Garden Route Meander

Welcome to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo South Africa

The Garden Route is located along the South Eastern coast of South Africa, 280 kilometres from Cape Town and stretches from Heidelberg in the West to the Storms River Village and Tsitsi­kamma Forests on the Eastern Cape Border. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Out­eniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountain Ranges, the Garden Route offers a dive

rsity of breath- taking ecosystems. Featuring numerous national parks, nature reserves, marine reserves, lakes, lagoons, rivers, wild life, beautiful beaches and little bays, the Garden Route is truly a Garden of Eden’ and is named for its scenic beauty. This Garden of Eden’ forms part of the Cape Floral Region - a World Heritage Site conserving 8 500 species of Fynbos and indigenous vegetation unique to the region. With convenient and easy access from Cape Town by road, the Garden Route commences with its western gateway In Heidelberg, and meanders along 300 kilometres of N2 coastal highway through the towns of Riversdale, Albertinia, Gouritsmond, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley and Storms Riv­er. Tucked between these cities and towns are a number of smaller seaside villages and ham­lets, equally scenic and charming, begging ex­ploration. The true essence of the Garden Route experience is one of exploration and discovery in an idyllic natural setting making for unforgettable memories. As an ecotourism, nature and adventure destina­tion, the Garden Route offers almost every outdoor activity imaginable. Indigenous forests lend themselves to both guided and self guided hiking and mountain bike trails. Some of South Africa’s most scenic and chal­lenging hiking and mountain bike trails are situated in the region and traverse lakes, an­cient forests, estuaries, cliff tops and beach­es. Some of South Africa’s finest golf estates are located along the Garden Route, and golf­ing experiences range from extreme coastline courses edged along the Southern Cape cliffs, to carefully manicured parkland courses. For the culinary adventurer, the Garden Route offers a smorgasbord of choice which includes the internationally renowned Knysna oysters, seafood, fine dining and vegan fare as well as traditional South African cuisine and braais (barbeques). A number of award winning wine estates located in the Garden Route offer wine tastings and delicious paired cuisine. Socia­ble coffee shops and roasteries make good meeting points and baristas. Indulge the sens­es with coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, Guatamala, Kenya, El Salvador and Ethiopia. The Garden Route enjoys an oceanic climate, with mild to warm summers, and mild to cool winters; an ideal climate for year round explo­ration, holidays and adventure. Accommoda­tion caters to all seasons and preferences, and ranges from camping to five star luxury. Klein Karoo

The Klein Karoo may initially appear bleak, but it not only supports the biggest variety of succulent plants in the world, it also produces some of the best wines. This fascinating part of South Africa is where you'll find the Cango Caves, a truly spectacular natural wonder. The Klein or Little Karoo in the Western Cape is a long valley that lies between the Swartberg and Langeberg mountain ranges. As it's name suggests, this area is the smaller sibling of the Great Karoo, to its north. It has a wide variety of accommodation and activities and is one of the most unique and beautiful parts of South Africa, sandwiched between impressive mountains that offer ever-changing vistas. The region stretches from De Rust in the east and Barrydale in the west and includes the towns of Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Oudtshoorn, the last being famous as a host for the annual national Afrikaans arts festival, the KKNK, and its role in the history of ostrich farming. Because of its climate the Klein Karoo is an interesting wine producing area and vineyards that provide for a variety of quality of wines, not least the fortified wines like muscadel that do well in this sunny region. One of the most interesting natural attractions is the Cango Caves, about 30km outside Oudtshoorn. This cave system was formed by rainwater eroding rock and limestone over 20 million years. The caves and its gigantic stalactites and stalagmites were proclaimed an historical monument in 1938 and it is one of the worlds leading show caves, attracting thousands of local and international visitors. The Cango Caves lie in the foothills of the Swartberg which is also the location for one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring drives in South Africa, the Swartberg Pass that connects Oudtshoorn with Prince Albert in the Great Karoo. Not for the faint--hearted, be prepared to navigate switchback bends on a narrow gravel road, and to be rewarded with views to match

Another equally spectacular drive is through Meiringspoort which winds its way through a narrow gorge delivering lovely views of the rock formations typical of the Cape folded mountains. The area also has beautiful wilderness areas, including the Gamkaskloof and Aynsberg provincial nature reserves where semi-desert flora, including special succulents, and fauna, like the Cape mountain leopard, can be found. Discover & explore the Garden Route & Klein Karoo and stay a while. www.gardenroutemeander.co.za