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

Transcription

1 Destination Showcase: The Garden Route A journey of lush forests, rugged sea cliffs and modern safaris Telephone Facsimile /1 P O Box 987 Northlands 2116 Johannesburg South Africa Southern Africa s Leading Travel Group

2 KAMMANASSIEBERGKOUGABERGE The Garden Route Map of the Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park N2 Natures Valley PLETTENBERG BAY N2 THE GARDEN ROUTE Cape Town Knysna Jefferys Bay KNYSNA H3 The Heads George Plettenberg Bay OUTENIQUA MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS GEORGE H2 The Airport H1 H2 Gondwana Game Reserve Fancourt MOSSEL BAY H3 Pezula H1 N2

3 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 number of ostrich farms and the famous Cango Caves. The route lies tucked between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. The indigenous forests of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma offer a unique blend of Cape Fynbos and Temperate Forest vegetation, making it ideal for hiking and eco-tourism activities. Nearly 300 bird species can be found in this region s diverse habitats. Ten nature reserves sustain the highly diverse ecosystems of the area, including unique marine reserves with soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine species. Various bays along the Garden Route serve as nurseries for the endangered Southern Right Whales that come here to calve during the winter and spring months (July to December). For sport lovers and adrenalin junkies, the Garden Route offers a wide selection of activities, ranging from gentle and moderate to fast-paced and extreme. Venues include everything from worldclass golf courses to the world s highest bungee jumping bridge, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee.

4 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

5 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 Min Temp C Max Temp F Min Temp F Rainfall mm

6 Arabella Hotel & Spa 5* Property 145 rooms 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, luxurious cottons and plush goose down duvets and pillows. Full-width sliding glass doors lead to either a private terrace or a balcony offering views over the manicured gardens and swimming pool stretching to the dramatic mountain beyond or over the tranquil waters of the lagoon. The award winning spa is home to the world-first African Rainforest Experience, a two-hour sensory water and steam treatment using African products and inspired by African rains. Jamani Restaurant offers rustic South African fare for casual all-day dining. A large balcony with vistas of the cascading swimming pool creates the ideal setting for a leisurely buffet breakfast or an intimate dinner. Surrouned by the magnificent mountains and Bot River Lagoon, and edged by wild fynbos, the picturesque Arabella Golf Course is an 18-hole, Peter Matkovich designed, Par 72 Championship course and has consistently been ranked among the 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.

7 The Marine Hotel 5* Property 42 rooms 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 opportunity to immerse themselves in the famous Hermanus café culture, and is also just a stone s throw from one of the greatest densities of endangered Great White Shark in the world. Attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of The Marine - from the personal service to the exceptional cuisine, the perfect-for-sundowners Sun Lounge and the in-house Carchele Beauty Spa. 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.

8 Gondwana Game Reserve 5* Property 34 rooms 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 senses. The private reserve is situated 25 minutes outside the charming coastal town of Mossel Bay and a mere four hours drive from Cape Town. George Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the game reserve. The game reserve shares the Garden Route s idyllic climate and is Malaria-free, offering prime, year-round game viewing. The spacious Kwena Lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, a chic open-plan lounge and bar, with food and beverage services offered in an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces or in the boma (outdoor dining area). Just a short drive from Kwena Lodge, the privately situated Fynbos Villas with their awe-inspiring views offer convenient child-friendly amenities, including kitchen facilities, three en-suite bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with DVD player, and a large outdoor deck area. Guests are treated to surprise bush breakfasts, evening boma barbecues, elegant lodge meals and scenic sundowner spots with gourmet treats as the 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 boardroomstyle seating for up to 20 delegates.

9 Hyatt Regency Oubaai 5* Property 100 rooms 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 Herolds Bay. 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 and boast spacious bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers and separate baths. Exclusive Regency Club accommodation provides an extra level of personalised service and a host of special benefits, including private check-in and check-out, as well as concierge services and a boardroom. The hotel offers a hotel gym, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate children s wading pool. Also on offer is the first Ernie Els signature, 18-hole golf course in South Africa, over 8 km s of hiking trails, a tennis court, a squash court and the Freesia Spa. On site are three restaurants the Cucina, the 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 Outeniqua Mountains. The conference centre includes a ballroom, banquet-style seating for 150 guests and five individual meeting rooms.

10 Fancourt 5* Property 133 rooms 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. Blanco House, the original, 150-year-old Manor House and National Monument set on the 613 hectare Fancourt Estate was meticulously remodelled to create a boutique hotel. The Manor House includes 18 luxury suites with personalised butler style service. Fancourt offers a choice of both casual and fine dining. Henry White s, the 60-seater flagship restaurant is dedicated to excellence in the culinary arts.

11 Protea Knysna Quays 5* Property 123 rooms 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 standard double rooms, 30 standard twin rooms, 2 universally accessible rooms and 1 executive suite. Four restaurants on the Knysna Quays Waterfront provide guests with the option of signing their meal charges to their room accounts and settling the 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.

