Destination Showcase: The A journey of lush forests, rugged sea cliffs and modern safaris

Telephone +27 11 219 5600 Facsimile +27 11 268 2010/1 P O Box 987 Northlands 2116 Johannesburg

www.dragonfly.co.za ’s Leading Travel Group The Garden Route Map of the Garden Route

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The Garden Route extends over South Africa’s two southernmost provinces, the Eastern and the .

Officially the Route starts at Heidelberg in the Western Cape and ends at the Storms River on the extreme western reach of the neighbouring Province. The whale capital, Hermanus, and the safari region of the Eastern Cape, located on either side and just beyond the borders of the Garden Route have also been included in this document. The Garden Route was so named, due to its lush and ecologically diverse vegetation and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the scenic coastline. The region includes quaint coastal towns such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley and George. Further inland lies the picturesque and historical town of , home to a large Ten nature reserves sustain the highly diverse number of ostrich farms and the famous Cango ecosystems of the area, including unique marine Caves. reserves with soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine species. Various bays The route lies tucked between the Outeniqua and along the Garden Route serve as nurseries for the and the Indian Ocean. endangered Southern Right Whales that come The indigenous forests of the Outeniqua and here to calve during the winter and spring months Tsitsikamma offer a unique blend of Cape (July to December). and Temperate Forest vegetation, making it ideal for hiking and eco-tourism activities. Nearly 300 For sport lovers and adrenalin junkies, the Garden bird species can be found in this region’s diverse Route offers a wide selection of activities, ranging habitats. from gentle and moderate to fast-paced and extreme. Venues include everything from world- class golf courses to the world’s highest bungee jumping bridge, the Bungee. The Garden Route Access Information

The Garden Route is serviced by two main airports, George Airport in the Western Cape and Airport in the Eastern Cape. Both can be easily accessed via domestic connecting flights from Johannesburg and .

There are also several private airstrips providing access for charter flights.

The Garden Route offers visitors exquisite scenic beauty in a rarely encountered series of magnificent landscapes, seascapes and natural phenomena. By far the best way to take in the splendour of this world famous region is to take a slow drive from Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, making numerous stops along the way.

Estimated travelling times using the town of Knysna as the midway mark:

Port Elizabeth - Knysna: 4 hours Knysna – Cape Town: 6 hours Knysna – Oudtshoorn: 1hr 30min Knysna – Plettenberg Bay: 30min Knysna – George: 45min Knysna - Hermanus: 4hrs 30min Hermanus – Cape Town: 1hr 20min The Garden Route Climate Information

The Garden Route has an oceanic climate, with mild to warm summers and mild to cool winters. According to the Guinness Book of Records it has the mildest climate in South Africa and the second mildest in the world, after Hawaii. Temperatures rarely fall below 10°C (50o F) in winter and rarely rise beyond 28°C (82o F) in summer.

The year-round rainfall peaks slightly during the spring months when humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean release precipitation along the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains. These mountain ranges are situated just a short distance inland from the coast.

Averages Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Max Temp°C 25 25 24 22 21 19 19 19 19 20 22 23

Min Temp °C 15 15 14 12 10 8 7 7 9 10 12 14

Max Temp°F 77 77 75 72 70 66 66 66 66 68 72 73

Min Temp °F 59 59 57 54 50 46 45 45 18 50 54 57

Rainfall mm 63 59 69 71 53 45 43 68 60 64 61 59 Garden Route Incentive class properties

Arabella Hotel & Spa | 5* Property | 145 rooms | www.africanpridehotels.com

The Arabella Hotel & Spa is situated just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Embraced by the majestic Kogelberg Mountains and bordered by the Bot River Lagoon, the hotel invites you to indulge your senses with the beautiful aromas of fresh, salty sea air and fynbos; the distinctive sounds of exotic birdlife and the inspiring views of lush green mountains and sparkling waters meeting an indigo sky. The Arabella Hotel & Spa’s guest rooms are decorated in warm earthy tones, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding area. The spacious

rooms are dressed with rich rosewood furniture, Jamani Restaurant offers rustic South African fare luxurious cottons and plush goose down duvets for casual all-day dining. A large balcony with and pillows. Full-width sliding glass doors lead vistas of the cascading swimming pool creates the to either a private terrace or a balcony offering ideal setting for a leisurely buffet breakfast or an views over the manicured gardens and swimming intimate dinner. pool stretching to the dramatic mountain beyond

