Garden Route Self-Drive Holidays
Famously known as the Garden Route, the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth offers a picturesque playground with year-round activities suitable for the whole family. With mountain ranges, forests, rivers, beaches and fragrant fynbos, this nature-rich destination is ideal for your next self-drive holiday.
Family Fun on the Garden Route
When travelling with the entire family, it important that each member finds value in both the journey and the destination. Aesthetically beautiful scenery makes for memorable driving to and from the various destinations on the Garden Route. Famous mountain passes include Montagu Pass which snakes through the Outeniqua Mountains, or the Swartberg Pass, found 14km from George, which sets the pulse racing but is well worth it. For a fun family outing, an absolute must-see are the Cango Caves, situated 26 km outside Oudtshoorn. Buried in history, these dripstone caverns took millions of years to form, making them an educational and mesmerising tour. In the same area, an ostrich farm makes a great second stop. Dubbed “ostrich capital of the world”, Oudtshoorn’s array of farms offer guided tours, ostrich rides and opportunities to feed these magnificent flightless birds. Indulge in a true family bonding experience by gliding through the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest canopy by means of tree-top fufi slides.
With platforms up to 30m above the ground and slides almost 100m long, everyone is guaranteed a rare yet unforgettable experience. When it’s time to entertain the kids, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna have an abundance of nature reserves and animal parks. Visit the Birds of Eden, Monkeyland or an elephant farm. There is also a goat farm, wolf sanctuary and snake sanctuary, as well as whale and dolphin spotting off the coast. Dad will also have his share of fun by enjoying some water recreation, including scuba diving, kayaking or deep sea fishing. If the sea is not enough, he can tee-off at one of the manicured golf courses that populate the Garden Route, including Bramble Hill Golf Course at the Fancourt Country Club in George.
When it’s mom’s turn to indulge, an abundance of beauty spas, sandy beaches, cosy deli’s and farm stalls will keep her happily amused. Knysna’s world-class oysters coupled with a glass of bubbly also come highly recommended, especially during the Knysna Oyster Festival which takes place in July each year. A ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon is also very memorable. For those in the family that love an adrenaline rush, abseiling, quad-biking and white water tubing is available. For the truly brave, bungy jumping at Bloukrans, the world’s highest commercially operated bungy facility cannot be missed.
Relax and unwind
To end off a day of fun, sun and great family moments, recline and enjoy a delicious meal whilst dining at one of the many restaurants atop a lookout deck – a great way to survey the spectacular views and prepare for the eventful day ahead. The Garden Route is home to some of South Africa’s best accommodation, be it a luxury five star hotel or cosy a bed and breakfast. There are many travel specials on throughout the year suited for each family’s needs. Speak to a reputable travel agent to ensure that you find the accommodation in the Garden Route that suits you needs, at the best possible price.
Author Bio:
Exclusive Getaways is an accommodation and travel expert operating in South Africa. Exclusive Getaways’s portfolio includes wide range of family accommodation on the Garden Route. Contact Exclusive Getaways to book your tailor-made self-drive holiday on the Garden Route.