12 The Turbine Hotel & Spa 5* Property 25 rooms 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 luxury suites, a honeymoon suite and the selfcatering Water Club apartment. All suites boast individual décor and art, extralarge king-size beds and Ving card-access security. 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 stateof-the-art conference/function rooms each accommodating 20 boardroom- and 40 cinemastyle 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 woodfired boiler.

13 Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa 5* Property 83 rooms 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 batteryoperated golf carts. All suites maximise the spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon or Indian Ocean and the Pezula Championship Golf Course, and are decorated in contemporary African style, with warm earth tones predominating. The main building houses an award-winning Spa & Gym, Zachary s gourmet restaurant, the Pezula Designer Collection boutique, executive boardrooms, a 24-hour business centre, a Champagne & Whisky Bar, Cigar Lounge, library and games room. The Boma is the ideal venue for a meal with an authentic African feel. A rustic, thatched structure houses a bar and log fireplace where you can dine protected from the elements, surrounded by stunning views of the fynbos landscapes and indigenous forests of Africa. In addition to the Championship Golf Course and award-winning Spa, the Resort offers a vast range 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.

14 Simola Hotel & Lodge 5* Property 88 rooms 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 decorated with a focus on elegance and comfort, they offer all the conveniences of a modern home: an open-plan living area with a fullyequipped kitchen, dining area, lounge and patio, interactive TV with LCD screen, DVD player with surround sound, wireless connectivity, data and Internet ports, under-floor heating, air conditioning, flat-top hob with oven, microwave, under-counter fridge, freezer and mini-bar, and a gas braai on the patio. Also on site is the luxury Simola Lodge, featuring eight exquisitely appointed, double en-suite bedrooms, a rim flow pool and various decks and patios for making the most of the temperate climate and striking sunsets. Five-star facilities include the Orchid Room Restaurant and Sushi Bar serving buffet breakfasts and delectable a la carte dining, Sir Roy s Bar, the Club Café for light meals, a professional hair salon, and spa with a fully equipped gymnasium. The Forest View Room offers beautiful views of the Gouna forest and Outeniqua Mountains in the distance, with loads of natural light and space enough for 180 guests. The boardroom offers stateof-the-art facilities and audio-visual equipment in 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.

15 Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth 5* Property 173 rooms 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-ofthe-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.

16 Shamwari Private Game Reserve 5* Property 56 rooms 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 hectares over a malaria-free landscape, it offers an awardwinning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Shamwari is located approximately one hour s drive from Port Elizabeth Airport. Alternatively, the reserve has a private airstrip for charter flights. Shamwari incorporates five lodges, one villa and one explorer camp; each one with a unique atmosphere. The lodges are relatively well spaced, some suitable for groups and others more suitable for families and kids on safari. 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.

17 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve 5* Property 19 rooms 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 Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class Big Five safari experience set in hectares ( acres) of a pristine, private, malaria-free wilderness. Kwandwe is situated 160km (100 miles) from Port Elizabeth Airport and easily accessible by road in 1hr45min. Alternatively, a flight from Port Elizabeth directly to the Kwandwe Airstrip takes approximately 30 minutes. Direct flights to the game reserve are scheduled for early afternoon, allowing new guests to enjoy an afternoon game drive on their day of arrival. Renowned for understated luxury, exquisite scenery and thousands of wild animals, the four award-winning, Relais & Chateaux lodges offer a range of accommodation options and activities to make every African dream come true. For Safari enthusiasts, Kwandwe is ideal for viewing Africa s famous Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. However, the reserve is also home to a wealth of other unique and interesting animals. As a private reserve, Kwandwe offers regular night drives, often rewarded by unusual sightings of spotted porcupine, aardwolf and aardvark. In between game drives, visitors can experience the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on leisurely walks within easy reach the lodges. Dense euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and ferns. Various birds of prey and other species nest in the taller trees or in the spiny canopy. The Angus Gillis Foundation is an independent, 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.

18 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 the water, and at other times swimming within metres of the coast. Besides shore-based viewing, visitors can also enjoy boat-based excursions for a more up-closeand-personal experience. With a cruise motto of observing not disturbing the cruise lasts a minimum of two hours. The boat permit entitles the skipper to approach the whales as closely as 50 metres. Naturally curious as they are, the whales normally approach the boat to observe the guests! This is an inspirational and unforgettable experience. At the same time, guests can interact with dolphins, seals, clawless otters and a variety of sea birds. Maximum capacity per trip is 70 guests. Shark Cage Diving Located approximately two hours drive from Cape Town is the picturesque seaside town of Gansbaai. It is also the launch site of one of the Western Cape s most exciting adventures Great White shark cagediving. The excursion to Geyser and Dyer islands begins at Kleinbaai Harbour. All diving equipment, towels and snacks are stocked, safety equipment is checked and the boat is fuelled prior to guests arrival. Excursions usually start at about 8h00 with a light, pre-trip welcome meal. Guests are then given a safety briefing before boarding the boat on a minute trip to the dive site. Included in the excursion is shark cage diving, as well as close-up 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 flyin and out of Gaansbaai, from Cape Town in small aircraft, and enjoy shark cage diving.

