Garden Route Attractions

The historic Montagu Pass, which is located between George and Oudtshoorn in South Africa, was declared a National Monument in 1972. It is open to traffic and is a good gravel road, some 10 km in length. With many serpentine curves, the Montague Mountain Pass gradually winds its way through the fynbos-covered Cradock's Kloof until it reaches the summit.

A traveller will notice that some parts of the stone wall along one side of the road are slightly protruding. The purpose of this was to prevent the axles of the wagons from scraping against the walls and thus becoming damaged.

Day Drive from George to Oudtshoorn

Places of interest:

• Ostrich Farm
• Cango Caves
• Cango Wildlife Ranch

Ostrich Farms: 

There are over 400 ostrich farms of which Hoopers Highgate, Safari and Cango offer guided tours and visitors can learn more about these fascinating birds.  

Cango Caves: 

These magnificent caves with its stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones were formed over millions of years. Van Zyl’s Hall is an enormous cavern of 107m long, 54m at its widest and up to 17m in height. Other well-known formations include the 10m high Cleopatra’s Needle, the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall. There is a choice of a 30minute, 60 minute or a 90 minute adventure tour.

Cango Wildlife Ranch: 

View the crocodiles, and walk along the elevated walkway to see lion, cheetah, leopard and jaguar. Visit the reptile park with its variety of exotic snakes. There are guided tours or take a trip around the ranch aboard a mini-train. Children will love the mini-farmyard.

Oudtshoorn: 

This town was once known as the Ostrich Feather Capital of the World. It has many historic buildings dating back to 1879. The sandstone buildings date back to the feather boom period.

Scenic Day drive from Plettenberg Bay to Storms River Mouth

Places of interest: 

• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Big Tree
• Storms River Gorge
• Storms River Mouth

Tsitsikamma National Park: 

Africa’s first marine park was proclaimed in 1964 under the name Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. It stretches 65km between Oubosstrand in the east and the Groot River estuary at Nature’s Valley, the landward boundary of the park generally follows the 200m contour. Its main attractions are the rugged coastline, sheer wave-cut cliffs and the beautiful indigenous forests. At Storms River Mouth one can join a 5-day walk along the 42km Otter Trail.

Big Tree: 

This is a towering  Outeniqua yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus) which is 36.6 high and has a crown spread of 32.5m. Watch out for the signpost indicating the parking area and it is short walk on the boardwalk which was built to prevent compacting of the forest floor by visitors.

Storms River Gorge: 

The road bridge which spans the Storm’s River was built in mid-1950’s. The 192m long bridge consists of two arched sections which met perfectly when they were lowered from opposite sides of the ravine. For adventure-seekers blackwater tubing trips are available in the deep gorge.

Storms River Mouth:

At the river mouth a popular walk is over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River Mouth.  Take a boat cruise up the river with close-up views of awesome gorge with its 150m high cliffs. Take a walk to the waterfall along the Otter Trail.

Day drive to Jeffrey’s Bay:
 
This town is bordered on both sides by nature reserves and rivers. In the town is the Noorsekloof nature reserve (an excellent example of Valley bushveld). Jeffrey’s Bay is famous for its legendary waves and attracts international and local surfers. Pick up the many species of shells which can be found on the beach.
 

The George Golf Course is a beautifully manicured, 72 par, 18 hole course, with bent greens, set in the heart of South Africa's magnificent Garden Route. The George golf course rating for men is either 70 (club – 5774m) or 72 (championship – 6100m), while that for the ladies is 72 (5188m).

Visitors are welcome daily, with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, which are reserved for Members and their guests. Booking for golf is essential. Please note that no group bookings are allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Caddies and motorised golf carts are available for hire, golf carts must be booked well in advance due to a small fleet of carts available at the club.

George Golf Course Rating:
SAGU Blue – 72
SAGU White – 70
SALGU – 72

The George Golf Club has a two tee start twice a day, with morning starting times between 7am and 9am in summer and 8am and 9am in winter. The afternoon field tees off between 12pm and 2pm in summer, and 11:30am to 1:15pm in winter. On very quiet days, a one tee start is offered.

In the interest of all players in the field, please note:
A maximum of 4 hours and 10 minutes is allowed to play the course comfortably (2 hours per nine holes and a maximum of 10 minutes in the halfway house). Please keep up with the four ball ahead.
A maximum of 4 players per tee time. One golf bag per person. Compulsory sand bag per player.
Please fill divots and repair pitch marks on greens.

The George Museum is housed in the old Drostdy. The exhibits are mainly the local timber industry and some antique musical instruments.

The magnificent Montagu Golf Course at the Fancourt Hotel & Golf Estate is a much celebrated parkland course and has been ranked as the number-one golf course in South Africa in the past. It has recently undergone major renovations with several holes being redesigned and has two completely new holes - the 1st and the 9th.

Play is restricted to members, their guests and resort guests only, so there is ample time and space to savour the Fancourt golfing experience. It is, however, always a good idea to book in advance to ensure that you get your desired tee time.

The warm-up area, featuring a full-length range and a chipping and bunker practice area, is available to all golfers before play.

Golf carts are available for hire, weather permitting. Please note that to improve your playing enjoyment and to ensure a steady pace-of-play, it is mandatory for at least two caddies to accompany each fourball, and one caddy per twoball.

