Don’t plan a trip to the Garden Route expecting expanses of perfectly pruned gardens. It inherited its name because its rugged coast is such a stark contrast to the arid inland.
It’s a joy to drive along and there are plenty of things to see do along the way. You can take forest walks amid ancient trees, hit bike trails or head out by boat to spot whales and dolphins – days can be as action packed or relaxing as you please.
But if you do plan a trip to the Garden Route, our advice is to not stick to it. Venture inland, along Route 62, and you’ll see things most minibus convoys on the N2 highway miss. It runs from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and offers lots of scenic stop-offs along the way. There’s sleepy Oudtshoorn (the ostrich capital of the country). Jaw-dropping views through the Swartberg Pass. And Calitzdorp, with its port wine estates.
Once you pass Port Elizabeth, you enter a different world. A world of rolling hills, endless plains and world-class game reserves. Safaris on the Eastern Cape are a great place to start wildlife spotting. The reserves are home to the Big Five (although the leopards are a tad elusive). And even if you’re a seasoned safari pro, we still think they’re up there with the best.
