the Travel Enthusiast
- 30 Aug
Top 5 destinations on the Garden Route, South Africa
photo by Annabel Symington
The Garden Route is a stretch of the South African coast that is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque regions in the country. The Garden Route, Tuinroete in Afrikaans, starts in Heidelberg and ends at Storms River, and predictably enough it gets its name from the verdant and lush vegetation of the area.
The coast along the Garden Route is dotted with countless lagoons and bays, and numerous scenic small towns. There couldn’t be a better place for a South African road trip than the Garden Route, whose climate is reputedly one of the mildest in the world, and whose natural beauty and friendly towns tempt travelers at every turn. If you are visiting South Africa, here are the top 5 destinations on the Garden Route.
George
George is the largest town in the Garden Route, and one of the oldest towns in South Africa to boot. If you are planning on taking the Garden Route, George is one of the main gateways. George can boast of an incredibly scenic location, sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains. George is a great destination if you are planning on hiking in the mountains, or visiting some of the most interesting historical landmarks on the Garden Route.
Knysna
Knysna, photo by Damien du Toit
Knysna is on of the most popular tourist destinations on the route, halfway between George and Plettenberg Bay. Knysna is a town caught in perpetual spring, surrounded by green forests and near the astounding Tsitsikamma National Park.
The town is laid out around a small lagoon, and it is one of the best places in South Africa for seafood cuisine, especially oysters.
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is the spot where explorer Bartolomeu Dias first set foot on land in 1488, and where the first post office in South Africa was established in 1500.
This quiet harbor town is has a rich history and it is one of the friendliest and most hospitable destinations on the coast. If you are looking to buy arts and crafts, a trip to Mossel Bay will surely land you with some interesting finds.
Platbos Reserve
Platbos Reserve, photo by SnideRemarks
Platbos reserve is surrounded by Tsitsikamma National Park, and it is remarkable for its diverse flora and fauna, but also its rich cultural heritage.
The reserve is a very convenient spot for getting acquainted with Tsitsikamma’s natural wonders, and at the same time it is close to the beach, shops and restaurants.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Wilderness
Contrary to its name, Wilderness is actually an idyllic little village in the Western Cape, nestled between Goukama nature Reserve and the Kaaimans River. Wilderness is a great destination if you are interested in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, water sports, horse riding or paragliding.
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The Gremlin afternoon edition : The Gremlin – Daily online newspaper for the Garden Route wrote on August 31, 2011:[…] Top 5 destinations on the Garden Route […]
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