The Garden Route is rightly referred to as the Jewel of South Africa, with lush indigenous forest, free flowing rivers, expansive lagoons, sunkissed beaches and majestic mountains combining to create a symphony of natural beauty. And Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town making it the perfect place to start or end your Garden Route adventure - the only problem is that you will never want to leave!
Within the vicinity lies Gansbaai, South Africa's premier destination for diving with Great White Sharks, the experience of a lifetime. The nearby seaside town of De Kelders is the best place in the world for land-based whale watching, and in season (July - November) these amazing creatures come within touching distance of the shore! The coastal villages of Kleinmond and Betty's Bay are all worth visiting with miles of unspoilt beaches and mighty sand dunes, while Cape Agulhas further south is the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as being the southernmost point on the continent!
Across the bay from Grootbos lies the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus. Hermanus is also known for amazing land-based whale watching and scenic beauty. Hermanus is surrounded by majestic mountains, indigenous fynbos and spectacular natural beauty. Its residents are the heart and soul of the town, however, providing an unforgettable holiday experience.
Further north lie the picturesque towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, perennial favourites for any visitors to the Garden Route. With its sweeping beaches, pristine Robberg Nature Reserve and playful dolphins, Plett (as it is affectionately known) is rivalled by the turquoise coloured lagoon of Knysna, its oysters and indigenous forest where a solitary elephant continues to roam. The Tsitsikamma Forest further north hosts monkeys and an abundance of birdlife, with Nature's Valley and Storm's River a testament to the splendour of this region, a haven for hiking, biking, river tubing and much more!
While most visitors to South Africa tend to think of the Kruger when it comes to wildlife, the Garden Route is home to a number of world-class Big Five Game Reserves which offer an unbeatable malaria free safari. So leave the pills at home, bring the kids, pack your khakis and let the game viewing begin! The best reserves are north of Port Elizabeth, and are easily reached by vehicle, the perfect way to cap your Garden Route adventure!
