Tuinroete

The Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve is situated in Brenton On Sea in the Western Cape, South Africa. Just outside Knysna along the heart of the Garden Route, the little village of Brenton On Sea is home to a very unique reserve, unique in the sense that it came into being solely for the purpose of preserving one of the rarest butterflies in the world, the Brenton Blue Butterfly. The Reserve is marked by a single signpost with knee-high poles indicating the boundary of the reserve. The site is approximately 2 hectares and came into being as a reserve in 1998 and declared a Special Nature Reserve on the 4th July 2003. The Brenton Blue shares its home with a large number of other…

Brenton-on-Sea in the Western Cape of South Africa, lies just on the other side of Knysna’s Western Head, 16 km from Knysna and approximately 60 km from George. This little, quiet and serene town offers the tourist clifftops covered in fynbos with ample whale and dolphin watching opportunities in season. It is virtually surrounded by the Goukamma Nature Reserve and offers hiking trails for those feeling more energetic. Paragliding is a popular pastime and Brenton on Lake provides a jetty and slipway for boats and canoes. The beach is safe and very popular for sunbathing and swimming and was voted one of the top-twenty beaches in South Africa.Enjoy a slow walk to Buffels Bay for a…

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is situated in Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. The reserve is a unique, privately owned reserve that has also been declared a Natural Heritage site. It is located on the Western Head of the famous Knysna landmark known as “The Heads”. The reserve is only accessible by ferry and many visitors make a day of it with a four hour long tour which includes a trip across the lagoon, a drive and walk through the reserve and a lunch under Milkwood Trees before heading back across the lagoon. Shorter trips are available, but visitor numbers are restricted to ensure the maintenance of the reserve and trips are only allowed with a reserve guide. Visitors to the reserve may even spot the beautiful, but elusive, Knysna Loerie or the Blue Duiker, one of…

George is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. Located at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, George finds itself as a perfect stopover from which to explore the Garden Route. It has reformed itself from an industrial town to that of a tourist hotspot and is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the Garden Route”, not surprising as it is home to two of the Top Ten golf course in the country, plus many more appealing courses throughout the area. It lies in close proximity to other popular tourist towns such as Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna. George is a place of exquisite natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes and the ocean on your doorstep.…

The Goukamma Nature Reserve is situated between Sedgefield and Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. The Reserve is approximately 2 500 hectares which includes a 14 km coastline making it not only a nature reserve, but also a marine reserve. The coastline extends from Buffalo Bay to just outside Sedgefield and 1 nautical mile out to sea. The Reserve is fairly unknown, despite being on the popular Garden Route, making it the ideal hideaway holiday destination. The area is rich in coastal fynbos and coastal forest which includes Milkwood, Candlewood and Yellowwood Trees, while the extensive dune field boasts some of the highest vegetated dunes in the country. The vegetation is home to Vervet Monkeys, Bushbuck, Grysbok, Bushpig, Porcupine, Mongoose and…

Groot Brakrivier is predominantly a holiday destination with its beaches and lagoon being the main attraction. Two 'brak' ('brackish') rivers, the Klein-Brak and the Groot-Brak, reach the sea at Mossel Bay and both have holiday resorts on their lower reaches. Groot-Brakrivier has a lagoon at its mouth and a cluster of bungalows built on an islet. The island residential area is still linked to the mainland by its original, single lane bridge. The town was founded by the Searle Family in 1859 and the footwear and timber industry they established there still thrives. Other attractions include a local history museum, historic buildings built between 1852 and the mid 1930s, the Wolwedans Dam and a restored power staion dating back to the early 1900's. The 4-star Botlierskop Private Game…

Charming Seaside Hamlet Herolds Bay is an unspoilt and secluded little bay, 15 kilometres west of George. The small village of around 100 houses is situated on a ridge which overlooks the scenic bay. Situated in a rocky cove, Herolds Bay is comfortably sheltered from the South Easterly wind that blows off the coast, making it an ideal holiday destination for beach lovers and avid fishermen. Historically it has always held an allure for holiday makers, the George Museum tells of ox wagons filled with tents, goods and servants, camping out on the beach itself. Herolds Bay has a lovely little stretch of beach where surfing is particularly popular. The many natural rock pools make it a popular spot for exploring and snorkelling. Dolphins visit regularly in the warmer months and whale…

