the garden route class notes

Event Tourism Guidance II – The Garden Route

THE GARDEN ROUTE

Introduction

The Garden Route in the Western Cape is one of South Africa's main tourist attractions and is generally thought to stretch from Mossel Bay to St Francis along the Indian Ocean and also includes parts of the inland (see map) Itineraries normally start or end in Port Elizabeth.

The Garden Route offers everything from fynbos to elephants, there’s a lot to see and do and each stop offers something unique. These notes will split the Garden Route into four distinct sections: The Whale Route, Route 62, Garden Route Safaris and The Coastal Route. In reality they overlap to a certain degree (see Map).

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ROUTE 62 – Klein Karoo

Cape Route 62 is the tourist route in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, South Africa, that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, the Langkloof and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway.

It's an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and an abundance of trees and indigenous flora - all contribute to make Paarl, Wellington, the Breede River Valley, Klein Karoo and Langkloof some of South Africa's most diverse regions.

The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure - whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility.

Cape Route 62 will take you along the longest wine route in the Western Cape and most likely the whole world. Innovation and pride, combined with a terrain and mild climate that are harmoniously balanced, results in the prominence of the outstanding wines on Cape Route 62.

The easily accesible towns, nestled along the valleys, all offer ample opportunity for discovery. From visits to wineries and game reserves, tribal art, cultural tours, museums and for the more adventurous: hiking trails and mountain climbing, 4x4 routes, canoeing,

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horse riding, even ostrich riding, fishing and caving...

Cape Route 62 is an exciting experience, even for the well-travelled. And when you are tired after a long day's travel, you can even unwind in one of the region's invigorating hot-springs, revel in luxury or relax in rustic tranquility.

This scenic route passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester, Rawsonville, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Wellington and Paarl. It includes the Langkloof with the following towns; Misgund, Louterwater, Krakeel, Joubertina and Kareedouw.

Cape Route 62, also known as the Mountain Route, offers the visitor range upon range of striking mountain edifices. Andrew Bain and his son, Thomas Bain was the engineers and constructors of several of the mountain passes on Cape Route 62. Michell's Pass near Ceres, Bain's Kloof Pass near Wellington, Gydo Pass due north of Ceres up the Skurweberg, Tulbagh Kloof (after the town of Tulbagh), Prince Alfred's Pass (after Prince Alfred) from Knysna to Uniondale, Tradouw Pass near Barrydale, Garcia's Pass from Riversdale to Ladismith, Cogmans Kloof, from Ashton to Montagu and Swartberg Pass from Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert.

What make Cape Route 62 really special, is the calm and peacefullness that it offers travellers. The route is safe so adventurers need not be concerned about their personal security. The people on Cape Route 62 is another alluring attraction. They are friendly and eager to both assist and entertain passing travellers.

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Attractions:

http://route62.co.za/route62attractions.php

Ostrich Farms

Ostriches are the biggest birds in the world, and here in Oudtshoorn, South Africa you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Oudtshoorn is a friendly, little town situated about 55 kilometers from the coastal town of George. Stay in one of the town’s hotels, lodges, towns or guesthouses. Alternatively you can stay on one of the local ostrich farms and enjoy a truly relaxing and educational visit.

You will have a truly hands-on experience of these fantastic birds when you visit any of the local farms. Most of the farms will offer guided tours, and are also very visitor-, disabled and child friendly. Visitors will be given interesting information about the ostrich industry in South Africa. They will also be able to come into direct contact with the ostriches, with a lot of the farms giving them the opportunity to touch the ostriches. At some of the farms, you will even be able to sit on the ostriches, or ride them!

Cango caves

The Cango Caves are situated in the heart of the Little Karoo 26 km north of Oudtshoorn close to the Garden Route, Cape Town. About 10 000 years ago, the Khoisan used the entrance area of the cave as shelter. Way back in 1780, a farmer named Mr Van Zyl, ventured past the cave entrance, lowering himself underground into the unknown, by the dim light of his burning torch he saw glistening shapes that hinted at a subterranean wonderland.