The Oubaai Golf Course is situated 8 kilometers away from George on South Africa's magnificent coastline.  The Oubaai Golf Club is part of the Hyatt Regency Golf Resort & Spa.  The 5 star Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa features the following facilities:

• 100 spacious guestrooms and suites, equipped with the latest in communications and entertainment technology
• All guestrooms feature spacious bathrooms with a glass-enclosed shower and separate bath
• The Presidential Suite, two Executive Suites and six Junior Suites are designed and furnished to accommodate the requirements of the more discerning traveller
• Room sizes range from 41 to 49 sq m (440 to 530 sq ft); the Junior Suites from 81 to 100 sq m (870 to 1,080 sq ft); the Executive Suites 121 sq m (1,300 sq ft); and the Presidential Suite 158 sq m (1,700 sq ft)

A traditional Links layout, the Oubaai Golf Course features nine holes out and nine holes back. This has enabled the golf club to offer a unique two-tee operation, the first being an exclusive members' only area on the 1st tee and a visitor section on the 10th tee. Each area has its own clubhouse for golfers to enjoy the tranquillity and benchmark golfing experience offered by the exclusive Oubaai Golf Estate, near George, South Africa.

The layout of the Oubaai Golf Course demands the full gambit of shots needed to score well. There are five par-3s and five par-5s. The par-5s are all genuine par-5, as the shape of the hole and bunkering persuade golfers to lay up.  The par-3s are crucial to good scoring; they vary in length, so club choice will differ on each hole as distance and wind condition come to bear. All greens on the Oubaai golf course are well bunkered and elevation cleverly used to increase the thought process required on each tee shot.

By far the most photographed hole on the course is the par-3 17th; the green is below you and framed by the ocean, which influences one to short-club. However, the short distance of the hole (144m) from the back tee and the downhill elevation can offer a false sense of security. It is prudent to remember the four bunkers guarding the green and, with the breeze coming in off the sea, that can add up to an extra three clubs on those special Southern Cape days. It does, incidentally, make the hole even more memorable if one is fortunate enough to sight a whale in the Indian Ocean during your time spent in this corner of the course.

Equally impressive is the imposing par-3 6th, which transports the golfer to another world as one descends to the tee box. The green is framed by the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance. Immediately in front of you the gorge presents a carry of 160m, which you need to negotiate to reach the green; accuracy of flight is imperative as steep run-off areas and deep bunkers surround the target. The Gwaing River flows far below and, behind you to the right, the ocean remains in sight, albeit distant. On a good day, you can spot the fish eagles that nest on an island in the gorge.

In a short period of time, Oubaai Golf Course has become known as the benchmark of quality golf and excellent service.

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train is a steam train which has been in operation since 1928 from George and Knysna. The narrow-gauge train steams through gum and pine-tree plantations, huge cliff edges, crosses over the Kaaimans River bridge which is supported by enormous concrete pillars, and winds through lakes and forests. A single or return trip is available, the return trip lasts 7 1\2hrs.

Visitors are invited to experience a day down memory lane by visiting the Outeniqua Transport Museum before travelling on South Africa’s only remaining scheduled steam train, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe.
 
The Choo Tjoe offers its passengers a unique, picturesque and scenic 52-kilometre journey experiencing the Garden Route with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The George / Mossel Bay line was officially opened by Sir Pieter Fraure on 25 September 1907 and was operated by the Cape Government Railways (CGR) by the New Cape Central railway (NCCR) until the railway line was completed as far as Oudtshoorn in 1913.

The Outeniqua Golf Course is one of two majestic 18-hole Parkland layouts at the Fancourt Estate in George, South Africa. Designed by legendary Grand Slam golfer Gary Player, it is similar in character to its sibling Montagu, and its challenging design and fine conditioning ensure an excellent test for all levels of golfers. As with all courses at Fancourt, there are a variety of tees from which to choose to play, ensuring that golfers are unlikely to ever feel overpowered by the course.

As with the Montagu Golf Course, play is restricted to hotel residents, members and their guests.  It is recommended to book in advance to ensure that one gets the desired tee time.

The warm-up area, featuring a full-length range and a chipping and bunker practice area, is available to all golfers before play.

Golf carts are available for hire, weather permitting. Please note that to improve playing enjoyment and to ensure a steady pace-of-play, it is mandatory for at least two caddies to accompany each fourball, and one caddy per twoball.

Not far from George on the Garden Route, the Outeniqua Nature Reserve nestles in the Outeniqua Mountains.  Its 38 000 hectares are divided up over the impressively solid barrier that separates the high rainfall, and subsequent abundance of the Garden Route, from the miraculously contrasting and arid Little Karoo.

Five passes cross the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, and ten hiking trails, lead along the mountain face of the Outeniqua with incredible views over land and sea. There is a lot of history in these hikes and markers of some of the initial trails, which would have been used by settlers and explorers in ox-wagons, are carved on rocks.

Three overnight trails include the Tierkop Hiking Trail, the 35 kilometre Attakwaskloff Trail, and the Doring River Wilderness Trail.  This 117 kilometre trail travels the length of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve and runs over a week, although it can be shortened. There are also shorter hikes that take hours, as opposed to days, and are more enjoyable for day visitors.

The Steam Train Museum is situated 1km east of the George Museum and is the departure location for the the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train. There are 11 locomotives and 15 carriages, one being the carriage used by the British Royal Family in the 1940’s as well as detailed models. Also a collection of vintage cars can be seen.

In close proximity to George can one find the coastal towns Herold's Bay and Victoria Bay which have become famous for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing.

Herold’s Bay is a small village 30km southwest of George.  It is located along a beautiful stretch of coast and is home to a sandy beach. 

