TOURIST INFORMATION
Garden Route & Klein Karoo
54 York Street, George, 6530
Tel 044 873 6355
Tel 044 873 6314
Fax 044 884 0655
E-mail info@gardenroute.org.za
Website www.tourismcapegardenroute.co.za
Towns: Albertinia, Amalienstein/Zoar, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, De Rust, Dysseldorp, George, Gouritzmond, Great Brak River, Haarlem, Hartenbos, Heidelberg, Knysna, Ladismith, Mosselbay, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Riversdale, Sedgefield, Stilbaai, Uniondale, Van Wyksdorp, Wilderness.
GARDEN ROUTE
The beautiful area known as the Garden Route is situated on a narrow coastal plain, stretching eastwards from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and the Storms River. This is a region of great natural beauty, where nature has lavishly imparted her bountiful treasures, creating a paradise graced with evergreen forests, jewel like lakes, golden beaches and exquisite fauna and flora. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the many inland lagoons offer excellent opportunities to enjoy all forms of water sport and create the perfect natural habitat for numerous bird species, making the Garden Route a paradise for bird-watchers. Large tracts of the region are controlled by South African National Parks, thus ensuring the preservation of this unique and sensitive environment for future generations. The combination of striking land and coastal landscapes, the delicate balance maintained between the divergent, fragile eco-systems and a well-developed tourism infrastructure guarantee an unforgettable holiday experiece.
KLEIN KAROO
Even in a country of such great diversity as South Africa, an area like the Klein Karoo stands out in its uniqueness. This scenic valley with its beautiful wild flowers, ostriches and spectacular rock formations, where every vista is filled with endless mountains, is only 60km wide and 250km long. It is bounded in the north by the Swartberg ('black mountain') range and in the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains, which isolate the region from the coastal plains. In the centre of the Klein Karoo is the district of Oudtshoorn, often referred to as 'feather capital' of South Africa, renowned for its ostrich-farming. The Swartberg is famous for its mountain passes, arguably the most spectacular in Africa. Here one also finds the mysterious valley of 'Die Hel', a deep and remote gorge, where the leopard still reigns supreme. To appreciate the diversity the Klein Karoo has to offer, one has to explore its ravines and caves, sample its fruits and wines and enjoy the hospitality of its people.