or over the tranquil waters of the lagoon. Surrouned by the magnificent mountains and Bot River Lagoon, and edged by wild fynbos, the The award winning spa is home to the world-first picturesque Arabella Golf Course is an 18-hole, African Rainforest Experience, a two-hour sensory Peter Matkovich designed, Par 72 Championship water and steam treatment using African products course and has consistently been ranked among the and inspired by African rains. top 10 courses in South Africa (currently ranked #4 in South Africa by Golf Digest magazine). The Kogelberg Centre and Ballroom provides spectacular views over the golf course, Botrivier Lagoon and Nature Reserve. With state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, cutting-edge technology and beautiful organic decor, this multi-functional room is suitable for any type of occasion. The double-volume room covers 453 square metres and can accommodate up to 400 people cinema style. A unique feature, using acoustically sound-proofed, retractable panels, allows you to divide the room into 3 smaller private venues. Garden Route Incentive class properties

The Marine Hotel | 5* Property | 42 rooms | www.marine-hermanus.co.za

The owner-managed Marine Hotel, part of The Collection, is one of the southern hemisphere’s most spectacular seaside Relais & Châteaux properties. Perched on sea cliffs, overlooking Hermanus’ Walker Bay, The Marine comprises 42 individually decorated bedrooms and suites.

In addition to its spectacular setting, The Marine offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. From June to September, these majestic creatures can be viewed from the comfort of a beautiful sea-facing bedroom or suite. This

centrally located property gives guests the Attention to detail is apparent in every aspect opportunity to immerse themselves in the famous of The Marine - from the personal service to the Hermanus café culture, and is also just a stone’s exceptional cuisine, the perfect-for-sundowners throw from one of the greatest densities of Sun Lounge and the in-house Carchele Beauty Spa. endangered Great White Shark in the world.

The Pavilion Restaurant, headed up by The Collection’s award winning Executive Chef, Peter Tempelhoff, offers a unique dining experience, sea views and a well-stocked floating wine cellar.

Inspired by Mrs McGrath’s (the hotel owner) visit to the Harrods’ seafood counter, Seafood at The Marine is a must-try. The restaurant offers diners a contemporary and relaxed environment, with an emphasis on fresh fish.

The Terrace Room, The Marine’s bespoke conference and function facility, comfortably caters for events ranging from two to 60 guests. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Gondwana Game Reserve | 5* Property | 34 rooms | www.gondwanagr.co.za

Kwena Lodge: 14 suites Fynbos Villas: 7 (1 x two-bed, 6 x three-bed) Private Bush Villas: 4 (2 x three-bed, 2 x four-bed) on a self-catering basis

Gondwana is a private game reserve and holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only fynbos reserve with a free-roaming and complete set of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino & Buffalo). Sprawling over 11,000 hectares of mountains and rolling hills, covered in a blanket of colourful fynbos, the breathtaking beauty of Gondwana never fails to soothe and delight the elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces or senses. in the boma (outdoor dining area). Just a short drive from Kwena Lodge, the privately The private reserve is situated 25 minutes outside situated Fynbos Villas with their awe-inspiring the charming coastal town of Mossel Bay and a views offer convenient child-friendly amenities, mere four hours’ drive from Cape Town. George including kitchen facilities, three en-suite Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the game bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with DVD player, and a reserve. The game reserve shares the Garden large outdoor deck area. Route’s idyllic climate and is Malaria-free, offering prime, year-round game viewing. Guests are treated to surprise bush breakfasts, The spacious Kwena Lodge facilities include a evening boma barbecues, elegant lodge meals and large infinity pool, a chic open-plan lounge and scenic sundowner spots with gourmet treats as the bar, with food and beverage services offered in an sun dips behind the mountains. Gondwana Lodge is proud to offer not only a selection of dining venues, but also a large range of gourmet meals made from the freshest local ingredients.

Gondwana Game Reserve’s Lehele Lodge provides excellent facilities for large corporates functions or smaller executive breakaways. The contemporary conference centre boasts a large wooden table measuring five metres in length with boardroom- style seating for up to 20 delegates. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Hyatt Regency Oubaai | 5* Property | 100 rooms | www.oubaai.regency.hyatt.co.za

This resort is part of the picturesque Oubaai Golf and Residential Estate - an upscale, 316-acre golf and residential development on the Garden Route, overlooking the Indian Ocean and . The resort is located a mere 10 minutes from George Airport and five hours’ drive from Cape Town.

