South Africa’s Garden Route is a 300-kilometer coastline stretch, located on the western coast of South Africa. This stretches from Mosselbay in the Western Cape all the way to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This area is home to diverse vegetation and luscious greenery as well as many lagoons and lakes which are situated along the coastline. Towns such as Knysna, Plattenburg Bay, Mosselbay, Little Brak River and Nature’s Valley and the city of George form part of the beautiful Garden Route. This is where long stretches of sandy beaches, lagoons, crystal clear waters, luscious forests and wildlife can be found.
The Garden Route is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and mountainous areas as well as the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma forests. These forests are indigenous and almost 300 species of birds are found. Recreational activities such as hiking and mountain biking are offered. There are also ten nature reserves which are home to many plant and animal species including coral reefs, dolphins, seals and other marine life. Many bays along the coast of the Garden Route are home to species of endangered whales as they roam the waters in the winter and spring months, during birthing season.
The Garden Route’s climate is one of the mildest in the world, after Hawaii. Summers are mild to warm and winters are mild to cool. There is rainfall all year round, especially during the spring months. People can visit and travel along the Garden Rout throughout the year and can enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Many top-rated restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are found along the Garden Route and there are many different accommodation options to choose from such as hotels, apartments, houses and B&Bs. There is a variety of activities and day trips to choose from, which embrace the beautiful atmosphere of the Garden Route.
Dias Museum Complex is a museum in Mosselbay, which provides interesting information about Mosselbay’s role as being a stomping ground for many European sailors in the 15th century such as Bartolomeu Dias. Monkeyland is a very popular attraction, where visitors can walk through a forest and encounter many different monkey species. Monkeyland is also a rehabilitation center for wild monkeys that were once pets or in zoos. Other popular attractions include the Knysna Lagoon, Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve, Goukamma Nature Reserve, Garden Route National Park, Outeniqua Transport Museum, Featherbed Nature Reserve and Birds of Eden, which is one of the world’s biggest free-flight aviaries.