Victoria Bay is situated 20km south of George.  This tiny and picturesque village nestles at the foot of steep cliffs and is a very popular surf spot.

The Golf Academy at Fancourt is an outstanding facility and has full-time teaching professionals to offer expert advice and tuition. Positioned between The Links and the Bramble Hill courses and easily accessible to Fancourt residents and guests, the Golf Academy at Fancourt is the perfect place to improve the game of golf.

Full-time resident teaching professionals offer advice and instruction on the game of golf, backed up by the latest technology and video equipment in the studio room. Special tuition rates are always available and the professionals welcome groups, juniors or individual lessons.

The Fancourt Golf Academy is the vision of Fancourt owner, Dr Hasso Plattner who believed the Fancourt picture was not quite complete without a facility where players could improve and work on their game.

The Links Golf Course at the Fancourt Golf Hotel & Estate was added in 2000 with an awe-inspiring example of magnificent design and golf-course construction.  The designer of this unique golf course is South African's golf legend Gary Player.

The Links golf course at Fancourt is without doubt the most impressive piece of golf design and construction ever in South Africa. This challenging golf course is not only a thorough test for every golfer, but also ranks among the top golf courses in the world.

Gary Player’s design team spent months studying the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland and then, armed with inspiration from the best that those countries had to offer, embarked on the ambitious task of recreating some of their finest holes to make a genuine links test on what was once an airfield.

The result is amazing and has elicited praise from some of the world’s finest golfers.  The Links golf course at Fancourt was the host venue for the 2003 Presidents Cup, which ended in an historic tie after a dramatic play-off between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. In early 2005, it was the host venue for the Women’s World Cup of Golf, which was won by the diminutive duo of Rui Kitada and Ai Miyzato of Japan.

In December 2005 The Links hosted the SAA Open, the world’s second-oldest national Open Championship.

The Links at Fancourt is a private club, with play restricted to members and their invited guests. There are limited times available to guests staying at Fancourt’s hotel, bookings are essential.

There is little doubt that a round at The Links is a special experience, enhanced greatly by the expert caddies at the club. These caddies are among the best in the world and are sure to assist any standard of golfer negotiate his or her way around The Links.

When playing The Links, it is difficult to believe that one is not in Scotland or Ireland, until, that is, one notices the imposing Outeniqua mountain range that rises impressively in the background.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna is a natural heritage site.  It is a privately owned reserve which nestles on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as 'The heads' in Knysna, accessible only by ferry.

The Featherbed Company in Knysna gives visitors to the Garden Route an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the 'Knysna Heads' - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.

The new Garden Route National Park known as the GRNP was established by SANParks.  It covers an impressive 121 000 hectares and includes the existing Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks, the Knysna Lakes area and roughly 52 000 hectares of newly proclaimed land.

The magnificent Goukamma Nature Reserve is one of those unrivalled hideaways which, despite being on the popular Garden Route, manages to remain relatively unknown.  It is situated near the mouth of the
Goukamma River.  The Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve is located only 20 kilometres west
of Knysna, South Africa.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of the resident African elephants and thewell-informed guides, tourists
learn about the mystical story of the Knysna Elephants.

The Knysna Golf course is probably the only golf course in South Africa which features holes that are below sea level. The Knysna Golf Club is situated on the eastern shores of the tranquil Knysna estuary one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa.

Formerly this national park consisted of the Wilderness National Park and the Knysna National Lake Area. Because of their proximity and similarities they are currently managed as a single unit. The Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine life.

The Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna opened in February 2005. This exclusive hotel offers high levels of luxury and privacy with 78 sumptuous suites, a gourmet restaurant, world-class spa and gym and executive conferencing. The Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is a member of the prestigious 'Leading Small Hotels of the World' and was recently named one of the Top 100 Ultimate Escapes in the World by Robb Report Luxury Resorts.

The Pezula Championship Golf Course is situated in the Western Cape of South Africa in the picturesque town of Knysna along the magnificent Garden Route. This beautiful golf course is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. The breathtaking, award-winning 18-hole golf course was designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA.  It offers visitors who wish to play the ultimate golf course in Knysna, an unsurpassed golf experience, and rates amongst the best and the most scenic golf courses in the world.

In 2001 the Pezula Golf Course in Knysna was awarded 'Best New Golf Course in South Africa'. In February 2005 Compleat Golfer rated it a 'Five Star Golf Experience'. It was also awarded:
- Top Three 'Most Outstanding Golf Resort Worldwide' - 2008 VIP International Traveller Reader’s Award
- Best South African Golf Development - Homes Overseas Awards London 2006
- Most Outstanding Golf Resort Worldwide - 2006 VIP International Traveller Reader’s Award
- Best South African Golf Development - Bentley International Property Awards London 2005

The Pezula Golf Club offers 5 star Clubhouse facilities and include a terrace with spectacular views, restaurant, bar, golf shop, short game practice area and putting green. The Shareholders' Lounge houses a library, private lounge, dining area and bar.

Golf carts are obligatory and the resort's carts are fully equipped with GPS systems and computerised scoring.

Proper golf attire applies and short socks are permitted. Soft spikes are compulsory. Rental sets of golf clubs are available for guests who do not bring their own clubs.

Tee times must be booked in advance and handicaps are required.

Golf lessons are available from the Club's PGA Professionals.

Tee times must be booked in advance.

Pezula Golf Course Overview:

Covering 254 hectares on the Knysna cliff-tops, the Pezula Championship Course has views of both the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Par for the course is 72.

