Take in the mountains and the seas

The Garden Route, a coastal highway stretching for hundreds of kilometers between South Africa's two major cities, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is a picturesque drive 🛣️. On one side lies the boundless ocean waves, while the other side features forests and mountains. Along the way, you'll encounter natural wonders, wildlife 🦁, and rich cultural history, making the Garden Route the essence of a South African journey. Highlights: 🔹 Tsitsikamma National Park One of South Africa's most popular national parks. It offers rugged coastlines, virgin forests, deep gorges, and wildlife on land, sea, and air 🦅. Almost every visitor will walk across the suspension bridge over the gorge, admiring the raging rapids below. You can also try activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, kayaking, forest hiking, and for the more adventurous, bungee jumping off the bridge 💫. 🔹 Jeffreys Bay One of the world's top ten surfing spots. From June to September, surfers from around the globe come here to ride the waves 🏄‍♂️. 🔹 St. Francis Bay A laid-back coastal town perfect for a slow-paced beach life. Climb the rocks in front of the landmark Seal Point Lighthouse to see seals surfing. Between July and November, you might spot southern right whales and humpback whales, while dolphins can be seen all year round 🐬. 🔹 Plettenberg Bay A favorite seaside resort for the wealthy. With coastal hikes, horseback riding up the mountains 🐎, and leisurely fishing, it's a place where you'll want to stay and enjoy the activities at a relaxed pace. 🔹 George Located centrally on the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, it's a good starting point for those with limited time to explore half of the route. The Wilderness National Park, with its diverse landscapes and birdlife, is nearby. Hiking, paragliding 🪂, kayaking, and cycling are popular activities here. 🔹 Knysna Situated in a lagoon formed by the sea penetrating inland, it boasts unique scenery and is also known as South Africa's Oyster Capital 🦪. During the annual Oyster Festival in June and July, a series of events delight oyster lovers. 🔹 Mossel Bay More than just a charming coastal town with European flair, it offers a unique experience at the cliff-top golf course, where you can practice your swing 🏌️‍♂️ while overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean, attracting many golf enthusiasts. 🔹 Hermanus World-famous as the best land-based whale-watching spot. Besides boat tours to see whales 🐳, from August to November, you can spot them playing in the sea from the shore, following the horn of the whale-watching guide. Tips: ✔️ Drivers must have an international driver's license. Renting a car is not allowed without a valid document. ✔️ South Africa is a Commonwealth country where vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Be cautious of traffic from the left when crossing the street. ✔️ South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, with seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. However, a jacket or a windbreaker is essential all year round, as the temperature difference between day and night can be significant even in summer. ✔️ Electrical outlets in South Africa are different from those in China, so bring a travel adapter. ✔️ Tipping is customary in South Africa's service industry. For waitstaff in restaurants, a tip of at least 10% of the total bill is standard, while tour guides and drivers have a fixed tipping rate. #SouthAfrica #SouthAfricaTravel #RoadTrip #CoastalHighway #GardenRoute #LesserKnownTravelDestinations