The magical Garden Route

Experience the magical Garden Route by travelling inland through the dramatic du Toit's Kloof Pass which leads to the ever-changing colours of the Tradouw Valley and its tapestry of orchards and vinyards. Proceed through the little Karoo, leaving lush farmlands for arid semi-desert en route to Oudtshoorn, home to most of the world's ostrich population. Visit the Cango Caves whose chambers of magnificent limestone formations are awe-inspiring.

Crossing the Outeniqua Mountains to George, the capital of the region, reveals the gorgeous coastline and inland lakes from Wilderness to Sedgefield. The breathtaking coastline leads to the beautiful estuary town of Knysna - Jewel of the Garden Route and oyster capital of South Africa. Knysna Heads is one of the most striking geological features along the southern African coastline. Take a boat trip on the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve or visit the Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, where you can interact with six tame African Elephants.

From Plettenberg Bay drive over the old mountain passes through the forests to Natures Valley and the Bloukrans Pass to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Walk through the indigenous forests with its ancient trees and cross the swing bridge over the Storms River. The adventurous can experience the Tree-top Canopy Tour or bungi jump from the Bloukrans Bridge. A more sedate walk on Nature's Valleys beaches can really soothe the soul.

The coastline continues past the famous surfing village of Jeffries Bay and into Port Elizabeth, the 'friendly city'. Addo Elephant Park is a short distance away and is home to over 300 elephant, as well as eland, kudu, Cape buffalo and red hartebeest.

Highlights include:

• Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves
• The beaches of Wilderness and Sedgefield
• Oyster tasting at Knysna
• Indigenous forests through Natures Valley
• Storms River suspension bridge
• Bungi jump from Bloukrans Bridge
• Tree-top Canopy Tours in the Tsitsikamma Forest
• Whale watching in Plettenberg Bay
• Snorkelling and scuba diving in Tsitsikamma Coastal Park
• Knysna Elephant Sanctuary
• Monkeyland, the world’s first free roaming multi-species primate sanctuary
• Birds of Eden, the world class free flight bird sanctuary
• Addo Elephant Park