The Cango caves should be known as the 8th wonder of the world. The area that Mr Van Zyl had lowered himself into is called the 1st great hall, which is 98 m long, 49 m wide and 15 m high. As millennia pass, layer upon layer of mineral deposits form features called dripstone, - weird growths that hang from the ceilings of the cave or grow from the floor base. There are several types of dripstone; stalagmites (which grow upward from the cave floor), stalactites (hanging columns from the ceiling) and helictites (needle like features which grow in all directions). The caves have been illuminated with electric lights since 1929 making it easy to negotiate uneven pathways and stairs. The temperature in the caves is a warm and humid 18 ºC, so wear light clothing.

In 1972, three professional cave guides broke through to a breathtaking underground fairyland, a 270-metre extension of the sequence, Cango 2. In 1975, another extension of about 1600 metres, was discovered and named Cango 3. Cango 2 and 3 are not open to the public. This is to preserve the pure, crystalline beauty of the dripstone formations found within these chambers. The pristine magnificence of the crystalline formations and natural colours are still intact and far surpasses that of Cango 1.

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http://route62.co.za/route62attractions.php


Events:

Redstone MTB and family weekend

Robertson Wacky Wine Weekend

ABSA Calitzdorp port & wine festival

Christmas in Winter 2013

Klein Karoo Klassique

Glacier by Sanlam Storms River Traverse

Robertson Slow

Ladismith Cheese 7 Weekspoort MTB Challenge

Robertson Wine on the River

Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek

Bonnievale Bonanza

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Accommodation suggestions:

Schoone Oordt The Robertson Small Hotel De Zeekoe Housemartin Guest Lodge Rosenhof Country House La Plume Guesthouse Mo & Rose

Restaurant suggestions:

Route 62 farmstall & restaurant @ Montagu Rose of the Karoo @Calitzdorp Kalinka Café @ Oudthoorn Templeton’s at Four Oak @ Montagu Jemima’s restaurant (Oudtshoorn)

Other activity suggestions:

Graham Beck Wines – Robertson – Felix unite – Breede river rafting Boplaas Estate Axe Hill Estate Oudtshoorn Ballooning The Cango Wildlife ranch

WHALE ROUTE & OVERBERG

The Overberg includes a stretch of beautiful and varied landscapes, extending from the Hottentots-Holland Mountains in the west to Swellendam in the east. In the north it reaches as far as the Riviersonderend Mountains and in the south it includes an incredible coastline - including the Whale Route. The Whale Route includes various bays along the Garden Route which are nurseries to the endangered Southern Right and Humpback Whales that go there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December).

The seaside town of Hermanus has some of the world's best land-based whale watching opportunities and offers many places to stay. One of the most impressive hotels is Birkenhead House. This boutique hotel is a firm favourite, with its unique décor, service and food. Another favourites is the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, situated just outside of Gansbaai, with over 750 species of fynbos.

Some of the best towns to explore includes:

Hermanus; Gansbaai; Arniston; Greyton; Swellendam.

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Accommodation:

Manor on the Bay – Gordon’s Bay Farm 215 – Gansbaai Mosselberg at Grotto Beach – Hermanus Pebble Beach guest house – Hermanus Grayfish lodge sea & country guesthouse – Gansbaai Birkenhead House – Hermanus Ocean Eleven – Hermanus Harbour House – Hermanus Arniston Spa Hotel – Arniston Bay The Marine – Hermanus De Kloop Luxury Estate – Swellendam Rothman Manor – Swellendam Schoone Oordt Country House – Swellendam Barnard’s Boutique Hotel - Greyton

Restaurant suggestions:

The burgundy restaurant – Hermanus Bientang’s cave - Hermanus Heavan restaurant – Hermanus Roosje van de Kaap – Swellendam

Other activity suggestions:

De Hoop Nature reserve Grootbos Nature Reserve Shark Gave diving at Gansbaai Hemel en aarde (Heaven & earth) Wine route (e.g. Bouchard Finlayson Winery &

Hamilton Russell vineyards) Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa – Kleinmond

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GARDEN ROUTE SAFARIS

The Garden Route and surrounds are now home to some of South Africa’s most prestigious safari lodges and game reserves. They're not really in one location along the Garden Route, but are scattered along it. The lodges are popular as they offer the closest ‘real safari’ experience to Cape Town and are in malaria-free areas. An easy combination of beach and bush.

