Garden Route Spots

[lindi]

Hi

I am planning a vacation of exploring the Garden Route and eventually landing to Cape Town from PTA. Please advise me on any interesting spots along the route or just a bit off the route.

Lindi

[Margot]

Hey lucky lady,sounds like you attempting a road trip of note...I hear its great I hav'nt explored the whole Garden Route but I have been to Plett, great fun,nice beaches,dont know if 'the cave' still around but that was pretty fun for dancing. And then Nysna also another must, [but beware apparently loads of shady drug dealing going on that side]those beach towns great.Oh and try the breakfast in Beacon Isle apparently super yummy and very reasonable. Definately check out the Wilderness-I hear it is beautiful,awesome and other such positivenessess, word is Indian ocean will be bringing you some warm water,great for swimming.hope you enjoy trip.remember your mace [for safety of course] and some great music.hope to here tales of adventure and sightings to be seen on your return.

[felix]

I've been down the Garden Route many times - I have to say it's one of the most beautiful stretches South Africa has to offer.

I'm assuming you'll be driving - naturally you'll eventually hit the N2 from Pretoria. If you converge with the N2 before East London then remember to be very careful driving through the Transkei. The roads are narrow and the street lights are an absent luxury. Very important to drive during the day if you do take the N2. You could of course take the N1 to bypass the more sketchy patches along the N2, but then you wont be able to stop through Durban or Pietermartizburg on your way though.

Anyway, routes aside - once you're in the Garden Route, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Wildernis and Mossel Bay are all a must. Knysna has a beautiful lagoon and Wildernis has some of the most beautiful vegitation I've ever seen. Plettenberg Bay is the most "happening" town on the route as far as evening Kand social events are concerned. Mossel Bay also has a fairly decent nightlife.

I know the Outenique steam train is a great activity and takes you, in comfort and without having to worry about the road, through many of the areas I've just mentioned. You can see more information here
http://www.gardenroute-direct.com/43...ua-steam-train

The Cango Caves are also a great landmark to visit - they are slightly inland from the Garden Route, though, just north of Oudtshoorn.

The warm Indian Ocean accompanies all the towns down the Garden Route and is one of the biggest pros of the East Coast in my opinion.

How long and when are you planning on visiting the Garden Route?