 By Eve Hartridge
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It’s that time of year when Spring is just around the corner, the mornings and evenings are noticeably lighter, the weather a little milder. As the trees begin to turn green again, the first snowdrops and daffodils can be spotted, and the great outdoors seems to be coming back to life. Early starts and late finishes in the office become easier, and soon there is a hope that 2012 will bring the long awaited perfect British summer. It’s easy to daydream about sitting in the garden with a glass of wine, the smell of freshly mown grass, the smokiness of a nearby barbecue, and the feeling of damp sand underfoot. All that we love about British summertime and more can be found in my favourite region of South Africa.
South Africa is a beautiful country. I could write for hours about all of the places you could visit, but I’m on a strict word count so can only pick out some of the best bits. The Garden Route is around a half a day's drive from Cape Town airport, or an hour on an internal flight to George. Personally, I would prefer to drive as internal flights can be very expensive and this is a holiday ideally suited to a road trip.
The Garden Route is a mainly coastal road (N2) across the Western and Eastern Capes, taking in the stunning scenery of lush indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and sandy beaches - all to be explored. There is an oceanic climate, making this the mildest region of Africa, and the second mildest location in the world after Hawaii. As a result wildlife and plant life thrive, and the first time I saw it I was amazed just how green this part of Africa was. Unlike certain parts of South Africa, the Garden Route is also a very safe place to explore, and many families move from the cities to raise families here as the outdoors life style is wonderful for children.
5 Stunning Stops
Mossel Bay
Either the start or the end of your Garden Route tour, this harbour town is worth exploring for a day or two. Many visitors come to Mossel Bay to go sailing or whale watching. However, if like me you’ve always been fascinated by sharks, this is the place to come to experience the ultimate adrenaline experience of cage diving with Great Whites. Just off the coast of Mossel Bay is Seal Island, home to thousands of Cape Fur seals, so it’s no coincidence that the Great Whites like to spend time around this area too, especially around meal times! There are boat trips daily across to Seal Island and cage diving is very safe, and no prior training is needed - most people are happier in the water than on the boat (Jaws as a lot to answer for) and this is also a good way to get away from the horrific stench of the overcrowded Seal Island.
A great place to eat is The Pavilion Restaurant on Santos Beach. It was built in 1906, and bizarrely is believed to be a copy of the Brighton Pavilion, designed from memory by a British architect. The fresh fish is wonderful but the menu is varied caters to most tastes.
pavilion@eatoutinmosselbay.co.za
Oudtshoorn
Located in the much drier Little Karoo region, there is so much to do in Oudtshoor. The first stop must be a day at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, where can learn about the conservation programs, and also get up close and personal with the animals. If you don’t fancy diving with the crocodiles or walking with the cheetahs, then meeting the cubs is a must. Children over the age of 10 are also able to spend time with the tiger or cheetah cubs, and this really is a once in a lifetime experience. www.cango.co.za
To get out of the heat, take a trip to the stunning Cango Caves. Once again in high season booking is advisable, especially to take part in the adventure tour which lasts 90 minutes and includes the terrifying Devil’s Post box - not suitable for anyone with claustrophobia! www.cango-caves.co.za
Oudtshoorn is famous for Ostrich breeding, and they are everywhere you look. Be sure to sample an Ostrich steak during your visit from one of the many restaurants. The meat is lean and delicious, not dissimilar to fillet steak.
Sedgefield
Sedgefield is a small town located in the middle of the Garden Route national park, with a number of stores selling local crafts, including some lovely jewellery.
There are a number of restaurants to choose from, but my favourite was Montecello, where I had the best steak and chips. tel +27 44 343 1780
The best thing about Sedgefield is the stunning and often empty sandy beach. Here you are on the very tip of Africa - next stop Antarctica! Sedgefield beach is the perfect place to come and unwind for the day with a good book and top up your suntan. Located on the beach is the restaurant, 22 Degrees East, offering great dishes, but also Braai (barbeque) packs so you are able to enjoy your own barbecue on the beach. Tel +27 44 343 3217
Knysna
Many people come to stay in Knysna as it’s a good base for exploring so much of the surrounding area. The Protea Hotel on the Waterfront at Knysna Quays is a perfect choice combining modern luxury with an ideal location. www.proteahotels.com/knysna
Knysna Quays is full of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Many people come here at the weekend to enjoy a leisurely brunch, as it’s an ideal place to be when you don’t need to be anywhere else. There is no beach a Knysna, however rock-climbing and abseiling are very popular, as are the boat trips out to Knysna Heads. This trip can be very choppy, so isn't suited to anyone with even a hint of sea sickness! The nearby elephant park is also a very popular attraction, and meeting an African elephant is an unforgettable encounter, for both parties, as we are lead to believe. www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za
Plettenburg Bay
Sometimes just known as Plett, and believed to be the most beautiful spot on the Garden Route, Plettenburg Bay is a great place to relax, with a host of great dining options, including the well-regarded, Europa. Tel +27 44 533 6942.
Plett is a great place to just come and enjoy, but if you’re feeling a little more energetic why not skydive over the miles of sweeping coastline for a real bird’s eye view? activities@plettenbergbay.co.za
Top Tips
Bring waterproofs - the Garden Route stays very green due to the rainfall, however this is often at night
Bring insect repellant, preferably containing “Deet”- EVERYTHING thrives on the Garden Route, however the region is malaria free
Getting There
Fly Virgin Upper class from Heathrow to Cape Town. The flight is long (around 12 hours but with only a 2 hour hour time difference you won’t experience any jet lag), and can be turbulent over the Sahara so it’s important to feel relaxed. Before boarding you can enjoy the excellent Virgin Clubhouse Lounge, and after a restful flight you’ll feel refreshed and ready to start your South African adventure www.flyvirgin.com
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