Inside the hotel, 100 stylish guestrooms and suites come equipped with the latest in communication and entertainment technology The hotel offers a hotel gym, an outdoor swimming and boast spacious bathrooms with glass-enclosed pool with a separate children’s wading pool. Also rain showers and separate baths. Exclusive on offer is the first Ernie Els signature, 18-hole golf Regency Club™ accommodation provides an course in South Africa, over 8 km’s of hiking trails, extra level of personalised service and a host of a tennis court, a squash court and the Freesia Spa. special benefits, including private check-in and check-out, as well as concierge services and a On site are three restaurants – the Cucina, the boardroom. Waterside Bar and Grill and The Clubhouse.

Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa offers floor-to-ceiling windows in all their function rooms, with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean and . The conference centre includes a ballroom, banquet-style seating for 150 guests and five individual meeting rooms. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Fancourt | 5* Property | 133 rooms | www.fancourt.co.za

Fancourt is situated just 7km from George Airport and is one of the original resorts in this area. It is renowned for its excellent golf courses and stylish accommodation.

The resort includes two accommodation options: Fancourt Hotel is a fine blend of modern luxury and classic elegance, offering accommodation that caters to every taste. The 115 luxurious bedrooms and suites are all fully equipped with everything you need to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. Fancourt offers a choice of both casual and fine dining. Henry White’s, the 60-seater flagship Blanco House, the original, 150-year-old Manor restaurant is dedicated to excellence in the House and National Monument set on the 613 culinary arts. hectare Fancourt Estate was meticulously remodelled to create a boutique hotel. The Manor House includes 18 luxury suites with personalised butler style service. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Protea Knysna Quays | 5* Property | 123 rooms | www.proteahotels.com

Situated in the bustling Knysna Quays Waterfront, one of the best hotel locations in South Africa, the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays offers a spectacular view over the lagoon of this popular coastal town. Knysna is located near the centre of the Garden Route and is an ideal base from which to explore the region. George Airport is 60 minutes’ drive away.

Accommodation at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays comprises 123 spacious rooms decorated in warm, earthy tones and offering spectacular views of the lagoon, the historical train station and the Knysna Waterfront. These well-appointed, modern rooms consist of 70 lagoon-facing rooms, 20 Four restaurants on the Knysna Quays Waterfront standard double rooms, 30 standard twin rooms, provide guests with the option of signing their meal 2 universally accessible rooms and 1 executive charges to their room accounts and settling the suite. charges when they depart.

Protea Hotel Knysna Quays offers a heated outdoor swimming pool located on a uniquely designed sundeck with sweeping views of the lagoon. The hotel can provide conference facilities with classroom-style seating for a maximum of 30 guests. Garden Route Incentive class properties

The Turbine Hotel & Spa | 5* Property | 25 rooms | www.turbinehotel.co.za

The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a boutique hotel located on Thesen Island, in the heart of Knysna. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the main arts and crafts shopping area. It is considered one of the most the prestigious locations on the Garden Route.

The Turbine Hotel and Spa was an ambitious project which transformed the old power station into a hotel. All the old machinery which was used in this power station has been loving restored and forms an integral part of the hotels aesthetics. The Turbine Hotel and Spa offers 17 suites, six All suites boast individual décor and art, extra- luxury suites, a honeymoon suite and the self- large king-size beds and Ving card-access security. catering Water Club apartment. Accommodation includes complete climate control and full en-suite facilities with separate shower and bath, two basins and heated towel rails.

The hotel is surrounded by water on three sides and includes two licensed bars and two superb Knysna restaurants. Enjoy al fresco dining from the deli and oysters from the champagne bar. Additional amenities include conference facilities, a designer rim-flow pool and the Amani Spa. The conference centre includes two state- of-the-art conference/function rooms – each accommodating 20 boardroom- and 40 cinema- style seats. The two rooms are interleading to cater for larger functions and come equipped with the latest technology and full air-conditioning. The Boiler Room is literally built inside the old wood- fired boiler. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa | 5* Property | 83 rooms | http://conradhotels3.hilton.com

Opened in February, 2005, the Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa is ideally located on top of the Knysna Heads, overlooking the ocean and the lagoon. The resort is a mere 60 minutes from the George Airport. This luxury hotel consists of 83 exquisitely appointed luxury suites, linked by short landscaped pathways to the nearby main building and accessible by foot or battery- operated golf carts.

