Wildlife, wine & whales on South Africa’s Garden Route

South Africa’s Garden Route, positioned on a stretch of coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is sometimes mistakenly believed to be an expanse of neatly cultivated plants and flowers – and whilst the area is wonderfully green, it has so much more going for it – and is ideal for exploring on a self drive holiday.

The Garden Route itself – running between Mossel Bay in the west and just beyond Plettenberg Bay in the east, is famous for its long sandy beaches and forested mountains – and its position is ideal for combining with a visit to Cape Town, the winelands, and taking a safari on a Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.

Perhaps one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and with some of the world’s best wines produced in the region, a reputation for excellent cuisine, and a year round temperate climate, the city has much to offer visitors. Options include an excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for views over the city and Cape, and a drive down to Cape Point along Chapman’s Peak Drive, arguably one of the world’s most scenic roads.

A stop in the winelands, with its pretty Dutch-architectural homesteads and a reputation for fast becoming a top gastronomic destination, is a must for anyone keen on good food and wine. Local vineyards serve up home grown olives, cheeses and breads to accompany tastings – lunch in one of the excellent restaurants overlooking the vine-covered mountains must surely be one of the best ways to experience fine gourmet cuisine at an affordable price.

Along the Garden Route, the spectacular scenery is renowned: from June to November, Southern Right Whales can be seen from the shore. Activity options include marine cruises, mountain biking trails, sea kayaking and walking trails through nature reserves, coastal paths and forests. The seafood along this stretch of coast is as fresh as it comes - oysters are a speciality, and the choice of restaurants make for a pleasant daily quandary over where to eat.

On the Eastern Cape, a number of private game reserves offer an opportunity to take a safari. Game drives, bush walks and river trips – together with luxury accommodation, fresh, local food and an expanse of African wilderness are surely a highly appealing way to end a Southern Africa sojourn.

A 16 day self drive trip along South Africa’s Garden Route costs from £2,820 per person with Native Escapes, including return flights, 4 star accommodation, and car hire. For more information, log on to Nativeescapes.com.