The Garden Route begins about four hours outside Cape Town and includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, the starting point of which are towns such as Witsand, Stilbaai and Albertinia joining the route that winds its way for some 200 km via George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna onto Plettenberg Bay culminating in the Tsisikamma Forrest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.
It is essential to rent a vehicle at your arrival as the distance are long and public transports limited. Please be aware that we drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.
The village of Wilderness where our farms is situated is a small seaside resort well know for its long golden sandy beaches relatively preserved from the mass tourism. Over here, we swim, we dive, we hike but we can also take part to many different activities.
The best season in South Africa begins in late October, where temperatures are rather mild, ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, it still rains regularly until December. The peak summer season can be considered in January, February, and March. In April, temperatures drop back down to mild levels, averaging around 15 degrees Celsius.
History will remember that George Bennett, a young man from Cape Town, built his house there for his young wife and himself. But why so far away from the Cape? Apparently, the young woman had accepted his wedding proposal on the only condition that he takes her to live in a ‘wild place’ (in the Wilderness). From there on, the little village has grown and is becoming one of the center point to visit on the Garden Route along with Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and theTsitsikamma.
Don’t be fooled by its air of a small harbor and industrial town. Mossel Bay is famous for being the place where the first Europeans landed in South Africa: the famous explorer Bartolemeu Dias and his men. Ironically, his expedition had managed to pass the Cape of Good Hope without even seeing it! We will have to wait for the return of his expedition to put this mythical place on the map.
Our first encounter with Mossel Bay will be its craft market, the Craft Art Workshop in the center of the town. It’s a place not to be missed, where you will find both artist’s studios and craft shops. There is an abundance of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, toys, fabrics, clothes, linens…it’s a real Ali Baba’s cave! Not to mention that each of your purchase will help support a local artist and craftsman.
Also take time to visit the Tourism Office of Mossel, just around the corner.
If you need a break and feel hungry, there is a multitude of restaurants but the locals are always recommending the bar/grill called Delfino’s. This restaurant is situated at Point Village, a apartment complex built on an isolate area on the east side of the town, probably offering one of the most beautiful landscape and view of Mossel Bay. If you want to venture further, go and visit the restaurant next door to Delfino’s where you will discover a very cute place whose ground is completely covered with sand.
One of the highlights of the Garden Route is the town of Knysna, situated at about 40 mins drive from our cottage. Knysna is a culinary hotspot famous for its 10-day Oyster Festival in late June, which overlooks a tranquil lagoon dotted with sailing boats. Impossible to leave Knysna without seeing “The Heads”. After a divine breakfast, make a plan to visit ‘The Heads’, represented by two cliffs that forms a ‘gateway’ between the ocean and the lagoon.
If you are passing through, take the road that leads to the East cliff. It’s pretty amazing, the drive is beautiful and many luxurious villas line up from the lagoon to the top. On the other side, the Western cliff is well preserved. If you are spending more time in Knysna, don’t hesitate to book an excursion for the “Featherbed Nature Reserve’, a private nature reserve covering the whole western side of the lagoon.
We have visited this magnificent game reserve situated next to Mossel Bay at 40 mins drive from our cottage. This 4200 hectares reserve will offer you a unique South African Safari experience. They have a range of luxury accommodation from sumptuous tented lodges, self-catering villas and an entire village built with children in mind. This gracious family-owned and privately-operated game reserve is malaria-free and home to four of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as cheetahs and a host of antelope, including rare black impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and more. Day visitor are as welcome as overnight guests with a range of activities from safari game drives, horseback safaris, pampering spa therapies, spacious decks and swimming pools.
The game drive will take you approximately 3 hours and thereafter you can either choose to have lunch at their restaurant or drive to Mossel Bay.
Walk trunk-in-hand with the elephants. This elephant Sanctuary is situated at about 1 hour 40 drive from Wilderness and offer an interactive experience with African elephants. This way, you will experience a far more intimate connection with these magnificent creatures. This activity will take you about an hour and we highly recommend you to take the option to buy a food backet when booking your tickets. You will therefore be able to feed them personally.
Monkeyland, situated just outside of Plettenberg Bay, is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. It’s mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing.