All suites maximise the spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon or Indian Ocean and the Pezula Championship Golf Course, and are decorated The Boma is the ideal venue for a meal with an in contemporary African style, with warm earth authentic African feel. A rustic, thatched structure tones predominating. houses a bar and log fireplace where you can dine protected from the elements, surrounded The main building houses an award-winning by stunning views of the fynbos landscapes and Spa & Gym, Zachary’s gourmet restaurant, the indigenous forests of Africa. Pezula Designer Collection boutique, executive boardrooms, a 24-hour business centre, a In addition to the Championship Golf Course and Champagne & Whisky Bar, Cigar Lounge, library award-winning Spa, the Resort offers a vast range and games room. of facilities and activities. All guests have access to the private estate’s Field of Dreams Sports Complex which boasts 4 tennis courts, a sports oval, facilities for pétanque and archery and a golf practice range. Also on the estate is the Barnyard & Stables with its animal touch farm. It is here that guests meet for horse riding, nature trails through the Estate’s indigenous forests and canoe trips up the Noetzie River. A shuttle service from the hotel also takes guests to secluded Noetzie beach. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Simola Hotel & Lodge | 5* Property | 88 rooms | www.simolaestate.co.za

Located high up in the hills above the Garden Route town of Knysna (South Africa’s favourite holiday town), Simola Golf & Country Estate is like another world. Fairways merge seamlessly with lush indigenous vegetation and forests creating a vista of undulating green hills and dales which gently roll down to the Knysna River. From its vantage point, the 325-hectare Estate looks out over the full expanse of the Knysna Lagoon, all the way to the Heads and beyond to the Indian Ocean. The 40 two-bedroom suites are located a short distance from the main complex. All beautifully bedrooms, a rim flow pool and various decks and decorated with a focus on elegance and comfort, patios for making the most of the temperate they offer all the conveniences of a modern climate and striking sunsets. home: an open-plan living area with a fully- Five-star facilities include the Orchid Room equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge and patio, Restaurant and Sushi Bar serving buffet breakfasts interactive TV with LCD screen, DVD player and delectable a la carte dining, Sir Roy’s Bar, the with surround sound, wireless connectivity, Club Café for light meals, a professional hair salon, data and Internet ports, under-floor heating, air and spa with a fully equipped gymnasium. conditioning, flat-top hob with oven, microwave, The Forest View Room offers beautiful views of under-counter fridge, freezer and mini-bar, and a the Gouna forest and Outeniqua Mountains in the gas braai on the patio. distance, with loads of natural light and space enough for 180 guests. The boardroom offers state- Also on site is the luxury Simola Lodge, featuring of-the-art facilities and audio-visual equipment in eight exquisitely appointed, double en-suite a modern, private setting. Lauded as the greatest golfer in the history of the game, Jack Nicklaus (the Golden Bear) is also acknowledged as one of the world’s leading golf course designers with more than 200 courses around the world bearing his famous signature. Simola Golf Club proudly joins the ranks of this elite group of internationally recognised courses designed by him. In addition to the world-class course, facilities include a club house lounge and bar, luxurious locker rooms, and a Pro-shop. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth | 5* Property | 173 rooms | www.radissonblue.com

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Port Elizabeth is this coastal town’s newest, deluxe property. Located on the beachfront it offers uninterrupted views over the dazzling Indian Ocean. Located ten minutes from the airport and city centre and a just stone’s throw from pristine Blue Flag beaches, this hotel could not be better placed for business and pleasure. Also in close proximity are the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Greenacres Shopping Centre and Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. The 173 comfortable and modern guest rooms come in three contemporary design themes: Urban, in warm, natural shades of brown and sand; Eclectic, in energising shades of burnt orange; and Shoreline, in sleek, sophisticated black and white tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a distinguishing feature in all rooms.

Other amenities include an in-house restaurant and cocktail lounge, an on-site spa and gym, a swimming pool and premier meeting facilities. Included is an entire floor of 633m2 dedicated to venues that cater for events of any size. The eight multi-functional conference rooms have Port Elizabeth beach names and boast natural light, individual climate control facilities, state-of- the-art technology and free high-speed, wireless Internet access.

