsitsikamma Forest!