Keurboomstrand in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a resort town 12.5 Km from Plettenberg Bay.From the beach you have a spectacular view of the Robberg Peninsula and Nature Reserve. The area is popular for swimming, fishing and hiking. The Keurbooms River meets with the Bitou River to form a Lagoon with its own island. This lagoon is popular with holiday makers for water-skiing and boat cruises. Nearby is the Matjies River Cave where late Stone Age relics have been found. The upper reaches of the Keurbooms River are roofed with trees, notably at Whiskey Creek.Keurboomstrand is perfectly situated on the Garden Route for you to explore many attractions in the surrounding area.Places to VisitThings to do and see: Keurbooms River Nature ReserveMatjies River CaveKeurbooms River FerryThyme…

Knysna is situated in Western Cape, South Africa. The town surrounds the extensive Lagoon of the same name and can be found along the famous Garden Route. Knysna boasts breathtaking natural scenery complete with golden beaches, tranquil lakes, indigenous forests and of course the lagoon. The town is most famous for its’ Oyster Festival and the Knysna Heads, a striking geological feature made up of huge cliffs, flanking the treacherous waters at the entry point into the lagoon. From the eastern head there is a lookout with spectacular views of the Lagoon, Knysna and Leisure Isle, while the western head is a privately owned nature known as Featherbed Nature Reserve. The Lagoon is a…

Mossel Bay is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. Set against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, Mossel Bay is a bustling holiday town and port. It is the obvious stopover when visiting the Garden Route as it is exactly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, 400 km in each direction. Second only to Hawaii, Mossel Bay is known for having the mildest all-year climate in the world and so makes the town an ideal holiday destination in both summer and winter. Mossel Bay boasts 60 km of sandy white beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, hiking trails and water sports is just considered a way of life here offering surfers an experience to rival that of Jefferys Bay. It is…

Place of peace and serenity Nature’s Valley is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. This small undiscovered village is possibly one of the most beautiful parts of the famous Garden Route coastline. Only 32 km from Plettenberg Bay it forms part of the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, the only residential area in the country to be within the borders of a National Park. Its’ beach is the final pit stop of the popular Otter trail, one of South Africa’s flagship hikes. The village was well named as it is encircled by the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park and is within walking distance of pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons…

The Pledge Nature Reserve is situated in Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is hard to believe that this 10 hectare local nature reserve was once a dumping site for builders’ rubble and refuse. It is now registered as a non-profit organization after being rescued by a group of people who cleared it of alien species and declared it a reserve. It is a fairly unknown reserve therefore offering peace and tranquility to visitors, along with over 90 species of birds as well as grysbok, mongoose, porcupine and spotted genet. The reserve is made of fynbos, wetland and forest filled with small ponds, streams and and approximately 250 species of indigenous plants creating an exceptional beauty. Pathways and benches provide peaceful retreats throughout the reserve. Various trails are…

The place to be or be seen Plettenberg Bay can be found on the N2 between Storms River Village and Knysna on the Garden Route, 240 km from Port Elizabeth and 520 km from Cape Town.  It is the place to be or be seen and was voted the most exclusive town in South Africa. This beautiful and popular coastal holiday village has many sandy, safe beaches, a lagoon and a river mouth, and is backed by mountain ranges and the prominent Cape Seal, at the end of a promontory known as Robberg or 'mountain of seals’. The coastline is magnificent and the long walks on the beach or refreshing dips in the ocean are a given, but don’t forget to look out for the distinctive flower-shaped Pansy Sea…