While many of the reserves, such as Kwandwe, Shamwari, Idwala Game Lodge and Addo Elephant Park, are situated close to Port Elizabeth at the Eastern end of the Garden Route, others such as Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and Gondwana are closer to Cape Town at the Western end of the Garden Route.

The Eastern Cape is, strictly speaking, where the Garden Route ends. The early settlers and farmers shot most of the game but in 1930 the Addo Elephant Park was established to protect the last 11 animals in the area. Today the park has been re-established and is home to large herds of elephant. Since 1980, farms in the vicinity have slowly been purchased and restocked with wildlife. Spotting wild animals in these parts is no longer a rarity and guests will be surprised by the wealth of game viewing on offer.

Garden Route Safari options can be found on the Whale Route, Route 62 and the Coastal Route, so can be easily combined with your itinerary.

Accomodation suggestions:

Sanbona Dwyka Lodge Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve Kwandwe Ecca Lodge Shamwari Eagles Crag Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge Shamwari Lobengula Lodge Shamwari Longlee Manor Pumba Water Lodge Shamwari Riverdene Lodge

COASTAL ROUTE (From Mosselbay to Port Elizabeth)

Events along the coastal route:

Knysna Forest MTB Relay Great Brak Grabadoo Waterfront-Heads Half Marathon George 200 Trail Run Candlelight Run Knysna Speed Festival Rotary Cycle Tour Forest Marathon

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George Trail Run Knysna Oyster festival Gastronomica Whiskey Whales & Jazz Festival

a) MOSSELBAY

The coastal Garden Route has its start at Mossel Bay and this is certainly a handsome beginning to so fine a scenic route. The bay is overlooked by the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. It has sandy beaches safe for swimming, a rocky islet used by the numerous seals as a rookery and a commanding cape, Cape St Blaize, with its lighthouse on the summit and caves in its precipitous face. Prehistoric man discovered the rich stores of seafood along the shores of Mossel Bay. Mussels and oysters flourished here and it was from these molluscs that the dutch name of Mossel ('mussel') was given to the bay. In 1488 Bartholomew Dias, attempting to find a sea route to the East, became the first European to sail into the bay. For passing ships it was a pleasant anchorage. When Vasco Da Gama visited the bay on his way to India in 1497 he called it Aguada de Sao Bras ('watering place of St. Blaize'). In 1601, the Dutch navigator Paulus van Gaerden gave Mossel Bay its present name and he was said to have been able to replenish his ships provisions only with mussels.

Wheat, wool, canned fruit, jams, ostrich feathers, ochre and bitter aloe juice are shipped out through Mossel Bay but it is as a holiday resort that the town is best known for.

b) WILDERNISS & GEORGE

George

The English novelist Anthony Trollope praised George in 1877 as 'the prettiest village on the face of the earth'.

Outeniqua Mountains

Overlooked by the George Peak (1370m) and Cradock Peak (1583m) of the Outeniqua Mountains, George nestles on a costal plateau in a settling of parklands and gardens. Flowers seem to bubble over the walls of every garden and trees grow wherever man has failed to cut them down.

Only 8 km from the sea and with an adequate rainfall, balmy climate and altitude of 226m, George has the best of several worlds and is the principal town of the Garden Route.

Oak tree monument

Founded in 1811, it was named after George III. It grew as an administrative, communications and timber centre. One of the oak trees which were planted along the streets during these early years has been proclaimed a national monument. A chain, to which slaves are said to have been fastened and sold at auction, is embedded in the trunk of the tree.

Stinkwood and yellow-wood trees

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In 1936 the Government prohibited the felling of trees in the town for 200 years because of the widespread destruction of George's wealth of indigenous forest. The decision has ensured the preservation of stinkwood and yellow-wood trees.

