The Area
Whether you've come to the Garden Route to rest, be inspired or to play, there will certainly be activities, attractions or locations to grab your attention.
A mild climate and moderate year-round rainfall make the Southern Cape a favourite choice among outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular activities, but do ask your hosts Rudolph and Ronel for more details or if you have something specific in mind.
- Golf
Renowned as a golfing mecca, the Garden Route has an option to suit every type of player - from family-friendly mashie courses to driving ranges and academies for amateurs to challenging courses that play host to numerous championships.
Mossel Bay: Newcomer Pinnacle Point, co-designed by Darren Clarke and Peter Matkovich, the course has dramatic cliff-side holes and was awarded one of the world's top 10 best new courses in 2006.
http://www.pinnaclepoint.co.za/
George: Several world-famous courses designed by Gary Player, including links and parklands, as part of the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate.
http://www.fancourt.co.za/
Oubaai near Herold's Bay, designed by Ernie Els.
http://www.oubaai.co.za/
George Golf Club remains one of the top 10 courses in the country.
http://www.georgegolfclub.co.za/
Knysna: Pezula, winner of several local and international awards.
http://www.pezula.co.za/
Simola, designed by Jack Nicklaus to challenge and inspire.
http://www.simolaestate.co.za/index.html
Knysna Golf Course, on the shores of the lagoon and overlooked by the Heads.
http://www.knysnagolfclub.com/
- Hiking
The acres of indigenous forests, majestic mountains, tranquil lagoons and lakes, unique fynbos vegetation, rich birdlife, kilometres of coasts and pleasant climate makes the Southern Cape a joy to explore on foot. Local nature reserves and protected areas offer a multitude of walks, from easy strolls to one day trails, to suit your itinerary and fitness level.
- Cycling
Off-road mountainbiking or going the distance by road, cycling is alive and well in the Garden Route. You don't even need to bring your own equipment - simply rent a bike and start pedalling!
- Horseriding
From a slow trot to an exhilarating gallop, enjoy scenic horse trails along the beach, in the mountains or lakeside with an experienced guide and reliable horses to match your needs.
- Watersports
The ocean, rivers and lakes of the Garden Route is a veritable playground for watersports enthusiasts: surfing, kanoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing, scuba diving and snorkelling, angling deep-sea fishing, kayaking and boating are all available for those who don't mind getting wet while having fun.
- Adventure sports
Need to kickstart your adrenalin production? Choose from skydiving, paragliding, absailing, treetop forest canopy tours, bungy jumping and kloofing (canyoning) excursions with reliable and well-equipped operators.
- Animal experiences
Get up close and personal with an array of animals: walk trunk-in-hand with elephants, marvel at the fabulous winged species enjoying free flight at the Birds of Eden and free-roaming primates at Monkeyland, learn how to milk a cow, see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, go on safari in a wildlife park, and cage dive with sharks or crocodiles.
- Steam train and power van
While severe flooding in 1996 washed away part of the renowned Outeniqua Choo Tjoe's track, steam train enthusiasts from around the world have welcomed the launch of a regular service between George and Mossel Bay, which takes in spectacular coastal scenery and allows for a visit to Mossel Bay's Diaz Museum.
For a different charm altogether, pack a picnic basket and catch the George Power Van, a motorised trolley that will take you deep into the Outeniqua mountains. The trip is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the country and includes breathtaking view of the four passes, forests and waterfall.
Also in George, the Outeniqua Railway and Transport Museum will take you back to bygone eras with its unique collection.
- Arts and crafts
Craft markets and art galleries abound in the Southern Cape, so take some time to browse for a special memento, or visit studios to watch the creative process in action. Start with a 30km circular drive right on the doorstep - the Hoekwil Hoopla Arts Route.
- Food
The area has much to offer the connoisseur: delight in fresh seafood, including locally grown oysters, learn about cheese making or pick your own strawberries in season. The village of Sedgefield has one of the most vibrant and varied farmers' markets in the region, so make your way there on a Saturday to sample the fare. Alternatively, sit back and be served a choice dish in one of the many restaurants catering to every taste and budget.
- Beaches
Between the mountain and the sea ... lie the beaches. Whether you crave the buzz of a hotspot or the serenity of a secluded cove, in the Garden Route you are never far away from a blissful day of sun and sand.
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