19 The Garden Route Highlights Oudtshoorn: Ostrich Farms & Cango Caves Once you ve crossed the Outeniqua Mountains, you enter the Klein Karoo, 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 disappointed. This is after all Oudtshoorn the home of the ostrich. In addition to this, the town provides sanctuary to the Cheetah Preservation Foundation, and for the wild at heart, a crocodile cage-dive experience. At the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, 29km outside Oudtshoorn, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo the Cango Caves. Oudtshoorn is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Knysna and is the gateway to Route 62, an alternative route back Featherbed Nature Reserve and John Benn Ferry The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the Garden Route s premier eco-experience. The trip includes a return ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head and a 4x4 vehicle and trailer drive up the headland onto the reserve with stops at spectacular viewpoints. On the reserve, specialist guides provide interesting information on the history, fauna and flora of the area. There is also an optional guided 2.2km walk to ancient sea caves leading through coastal forest 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.

20 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 Keurbooms River Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 740ha just off the N2 national road. The Keurbooms River originates in the Langkloof 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 flow. Qualified skippers and guides showcase the rich diversity of birdlife along the river, the nursery areas for many fish species, the specific habitats of the land mammals, and the intricate ecosystem of the indigenous forest. Once the 5km upstream destination has been reached, guests can disembark at a naturally created river beach where they are free to explore the forest up-close, strolling through pristine canopies of towering Yellowwoods and other indigenous trees. Afterwards, they can relax on the soft, sandy beach and swim in the tranquil, amber-coloured river, before returning to civilization. The duration of the tour is approximately 2 ½ hours and the group can accommodate up to 60 guests in 2 boats. Addo Elephant Back Safari The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the Garden Route s premier eco-experience. The trip includes a return ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head and a 4x4 vehicle and trailer drive up the headland onto the reserve with stops at spectacular viewpoints. On the reserve, specialist guides provide interesting information on the history, fauna and flora of the area. There is also an optional guided 2.2km walk to ancient sea caves leading through coastal forest 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.

21 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, closeup encounter with these comical and intelligent creatures. The meerkat is part of the so-called Shy Five, a group which also includes the bateared fox, aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf. Tours to view these animals in their natural habitat start at sunrise and take between 2-3 hours. Each excursion is weather dependant, because meerkats don t venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days. Guests arriving at the meerkat burrows are treated to a hot cup of coffee and then provided with a lightweight aluminium chair for observation. The cheeky meerkats soon emerge into the sunshine to go about their daily routine of frolicking and foraging. These habituated wild animals are never fed or handled by humans. This tour is only suitable for small groups of 8 guests or less. Ocean Blue Adventures Ocean Encounters Situated in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, Ocean Blue offers visitors a rare and powerful experience close-up whale and dolphin encounters from authorised ocean-going craft. Also on offer is an at one with the ocean kayaking tour. Ocean Blue is a licensed SABBWWA permit holder, which allows them a 50 metre whale approach limit instead of the usual 300 metres. Consequently guests can be treated to an up-close and personal encounter with these majestic mammals. In summer, chances are good you ll see a few rare Humpback Dolphins these are found in isolated 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.

22 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 Yellowwood trees. The scenery and birdlife is spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the 2½ - 3 hour tour. The concept of guiding people through the upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa Rica. Here adventurous biologists devised new methods for accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research on the undiscovered canopy ecosystem. The idea soon evolved into a breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed people to enter and experience a previously inaccessible natural environment. The Tsistikamma Canopy Tour comprises 10 platforms and 10 fufi slides, the longest measuring 100m! Almost three hours later visitors leave the forest having completed the journey of a lifetime. Tsitsikamma Blackwater Tubing (Storms River Tubing) offers guest a unique way to explore one of the best parts of the Garden Route the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. Take in the fun as you float, hike, rock-hop and jump down the exquisite Storms River. Trips currently operate from 1 September to the end of April, subject to water levels. Blackwater Tubing is the ultimate adventure and derives its name from the colour of the Storms River water. The black colour of the water is due to the large amount of tannins leaching from organic matter in the river just like tea in a pot. The Storms River water is potable, but its ph levels are too low to sustain any significant aquatic life. Consequently, the riverbed appears clean and clear, lined by Palmiet grass and majestic Tsitsikamma trees on the banks. The excursion last approximately four hours and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. The operation can accommodate eight guests in 30 minute intervals, so larger groups can be accommodated on a rotating basis.

23 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.