Oldest Roman Catholic church

George became a municipality in 1837 and in 1850 St Mark's Cathedral was consecrated. The Dutch Reformed Church built in 1842 is the town's oldest church. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, built the following year, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa.

Old gramophones

The George Museum has the largest collection of old gramophones in South Africa, all in working order ! There is also a display of 75 mounted horns of the antelopes of South Africa.

Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train

A dramatic steam train journey can be taken from George to Mossel Bay

Wilderniss

Honeymooners have long favoured Wilderness, a romantic seaside resort of international reputation.

The trunk road passes over a unique semi-circular bridge across the Kaaimans River and provides stunning panoramic views. The forest-covered hills of the region rumble down to a sandy beach more than 8 kilometres long.

The beach has a dangerous backwash, but is fine for sunbathing and walking.

George Bennet, who bought the area in 1877, called it Wilderness, for that was exactly what it was.

Roads have opened it up and it has become one of the most fashionable resorts in Southern Africa.

c) KNYSNA

Knysna (pronounced NIZE-na) embodies the spirit of the Garden Route: a beautiful stretch of coastline inhabited by wealthy dumb-downers, nature-lovers and surfers by the Kombi-load.

'This fair land is the gift of God' .... so reads the motto on Knysna's coat of arms. It bears testimony to the pride local people have in this resort of great scenic beauty.

A name sounding like Knysna to Europeans was given to the river by the Hottentots. Scholars offer several translations of the Hottentot term - 'Place of wood', 'fern leaves' or simply 'straight down', which would presumably refer to the two steep sandstone cliffs, known as The Heads, which guard the Harbour.

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The naval brig Emu foundered between The Heads in 1817 but today the mouth to the sea is deep enough to allow the passage of medium-sized vessels.

More than 200 species of fish are found in the lagoon and oysters, of which Knysna is a major supplier, exist in considerable numbers. The lagoon is also the home of a rare sea-horse, Hippocampus capersis.

Knysna is loved by anglers and divers encounter innumerable forms of marine life.

The town's most distinguished resident was George Rex, reputed son of George III and the local museum contains many items connected to the Rex family. George Bernard Shaw lived here during 1932 while writing The Black Girl in Search of God.

Catamaran – Knysna Heads

The Knysna Waterfront is alive with water activity, including a host of boats, catamarans, paddle-cruisers, yachts and even a floating restaurant, which make up the famous Knysna Ferries. These vessels are the only boats able to navigate upstream and some of which are allowed to enter the Knysna Heads. These beautiful natural geographic outcrops that separate sea from lagoon provide breathtaking scenery – as a backdrop to blazing sunsets and buffers to foam-topped waves, an onboard excursion to the Heads is a must for any Knysna visitor. The ultimate experience however, is to visit them aboard a catamaran such as the Zakat, which cruises through the Heads and offers oysters and champagne – what a way to end the day.

Suggested Accommodation:

The Turbine Hotel

The Turbine Hotel is a unique boutique hotel, possibly the most unique that you will find along the Garden Route, what with it once, as recent as 50 years ago, being Knysna's wood fired turbine power station and is in Thesen Island - arguably the finest location along the Garden Route.

Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa

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Pezula Resort Hotel forms part of a diverse and rare piece of coastal paradise, where nearly four kilometres of pristine coast line are clothed in a profusion of rare cape Coastal Fynbos.

Simola Hotel and Spa

Set on the 325-hectare Simola Golf & Country Estate with rolling hills and the Knysna Lagoon in the foreground, this luxury hotel consists of 40 well-appointed suites and is ideal for golf and outdoor enthusiasts.

Phantom Forest Eco Reserve

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Excellent accommodation, food and atmosphere in a beautiful natural environment. The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is privately owned Garden Route lodge, within 137 hectares of nature reserve on the Knysna River.

The Lofts

The Lofts, a boutique hotel at The Boatshed in Thesen Island Harbour, offers luxury four star accommodation with three lagoon suites and eight loft rooms, or self-catering accommodation at The Lofts Boutique Hotel.

d) PLETTENBERG BAY

The Portuguese, with some restraint, named this bay Formosa, meaning 'beautiful'.

