| en Mossel Bay and Storms River, the Garden | | | | Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, one of the few remaining |
| Route runs parallel to a coastline which features | | | | steam trains in the country. It runs between |
| lakes, mountains, golden beaches, cliffs and dense | | | | George and Knysna. Two scenic passes, the |
| indigenous forests. | | | | Outeniqua and Montagu, link George to the interior. |
| From sources high in the Outeniqua and | | | | Jeffrey's Bay |
| Tsitsikamma Mountains, amber-coloured rivers | | | | A popular holiday resort, especially among surfers. |
| plunge into an ocean of mercurial moods. | | | | The almost rock-free coastline is noted for its |
| On this enchanting stretch of coast, holiday | | | | shells. the local library also houses a fine collection |
| resorts from the simple to the luxurious cater for | | | | of sea shells. |
| fitness fanatics as well as the unashamedly | | | | Knysna |
| indolent. Secluded coves such as Herolds Bay and | | | | This well-known holiday resort on the Garden |
| Victoria Bay, and the long beaches of Wilderness, | | | | Route was established by George Rex, reputedly |
| Sedgefield and Buffels Bay attract those who | | | | the son of George III. The town lies on the |
| enjoy sun, sea and a laid back holiday agenda. | | | | Knysna Lagoon, the mouth of which is guarded |
| Scheduled flights link George (principal town of the | | | | by two promontories known as The Heads. The |
| Garden Route) with all the major centers in the | | | | lagoon is an excellent venue for water sports and |
| country. Surrounded by indigenous forests, the | | | | pleasure and cabin cruises are available. Other |
| delightful town of George nestles on a coastal | | | | attractions include the Featherbed Nature Reserve |
| plateau at the foot of one of the highest peaks in | | | | and the Millwood House Museum. Vast tracts of |
| the Outeniqua mountain range. Knysna has | | | | indigenous forests occur around Knysna. |
| fabulous sea and mountain views and a tranquil | | | | Meiringspoort |
| lagoon - one of the finest sailing, cruising, | | | | A spectacular 2-km gorge through the Swartberg |
| swimming and fishing spots in the country. | | | | Range. A feature of these mountains is the |
| Connoisseurs claim that Knysna oysters are the | | | | dramatic folding of the sandstone strate which is |
| most succulent in the world. In addition to golden | | | | clearly visible in the towering cliffs flanking the |
| beaches, Plettenberg Bay features trendy | | | | road. |
| boutiques, affluent holiday homes and jet set | | | | Mossel Bay |
| hotels. Hikers follow meandering trails through the | | | | Site of the first landfall made by the Portuguese |
| Garden Route; the rain forests invite long, leisurely | | | | explorer Batholomeu Diaz in 1488 and today a |
| drives, while the lakes and rivers lend themselves | | | | popular holiday resort with fine beaches and much |
| to swimming, boating and fishing. Capital of the | | | | else to offer the tourist. The Batholomeu Diaz |
| Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn is easily reached over | | | | Museum Complex comprises historical, maritime |
| the streamlined Outeniqua Pass. In contrast the | | | | and shell museums. Launch trips are offered to |
| lush greenery of the coast, the Little Karoo is a | | | | nearby Seal Island with its noisy population of |
| semiarid valley which provides the ideal habitat for | | | | some 2,000 seals as well as gannets and |
| ostriches. 'Feather Palaces', built at the turn of the | | | | cormorants. |
| century, are reminders of an opulent era when | | | | Nature's Valley |
| feathers fetched more than their weight in gold. | | | | Mainly a village of private holiday homes in |
| Cango Caves | | | | beautiful surroundings with a long stretch of beach. |
| Regarded as one of South Africa's foremost | | | | Oudtshoorn |
| natural wonders, the fascinating calcite caves | | | | Known as the 'Feather Capital' of the world |
| comprise an underground wonderland of | | | | because of the large ostrich industry in the area. |
| stalactites and stalagmites. Tours are conducted | | | | Attractions include two ostrich show farms |
| into the caves. A restaurant, curio shop and | | | | Highgate and Safari and Arbeidsgenot, the home |
| crèche are available at the entrance. | | | | of poet and write CJ Langenhoven which is |
| George | | | | preserved as a museum. The CP Nel Museum in |
| Scenically situated on a coastal plateau at the foot | | | | town is also worth visiting. At the Cango Crocodile |
| of the Outeniqua Mountains. The George Museum, | | | | Ranch and Cheetah land, besides crocodiles |
| housed in the old drostdy, includes a splendid | | | | cheetahs and a snake park, lions, pumas and |
| collection of Victorian bric-a-brac. Steam | | | | jaguars can be viewed. |
| enthusiasts should not miss a ride on the | | | | |