| Western
Cape The
calendar says it is winter here, but even in winter there is no reason for
Viv not to serve breakfast on the terrace of the Bosavern Guest House.
This is my first view of the garden route, and it is breathtaking. The wide
arch of Plettenberg Bay sweeps below. Directly opposite is Robberg
Nature Reserve. A peninsula that separates the Bay from the Ocean.
Nanette Dillard, publisher of Travel Beyond Borders Magazine, invited me to
join her on a drive through the Western Cape. South African Airways
was kind enough to reschedule my departure and we arrived here two days
later, late in the evening. |
|
| The Garden
Route
The Garden Route lies along the Southern
Coast of the Western Cape Province. The coast runs due East-West
bordered on the South by the Indian Ocean and on the North by a range of
mountains and its unique geography gives it its name and extraordinary
weather. It begins in the East in the TsiTsiKamma region place of the
sparkling waters in the Khoi language of the San people and ends at
Heidelberg the West. |
|
| Monkey
Land Primate Sanctuary, a safari here means a guided walk beneath a dense
canopy of trees. "Listen, you will hear the monkey's before you see
them," our guide Christian Schauerte explained. All primates here were
bred in captivity. Here they are offered a chance to live in the wild.
They were friendly and came to greet us, we experienced the different
personalities of the species. |
|
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Knysnahead
- The town Knsysna is built on the banks of a lagoon of the same name.
The lagoon is alive with wading birds fishing in the flats.
|
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Experiencing a wonderful lunchtime cruise on the Outeniqua Yatch are Elliot
Ndende of Knysna Tourism and Nanette Dillard. |
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A visit to
the township just outside of Knysna attracted a crowd of energetic kids.
|
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The Klein
Karoo - North of the Outeniqua (which means 'old man laden with honey')
Mountains and South of the Swarthburg Mountains, this region is semi-desert.
Oudtshoorn, known as the Ostrich capital of the world, lies in this region.
|
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The Cango
Caves, remarkable caverns, are a spectacular destination in this region.
|
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Ostrich
races at the Safari Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn, popular with the tourists
this is a working farm raising Ostrich for the hide, feathers as well as
meat for export. |
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Also in
Oudtshoorn, the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Cheetah Conservation Foundation,
where endangered species are bred in captivity. |
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A scene
driving along the garden route |
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The
luxurious Fancourt Country Club - George is
home to several top notch golf courses and will be the home of the
Presidents Cup in the coming year. |
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A woman
making crafts at the Khaulani Xhosa Village, a crafts and cultural center in
George. |
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The George
Railway Museum - here is also home to the Outeniqua Power Van, a train which
brings visitors up into the surrounding mountains. |
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Quad Bike
riding trails featured at Zingela Indlela along the scenic Robinson Pass
between Oudshoorn and Mossel Bay. Zingela indlela is the Xhosa
word for game tracks and we scared away a lot of game on our adventure.
|
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The shore
of Mossel Bay - waves break on the rocks of Mossel Bay, where European
explorer Bartolomeu Dias first landed in February 1488. Mossel Bay has
been providing refreshment for travelers ever since. Surfers love the
rough seas, and the Guiness Book of Records lists Mossel Bay second only to
Hawaii for having the world's mildest all-year round climate.
|
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A replica
of Dias' ship at the museum complex which includes several museums |
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The milk
wood tree where sailors would stop at the nearby fresh water spring and
leave letters, this tree has been known as the post office tree ever since
1488. |
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The mouth
of the Breede River in Witsand - Witsand is known as the whale nursery
because of the number of whales that winter here between June and November
|
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The beach
at Witsand - land based unobstructed whale watching from June to November |
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Ostrich
Trails Farm in Witsands, Piet Uys shows us how the throat of this ostrich |
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Touring
the farm from the back of Piet's pickup truck was an exiting and hair
raising experience |
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Racing
ostriches in our pickup, the ostrich won |
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Sunset on
the farm in Witsand |
| Western
Cape - The Garden Route |
|
| General
Tourist Information: |
|
|
Garden Route - Frieda Henning, Telephone #
27-44-8736314 Email :
info@gardenroute.org.za |
For an
overview of the whole region, Frieda welcomes your inquiries and excellent
source for itinerary ideas |
| Buffalo
Hills Game Reserve - Tel #
011-27-44-535-9739 and Email
Buffalohills@mweb.co.za |
Lodging,
game drives, also known for its Mampoer an Afrikaaner liquor |
| Madibas
Tide (B&B) - Telephone 044-3860011
Email:
Madibas_tide@imaginet.co.za |
Country
house and hotel, bohemian luxuriousness, 16 rooms overlooking the Knysna
Lagoon. It would be hard to find a more peaceful setting. |
| The Point
Hotel at Mossel Bay - Telephone
044-6913512 Website:
www.pointhotel.co.za
Email:
louis@pointhotel.co.za |
The hotel
is located on the cliffs below the Saint Blaize Light. With
spectacular views of the waves crashing on the rocks, all rooms have ocean
views looking out on Mossel Bay. Awarded the prestigious best
full-service hotel award for 2002 by the A.A. Travel Guide. Managed by
Louis Harris, the hotel is known for excellent service. |
| Protea
Hotel King George - Telephone
011-28-44-8747659 |
Opening up
on the grounds of a beautiful golf course facing the Outeniqua Mountains in
George. Also available a variety of outdoor activities from Tennis to
Horseback Riding. |
| Breede
River Lodge in Witsand, Telephone 011-27-285371631 Email
breederiver@relais.co.za
|
The only
lodge in tiny Witsand, the accommodations are stunning as is the view
located at the mouth of the Breede River. A Relais Hotel managed by
Paul Garratt. |
| Hoonker's
Restaurant in Witsand - for location,
ask anyone in town where Hoonker's is |
|
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Hoonker's
pub like atmosphere is located directly on the sands of the beach and is the
only restaurant aside from the Breede River Lodge in Witsand. Serving
homey food and daily specials including seafood. |
| The Staff
of JJs Restaurant
in Knysna Quays |
|
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Known for
it's seafood, wine list featuring South African wines, and attentive
service, JJs is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Often, there
is live music performed. |
| |
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| The
Fairway Terrace Restaurant at The King George Protea Hotel
- Tel # 011-27-44-874-7659 |
|
| Monkey
Land Primate Sanctuary -
Telephone # 01-27-44-534-8906 Email:
monkeys@global.co.za
website
www.monkeyland.co.za |
Open daily
8am to 6pm, Monkey Land has captured the hearts of visitors in its effort to
rehabilitate and free previously caged monkeys. On guided safari you
can expect to see a variety of primates ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to
the Lemurs of Madagascar. Knowledgeable rangers will tell you all
about these fascinating mammals as you encounter them roaming free in the
forest. Traditional South African food is served including bobotie and
yellow rice, Venison pie, ostrich neck stew and sago pudding. |
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I now invite you to continue with me
on my visit through South Africa, viewing each region, its people, culture
and music, through my photographic lens. I have also included
additional
features on World AIDS Day and a Travel Information Section which provides
information on tour
organizations and lodging. Please click on the specific feature that you wish
to access below:
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