During a ‘monkey safari’, you will be able to see over 550 primates of various species. The 128- meter suspension bridge, which runs through the forest canopy, gives you the chance to see these primates from another perspective. The visit of this sanctuary is a lot of fun and takes about an hour. You can also opt to have a quick lunch over there, as the venue has a restaurant with a viewing deck.
Swimming with the seals was for my family and myself, an amazing experience! This one-and-a half-hour adventure starts with an adrenaline pumping beach launch into the sea, followed by an exciting boat ride along the scenic coastline to the Cape fur seal colony. Once arrived there, you will get to snorkel and interact with the oceans most loved character and see them playfully swimming in their natural environment.
Explore the underground wonder of South Africa by visiting the majestic Cango Caves. This is an absolute ‘must do’ on your list of activities. You will come out of there completely amazed! Just a small advise, wear sensible footwear and light clothing when visiting the caves. In the hot days of summer, this place is welcome as the temperature in the Caves remains a constant 20 degrees C.
The Marbled Wagyu Restaurant is situated in the Kombuys Estate at 3 km form the world renowned Cango Caves. De Kombuys Estate is an eco-orientated, working farm in Oudtshoorn. We can highly recommend this restaurant, as it is specialized at producing the worlds’ best free range beef in the area: the Wagyu beef.
For golf lovers, Fancourt is a small paradise! The history of Fancourt, its families and people begins in the late 1880s. British engineer, Henry Fancourt White, settled with his wife and children at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains near George. In 1989, the estate was transformed into a top-class hotel and golfing destination. Fancourt offers a luxurious, contemporary and relaxed environment. We can highly recommend you the Italian restaurant called La Cantina, situated on these premises.
The award-winning Kingswood Golf Estate in George is a lifestyle hub featuring a championship golf course, world-class amenities, and Cape Vernacular architecture. It offers stunning views of the Outeniqua mountains and is conveniently located close to the airport, beach, schools, and shopping areas, making it a perfect place for residents and holiday-goers.
The lagoon really comes to life at night, as the water is too clear in the day and many of the fish would be open prey. It is best to fish at the change of the tide when high tide is at its end and the low tide is starting. The best catches occurs during the summer months, although fish can be caught all year round.
For further infos :
For grunter and steenbras, a good spot is near the train bridge running across the lagoon. Other good spots are situated along the edges of the sand banks and small islands in the lagoon such as Thesen and Leisure Island.
For Cob, go to what is known as the ‘kablejougat’, which is near the oyster beds.
Garrick and Cob are mainly caught in the deeper channels, so head there with your live bait for some bigger fish.
If the water is cold, head up to the lagoon to warmer water as many fishes will swim up to escape the cold.
The Old Harbour on Thesens Island is a popular fishing spot with the possibility of catching a variety of fish including cob, Garrick and elf. The harbour was previously used by timber traders and is now used by the Parks Board.
Experience the beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains on horse back.
Black Horse Trail situated in Wilderness is offering a variety of horse trails which will free your heart. They also have a lovely little coffee shop at the stables where they offer home-made cakes, waffles, divine coffee and gourmet milkshakes.
The Coast 2 Karoo Horse Adventure is offering various riding journeys and is situated in Hoekwil at 3 kms from Wilderness. This is for the experience and intermediate riders only. They offer rides from 13 kms (River Ride) right through to 3 Day Coast 2 Karoo Overnight trails covering over 100 km.
Those on a thrill-seeking South African holiday should definitely opt for one or two mountain biking trails. Bring your own bike, or rent one from one of the many local bike stores. It can be an adrenaline ride, a family-friendly outing or an endurance test – you decide!
For further infos :
WILD OATS Community Farmers’ Market was inspired by the authentic “old style” country marketplace of yesteryear where local farmers gathered to sell their goods to the townsfolk. In an atmosphere of friendly open exchange, the market also provided an important social occasion for locals and visitors. For the first time in South Africa’s Garden Route and in the spirit of the “good old times” the Wild Oats Market organisers have set about recreating, in a unique country setting, a market where town meets country… where tourists meet locals… and where buyers meet producers and develop an appreciation and understanding of the local products they purchase. The local economy is stimulated and local money recycled. Local Knysna and George Farmers’ Associations have given strong support to what was, in 1999, a new marketing endeavour in the Western Cape region.
This beautiful market is situated in Sedgefield at about 20 mins from our cottage. It takes place every Saturday morning throughout the year from 7:30 – 12 noon in summer and 8:00 – 12 noon in winter. It is definitely an experience not to be missed!
