The Garden Route and Little Karoo's natural assets (just for starters) will have you question ever wanting to leave this idyllic spot! The Garden Route at a glance There are 21 towns along the Garden Route, which means the list of attractions are endless and much depends on what you would like to see, how long you plan to stay and whether you traveling alone, as a family or part of a tour group. Popular Attractions for the main towns are: Cango Caves (Oudtshoorn) Golfing (from Fancourt, Pezula and Oubaai to Pinnacle Point) Cango Wildlife Ranch (Oudtshoorn) Knysna Featherbed (Knysna) Knysna Heads (Knysna) Knysna Elephant Park (Knysna) Noetzie Castle (Knysna) Mossel Bay Museum (Mossel Bay) Monkeyland and Birds of Eden(Plettenberg Bay) Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve(Plettenberg Bay) Buffalo Hills (Plettenberg Bay) The Garden Route and Little Karoo spans South Africas Western Cape coastal belt from Witsands whale birthing haven in the west to Plettenberg Bays beach, polo and party-going pleasures. Then theres the arid geological basin of red sandstone along the interior, wedged between the fynbos-adorned Heidelberg in the west and Uniondales eastern sheep farming and rock art treasures. The name Garden Route stems from the abundant greenery, forestry, coastal coves, unique stop overs and mountainous regions which many years ago was the only connecting route between the towns and was widely traveled by settlers and traders alike. Over time roads, mountain passes and bridges setup to link these popular villages soon became known as the "Garden Route". Its all about an abundance of blue skies, white sand beaches, rolling oceans, dramatic mountain scenery, indigenous fynbos, ostrich antics and local hospitality. A place where you can travel along routes where you are often alone on the open road or make for the malls and beaches on packaged tour comforts. Golden vineyards, sun-drenched orchards, beaches, pin-drop-silent forests, sweeping lakes and birds eye view passes add to the mix. Beach junkies are spoiled for choice. Stilbaais assets include treasures from the Stone Age and the Khoi people. Mossel Bay and Albertinia share the pleasure of bungee jumping thrills with Plettenberg Bay. Mossel Bay prides itself on offering the diverse experience of game viewing and that of stringing a hammock along beaches that serve up the worlds second most temperate climate. Still along the coast, Wilderness and Sedgefield comprise the Lakes Region, while golf, green coastal treasures and malls a-plenty rate among George and Knysna's endless offerings.

Garden Route & Little Karoo With a smorgasbord of activities, its all about sport, sun-kissed smiles and Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train adventures... Leap into paragliding oblivion at the Wilderness, or embark on Mossel Bay shark cage diving shenanigans. Try the bungi jump from the Gouritz River Bridge, which is flanked by Albertinia and Mossel Bay. Golf it up at George. Mossel Bay, on the other hand, allows you to quad bike and game view literally at one sitting. Put your 4x4 through her more groaning paces at Riversdale and the ostrich-adorned Oudtshoorn. Hiking and other mountainous exploits are notable at Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and in the Oudtshoorn vicinity, while polo and all matters equine are de rigeur at Plettenberg Bay. Southern Right whale watching (mid- June-November) rates as a key highlight at Witsand, Stilbaai, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna and Plett. Be sure to explore marine marvels on a sea kayaking, SCUBA or snorkelling exploration, or get stoked surfing it up at Stilbaais Point and the adjacent Groot Jongensfontein, Mossel Bays Peninsula, Georges Victoria Bay, or at good ol Plett. Top marks go to Wilderness, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bays coastal fishing. Witsand features coastal and estuary fishing wonders. Trawl malls, craft markets and quaint country stalls as you hunt down local creative endeavours. Friendships forged at Mossel Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Pletts inter-cultural township offerings seal the experience. For accommodation in the Garden Route please see: Garden Route Accommodation

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