An explorer’s guide to the Garden Route

Known for its natural beauty, stunning coastline, abundant outdoor activities and adventurous pursuits, the Garden Route is a local destination that has long earned its hype. Stretching along the coast from the Western to the Eastern Cape, it’s easy to get a feel for this region within just a few days of travelling. And if you’re an ambitious traveller up for conquering it once leisure travel returns, here’s where we recommend you go: #1 Set out for Swellendam Swellendam, one of South Africa’s oldest settlements, is an action-packed addition to our list that could see you sipping sweet muscadel and shifting gears while the local bontebok watch you pedal through its picturesque surrounds. The young and young at heart will delight in the sheer variety of experiences that this corner of the Breede Valley has to offer – from tackling the gurgling waters of the Breede River on a canoe expedition to saddling up on your trusty steed and galloping through the fynbos-clad hills. #2: Go whale-watching at Witsand Everyone knows that Hermanus is the whale-watching capital of South Africa, but if you’re keen to catch a glimpse of these majestic ocean beasts during whale season without the crowds, make a beeline for the coastal hamlet of Witsand. It is quietly tucked away along the R342 (around 45 minutes’ drive from Swellendam) and doubles up as both a top-notch fishing spot and a dedicated nursery for southern right whales that arrive here every year to calve. #3: Hit the fairways at Fancourt If you’re looking…

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