Designed for optimal comfort and clear thinking, the spacious, 337m2 ballroom can be divided into three separate meeting rooms with sufficient space to accommodate 180 delegates banquet-style. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Shamwari Private Game Reserve | 5* Property | 56 rooms | www.shamwari.com

5* Eagles Crag Lodge: 9 suites Villa Lobengula: 6 suites 5* Long Lee Manor: 15 rooms Riverdene Lodge: 9 rooms Bayethe Lodge: 12 tents Sarili Lodge: 5 suites Explorer Camp: 3-tent mobile camp (seasonal) Pilot rooms: None

Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is one of the top private game reserves and home to the coveted Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Stretching 25 000 hectares over a malaria-free landscape, it offers an award- Shamwari incorporates five lodges, one villa winning nature experience and is one of the and one explorer camp; each one with a unique largest private conservation initiatives in Southern atmosphere. The lodges are relatively well spaced, Africa. Shamwari is located approximately some suitable for groups and others more suitable one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth Airport. for families and kids on safari. Alternatively, the reserve has a private airstrip for charter flights. Game Drives: Interactive game drives in the tranquil sunrise and sunset hours can last up to three hours. Guests are accompanied by a game ranger in an open game viewing vehicle and are served a sundowner at sunset or coffee/tea at sunrise. No persons under the age of four years are permitted on game drives. Other activities include guided game walks, guided nature walks and spa treatments. Also on-site are the Born Free Foundation, Animal Rescue & Education Centre and the Animal Rehabilitation Centre & Animal Hospital. Also on offer are truly unique incentive-style activities, such as field guide training and outdoor bush dinners. For groups wishing to do combined events between the lodges, we do not recommend more than 60 guests. Garden Route Incentive class properties

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve | 5* Property | 19 rooms | www.kwandwe.com

Great Fish River Lodge: 9 suites Ecca Lodge: 6 suites Uplands Homestead: 3 suites Melton Manor: 4 suites (exclusive use) Pilot rooms: None

In the heart of South Africa’s unspoilt Eastern lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class Big Five safari experience set in 22 000 hectares (54 000 acres) of a pristine, private, malaria-free wilderness. Kwandwe is situated 160km (100 miles) from Port elephant, buffalo and rhino. However, the reserve Elizabeth Airport and easily accessible by road is also home to a wealth of other unique and in 1hr45min. Alternatively, a flight from Port interesting animals. As a private reserve, Kwandwe Elizabeth directly to the Kwandwe Airstrip takes offers regular night drives, often rewarded by approximately 30 minutes. Direct flights to the unusual sightings of spotted porcupine, aardwolf game reserve are scheduled for early afternoon, and aardvark. allowing new guests to enjoy an afternoon game In between game drives, visitors can experience drive on their day of arrival. the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on Renowned for understated luxury, exquisite leisurely walks within easy reach the lodges. Dense scenery and thousands of wild animals, the four euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, award-winning, Relais & Chateaux lodges offer a revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and range of accommodation options and activities to ferns. Various birds of prey and other species nest make every African dream come true. in the taller trees or in the spiny canopy. For Safari enthusiasts, Kwandwe is ideal for The Angus Gillis Foundation is an independent, viewing Africa’s famous Big Five – lion, leopard, non-profit, charitable trust that currently invests in the development of nine rural communities, two of which are located in the Kwandwe Reserve. Guests are encouraged to enjoy an informative and enriching visit to the Foundation site. Guests can also spend time with a local historian and raconteur, and learn all about the history of the Eastern Cape, with insightful visits to ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites and neighbouring forts and military towns, such as Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown. The Garden Route Highlights

