The Garden Route - South Africa's Hidden Treasure

Location and Climate

The Garden Route runs in between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, and the Indian Ocean, which gives it fresh valley air as well as cool Indian Ocean winds. It extends from Mossel Bay -Western Cape- right through to Storms River and includes towns such as George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley, one of the greenest places in Africa, which even has a lagoon to offer paradise seeking tourists.

Being one of the coolest and greenest places in Africa, the Garden Route attracts every year a significant amount of interest from Westerners looking for an alternative to the hot and arid lands of big five safaris.

Wildlife

Thanks to its abundance of forests and wetlands, the Garden Route benefits from a wonderful array of wildlife which includes nearly 300 species of birds, and wonderful selection of marine life such as wales, dolphins, seals and breathtaking coral reefs (even though you will be wearing your scuba gear to make sure they don't take all of your breath away!).

Also, it is always possible to enjoy the pleasures of the Garden Route combined with the ones of a safari, as Africa is the best place for wildlife and 'big 5 safaris'. You might need to travel a little, but there is always an opportunity to go on a Safari in South Africa!

Activities

On top of the location, its climate and wildlife, there is a little something for everyone on the Garden Route... For sport amateurs, there are golf courses, safe swimming spots, polo, hiking, horse riding, surfing, diving and many more adventurous activities you can undertake during your trip. For nature lovers, there are hundreds of rugged coastlines and green valleys that offer activities from whale/dolphin/seal watching to animal sanctuaries and natural reserves.

How to get there

The Garden Route's proximity to Cape Town and Port Elisabeth make it the perfect 4-5 day trip planned into a 2 week holiday to South Africa. If you are planning your holidays there, make sure you have incorporated the Garden route into your itinerary. People who have been on the Garden Route quote it as one of the best experiences in South Africa; the ones that haven't simply don't know what they have missed!

Chris Kyle is an experienced travel writer/blogger specialised in African Holidays and Safaris. So if you require any more information or advice about trips to South Africa, make sure you have a look at South African Holidays [http://www.africacollection.co.uk/pages/3-cape-town-holidays] for amazing experiences in Africa.

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