Rheenendal lies along the magnificent Garden Route, just 21 km from the popular holiday destination, Knysna. It is a piece of blissful countryside on the edge of the Knysna forest and home to many artists and skilled crafters. Rheenendal has always been popular with nature lovers and since the establishment of the Rheenendal Ramble – a tourist route which encompasses forest walks, beautiful craft centres, mountain bike trails and where foodies can enjoy farm fresh goods and local preserves at quaint farm stalls. Visitors can expect to explore the exceptional fauna and flora of the area which infuses every part of Rheenendal with a magical quality. The forests, rivers and coastline of Knysna are all home to many bird species, monkeys, porcupines and small buck and there are plenty…

Seal Island is home to about 3000 Cape Fur Seals, the largest of the Fur Seal species. Bulls can grow up to 2.5 m in length and can weigh between 200 and 350 Kg. The cows are much smaller, approximately 1.5 m and 40 - 60 kg. The seals have small, somewhat comical, round ears and are also referred to as eared seals. They are fairly agile on land and climb rocks surprisingly well. A unique way to meet these clown-like residents of Seal Island is to take a boat trip out to the Island. The boats leave from the Mossel Bay harbor, on the hour every hour, weather permitting. On leaving the harbor passengers can admire the surrounding bay and learn about upcoming sights from their guides’ commentary. On the trip out to the Island, keep an eye out for dolphins and sharks. The Island is…

The Tortoise sets the pace Sedgefield is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. Sedgefield, the secret gem of the popular Garden Route, is Africa’s first ‘Slow Town” affiliated to the founding organization, Italy’s Cittaslow. Evolving from the new concept, “conservation without boundaries”, the quaint town now falls within the Garden Route National Park. It is also a stone’s throw from other coastal towns along the Garden Route such as Knysna, Wilderness and George offering any holiday maker an abundance of activities. In Sedgefield, visitors cannot help but, slow down to the speed of nature. Laze on the long stretches of golden beach, picnic next to the lagoon,…

Storms River Village is situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. At the foot of the breathtakingly beautiful Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, along the scenic Garden Route, lies the quaint little village of Storms River. The village provides the perfect holiday destination for both guests, those looking for a peaceful and tranquil hideaway or for those thrill seekers looking for adventure. The Storms River is a key attraction of the area. It is a scenic and powerful river that flows through the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range and into the Indian Ocean, providing much entertainment to visitors in the area from scenic attractions, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking. Other key…

A Destination with a Difference! The Crags is such a 'happening' place; a destination with a difference. It is bang in the middle of the Garden Route embraced by the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay and the quaint village of Nature’s Valley.  Due to its perfect location, there is a wealth of things to do in and around The Crags, particularly for animal and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy animal sanctuary, hiking, zip-lining, wine tasting as well as craft shopping and surfing, snorkelling or simply sunbathing on pristine beaches. The Crags offers the best of the South African outdoors and forest walks, canopy tours and mountain bike trails in this part of the world promise…

Garden Route Gem Victoria Bay lies just 5 minutes off the N2, almost hidden, between George and Wilderness. Known as Vic Bay to the locals it is one of the smallest Bays along the Garden Route and without a doubt one of its little gems! Victoria Bay is a small resort, basically a cove, compiled of little cottages clustered around the waterfront – undoubtably also one of the most beautiful Bays along the Garden Route. The homes and holiday cottages are so close to the shoreline you can probably spot the whales and dolphins from your bedroom! Vic Bay's waterfront is home to one of the most famous beaches in the vicinity for safe swimming. Its gently sloping beach leads to safe waters and…

Wilderness, in the Western Cape of South Africa, is situated a short distance outside the city of George, down the Kaaimans River Pass on the N2 Highway. Honeymooners have long favoured Wilderness, a romantic seaside resort of international reputation. It is known for its long sandy white beaches, approx. 8 km long, and many look out points for whale and dolphin watching. It is surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers and lagoons – a watersports enthusiasts dream destination. Wilderness is also a perfect holiday venue for birdwatchers as many types of water birds breed here. Other types of recreational activities include hiking, ferry cruises, paragliding, horse riding and mountain…

Wittedrif is a small village in the Eden District Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is a semi-rural village 5.5 km from the N2 road and 30km from Knysna.