Garden Route Overview
Dramatic river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests are the quint
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In and Around
Garden Route
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Author: Samantha Black
Submitted: 05 May 2009
Dramatic river cut gorges, beautiful beaches, rocky headlands and deep tangled forests are the quintessential Garden Route images. Stretching from anywhere between Stilbaai and Mossel Bay in the west, to Stormsriver or Port Elizabeth (PE) in the east, it's a gorgeous stretch of coastal paradise strung out along the N2. Purists will squash it up between Mossel Bay and Stormsriver but, as the popularity of the Garden Route grew and small towns at its edge realised the marketing potential, it just seemed to spread. No problem - it spread to some cool places.
The towns generally accepted to be part of the Garden Route are Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Stormsriver. Stilbaai and Albertinia have snuck in on the West and Humansdorp and even Port Elizabeth are muscling in from the east. Inland, the Little Karoo and Route 62, which have no pretensions to being the Garden Route, are often treated as the same destination, as it's pretty easy zigzag between them by driving the many scenic passes over the Outeniqua Mountains. Initially the Garden Route was seen as very much a beach and/or family holiday destination, which it is, but there is also so much to do. There's great hiking, with rambles ranging from an hour to a few days covering rocky coasts, deep forests, pretty fynbos and long sandy beaches. The diving is good, as is the surfing, and there are some fun sea kayaking and flat water paddling trips. Some of the country's best mountain bike trails snake through the forests, and there are horse trails for every taste and level of ability. Tandem skydiving, paragliding, and a range of scenic flights all offer different birds eye views.
The Garden Route offers some of the best boat based whale watching in the world, flower lovers and birders will also have a field day traipsing off through the forest or the fynbos, and there are numerous national parks and nature reserves. Steam buffs will love the narrow gauge Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. For the more culturally inclined, there are township tours, museums, lovely old buildings, funky craft shops, markets, art galleries and loads of live music venues. And, of course, a flotilla of great restaurants - many of which specialise in seafood - in each town. The Garden Route is a golfer's dream destination - you could play a different course every day for a week and still have a few left over.
Of course, this is not all good news as golf courses use an exorbitant amount of water and take up vast amounts of space but, as long as the golf-estate-building spree fizzles out soon, there should be sufficient space remaining between the fairways for a bit of forest, perhaps some shops and even a house or two. But that's not your problem, is it? If you fancy a round in paradise, get in now before it closes down. And if golf is too slow for you - there are more international standard polo fields in Plett alone than there are in the rest of the country put together. You could spend anything from a weekend to a month at a tailor-made polo clinic.
But what the Garden Route is most suitable for is relaxation - and even that's been somewhat institutionalised with almost every second hotel housing a wellness centre or spa. Not that that's a problem, mind. After a hard day on the beach you'll probably need a chocolate mud bath, colour therapy or hot stone massage.
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Knysna Lagoon
© South African Tourism
Knysna loerie
© South African Tourism
Whale in Plettenberg Bay
© South African Tourism
Forest Lichen
© South African Tourism
Fynbos - Outeniqua Heather
© South African Tourism
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Accommodation near Garden Route
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(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
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Modern self-catering apartment, sleeps 8 people; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen, large living room, large patio (can be enclosed). Upmarket apartment with TV, DVD player, DSTV (satellite) decoder and sound system.
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Warm and friendly is the welcome you will receive. We offer elegant and tasteful units and the view. is stunning! All our units have their own parking and entrance, DStv, fully equipped kitchens and braai facilities. There is a lovely clear pool to keep you cool on those hot summer days.
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see terms & conditions
Easter Special. Margie's offers you the self-catering Blue and Gold rooms,
which sleeps six guests and has divine views of Knysna lagoon and heads. R1000 per night on a minimum stay of four days. Come and relax in style at Margie's
Place.
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Mont Fleur, a 4-star B&B and Highly Recommended by AA, is nestled against the Wilderness mountainside with breathtaking views of the ocean and the lagoon. Close to all amenities, walk to the beach, lagoon, or variety of restaurants. A short drive will take you to golf in Knysna, the Caves in Oudtshoorn, or the surf in Victoria Bay.
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40% discount
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Bed, Breakfast & Beyond Romantic Getaway: This two night double occupancy promotion includes bed, breakfast and dinner including non-alcoholic beverages. Price: R495 per person sharing per night inclusive of VAT. Valid: 3rd February to 28th February 2010. Terms and conditions apply.
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Prospect Cottage is a charming, spacious, comfortably furnished three bedroom home suitable for up to six people. We have been operating for 11 successful years, and offer excellent value for your money. It is also an ideal venue for honeymooners as they have space and the privacy of the entire house and garden.
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25% discount
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KNYSNA ON SALE :
Pay for 3 nights in May and get the 4th night FREE of charge. Rates are R600 per couple and R200 per additional guest (max of 6 guests including children/babies) To welcome you to paradise we offer you a FREE bottle of wine, a fruit bowl, and a decanter of port to sip on those cool autumn evenings. Children most welcome . The mild Autumn weather in Knysna ensures sunny and beautiful wind-still days and are often referred to as the “secret season”. You can expect almost perfect weather conditions in May , cool but wind free! Budget accommodation at its best.
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As an intimate new B&B, Linkside 2 offers visitors a complete personalized experience. Meticulous attention to detail and imaginative finishing touches are complemented by first-class luxury and exquisite views across Mossel Bay.
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10% discount
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10% discount on normal rates if you stay 3 days or longer.
Valid from 08 September 08 until 31 December 2011.
Terms and Conditions apply.
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Situated in the town of Knysna, to many considered the heart of the Garden Route. 5 Star Villa Afrikana Guest Suites is perched high above the town, on a hill fittingly called "paradise" overlooking the Knysna Heads and surrounding lagoon.
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Knysna’s multi award winning lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites with every conceivable comfort. The Spa has been designed to ensure total relaxation and privacy and clients enjoy the exclusive use of the Spa facilities during their treatment. There are all kinds of treatments and therapies to relax, replenish and invigorate.
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Heatherhill is in picturesque countryside near Plettenberg Bay. It offers magnificent sea & mountain views. The beautiful beaches of Keurboomstrand are nearby.The 90 acre farm offers tranquility, privacy, many lovely walking paths. The cottage with sundeck sleeps up to 4 people, equipped kitchen, ensuite bathroom, dstv, bbq
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Situated in the heart of the garden route, near Knysna, George, Mossel bay and Outshoorn, only four hours drive from Cape Town, Hildesheim guesthouse offers four star accommodation surrounded by the beautiful Outeniqua mountains. Join us for sundowners whilst watching breathtaking sunsets and enjoy your breakfast in spectacular surroundings whilst the sun rises over the mountains.
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