regional

Nautilus Bay

The area stretching along the Southern Cape coast from Slang River near Heidelberg, eastwards to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River has a variety of exquisite flora and fauna, ranging from magnificent fynbos and protea species to dense tropical forests in the east. This is commonly referred to as the Garden Route.

Rising out of the Indian Ocean, on the Southern edge of Africa and in the Garden Route, just west of Mossel Bay, lies Nautilus Bay Coastal Nature Reserve.

Comprising 1700 hectares of peace and tranqulity, with easy access to 12 kilometres of pristine untouched beach, Nautilus bay is truely a rare property find. Facilities include high quality roads and services, access-controlled security, and easy access to the beach via wooden boardwalks. The indigenous plant life, together with numerous spieces of small game, add to the appeal of this truly magnificent natural environment.

 

Mosselbay

Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in the heart of the famous Garden Route, nestles the seaside town of Mossel Bay. A bustling holiday resort in summer and the ideal retreat in winter, it is situated on a spectacular sunwashed peninsula embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. Also called the "Karoo-by-the-Sea town", Mossel Bay features in the Guiness Book of Records as having the mildest all-year climate in the world, second only to Hawaii. But it's the fascinating history of Mossel Bay which grants the town its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route and one of the most significant towns in South Africa. Mossel Bay also has one of South Africas top private hospitals.

 

Knysna

A natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches adorns South Africa’s unspoilt southern coast. Nestling on the banks of a shimmering lagoon in the heart of this ‘Garden Route’ is the picturesque town of Knysna. Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafe’s beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. Knysna is synonymous with fine indigenous timbers, and famed for the craftsmanship of its furniture and timber products. The area is a veritable Garden of Eden: home to the only forest elephant in South Africa, the unique Knysna seahorse and the Pansy shell, the brilliantly coloured Knysna Loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales.

 

George

An ideal base for exploring the area's many variant and diverse scenic wonders.The peaceful, safe country atmosphere of the town has transformed the city into an accommodation giant in the Western Cape. The picture shown on the right is taken at the Kaaimans river mouth between Wilderness and George. The famous train bridge that is used by the Outeniqua Chootjoe can be seen.

A paradise nestling at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, the bustling town of George spreads across the narrowest point of the coastal plateau that is the Garden Route. Glistening streams spring to life in the mountains above the town and become sparkling rivers winding through towering forests before reaching placid lakes, lagoons and pounding seas. Nature has excelled herself her, providing a serene setting for an abundance of outdoor activities with the added advantage of a mild climate all year round and low winter rainfall. Add all the modern conveniences of first rate restaurants, numerous shops and sophisticated air road and rail links to all major cities in South Africa , and you have the ideal tourist destination.

 

Plettenberg Bay

The area is of course a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of water sports, including sailing in the safe waters of the bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Alternatively one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas.

At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, nightspots and fine restaurants. A wide range of accommodation offers luxury hotels, exclusive country retreats, cosy bed and breakfasts, self-catering chalets and excellent camping facilities.