This is a part of the country that has offered inspiration to artists and writers for decades and their presence adds to the trendy feel of the area with the coastal drive linking a series of quaint and charming towns. The Garden Route runs along the Western Cape coast from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It got its name from the abundance and diverse vegetation encountered here and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast.

One of the most picturesque regions in South Africa, the Garden Route is a nature-lover’s paradise. Beautiful pristine beaches and rolling mountain ranges dotted with lush valleys and forests. The indigenous forests are home to 700-year-old yellowwood trees and the elusive forest elephants. A perfect location for hiking, excellent surfing, world class golf courses and, of course, the world’s highest commercial bungee jump.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africa’s most dramatic protected areas and combines both marine and land attractions.

Oudtshoorn is situated in the heart of the ostrich industry and many of the old grandiose farm houses can still be seen here. Back in the 1800s and early 1900s Oudtshoorn was the heart of the feather industry. Today the ostrich farms are involved in the commercial production of meat, leather, eggs and feathers.

Situated just outside of Oudtshoorn one finds the Cango Caves, an important geological feature made up of a series of caverns and chambers all naturally hewn of limestone.

Some of the towns included along the Garden Route are Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and George, being the largest city.