It is designed to include a full range of shots, making it a challenging, rewarding and complete golf experience for players of all levels. Signature holes have been earmarked as the 13th and 14th.

The average round takes 4 hours 50 minutes, including a half-way break.

The Simola Golf Course is situated on the Simola Golf & Country Estate in Knysna.  The views around the course are awe-enspiring, and with this, it is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations. It's also the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro's philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land.

The Simola Golf Course offers challenging and rewarding golf amidst spectacular scenery. Set below the high ridges, the course is free from the wind. Fairways flow with the natural undulating contours of the terrain and the unusual configuration of five par 5's and five par 3's adds a new dimension to the game. It's par for the course that every hole boasts exceptional views; either out across the Knysna Lagoon all the way to the Heads or over the picturesque Knysna River as it twists and turns through the valley below.

The Cape St Blaize Lighthouse in Mossel Bay long South Africa's Garden Route has been a beacon to navigators since 1864. It is open Monday - Friday to the public from 10h00-12h00 and again from 12h30 - 15.00. It is closed over the weekends and public holidays. It is only one of two manned lighthouses on the South African coast today.

The Dias Museum Complex celebrates the 500th anniversary and marks the spot of the historical landing of Bartolomeu Dias.

The Post Office Tree, which has a post box shaped as a shoe is a national monument.

The Mossel Bay Stone is a cast of the original which has been moved to the National Cultural History Museum of South Africa.

Also located in the Dias Museum in Mossel Bay are the remnants of the spring used by sailors, although the stream now flows underground.

This collection of plants occur naturally in the Mossel Bay region and were used by the Khoi, San, Coloured, Xhosa and European settlers for shelter, food and medicine as well as for magic and superstitious beliefs. The Braille Trail makes it accessible for sight-impaired people to feel and smell the wonderful collection.

Another of the great historic museums in Mossel Bay, South Africa, the Great Brak River Museum , which showcases the history of Great Brak River village established in 1859 and the Searle family founders. Many interesting photographs from 1881 to the present. Military and other interesting artefacts. Visit the restored 1924 hydropower station on request. Great Brak River has many historic houses built of local sun baked brick.

One of the oldest museums in Mossel Bay, the Hartenbos Museum, is a delight for visitors who are interested in South African history. The focal point of this museum is the Great Trek, featuring various dioramas and exhibition halls stocked with attractive antiquities demonstrating the living conditions of the Voortrekker pioneers from 1835 to 1848.  One can also find the commemoration hall for the 1938 Symbolic Ox Wagon Trek, together with an outstanding display of a typical traditional store as well as the complete history of the town.

The exciting Jukani Predator Park is situated in the heart of the Garden Route, just outside the picturesque town of Mossel Bay.  The Jukani Predator Park is one of the most unique interactive wildlife predator parks on earth which is dedicated to the preservation and well being of the world's most inspiring carnivores. 

Jukani Predator Park is the brainchild and a lifetime's dream realized for Jurg and Karen Olsen whose relationship with carnivores of all sizes, from the mighty Tiger of Asia, to he cunning jackal of the semi desert Cape Karoo has grown to almost legendary proportions.

Singlehandedly, Jurg and Karen have assembled a cast of  carnivores people at once either hate, love, despise or fear and each of these wonderful creatures does its share to change perceptions and allow those who come close for even an hour or so to leave with a new respect and a new will to fight for predators and wild creatures everywhere to have the right to land, freedom and a future.  Each of the animals at Jukani Predator Park is special, an ambassador for it's kind.  All are wild animals, none have been tamed.

The History of Jukani Predator Park:

Jukani Predator Park was established in 2005 as the dream of the owners Jurg and Karen Olsen. With their team of dedicated staff they share a passion and love for the "big cats" and wildlife in general. 

The Maritime Museum in Mossel Bay, South Africa, houses a replica of the  25-ton caravel on which Dias arrived. Built in Portugal it set sail for Mossel Bay arriving on 3 Feb, 1988. There are also old maps, photographs and documents detailing the first explorations around the tip of Africa. The Maritime Museum is housed in the old Saw Mill Building.

The Oyster Catcher Hiking Trail is a magnificent coastal hiking trail which starts in a Khoi San cave at the old fishing village of Mossel Bay and ends with a small boat trip across the Gouritz River.

The Pinnacle Point Golf Course in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, is set on the edge of the magnificent South African coastline.  Uniquely defined by two intimate, secluded beaches along four kilometres of spectacular coastline, Pinnacle Point is located on four hundred hectares of prime land, of which one hundred hectares is nature reserve. The resort is home to indigenous wildlife, birdlife and 264 varieties of fynbos.  The Golf Estate is sensitively integrated with an eighteen-hole championship golf course, with dramatic cliffside holes designed by renowned golf architect Peter Matkovich.

The Shell Museum is situated in the Dias Museum Complex, Mossel Bay.  This building was erected in 1902 next to the Post Office Tree as an extension of the Old Mill. The museum houses imaginative shell exhibitions and portrays, for instance, the history of the use of shell by man.

Live animals are displayed in their natural habitat in aquaria. The touch tank gives the visitors an opportunity to touch live sea animals. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism presents marine and coastal educational programmes to scholars at the museum.

In 1500 Pedro de Alaide, on his return journey from the east, left a letter in a shoe or iron pot under a large tree. In the letter he warned of troubles he had encountered near Calcutta. In 1501 this letter was found by Joao da Nova, en route to India. In this way the first Post Office in South Africa was founded.

