GETTING BACK TO THE ROUTE
When you think of nature-focused getaways, you typically think of places such as Kruger or perhaps Kgalagadi but in reality, the Garden Route is arguably one of the most naturally diverse, wild and undiscovered locations in all of South Africa.
Many of us are familiar with the coastal magnificence that is Tsitsikamma and Natureʼs Valley, so I wonʼt go into much detail about them; the reality is, these two locations are really just small sectors in a much larger Garden Route National Park (GRNP).
Combined with the regionʼs Cape Nature reserves, Goukamma, the Robberg Peninsula, Keurbooms River and the Outeniqua Mountains, they add up to almost 2 000km² of pristine natural habitats, marine protected areas included.
Letʼs take a closer look at some of the lesser-known conservation areas – with some of the better-known thrown in – all amounting to many wondrous ways to enjoy nature in this ecotourism hotspot.
Outeniqua Nature Reserve
Starting in the mountains above George, you can access a variety of walking, running, and biking trails in both the Outeniqua Nature Reserve and the GRNP.
The trails up there are steep and long so expect to experience high mountain peaks and low blood-sugar levels but the views of the surrounding fynbos-covered hills with the city of George below are to die for (should pulmonary failure not get you first).
Permits can
