Often considered as one of the world’s most spectacular drives, the Garden Route is a 200 km stretch of road in the South-eastern coast of South Africa. The lush green mountains, vast wetlands and white sand beaches along the warm Indian Ocean offer travellers a delightful experience. Interestingly, this place has the second mildest climate in the world – the first being Hawaii.
As a holidaymaker, you can spend a few days exploring the local tourist spots in Garden Route. For your convenience, we have enlisted seven must-do things that you can try out while visiting or using this route in South Africa.
Knysna: A mini-town for Seafood Lovers
Located in the centre of Garden Route, Knysna is a small town that allows you to discover the back roads, dense forests and less-crowded beaches. The main street has a line of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries and gift shops for potential customers. Seafood lovers can participate in the annual 10-day Knysna Oyster Festival held in July. This festival is renowned for offering delicious oysters.
Plettenberg Bay for a Wonderful Beach Experience
If you wish to be away from the maddening crowd and enjoy the pristine beaches, Plettenberg Bay is the perfect place for you! The broad beaches with foamy waves, excellent golf courses, adventurous hiking trails and admirable nature reserves will keep you engaged all the time. This destination is an active party town too.
Robberg Beach: Watch the Majestic Whales here
This venue is a hotspot for watching spectacular acrobatics of whales. You can see these marine animals doing headstands within splashing distance of the shore. Professional photographers and tourists can visit this spot to capture these awesome moments anytime during the year.
Knysna Elephant Park: For catching wonderful sights of jumbos
Established in 1994, Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to protect and preserve the orphaned African elephants. You must pay a visit to this destination to observe the wandering elephants, zebras, impalas and calves. One may even walk up to the elephants and even touch and feed them.
Visit Swartberg Pass: Not for Acrophobics though!
A journey along the Swartberg is truly amazing! The pass slices through magnificently scenic geological formations offering you wonderful views of the place. You can even enjoy the sunset from the top of Swartberg Pass. This is an attractive spot for hikers too. A major portion of Swartberg is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary: Beware of Snakes here
If you wish to learn extensively about the snakes, you should visit Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary. Here you can not only know more about the snakes but also handle few of the non-venomous ones. There are guided tours too. There are many exhibits and a major highlight is the snake pit.
Emily’s Restaurant: Enjoy Fine Dining
With an exquisite dining hall, Emily’s Restaurant provides an African ambience in the form of Samburu spears, sculptures, old photographs, maps and paintings. Some of the dishes available in this restaurant are Peach Cider Braised Pork Belly, Onion Samosa and Gooseberry Compote, Lamb Rack, Cherry Tomato Feullete and Thyme Red Wine Jus. Customers can lunch by the pool or dine by candlelight. The cuisine is fresh and lip-smacking.