The large tree, a Milkwood, has been declared a provincial heritage site and is generally known as the Post Office Tree. Any mail posted in the shoe under the tree gets the special post office tree frank. Da Nova was so grateful for de Ataide’s timely warning that he erected a small stone hermitage to be used for religious purposes. This was the first religious building erected in South Africa. The wooden cross stands where it is thought the chapel or hermitage was built.

The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are named after the Khoisan word “a wet place”.  These are the best known and most popular tourist caves. They are located in Precambrian limestones at the foot of the Swartberg mountain. The caves were discovered in 1780 by a local farmer named Van Zyl, the main chamber is named after him. The second chamber was discovered in 1792.

There are over 4km of tunnels and chambers but only a quarter of this is open to tourists.  The Cango Caves contain spectacular halls and grand limestone formations plus rather small passages.  The Adventure Tour consists of crawling through narrow passages and climbing up steep rock formations guided by small lights.

The Cango Wildlife Ranch and Cheetahland is situated 3km north of Oudtshoorn.  This ranch is the number one cheetah breeding facility in the entire world. Unfortunately the breeding centre is not open to the public.

Visitors are invited to experience the Valley of Ancients. Visitors are offered a Croc Cage Dive, and a guided tour through a tropical house and see the Pygmy Hippo, Ring-tailed Lemur, Blue Duiker etc. In summer  at the Jumping Jaws pool one can watch the 3 meter Nile Crocodiles being fed.

Elevated walkways in the Cheetahland allow visitors a birds eye view of the cheetahs, lions and tigers.
There is a children’s play area, water park, lorikeet aviary, snake park as well as 2 restaurants.

The CP Nel Museum is an ostrich museum taking visitors through the history of ortriches and the impact the ostrich farming had on the town. The building was originally the Boys High School. Its green domed sandstone façade is one of the finest examples of stone masonary.  There is a replica of an early 20th century pharmacy as well as a section devoted to the Jewish community for the role they played in the development of the feather industry. One of the exhibits is the interior of a 1896 synagogue transferred here when its origianl home was demolished.

• Cango Caves
• Cango Wildlife Ranch
• Cango Ostrich Farm

The Dutch Reformed Church in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, was erected in 1839 and the village grew around this church. The building was finally completed in 1879 after the first ostrich boom.

Le Roux Townhouse is an outstanding example of the feather palaces, built around 1895. It is an annex of the CP Nel Museum. Exhibits include authentic European furniture from 1900-20 plus collections of porcelain, glassware and pieces made from Cape silver.

Magnificent Mountain Passes are situated in close proximity to Oudtshoorn.

The Swartberg Pass is a 24km gravel route with beautiful scenery.  A visit to the isolated village of Prince Albert with its traditional architecture and Die Hell await the visitor. There was no road to Die Hell until the 1960’s.

The Meiringspoort Mountain Pass is a 23km tarred route which runs along the valley of the majestic Groot River gorge. The sandstone cliffs, coloured deep red and burnt orange, loom above the pass in contorted folds, evidence of geological upheaval within the earth eons ago.

The Schoemanspoort Pass near Oudtshoorn leads 10km through a narrow chasm. It was built in 1862 by Thomas Bain along a path near a mountain stream. After it was washed away in 1869 it took 11 years to rebuild the road above the flood level.

There are several Ostrich Farms in / near Oudtshoorn which include Highgate, Safari Show, and the Cango Ostrich Farm.

The Highgate Ostrich Farm is situated 10km south of Oudtshoorn. It is a breeding farm and has tours giving information about the various stages of the birds development and offers visits of an ostrich pen and young offspring. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a ride on an ostrich and enter into the race.

The Safari Show Farm is 5km from Oudtshoorn. It specialises in the breeding and conservation of ostriches. A museum is open to visitors.

Day Drive from George to Oudtshoorn

Places of interest:

• Ostrich Farm
• Cango Caves
• Cango Wildlife Ranch

Ostrich Farms: 

There are over 400 ostrich farms of which Hoopers Highgate, Safari and Cango offer guided tours and visitors can learn more about these fascinating birds.  

Cango Caves: 

These magnificent caves with its stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones were formed over millions of years. Van Zyl’s Hall is an enormous cavern of 107m long, 54m at its widest and up to 17m in height. Other well-known formations include the 10m high Cleopatra’s Needle, the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall. There is a choice of a 30minute, 60 minute or a 90 minute adventure tour.

Cango Wildlife Ranch: 

View the crocodiles, and walk along the elevated walkway to see lion, cheetah, leopard and jaguar. Visit the reptile park with its variety of exotic snakes. There are guided tours or take a trip around the ranch aboard a mini-train. Children will love the mini-farmyard.

Oudtshoorn: 

This town was once known as the Ostrich Feather Capital of the World. It has many historic buildings dating back to 1879. The sandstone buildings date back to the feather boom period.

Birds of Eden, which is sitauted along the Garden Route, is a magnificent free flight bird sanctuary.  The unique two hectare dome, which is the World’s largest, spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors.

Like Monkeyland, the popular primate sanctuary next-door, Birds of Eden boasts its own canopy walk, while shorter than the 128m bridge at Monkeyland, it hangs above the clouds. The decision to develop Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds, miniature monkeys and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation.

For further information, please contact:
info@birdsofeden.co.za

The Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary in Knysna is the world's largest single span aviary, just a few kilometres east of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route.  Birds are free to fly providing an incredible experience for those who visit, and a wonderful way of life for over 2000 previously caged birds.  The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors.