Whale Watching

Hermanus, a quaint town situated approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cape Town, is home to numerous artists and a favourite weekend getaway for well-heeled city dwellers. Between June and November, however, it gets a different sort of visitor. Each year hundreds of Southern Right Whales make their way to the warm waters and safe coves to calve. These aquatic giants can be seen from the shoreline, often breeching out Shark Cage Diving the water, and at other times swimming within metres of the coast. Located approximately two hours’ drive from Cape Town is the picturesque seaside town of Gansbaai. It Besides shore-based viewing, visitors can also is also the launch site of one of the Western Cape’s enjoy boat-based excursions for a more up-close- most exciting adventures – Great White shark cage- and-personal experience. With a cruise motto diving. of “observing not disturbing” the cruise lasts a The excursion to Geyser and Dyer islands begins at minimum of two hours. The boat permit entitles Kleinbaai Harbour. All diving equipment, towels and the skipper to approach the whales as closely snacks are stocked, safety equipment is checked as 50 metres. Naturally curious as they are, the and the boat is fuelled prior to guests’ arrival. whales normally approach the boat to observe the Excursions usually start at about 8h00 with a light, guests! This is an inspirational and unforgettable pre-trip welcome meal. Guests are then given a experience. At the same time, guests can interact safety briefing before boarding the boat on a 15 with dolphins, seals, clawless otters and a variety – 20 minute trip to the dive site. Included in the of sea birds. Maximum capacity per trip is 70 excursion is shark cage diving, as well as close-up guests. views the Great Whites. Refreshments are served on the viewing deck. The excursion ends back on land, with post- trip refreshments and a DVD show of the day’s events. Note: From the upper deck, an excellent view over the ocean surface provides guests with an opportunity to observe the great white sharks circling and descending. Generally, capacity is limited to 20 guests per boat. For a really unique excursion small groups can fly- in and out of Gaansbaai, from Cape Town in small aircraft, and enjoy shark cage diving. The Garden Route Highlights

Oudtshoorn: Ostrich Farms & Cango Caves

Once you’ve crossed the Outeniqua Mountains, you enter the Klein , a world with a dramatically different scenery. From the moment you lay eyes on the rugged terrain, you will be struck by the vast solitude of this magnificent, arid landscape.

If you hope to see a few ostriches dotted around the countryside, you will most certainly not be Featherbed Nature Reserve and John Benn Ferry disappointed. This is after all Oudtshoorn – the home of the ostrich. In addition to this, the town The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the provides sanctuary to the Cheetah Preservation Western Head in Knysna, is the Garden Route’s Foundation, and for the wild at heart, a crocodile premier eco-experience. The trip includes a return cage-dive experience. ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head and a 4x4 vehicle and trailer drive up the At the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, headland onto the reserve with stops at spectacular 29km outside Oudtshoorn, lies the spectacular viewpoints. underground wonder of the Klein Karoo – the Cango Caves. On the reserve, specialist guides provide interesting information on the history, fauna and flora of the Oudtshoorn is approximately 1 hour and 15 area. There is also an optional guided 2.2km walk minutes from Knysna and is the gateway to Route to ancient sea caves leading through coastal forest 62, an alternative route back and fynbos areas. A buffet lunch at an outdoor restaurant is served under a canopy of Milkwood trees.

This is ideal for larger group and functions of up to 110 guests. The Garden Route Highlights

Keurbooms River Ferry

Situated 35km east of Knysna and 8km beyond Plettenberg Bay in the direction of Nature’s Valley, the Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 740ha just off the N2 national road. The Keurbooms River originates in the which lies to the north of the main Tsitsikamma mountain range. Stretching over 60km, the river can be navigated up to 12km from the coast depending on the tidal Addo Elephant Back Safari flow. Qualified skippers and guides showcase the rich The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the diversity of birdlife along the river, the ‘nursery’ Western Head in Knysna, is the Garden Route’s areas for many fish species, the specific habitats premier eco-experience. The trip includes a return of the land mammals, and the intricate ecosystem ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western of the indigenous forest. Head and a 4x4 vehicle and trailer drive up the Once the 5km upstream destination has been headland onto the reserve with stops at spectacular reached, guests can disembark at a naturally viewpoints. created river beach where they are free to explore the forest up-close, strolling through On the reserve, specialist guides provide interesting pristine canopies of towering Yellowwoods and information on the history, fauna and flora of the other indigenous trees. Afterwards, they can area. There is also an optional guided 2.2km walk relax on the soft, sandy beach and swim in the to ancient sea caves leading through coastal forest tranquil, amber-coloured river, before returning and fynbos areas. A buffet lunch at an outdoor to civilization. restaurant is served under a canopy of Milkwood The duration of the tour is approximately 2 ½ trees. hours and the group can accommodate up to 60 guests in 2 boats. This is ideal for larger group and functions of up to 110 guests. The Garden Route Unique activities

