Destination Showcase: The Garden Route 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 South Africa www.dragonfly.co.za Southern Africa’s Leading Travel Group The Garden Route Map of the Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park N2 E G R E B A G U O K Natures Valley PLETTENBERG BAY N2 THE GARDEN ROUTE Cape Town Knysna Jeerys Bay Plettenberg Bay KNYSNA George H3 The Heads S N G I R A E T B N E I U S O S A M N A A U M Q I M N A E K T U O WILDERNESS GEORGE H2 Gondwana Game Reserve The Airport H1 H2 Fancourt H3 Pezula MOSSEL BAY H1 N2 The Garden Route The Garden Route extends over South Africa’s two southernmost provinces, the Eastern and the Western Cape. Officially the Route starts at Heidelberg in the Western Cape and ends at the Storms River on the extreme western reach of the neighbouring Eastern Cape 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 Oudtshoorn, 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 Tsitsikamma Mountains 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 Fynbos (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 Bloukrans Bridge Bungee. The Garden Route Access Information The Garden Route is serviced by two main airports, George Airport in the Western Cape and Port Elizabeth Airport in the Eastern Cape. Both can be easily accessed via domestic connecting flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. 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.