So you’ve read the guidebooks, Google image searched your heart away and have decided that this South African Garden Route thing sounds pretty good. Now what? Fortunately for you, lucky traveler, we’ve been there, and have a few tips and revelations for you before you go….

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Where the mountains meet the sea…

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One of the many breathtaking views you’ll see driving through SA

Natural Beauty is Everywhere

If you grew up watching The Lion King you may have an image of a baby Simba being held aloft over the desert landscape pop into your mind whenever you think of Africa. However, though there are definitely places on the continent that resemble Pride Rock, the Garden Route is far more green and lush than you’ve imagined.

Anyone who asks if you prefer to vacation in the mountains or by the sea has clearly never been to South Africa! Along the Garden Route, prepare to be stunned by the unique mix of mountains and sea, not often seen crashing together side by side. From the fresh, misty rains to the vast sky filled with stars at night, photos truly cannot do justice to the landscape.

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A sampler at Birkenhead Brewery, because decisions are tough

The Beer is Awesome

South African wines are world famous, and with good reason; vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see! But what might surprise you is just how good the local craft beers are. Breweries like Birkenhead, a charming place on Walker Bay Estate in the Western Cape, offer a great assortment that can be hard to choose from (Ed note: don’t choose, try them all with a sampler tray). Afterwards, clear your head exploring the grounds which are surrounded by soft, rolling hills in every direction.

 

Meet the Big Five

Be prepared to get up close and personal with the wildlife! You’ll hear a lot about South Africa’s “Big Five”: the African elephant, the black rhino, cape buffalo, the African leopard and the lion. The sight of a herd of elephants being led by their matriarch and crowding around to protect their young will take your breath away.

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A friendly herd just stopping by to say hello!

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A black and white roadblock in Addo Elephant Park

 

Spend the day driving through Addo Elephant Park, seeing these beautiful creatures roaming free in their natural habitat, and you will never want to see them caged up in a zoo again. The landscape is dotted with private game reserves, where rhinoceros, a dazzle of zebras (yes, that’s what a group is called) and giraffes roam free among the antelopes and wildebeests, protected from those who would harm them. Through reserves, sanctuaries and preservation initiatives, these unique and incredible animals will still be here for generations to come.

 

If you can believe it, that tiny dot in the very center of the picture is STA’s own Ashley Ish, on her first bungee

Get Your Blood Pumping

South Africans love their adrenaline. Surfing, zip lining, black water tubing, rafting, skydiving and the world’s tallest bungee are just a few of the heart-pounding things to do along the Garden Route. If bungee isn’t your thing, even the bridge walk to cheer on your brave comrades is not for the faint of heart!

Bonus Tips For Your Trip

The weather can be as varied as the landscape. Light rains in the afternoon can clear up to warm night skies, so definitely pack your waterproof wind-breaker.

For you adventurous types, bring a pair of lace-up tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting ruined, as you will want to have your feet covered should you go tubing or rafting on the river.

Lastly, a good playlist (break out your old ipod, service can be spotty when driving through the countryside so don’t rely on apps like Spotify or Pandora) will come in handy during long drives through this magnificent country. Relax and enjoy the scenery, South Africa is like nowhere else on earth!

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