Meerkat Adventures

Situated in the northern part of the Garden Route, the town of Oudtshoorn is home to the unique Meerkat Adventures operation which treats small groups of guests to a unique, close- up encounter with these comical and intelligent creatures. The meerkat is part of the so-called “Shy Five”, a group which also includes the bat- eared fox, aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf. Tours to view these animals in their natural Ocean Blue Adventures – Ocean Encounters habitat start at sunrise and take between 2-3 hours. Each excursion is weather dependant, Situated in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, because meerkats don’t venture outside their Ocean Blue offers visitors a rare and powerful burrows on cold and rainy days. experience – close-up whale and dolphin encounters from authorised ocean-going craft. Also on offer is Guests arriving at the meerkat burrows are an “at one with the ocean” kayaking tour. treated to a hot cup of coffee and then Ocean Blue is a licensed SABBWWA permit holder, provided with a lightweight aluminium chair for which allows them a 50 metre whale approach observation. The cheeky meerkats soon emerge limit instead of the usual 300 metres. Consequently into the sunshine to go about their daily routine guests can be treated to an up-close and personal of frolicking and foraging. These habituated wild encounter with these majestic mammals. animals are never fed or handled by humans. In summer, chances are good you’ll see a few rare This tour is only suitable for small groups of 8 Humpback Dolphins – these are found in isolated guests or less. areas of the South African coastline! If possible, you should also see Bottlenose and Common Dolphins. Kayaking with an experienced guide from Central Beach to Robberg Nature Reserve is an experience of a lifetime, and the likelihood of friendly dolphins splashing by your side is pretty good. At Robberg Nature Reserve, the inhabitants of the seal colony will join in the fun and in whale season, a few of these majestic mammals are sure to put in special guest appearances as well. All equipment is provided and suitable for beginners. In whale season, the capacity of the boat is limited to 34 guests and 20 for kayaking. More visitors can be accommodated out of season. The Garden Route Unique activities

Treetop Canopy Tour

The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour© is a unique eco-wilderness adventure in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. The venue is situated a mere 40 minutes’ drive from Knysna. The canopy tour is the first of its kind in Africa. It involves traversing one platform to another via a steel cable suspended at heights of up to 30 meters above the forest floor... Blackwater Tubing

Most platforms are located in giant Outeniqua Tsitsikamma Blackwater Tubing (Storms River Tubing) Yellowwood trees. The scenery and birdlife is offers guest a unique way to explore one of the best spectacular and professional guides provide parts of the Garden Route – the Tsitsikamma Coastal interesting facts about the forest ecology during National Park. Take in the fun as you float, hike, the 2½ - 3 hour tour. rock-hop and jump down the exquisite Storms River. Trips currently operate from 1 September to the end The concept of guiding people through the of April, subject to water levels. upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa Blackwater Tubing is the ultimate adventure and Rica. Here adventurous biologists devised new derives its name from the colour of the Storms River methods for accessing the forest canopy in water. The ‘black’ colour of the water is due to order to conduct research on the undiscovered the large amount of tannins leaching from organic canopy ecosystem. The idea soon evolved into a matter in the river – just like tea in a pot. breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed The Storms River water is potable, but its ph levels people to enter and experience a previously are too low to sustain any significant aquatic life. inaccessible natural environment. Consequently, the riverbed appears clean and clear, lined by Palmiet grass and majestic Tsitsikamma The Tsistikamma Canopy Tour© comprises trees on the banks. 10 platforms and 10 ‘fufi’ slides, the longest The excursion last approximately four hours and can measuring 100m! Almost three hours later visitors accommodate a maximum of 40 people. leave the forest having completed the journey of a lifetime.

The operation can accommodate eight guests in 30 minute intervals, so larger groups can be accommodated on a rotating basis. The Garden Route Eating out

Eating Out!

Given the vast area of the Garden Route, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out.

Many fine restaurants are located along the coastline - some on wine farms, others with fantastic ocean views.

Culinary highlights include fresh Knysna oysters - celebrated every year in a week-long festival, also fresh seafood and traditional BBQ’s. In Oudtshoorn don’t miss out on a succulent Ostrich steak or the local delicacy, ostrich biltong (jerky).

Meals on safari are mostly all inclusive and lodges offer Boma (outdoor reed enclosure) and Bush Dinners for al fresco dining under the African skies.