The Garden Route, South Africa

A host of activities such as hiking trails through pristine forests and boating on lakes and lagoons can be enjoyed along the breath-taking coastline backed by Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks. Swimming is in the warmer Indian Ocean although the more tranquil lagoons, such as those found at Nature’s Valley, are best for children. Dolphins are resident in the waters year round, whilst Whales follow the coast on their annual migration between August and November. Plettenberg Bay offers boat trips for closer sightings.

If you're looking for adventure, try a Tree Canopy Tour, or even the highest bungee jump in Africa, off the Bloukrans Bridge (please note age restrictions apply)!

Excellent wildlife sanctuaries also enable visitors to get close to South Africa’s terrestrial wildlife, such as Knysna Elephant Park and The Elephant Sanctuary where visitors can learn more about the residents. Monkeyland near Plettenberg Bay is the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary whilst Birds of Eden close by, is a free flight bird sanctuary encompassing 2 cubic hectares of forest. At the foot of the Swarterberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn provides a good base for visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the nearby Ostrich Farms where you take an unusual ride!

There are also world-class Golf courses such as those at the Fancourt Hotel.