The area of the bird park is 2,3 hectare (23,000sq meters). The structure comprises 27 masts of varying heights, between 34 meters and 2 meters.  While the tallest mast is only 34 meters high, the highest point of the dome above the ground is 50m as the canyon breaks away. The Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary is the biggest single free flight aviary in the World.

There are several special features at the Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary in Knysna:

• There is a walk behind waterfall

• The birds are in free flight – there are no cages

• There is an amphitheatre, which can seat 200 people

• The sanctuary is wheelchair friendly

• There are 1,2kms of walkways of which 900m is elevated

• 70% of the area of the dome encapsulates pristine indigenous forest.

• The main dam is bustling with koi fish

• Birds of Eden incorporates several dams, the largest has an island lunch-deck with plenty of seating - light meals are served here

• The snack bar and restaurant in Birds of Eden are both outsourced and comprises of 4 options for seating,

1) in the forest at the snack bar,
2) outside the forest near the snack bar
3) On the lunch-deck at the main dam
4) on the bank of the main dam

• There are approximately 3,000 birds in the aviary, comprising over 220 species, note that these numbers increase constantly.

• The masts is made of wire mesh. It is painted green for a more natural ‘look’. 10 tons of paint (10,000 litres) was required to complete this paint job

• The river running over the waterfall and through the length of the bird park (200m) is pumped back in a closed system. There is therefore no pollution of any water sources in the sanctuary

Drive to Monkeyland:
 
Monkeyland is the world’s first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary. View the 17 primate species, e.g. black and white ruffed lemurs from Madagascar, squirrel monkey from South America, hooded capuchin, goldenhanded tamarin and blackeared marmoset.

Take a guided walk to the water holes, viewing platforms and a canopy walk. Birds of Eden is a 2ha large sanctuary for a variety of previously caged and rehabilitated tropical birds. A meal can be enjoyed on the deck in the forest.
 

The Goose Valley Golf Club is situated in beautiful Garden Route of South Africa only 4km from Plettenberg Bay, bordering on the Keurbooms Lagoon, access to the Goose Valley Golf Club is from the N2.  This magnificent golf estate offers a magnificent Gary Player designed 72 par, 18-hole signature golf course in the heart of the Garden Route.

The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is situated 8km outside of Plettenberg Bay on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth.  Look out for the “Ferry” signboard (approximately 1km after Forever Resorts’ entrance).  Turn left at the “Ferry” signboard.

The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve incorporates an estuary and a river, and overlooks the Forever Resort and the Keurbooms Estuary.  Marine resources are afforded protection by the permanently open river mouth.  The estuary below the N2 bridge falls outside the reserve boundaries.  The Keurbooms Estuary is one of the best examples of an estuary along the Garden Route.  

The Keurbooms River bisects the small reserve of 740ha. The headwaters of the Keurbooms River come from the Langkloof, north of the main Tsitsikamma mountain range. This river was already flowing when sea level was 300m above its present level. The placid waters of its estuary hide the tortuous journey of the mother stream through the inland mountain valleys. Its gorge is spectacular and well worth a voyage upstream to enjoy the unspoilt, unpolluted beauty.

Monkeyland near Knysna is unique as the sanctuary caters for several species of primate which are not  caged enabling them to move about the forest.  The primates at the Knysna Monkeyland are therefore not found on predetermined points displayed on a map, the emphasis is to search for them, and the reward is to see them as they should be: free and in the wild.

Monkeyland is a modern primate sanctuary established in a pristine natural high canopy forest, which is well suited to those primates fortunate enough to live there. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the sanctuary is that it is both a multi-species and free-roaming facility. Monkeyland, which opened in 1998, is totally self sustaining from the revenue it derives from tourism. This revenue is generated by enthusiastic rangers who take visitors out on monkey safaris . The safaris, which are fun and exciting, are also educational and generally result in our guests leaving the sanctuary with a whole new focus on the primates of the world and the problems they are facing.

Lunch in the lively Monkeyland forest is a unique experience. It is the only eating spot in the world where you can actually sip your coffee while you watch a large variety of primates, from all over the world, playing - enjoying their newfound freedom.

- the world's first and currently only multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary

- the primates at Monkeyland are wild (free-roaming)

- the longest suspension bridge in Africa (128m)

- English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, German, French, Italian and Spanish guides

- easily accessible from the N2 (National road between CT and PE)

- tourist attraction with a difference

- complete forest experience

- excellent bird life

- suitable for any age group

- no group is too large or too small - Groups and FITs are welcome

- a unique conservation project

- an all weather activity

- facilities: forest restaurant, curio store and bar

Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, is the world's first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary.  Monkeyland is a modern primate sanctuary established in a pristine natural high canopy forest, which is well suited to those primates fortunate enough to live there. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the sanctuary is that it is both a multi-species and free-roaming facility. Monkeyland, which opened in 1998, is totally self sustaining from the revenue it derives from tourism. This revenue is generated by enthusiastic rangers who take visitors out on monkey safaris . The safaris, which are fun and exciting, are also educational and generally result in our guests leaving the sanctuary with a whole new focus on the primates of the world and the problems they are facing.

Contact details for Monkeyland, Plettenberg Bay:

Tel:  +27 (0) 44 534 8906 
Fax: +27 (0) 44 534 8907

info@monkeyland.co.za
 

The Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in the Southern Cape, with more than 2200 ha across the hills above the scenic Garden Route coastline. With its breathtaking views across the Bay, its abundance of wildlife, luxurious facilities for day and overnight visitors and warm African hospitality, it offers an exciting child-friendly safari experience in a non-malaria area with an excellent chance of spotting four of Africa's Big Five - buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino.

