The Garden Route and the Little Karoo: Places to Explore

Although technically part of Plett, the Crags is very different. It's rural and forested and is home to primate and elephant refuges, plus a free-flight aviary. Although there's no beach, the Crags region... Read more

De Rust is a sleepy Little Karoo village. The main road is lined with crafts stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and wineshops.... Read more

About 11 km (7 mi) from the sea, George is the largest town and the de facto capital of the Garden Route. Although the surrounding countryside is attractive and there is a thriving farming and crafts community... Read more

Knysna (pronounced nize-nuh) is one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route. The focus of the town is the beautiful Knysna Lagoon, ringed by forested hills dotted with vacation homes. Several... Read more

Mossel Bay's main attractions are an excellent museum complex; several beautiful historic stone buildings, some of which date back hundreds of years (the central part of Mossel Bay is exceptionally well... Read more

Oudtshoorn has been famous for its ostriches since around 1870, when farmers began raising them to satisfy the European demand for feathers to adorn women's hats and dresses. In the years leading up to... Read more

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's premier beach resort, as the empty houses on Beachy Head Road (known as Millionaires' Mile) during the 11 months when it's not beach season will attest. But in December... Read more

Although it's a small, isolated village, Storms River absolutely buzzes with activity. A hotel, a couple of guesthouses, and a smattering of backpackers' lodges all cater to the numerous adrenaline junkies... Read more

Wilderness is a popular vacation resort for good reason. Backed by thickly forested hills and cliffs, the tiny town presides over a magical stretch of beach between the Kaaimans and Touw rivers, as well... Read more