Three spacious, safe beaches, a lagoon and a river mouth are backed by mountain ranges and the prominent Cape Seal, at the end of a promontory known as Robberg or 'mountain of seals'.

History

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This popular holiday resort's present name was given to it in 1778 by Governor Joachim van Plettenberg, who erected a beacon claiming the bay as the possession of the Dutch East India Company. The beacon was removed by the Historical Monuments Commission in 1964 to the South African Cultural History Museum in Cape Town and a replica put up in its place.

The Dutch tried to develop the bay into a port for the shipment of timber but only the ruins of the storehouse they built in 1788 remain of this venture.

The ruins have been proclaimed a national monument.

Norwegian settlers built a whaling base on what is known as Beacon Island from a beacon erected there. When the Norwegians left in 1920 holiday-makers started to move in and nowadays Plettenberg Bay is devoted almost entirely to their enjoyment.

Accommodation:

Tsala Treetop Lodge The Plettenberg Hog Hollow Trogon House and Forest Spa Emily Moon River Lodge Lily Pond Country Lodge

e) THE CRAGS (see map)

The Crags is such a 'happening' place; a destination with a difference. It is bang in the middle of the Garden Route embraced by the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay and the quaint village of Nature’s Valley. 22 activities and 16 accommodation establishments packed into a 30km radius!

Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, The Elephant Sanctuary, Kurland Polo, Ingwe Forest Adventures, the Big Three (whales, dolphins, seals) at Ocean Blue Adventures and the delightful boat trips up the Keurbooms River at the Plett Angling Club. All the shopping you can do at Langa Lapu, Women on the Move – a local community initiative – Porcupine Raku Pottery and the Mill Mohair & Décor Centre. The Crags even have their own Theatre at The Barnyard and the mind twisting, conundrum posing Puzzle Park!!

You are spoilt for choice with restaurants too: the pioneers in wine growing at Bramon Wine Estate where delicious lunches are served with their award winning bubbly and BEE wines in the vineyards overlooking the Elephant Sanctuary; or tuck into the Peppermill’s scrummy breakfast and lunches at the Mill Centre; and if it’s the sea you desire, well, you can’t get closer than Enrico’s; for a great pub grub you can’t go wrong at Nature’s Valley Restaurant. And don’t forget the Flight Deck at the Birds of Eden and Nature’s Way Farmstall is a must stop for the best cheeses and farm produce (great for picnics and they do lunches too!) So from the hustle and bustle of Plettenberg Bay, to the delights of The Crags, leave yourself time to wander down the R102 to another of the natural wonders of the world – Nature’s Valley.

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In the evening, when good food and a good night’s rest beckons, choose from serene five star hotels, four star lodges & country house, excellent B&B’s, and unique and quirky self catering cottages. Something to suit all-comers and all pockets.

Be embraced!

f) NATURE’S VALLEY

Natures Valley is flanked by an escarpment on the one side and the Indian ocean on the other side and forms part of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

This beautiful valley is unique in that it lies nestled in the heart of the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest and is the only residential area within a South African National Park. It is a place of peace and serenity, within walking distance of pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons and enchanting indigenous forests, a place where the Otters play and the bushbuck and bushpigs roam between the houses.

Arguably the most beautiful part of the Garden Route in South Africa, the local community are striving to to minimize inappropriate development in the area in order to minimize environmental impact

The famous Otter trail ends in Nature’s Valley and most hikers seek accommodation there to rest up before moving on.

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The ‘Kouga’, ‘Kammanassie’ and ‘Groot Swart’ mountain ranges stand guard over the valley.

g) STORMS RIVER / TSITSIKAMA NATIONAL PARK

Tsitsikamma is the Khoi-San word for a place of many waters. It is the perfect description of this exquisite area but does not do justice to the overwhelming experience the Tsitsikamma provides for those fortunate enough to visit it and to indulge in its unique pleasures.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is internationally recognized for its forests which harbour and conserve the giant Outeniqua yellowwood - one of the few true monarchs of the world's forests. This enormous tree is one of the most successful species in existence, having survived unchanged for millions of years.

