Africa Africa | Page 26

GARDEN ROUTE & EASTERN CAPE

GARDEN ROUTE & EASTERN CAPE

SOUTH AFRICA
East London Cape Paarl
Town GARDEN ROUTE Hermanus Mossel Bay
Cango Caves
Outeniqua Oudtshoorn Mountains
Tsitsikamma
George Knysna NP Mossel Bay
Robberg Plettenberg EASTERN CAPE Jongensfontein Nature Reserve Bay
Queenstown Qunu
GARDEN ROUTE
Addo Elephant NP
EASTERN CAPE
Grahamstown
Port Elizabeth
Knysna Heads
East London
Getting there : The Garden Route is half a day ’ s drive from Cape Town . Alternatively , George and Port Elizabeth each have an airport with internal flights available from Cape Town , Durban and Johannesburg . Best time to go : This region typically enjoys moderately hot summers ( November to March ) and mild to chilly winters ( June to August ), which is when most rainfall can be expected . Coastal cities have a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland the conditions are usually drier and hotter with lower levels of rainfall .
Conservation / Park fees : These apply for stays at selected game reserves and lodges and are payable locally ( details advised at time of booking ).
The ultimate road trip meets world class game parks
Stretching just over 180 miles between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth , the Garden Route ’ s ocean-hugging highway is interspersed with iridescent lagoons , lush forests , majestic mountains , stunning sandy beaches and welcoming towns , all of which make for a magical road trip . To ensure you see multiple hotspots and have time to enjoy the myriad of unique activities on offer , we recommend allowing four to five days to explore . Where better to start than Mossel Bay , a holiday favourite with a wide bay , enticing beaches and mountain backdrop . Its town centre boasts historicallysignificant buildings , plus it ’ s a great place for adrenalin sports , including ziplining over the ocean , or boat trips in search of seals , sharks and whales . Easy-going George , the region ’ s biggest town , lies in a fertile valley backed by the Outeniqua Mountains with the Indian Ocean on its doorstep . Enjoy yearround outdoor activities , great golf and fascinating museums nearby . Inland is Oudtshoorn , the principal town of the Little Karoo region and ostrich capital of the world . Nearby are the not-to-be-missed Cango Caves , a huge underground complex of caverns , some of which are lit to make the most of these striking formations . Buzzing Knysna borders a huge natural lagoon which is connected to the ocean by a narrow gap between a pair of sandstone cliffs , called The Heads . From cycling through Knysna Forest to savouring haute cuisine and renowned Knysna oysters washed down with locally brewed beer , visitors are spoilt for choice . Don ’ t miss popular Featherbed Nature Reserve either ! Upmarket Plettenberg Bay boasts a pristine sweep of sandy beach , activities galore and numerous walking trails at nearby Robberg Nature Reserve . In close proximity to both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are the thickly forested hillsides and deep canyons of Tsitsikamma National Park . Here , dizzying bridges cross the canyons , there are hiking trails through the woods , and the opportunity for some watery fun on the Storms River . The little town of Cape St Francis is all about the white sandy beaches and historic Seal Point Lighthouse . It ’ s also an eco-lover ’ s destination with nature reserves and watersport opportunities . Port Elizabeth ’ s attractions include wide sandy beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean , heritage buildings , an impressive promenade , nature trails and fascinating suburbs brimming with artisanal restaurants . Port Elizabeth ( also known locally as Gqeberha ) is also gateway to the Eastern Cape , hailed for its beaches , bush and forest with a wealth of thriving flora and fauna , including the Big Five . What ’ s more the nature and game reserves of the Eastern Cape are within a malaria-free zone , making it an ideal safari destination for all the family . Although many parks are easily navigable on a self-driven safari , guided tours are recommended . Join expert guides on early morning or evening game drives to view the animals as they eat , drink , interact , or emerge from their sleeping spots to hunt . Be sure to check out our featured game lodges for a truly memorable all inclusive wildlife experience in the Eastern Cape . Established in 1931 to save 11 elephants , Addo Elephant National Park now has over 600 of them and , can also exclusively claim to be the world ’ s only national park to conserve the Big Seven - the aforementioned Big Five along with Southern Right whales and great white sharks off the Algoa Bay Coast . The untamed wilderness of the Eastern Cape ’ s Wild Coast also begs to be explored . Here , rugged beaches , secluded bays , remarkable rock formations , green hills and deeply etched river valleys provide adrenalin adventures aplenty and marine safaris . Being Xhosa tribal heartland you can also get your fix of culture and at Qunu , be sure to visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela .
UNMISSABLE GARDEN ROUTE & EASTERN CAPE EXPERIENCES
Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK from £ 29
Make your own way to Addo Elephant Park to join a two hour game drive . Wildlife here also includes rhino , buffalo , antelope and lion , as well as numerous birds . From bee eaters to buffalo , this is what Africa does best , wildlife wonderfully ! Private half & full day tours also available .
FEATHERBED ECO-EXPERIENCE from £ 48
This half day tour begins with a cruise on Knysna ’ s lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve . Here , take a 4x4 Unimog and trailer ride to the top of Western Head . On the optional downhill guided walk pass through milkwood forests onto the steep sandstone cliffs , into ancient sea caves and along a scenic coastal path , whilst your guide informs you on the reserve ’ s fauna and flora .
TSITSIKAMMA from £ 109
On this full day tour from Knysna stroll through Tsitsikamma Forest and soak up the sensational views of the adjacent Tsitsikamma Coastal Nature Reserve . Maybe test your nerves at the world ’ s highest bungee jump ( at extra expense ) before visiting Monkeyland and Plettenberg Bay .
26 SOUTH AFRICA prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !