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PRE
& POST TOURS - GARDEN ROUTE |
OVERVIEW
A coastal stretch of magnificent scenery encompassing mountains, rivers,
coastal views and
seaside towns, the Garden route offers visitors hundreds of kilometres of well-developed
tourism infrastructure and diverse experiences.
The Garden Route is easily accessible from Cape Town by road (4 hour drive).
There are many variations as to how best the Garden Route can be explored, but one of the most
rewarding is by vehicle. This allows for flexibility and it also provides the visitor with
the opportunity to take in the magnificence of the scenery and its diversity. Given the wide
variety of activities and accommodation available, it is best to allow the guest to choose
for themselves. Below is a smorgasbord of the types of activities available and depending on
preferences indicated, an itinerary will be tailored to best suit the individual’s needs.
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GENERAL
ACTIVITIES |
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| Endless beaches at Plettenberg Bay |
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| Inside the Cango Caves |
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| Unrivalled Dolphin Cruises |
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| Knysna Forest walking path |
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General Sightseeing
The coastal scenic beauty, nature reserves, history, wildlife, arts and crafts and the
related activities provides the curious tourist with large variety of sightseeing opportunities. |
Relax on the Beach
This stretch of coastline is home to some of the most magnifi cent stretches of beach imaginable.
Warm waters, safe swimming facilities and easy access make it a day at the beach a definite
on any itinerary. Plettenberg Bay is without a doubt South Africa’s most desirable
beach destination.
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Birding
The birdlife is spectacular – Knysna alone has recorded more than 230 different species
of birds including some special interest forest varieties. Tours can be arranged for those
interested in birding |
Visit The Cango Caves
The Cango Caves is one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculptured by nature
through the ages. The cave’s exquisite dripstones, curtain-like formations hanging
from cavern roofs, calcite flowers, stalactites and stalagmites create an underground wonder-world.
Trained guides are at hand to conduct visitors along the magic paths of the world’s
finest stalactite cave that venture 800m into the mountainside. |
Dolphin Cruises
Large shoals of Dolphins are regularly seen playing beyond the breakers along this coastline.
Dolphin cruises offer you the opportunity to view these amazing animals more closely. |
Whale Watching
Between July and November each year ever increasing amounts of Southern Right Whales (as
well as other species) seek the protected waters of the bays along the Garden Route. The
whales come close to shore in order to calve and it is this that offers extraordinary whale
viewing opportunities. Excellent land and sea based opportunities exist to view these giants
of the ocean. |
Forest Tour
Much of the indigenous forests were destroyed in the early colonial days. However, the
remaining forests are jealousy protected and are easily accessible to visitors. Walking,
picnicking, bird watching, hiking and mountain biking are some of the activities enjoyed
in the forest independently or on guided tours. |
SPORT |
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| Seaside golf at Sparrebosch |
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| Mountain biking on country roads |
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Golf
The Garden Route is South Africa’s golfing mecca and there are very few places on
earth that offer such a selection of world-class courses. Five of the countries top ten courses
are situated within 100km (60 miles) of one another –
not surprisingly, Ernie Els has made his home here and is presently involved in designing
and building a golf estate in the region. |
Hiking, Mountain Biking & Horse Riding
The mountains, beaches, beautiful indigenous forests and many Nature Reserves provide a
wide variety of wonderful hiking, mountain biking and horse riding experiences.
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Fishing
Fly-fishing, rock, surf, deep-sea, bass and trout fishing are all available along this
portion of the coastline. |
WATERSPORTS |
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| Sailing through Knysna Heads |
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Scuba Diving
Diving along this coastline offers varied diving experiences; these include reef dives,
shore dives, wreck dives & shark dives. Diving courses are offered and qualifi ed instructors
are on hand to help to enjoy this wonderful activity. |
Surfing
There are many surfing spots along this portion of coast. Africa Bespoke will take in to
consideration levels of competence when recommending a surf spot. Equipment can be hired
and there are some excellent surf schools that cater to all levels of ability. |
Sailing
Both lakes and lagoons in the area offer excellent sailing opportunities. For the more
adventurous hobiecats can be launched from the beaches of Plettenberg Bay. |
General Watersports
Watersports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, surf-skiing,
are just some of the examples of the variety of availability along most of the coastline.
Many of them can be done independently or alternatively qualified guides are readily available
on request. |
ACTION |
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| Great White Shark diving |
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| Paragliding down the coast |
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| Storms River tubing adventure |
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| Abseiling on the Kaaimans River |
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Great White Shark Diving
Mossel Bay is one of the few locations that offers the experience of coming eye-to-eye
with a Great White Shark. Underwater cages are suspended from the back of a boat and the
sharks are attracted with bait. This is a truly frightening but memorable experience. |
Bungi Jumping
The world’s highest commercial bungi jump measuring an awesome 216 metres can be
done from the Bloukrans Storms River Bridge near Plettenberg Bay. For adrenaline junkies
this is an absolute must. |
Forest Canopy Tours
Travel through the forest from tree to tree suspended 30 metres above the ground. The forest
canopy tour takes you through the forest traversing from one massive to tree to the other. |
Skydiving
South Africa offers one of the best ‘value for money’
sky diving experiences. The Garden Route is one of the most awesome places to satisfy any
urge of jumping out of a plane with a parachute attached. |
Paragliding
The Garden Route has numerous locations that allow for safe paragliding (both tandem and
if qualified, individual). Paragliding allows you to glide above some of the most beautiful
coastline the country has to offer. |
Gliding
Plettenberg Bay is the only venue in the country that offers commercial glider rides for
tourists. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is offered over one of the most scenic bays
in the country. |
Micro-lighting
It is difficult to describe the thrill of flying low over this beautiful coastline and
being able circle at a low altitude over dolphins, whales or any other interesting sightings. |
Abseiling
Abseiling can be enjoyed in many spectacular surroundings. |
Blackwater Tubing
This involves travelling down a narrow gorge in tubes. It is a guided tour and you are
supplied with the necessary equipment (helmets, tubes and wetsuits) It is a great day out,
lasting approximately 6 hours (lunch is supplied). |
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