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Because of
the excellent roads along the coast (National Road N2) you can drive
the distance (700 km) easily in 8 hours, but you won't see a lot.
Many visitors like to acclimatise in Cape Town and then foray
eastward into Africa, we'll explore the route in this direction, and
hopefully you will end your trip with a visit to Momento's of Africa
in Port Elizabeth airport. Of course it is just as enjoyable
to go East to West. |
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Swellendam is an interesting detour; turn inland off the main N2
route and you will find a charming small town, with well
restored period houses, a real photographer's treat. To the
coastal side of the same road is the Bontebok National Park,
established to preserve the antelope of the same name.
This park can be driven round in 2 to 3 hours, but it is
possible to overnight here, and awakening surrounded by these
shy animals is a delight. As there are no large predators,
much of the reserve can be walked, and there are some laid out
routes to follow if you wish. |
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Driving on past
Mosselbaai, you will head towards George, although the freeway
bypasses it. At Wilderness you may see one of the steam
trains running over the raised track out in the sea. If time
permits we suggest you turn off before George and visit
Outshoorn, the world's Ostrich centre.
Not strictly on the garden route, it can provide much of
interest. An interesting drive is through the coastal
mountains, and there is an alternative return route to the N2
when you are ready to continue your Garden Route journey. |
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The next
town is Knysna; this is an arts and crafts centre, and very popular
with coach-trips. It has a business not found in other stops
along the route, but be warned, parking is often difficult.
The town is set on a lagoon, which is fed from the sea through
"The Heads". As the tide ebbs and flows it creates terrific
force in the channel and is difficult to navigate.
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Approaching
Plettenburg Bay, the ocean becomes visible from the road.
Should you go to the shore, dolphins and even whales are often
seen. Further on you'll see the turnoff for the Tsitsikamma
National Park. This is a
coastal reserve, the start of the Otter Trail, has good
accommodation and a small restaurant. Momento's of Africa
recommend you spend some time here. |
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Dassies (Rock Hydrax) |
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Clawless Otter |
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Carrying on from the Tsitsikamma turnoff, along the N2, the
Tsitsikamma Forest Reserve, is on the inland side of the
road. It is possible to take organised walks in the
forest, but these need arranging in advance, or using a tour
group. There are several stopping points, which allow
visitors to enter the forest such as the boardwalk to the
Big Tree.
The
main road continues to Storm's River. You can visit
the river-mouth on foot from the Marine Reserve, but from
the highway bridge you get a magnificent overview.
This is strictly the Eastern end of the Garden Route, but
most people travel onto Port Elizabeth.
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There are two noteworthy sights from the road.
Approaching the Humansdorp turnoff, wonderful views of Jeffries Bay
can be seen. This bay is regarded by surfers as having
some of the world's premier waves. Then on to
van Staden's Bridge, for many years the
largest bridge in the Southern hemisphere. It is surrounded by
the Wild Flower Reserve. |
We hope this has given you some ideas. Many people buy videos after
they have travelled a route: we suggest you consider getting one
before you set off, to help plan your trip and stop-off points.
Momento's keep a range of videos including those covering the
Garden Route. |
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