South Africa is like a beautiful crown with many jewels, and the Garden Route is one of its most dazzling jewels, with breathtaking forested mountains rising from tranquil lagoons, a stone’s throw from the warm Indian Ocean. This quiet, serene beauty is only a five-hour drive away from Cape Town.

The journey begins with a scenic drive through rolling green farmland to Mossel Bay, where the first sailors to round the African continent made landfall. Nearby, the well-run Botlierskop Game Reserve offers an excellent opportunity to stay overnight and experience local wildlife.

Beyond Mossel Bay, the lovely Garden Route truly unfolds. Highlights include a spectacular village with the intriguing name of Wilderness, the peaceful lagoon town of Knysna, and the unforgettable grandeur of Plettenberg Bay.