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10 Reasons To Explore South Africa’s Garden Route

10 Reasons To Explore South Africa’s Garden Route

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South Africa’s Garden Route is probably the country’s most famous drive, covering a stunning 100-mile stretch of Indian Ocean coastline east of Cape Town and west of Port Elizabeth. Here are 10 reasons to explore South Africa’s Garden Route via the N2 motorway.

www.southafrica.net
www.southafrica.net

1. Knysna’s oysters

Probably the most popular stop along the Garden Route, Knysna is a bustling town with a holiday atmosphere on the edge of a large lagoon. The area isn’t known for its beaches, but is famous for its oysters, which get their own annual festival in July. For a taste of everything oyster, pay a visit to the Knsnya Oyster Company. It has been growing oysters on the lagoon since 1949.

www.southafrica.net
www.southafrica.net

2. A snorkeling trail

Watery adventures are another reason to spend a night in Knysna. Offshore are some of South Africa’s best dive spots and there is even a snorkeling trail. This is the Indian Ocean, rather than the Atlantic, and the water in Knysna is warmer than in Cape Town.

www.getawayafrica.com
www.getawayafrica.com

3. Township tours

Knysna is home to South Africa’s largest Rastafarian community and in their township, the government allows them to grow marijuana for personal consumption in accordance to their religious beliefs — at least that’s what my tour guide told me. Regardless, Knsyna’s townships are interesting to tour because they are built mostly with wood rather than the traditional corrugated iron, giving them a distinct look. If you’re interested in touring, Eco Afrika Tours www.eco-afrika-tours.co.za does a recommended trip.

www.en.wikipedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org

4. Surf and sand at Plettenberg Bay

Moving east from Knysna, Plettenberg Bay is also worth a pause. It’s an upmarket resort town where the rich come to play — think of it as South Africa’s Laguna Beach. Known as “Plett” to locals, it’s the kind of place where posh homes dot the hills above the ocean and upscale boutiques and fancy restaurants populate the town center. The main draw is its long white sand beaches that meet deep ocean blue water known for consistent surf breaks.

www.en.wikipedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org

5. Speaking of surfing, hit up Mossel Bay

The official start town of the Garden Route isn’t super easy on the eyes. It’s home to offshore oil drilling and has a decidedly industrial vibe, but if you’re a surfer you won’t care. That’s because the Mossel Bay Peninsula is home to no less than five excellent and consistent-quality reef and point breaks that few tourists think to ride. Check with locals about conditions and where to go. You could end up surfing waves that many people — including South Africans — only dream of!

www.en.wikipedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org

6. Hike the Otter Trail

One of the country’s most famous walking trails, the 41-kilometer Otter Trail is an easy five-day walk along the spectacular coastline protected in the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park that stretches from Plettenberg Bay in the west to Jeffery’s Bay in the Eastern Cape Province. You have to book in advance through the National Parks Board and there is basic accommodation (huts) along the way.

www.southafrica.net
www.southafrica.net

7. Peruse roadside craft markets

While driving between Garden Route towns keep an eye out for local handicraft markets, which can change locations or spring up at anytime — tweet us @AFKInsider if you find a worthwhile market. One of my favorites sets up along the N2 just outside Knysna. It has some great tall wooden giraffes, which are my personal African craft addiction.

www.en.wikipedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org

8. Get your adrenaline pumping At Storms River

Storms River is the adrenalin junkie headquarters of the Garden Route. If you’re itching to hang by your ankles at the world’s highest bungee jump, go to Bloukrans River Bridge, 21 kilometers west of Storms River. Or take in some black-water tubing, but don’t miss this tiny and scattered hamlet with tree-shaded lanes at the extreme eastern end of the Garden Route. The surrounding landscape isn’t hard on the eyes either — the pointy green mountains here roll right into town.

www.en.wikipedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org

9. Hike through old-growth forest

The Garden Route coastline also has some of the most significant tracts of indigenous forest in the country and the narrow coastal plain is often forested and bordered by lagoons running behind dunes and superb beaches. Stop in Tsitsikamma National Park to experience 50 miles of hiking through forested ravines that plunge down cliffs into a churning sea.

www.bazbus.com
www.bazbus.com

10. Plenty of public transport

The backpacker transport of choice is the Baz Bus, which makes stops at all the fantastic hostels along the 100-mile-or-so Garden Route. You can buy a hop-on, hop-off ticket at www.bazbus.com. South African coach buses also plow the route at least daily, stopping in the major towns.