Just 12 km from Plettenberg Bay, the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is easily accessible for day visitors who want a big game viewing experience in an open 4x4 vehicle or on a guided horseback safari, or for those looking for an African safari getaway in a luxury 4-star lodge.  The reserve is home to a diversity of natural biomes, including fynbos, grasslands and indigenous forests, and the property is the natural confluence of the Keurbooms and Palmiet Rivers. Over 35 species of game, including lion, rhino, giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and a large variety of antelope roam free in their natural habitat which is also home to more than 101 different bird species. It is the biggest sanctuary in the area for the endangered white rhino.  The professionally trained game rangers are passionate about sharing their vast knowledge of the local fauna & flora and are experienced guides.

The Reserve has outstanding facilities for day visitors . The reception area has a curio shop, coffee shop and well stocked bar and serves an all day menu of light meals and snacks. Guests can dine alfresco next to the children's play area or on cooler days they can get cosy on the comfortable couches in front of two roaring fireplaces.

The Plettenberg Bay Golf Course is a popular destination for tourists, the main attraction being the challenging layout built to USGA specifications, and is rated in the top 50 golf courses in South Africa.  Set in a nature reserve, the indigenous flora attracts a large variety of bird life and small animals like antelope, vervet monkeys and baboons.  The site has also become popular with the local bird-watching club and is home to a large colourful bird known as the Knysna Loerie.

The number of rounds played per annum is 40,000. During the summer holiday season (December and January) the number of rounds peaks at the maximum daily capacity of the golf course.  The weather in the months of November, February, March and April is also good and the number of rounds played in these months is about 10% below the December/January peak.

Situated inclose proximity to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is a beautiful, remote
rocky peninsula touted as the most popular walking destination in and around Plettenberg Bay. The Robberg Nature Reserve provides great outdoor living and offers incredible scenery, views over the shoreline and sea and is home to a thriving Cape fur seal colony.

Scenic Day drive from Plettenberg Bay to Storms River Mouth

Places of interest: 

• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Big Tree
• Storms River Gorge
• Storms River Mouth

Tsitsikamma National Park: 

Africa’s first marine park was proclaimed in 1964 under the name Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. It stretches 65km between Oubosstrand in the east and the Groot River estuary at Nature’s Valley, the landward boundary of the park generally follows the 200m contour. Its main attractions are the rugged coastline, sheer wave-cut cliffs and the beautiful indigenous forests. At Storms River Mouth one can join a 5-day walk along the 42km Otter Trail.

Big Tree: 

This is a towering  Outeniqua yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus) which is 36.6 high and has a crown spread of 32.5m. Watch out for the signpost indicating the parking area and it is short walk on the boardwalk which was built to prevent compacting of the forest floor by visitors.

Storms River Gorge: 

The road bridge which spans the Storm’s River was built in mid-1950’s. The 192m long bridge consists of two arched sections which met perfectly when they were lowered from opposite sides of the ravine. For adventure-seekers blackwater tubing trips are available in the deep gorge.

Storms River Mouth:

At the river mouth a popular walk is over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River Mouth.  Take a boat cruise up the river with close-up views of awesome gorge with its 150m high cliffs. Take a walk to the waterfall along the Otter Trail.

The unique Tenikwa Wildlife Centre in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, shows a deeply rooted respect and love for the African landscape and its animals. Be they big, be they small, spotted, furry or feathered, the animals of Tenikwa charm their way into visitors' hearts.

The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world.  An untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls. 

Prince Albert lies at the entrance to the 27km Swartberg Pass.   The Swartberg Pass is considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world.  The turn-off to Gamkaskloof lies near the summit of the pass.

The entrance is through a narrow Cape sandstone kloof where the eye is drawn upwards by the convoluted rock faces to the sparkling sky above. The only sounds are bubbling water, the wind in the trees and birdsong. Several picnic sites near the river provide tranquil spots to stop and absorb the peace and splendour.

As you drive on you gain your first sight of the valleys and peaks of the Swartberg Pass. The natural characteristics of the Pass are magnificent as are the man-made features. This was Thomas Bain's last engineering masterpiece. His construction philosophy, which has stood the test of time was: "Good hat and good boots".

The dry stone packed retaining walls are amazing, in one place on the southern side the wall is 2,4kms long. Laws of friction and cohesion govern the pressure on retaining walls. The bed measures up to 1 metre plus up to 300mm at the top. Selected stone was used and laid with grain at right angles to the natural bedding line. The walls were battered (sloped inward) in a rise of 1:6. To illustrate the scale of the highest sections of the walls, Boegoekloof measures 13,1 metres vertically and the second hairpin on the north, 7,3 metres. Pressure on the roadway through traffic has compacted and secured the walls and roadway.

In September 2000, a concerned group of design and construction professionals from Prince Albert initiated a crisis meeting with the Provincial and District Roads Engineers to discuss their difficulties in providing adequate maintenance of the Pass after the bouts of heavy rains over the past three years. The meeting resulted in all concerned walking the Pass to discuss specific problem areas and a folio of photographs and drawings was handed over. The Pass underwent specialist maintenance and Prince Alberters were delighted to see their old friend (declared a National Monument in its Centenary year 1988) receiving such a comprehensive facelift.

Kitesurfing in the Garden of Eden with Elemental Sport

Blackwater Tubing is the ultimate Storms River Gorge experience in Tsitsikamma along the Garden Route of South Africa.  Storms River’s high fern clad gorge walls cascade down from the Tsitsikamma Mountains to meet the pool & drop black water of the Storms River. 