This quaint family market is situated between George and Wilderness and is also open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. If offers about 150 food and craft stalls as well as live entertainment and kids activities. To start your weekend on a positive note, go and grab a cup of coffee and relax on the sound of a country music played by a local band.
Just south of Knysna Heads you will find Buffels Bay, a beautiful protected beach perfect for a day spent surfing! This sand bottom beach is a highlight of Knysna which itself is a little coastal gem off of the famous Garden Route. Whether you are just learning to surf for the first time or simply want to brush up on your skills, Buffels Bay provides the ultimate location!
A professional and local surf instructor will guide you along the way to ensure you get the most out of your time. You will meet your instructor on the beach and can choose from either a 2 hour group session (with up to 4 people) or a private session for a more individual experience. Whichever you choose, you can count on maximum service. The team here is all about motivation and encouragement! All surf instructors are SSA approved. Just bring your swimwear, some sunscreen, and you’ll be good to go!
For further infos :
Victoria Bay a small cove sandwiched within Wilderness and offers amazing surf. It is one of South Africa’s popular surf spot with world class wave quality. There are a number of different peaks on the beach but the best can be found near the cliff. Swells get to between 1-4 m (3-12 ft) and consists of right-hand reef wave which rolls over small boulder like rocks. The waves can be tricky, especially when big, but there is no reason for alarm. The main concern is the sharks due to the two rivers’ mouths. Victoria Bay accommodates all surfers and works most of the year due to its shape. The best times for surfing however are in the mornings.
Rappelling down waterfalls, swimming across cliff sided pools, navigating deep forest and leaping off cliff tops into bottomless pools are all part of a canyoning experience. Insightful, thoughtful and very experienced guides, whose knowledge of these unique spaces brings a whole layer of magic to the experience, will accompany you on your canyoning trip. Wetsuits, water-boots and all safety equipment are included. Provided they are proficient swimmers, this is a wonderful adventure for children too, and bound to engender a curiosity for, and love of, nature.
For further infos :
After visiting one of the most famous Garden Route’s viewpoint, it’s time to fly!
The Map of Africa, situated at just 3 mins drive from our cottage, will offer you a view that will take your breath away! It is called the Map of Africa because the landscape that can be seen from this viewpoint looks like the shape of Africa as if you were looking at the African continent from space. The 153-meter high paragliding site is adjacent to this beautiful viewpoint and offers another stunning view as it overlooks the Indian Ocean and the long stretch of beaches that runs towards Sedgefield. During most months of the year, you could even spot Southern Right whales for this view site.
A flight in a Hot Air Balloon is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. No other form of flying comes anywhere close to its calm and serene nature.
The Hot-Air Balloon sites are located in Mossel Bay at about 40 mins from our cottage. This experience differs from other air travel in that your encounter with the air is extremely quiet, stable and calm, making it perfect for photographic and video enthusiast.
You will not be disappointed by this marvelous adventure where you will be able to admire the nature at its best as well as the beautiful sunrise that only the African continent can give you!
Enjoy a 20 minute plane flight to approximately 10 000ft, over the Knysna forests and Plettenberg Bay coastline
Come and discover the incredible diversity of landscapes that South Africa and Namibia have to offer, by motorbike or 4×4, depending on your wishes.
For 15 years we have been organising personalised tours from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Windhoek.
Whether it’s a Harley-Davidson, BMW GS, Triumph Tiger, Honda CRF 300 or Toyota 4×4, you can choose the vehicle that best suits your needs and enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving through magnificent natural scenery on unforgettable roads and tracks.
All the while enjoying the warm and unique atmosphere of the top-of-the-range accommodations that mark each stage of our tours.
Located on a beach front dune, this beautiful Spa has uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and Wilderness Beach. It’s about 20 mins drive from our cottage. The Views Wellness Emporium was awarded Best Boutique Hotel Spa in 2018 and comprises of a spa, hydro lounge, gym and retail boutique. Awaken your senses at this tranquil oasis designed to uplift, revive and refresh your soul! This Spa is open from Monday to Sunday and offers a wide variety of treatments including massages, spa ceremonies, aesthetic skin care and therapies.
On the edge of the river for 1 or 2 nights, very nice place located at 15 min from the farm