Tsitsikamma National Park is also Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve, playing a vital role in the preservation and conservation of marine fauna and flora. Tourists, and particularly hikers from all over the world, visit the area which is known for its rugged, unspoiled coastline - a photographer's dream.

The region has many wonderfully scenic hiking trails of which it is justifiably proud, though its greatest asset remains the world-renowned Otter Trail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that remains indelibly imprinted on the mind.

Robbehoek Kloof and Trails offers trails (Walking and Mountain bike) in the heart of the tranquil Tsitsikamma. Outeniqua Biking Trails offers the best Mountain Bike trails and services. Thaba Manzi Estate offers hunting safaris on their farm and fishing excursions to the best fishing spots in the area.

Things to do at around Tsitsikama village:

Blackwater Tubing

The ultimate Storms River Gorge experience in Tsitsikamma Garden Route South Africa!

Storms River’s high fern clad gorge walls cascade down from the Tsitsikamma Mountains to meet the pool & drop black water of the Storms River.Tsitsikamma, the Khoi San word for place of abundant waters, an area known for its majestic mountains, deep indigenous forests fairy-tale waterfalls and wild rocky coast line is a place of infinite beauty.

What better way to experience the magic of the Tsitsikamma than by floating through this forested beauty in the deep cut Gorge of the Storms River with BLACKWATER TUBING? [email protected]

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Ocean Safaris

Ocean Safaris is a legally permitted boat based whale, dolphin and seal watching company based in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route of the Western Cape. Close encounter whale watching tours and a variety of Dolphin discovery tours are on offer. Private charters, specialised group tours also available on request. This is an activity not to be missed.

Plett Skydive

Live life to the full! Experience the thrill of free fall over one of the the most scenic drop zones in the world. Start the experience with a short briefing. Then enjoy a 20 minute, scenic plane ride to 10,000 feet, over the Plettenberg Bay coastline. Now the pleasure flight stops and the adrenaline starts to pump as you exit the plane with your Tandem Master and experience the rush of a 35 second free fall at 220KPH! http://www.skydiveplett.com/

Birds of Eden

Birds of eden, is the garden route’s very own world class free flight bird sanctuary.The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors. Like Monkeyland, the popular primate sanctuary next-door, Birds of Eden boasts its own canopy walk, while shorter than the 128m bridge at Monkeyland, it hangs above the clouds. The decision to develop Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds, miniature monkeys and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. Birds of Eden opened it's doors to the public December 2005. Currently over 3500 birds live at the sanctuary. http://www.birdsofeden.co.za/

Monkeyland

Monkeyland has as one of its aims, to create awareness about the plight of primates and to show that with a greater understanding of our primate cousins, that we can all live in harmony. At Monkeyland, the emphasis on searching for the primates, and the reward is to see the various species as they are meant to be: free and in a natural habitat. The transfer of information about these fascinating creatures enhances your visit to the sanctuary during a safari. The safaris are conducted by multi-lingual game rangers and are fun, exciting and educational. Guests leave the sanctuary with a greater understanding of the primates of the world and the threats they are facing. On the guided safaris you can expect to see a variety of primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar. The knowledgeable rangers will tell you all about these fascinating mammals as you encounter them roaming free in the forest. They also point out, identify and explain the many wonders of life in the forest, from the rich diversity of bird life to the intricate workings of the forest itself. http://www.monkeyland.co.za

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Knysna Elephant Park

Join the southern most elephants in the world at the Knysna Elephant Park where our resident family of African elephants and world-class guides will unravel the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route.