Tsitsikamma, the Khoi San word for place of abundant waters, an area known for its majestic mountains, deep indigenous forests fairy-tale waterfalls and wild rocky coast line is a place of infinite beauty.  What better way to experience the magic of the Tsitsikamma than by floating through this forested beauty in the deep cut Gorge of the Storms River with BLACKWATER TUBING?

Tel:  +27 (0)42 2811 757  +27 (0)42 2811 757
Cell: +27 (0)79 6368008
info@tubenaxe.co.za
www.blackwatertubing.net

Bloukrans is the highest and largest bridge in Africa, the third highest in the world and the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. It is also the highest Bungee Jump bridge in the world. Visitors are invited to come and learn about the incredible engineering facts that went into building this incredible bridge. Walk along a spectacular and specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the Gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance. This is the perfect way to watch the live bungy show up close and personal and is an ideal alternative to jumping off.

Bloukrans Bungy is a Proud Guinness World Record Holder for the Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the World at 216m. They also have Guinness World Record certificates for doing the most number of jumps in an hour (19) and the most number of jumps in a 24 hour period by one person (101).

There is a restaurant with bar on site where one can watch a live feed on the jumping action from the arch of the bridge, and also enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Bloukrans bridge and surrounding area.

Face Adrenalin & Bloukrans Bungy

Tel: +27 (0)42 2811 458  / +27 (0)42 2811 458
Fax:27 (0)42 2811 029
Cell:  +27 (0)83 4136091 / +27 (0)83 4136091
www.faceadrenalin.com
info@faceadrenalin.com

Explore the Tsitsikamma Forest and Fynbos with local nature lovers and registered field guides. The guides are avid bird watchers, knowledgeable about the plants, trees, animal and insect life. Length and duration of walk suited to your level of fitness.

Nomadic Khoisna people were the first inhabitants of the Mossel Bay area. Caves in which the remains of several Khoisan settlements have been found are located nearby, with the one located at the starting point of the walking trail to the nearby town of Dana Bay, now a national monument. A Khoisan cultural village is also located at the cave, but has been criticised for being "commercial". Other tribes also lived in the area, including the Gouriquas. Certain traditional leaders have asked that the town be renamed "Gouriqua". A more recent discovery at nearby Pinnacle point is claimed to be the earliest evidence of human seaside settlement

The popular Dolphin Trail in the Garden Route of South Africa is a 2-day / 3-night porteraged trail offering hikers the luxury of upmarket overnight accommodation and meals, whilst being challenged by a walk along the rugged coastline of the Tsitsikamma.

Tel:  +27 (0)42 2803 588  / +27 (0)42 2803 588
www.dolphintrail.co.za

Storms River Adventures 

The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest.  The first of its kind in Africa, the canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor.  Most platforms are located in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The scenery and bird life is spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the 2½ to 3 hours.

The concept of guiding people through the upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa Rica, where adventurous biologists devised new methods for accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research on the undiscovered canopy ecosystem. The idea soon developed into a breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed people to enter and experience a previously inaccessible natural environment.

Construction of the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour has been done in accordance with strict civil engineering standards. The system was designed and created by an adventurous civil engineer who constructed a similar canopy tour in Costa Rica. The safety standards have been significantly enhanced and the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour uses state of the art equipment and has been rated as the most sophisticated of it's kind in the world. Concept to completion took fourteen and a half months.

The tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a 'kitting up' session where full body harness, pulleys and climbing equipment is issued and checked. A short drive into the Tsitsikamma forest and it is time to monkey around.

A first in Africa. Enjoy the unequalled beauty of the indigenous forest high up on ten treetop platforms. Gently glide along in a harness, on steel cables 30 meters above the forest floor. Birdlife is abundant, and your guides will explain the ecology of the lush primeval forest. Safety is paramount, and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. Guides are fully-trained professionals.

Tel:  +27 (0)42 2811 836 

+27 (0)42 2811 836

Fax: +27 (0)42 2811 609

www.stormsriver.com
adventure@gardenroute.co.za
www.treetoptour.com
info@treetoptour.com

With arguably the most awe inspiring location anywhere in South Africa, the Tsitsikama Coastal Golf Estate is situated above the Tsitsikamma National Park providing panoramic sea and mountain views. The Estate consists of 505 fully serviced residential erven and an 18 hole championship golf course opening in 2010. A boutique hotel and conference centre, wellness and shopping centre are in the planning. 

The Tsitsikamma Trail is a southern Cape hiking paradise, journeying through lush indigenous afromontane forest and mountain fynbos. Ancient river gorges and abundant rivers and streams provide plentiful swimming opportunities.

The Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail is a 2 - 6 day hiking trail through the scenic Tsitsikamma Mountains. The trail meanders through mountain fynbos and indigenous forests with wonderful river gorge and mountain scenery. There are plenty of rivers, streams and rock pools for swimming.  Well - equipped and comfortable wooden cabins provide overnight accommodation.  Pptional equipment porterage can be arranged.

Protecting some 30 km of unspoilt coastline, the Wilderness National Park incorporates two long white beaches called Wilderness and Leentjiesklip.  Swimming is not safe here due to the strong undercurrents. 

Of the five lakes found in the Wilderness National Park, the three westernmost ones, Island Lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei, are all linked and fed by the Touws river via a natural water channel called Serpentine.  Swartvlei is the largest and deepest lake and is connected to the sea by an estuary.