Garden Route
The Garden Route and Little Karoo's natural
assets will have you question ever wanting to leave this idyllic
spot! The Garden Route and Little Karoo spans from Witsands
whale birthing haven in the West to Plettenberg Bays beach,
polo and party-going pleasures in the East. Then there’s
the arid geological basin along the interior, wedged between
the fynbos-rich Heidelberg in the west and Uniondales eastern
sheep farming and rock art treasures.
It’s all about an abundance of blue skies, white sand
beaches, rolling oceans, mountain scenery, indigenous fynbos,
ostrich antics and local hospitality. A place where you can
travel along routes where you are often alone on the open road
or make for the malls and beaches Golden vineyards, sun-drenched
orchards, pin-drop-silent forests, sweeping lakes and birds
eye view passes add to the mix. This is also the GOLF
ROUTE as development has seen the construction
of 5 of the best 12 courses in the country along this coast.
Local Places of Interest, Activities and Tours of the Surrounding
Areas
The Cango Caves - Situated close to Oudtshoorn,
an hour from George, the Cango Caves is one of the world's great
natural wonders The limestone beds of the Cango Group are, through
movement in the Earth's crust, no longer in a horizontal plane.
The layers of strata are also displaced laterally, forming dykes.
Rainwater, combined with acidic carbon dioxide from decomposing
plant material on the surface, flows through a fracture zone.
Limestone, i.e., calcium carbonate plus water and carbon dioxide
= Calcium Bicarbonate - which dissolves in water, flows out.
This process of `cave making' takes millions of years. Trained
guides are at hand to conduct visitors along the magic paths
of the world's finest stalactite cave. Tours are not recommended
for those who are claustrophobic in any way.
Plettenberg Bay - Plettenberg Bay is a very
popular holiday resort about 32km (half hour drive) from Knysna.
Take a very pleasant day trip to Plett stopping off to take
a relaxing forest walk through the Garden of Eden The walk is
also suitable for people in wheelchairs. A few kilometres further
on is the turnoff to Harkerville and Kranshoek which has one
of the most spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Plett,
as it is affectionately called, has sparkling white beaches
and some of the best swimming and surfing in the Garden Route
There are two lagoons with lots of hermit crabs and inquisitive
seagulls. The lovely long walks along the edge of the azure
sea are often rewarded with whale and dolphin sightings. Plett
has lots of places to eat and interesting shops.
The
Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park- The Tsitsikamma
Coastal National Park at the Eastern edge of the Garden Route,
stretches 67 kilometers along some of the most spectacular coastline
of Southern Africa. The main access to the park takes one to
the mouth of the Storms River, where the dark peat stained river
waters which have flowed through deep gorges finally meet the
ultramarine blue ocean. The scenic drive from Knysna takes about
70 minutes (110km). One has the choice of taking the fast toll
road over the giant Bloukrans and Groot River gorges or meander
slowly through the passes on the old road. You can watch the
bungee jumping from the Blaaukraans view site. Or if you are
brave enough, try the worlds highest jump yourself!!
The tourist camp at the Storms River mouth is the start of the
popular Otter Trail and has a restaurant and shop. Walk along
the coast and examine the interesting rock pools or just sit
and watch the waves making great masses of white foam as they
crash onto the rocky coast. The forest nature trail to the river
mouth and across the suspension bridge is a must. Make an early
start from Knysna and enjoy a day filled with the wonders of
Nature.
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