Bloukrans Bungy

This is the ultimate thrill! This IS the highest commercially operated Bungy jump bridge in the world. We secure you in a full body harness and proceed to walk along a specially designed catwalk (216m long), which is suspended beneath the road surface, which will then lead you to the top of the arch - 216 meters above the Bloukrans River. Here you will be given final instructions by highly experienced staff, a countdown and off you go! Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring you the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible. Bloukrans is the highest and largest bridge in Africa; the third highest in the world and the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. It is also the highest Bungee Jump bridge in the world. Come and learn about the incredible engineering feats that went into building this amazing bridge. Walk along a spectacular and specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the Gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance. Informative guides will introduce you to the enchantment of this special place. This is the perfect way to watch the live bungy show up close and personal and is an ideal alternative to jumping off! http://www.faceadrenalin.com/

Quad biking

All Quad bike trails start on the man-made obstacle course at Southern Comfort Horse Ranch to ensure riders are comfortable and feel at ease on the Quad bike. The natural and man-made forest trail offers beautiful scenery and caters for beginners, as well as experienced riders. It would be a good idea to watch our videos on the website. You will see there what to expect on your visit to us. http://schranch.co.za/

Southern Comfort Horse Ranch

Twenty well-trained and cared for horse welcome you from the green pastures. Twice daily, visitors go on an unforgettable forest horse ride, accompanied by experienced guides. From beginners to experienced riders can enjoy the lovely Knysna forest, indigenous trees, giant strelitzia, ferns growing wild, fynbos, small streams, mountain views from another angle on horseback.

H) JEFFREYS BAY

Also known as J-Bay, the town is famous for surfing, white sand beaches and an abundance of sea shells. The town became popular with surfers after the 1966 movie Endless Summer.

The Jeffreys Bay region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, never ending summers, plentiful shells and is best known as “the Surf Mecca of the World”. The beautiful

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beaches are safe for bathing and provide endless excitement for water sports. Not far from Jeffreys Bay lies the charming town of St Francis Bay. It is known for its endemic white houses with either black tile or thatch roofs blending together with the Sardinian-style red tile roofs. Approximately half of the town is built around the largest web of manmade canals and waterways in Africa. Adjacent to St Francis Bay is the pastoral fishing village of Cape St Francis with its outstanding beach and historic Seal Point Lighthouse while Port St Francis is the harbour. Visit Oyster Bay, a town that caters for those who enjoy quiet time and relaxation. Explore this district with its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife and adventures - surf the waves or swim with dolphins, there is something for everyone in this picturesque and breathtaking Jeffreys Bay area.

2km east of JBay is Marina Martinique, a development on 5km of man-made saltwater canals. 2.5 km north, is the beautiful valley of Kabeljousriver with its waterfall. These are good places to stay if you like a bit more peace and quiet than accommodation in town can offer. Aston Bay borders on Marina Martinique and if you cross the causeway over the lagoon of the Seekoi River, you come to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is relatively undeveloped with 6 kilometers of unspoiled beach all the way to the Kromm River which separates from St Francis. Not recommended to swim across.

St Francis Bay is a beach village of Cape Dutch style thatched roof houses build on canals in the Kromme River estuary.

Port St Francis is a working fishing port for the squid/calamari industry. Also home to Station 21 of the national Sea Rescue Institute.

Cape St Francis is home to a working lighthouse build in 1878. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and good surfing spots.

Recommended restaurants along the Garden Route:

George: The conservatory @Meade House Plettenberg Bay: The Grand Café, The Med Seafood Bistro, Fushi Fusion

Cuisine, Cornuti al Mare Wilderniss: Serendipity restaurant Knysna: Firefly eating house, The Knysna Oyster Co, Zachary’s (Pezula Resort),

Sirocco (Thesen Island)

Activities for your itinerary: search on the web…

Face Adrenalin @ Mossel Bay – www.faceadrenalin.com Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures – www.tsitsikammaadventures.co.za Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre @ Plettenberg Bay – www.tenikwa.co.za Eden Adventures @ Wilderniss – www.eden.co.za Lightleys holiday houseboats @ Knysna – www.houseboats.co.za Knysna Forest tours – www.knysnaforesttours.co.za Stormsriver Adventures – www.stormsriver.com Ocean Safaris @ Plettenberg bay – www.oceansafaris.co.za

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http://www.oceansafaris/

http://www.stormsriver.com/

http://www.knysnaforesttours.co.za/

http://www.houseboats.co.za/

the garden route class notes

Travel

mountain route

scenic route

tourist route

coastal route

whale route

garden route attractions

garden route safaris

klein karoo cape route