The Garden Route is without doubt one of South Africa's most beautiful regions, and a major tourist destination. A slender region nearly 200 kilometres long, this lush, green, forested area hugs the coast roughly between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth. We've given you some of the basics below, but if there's anything else you'd like to know, please feel free to email the travel editor.


TOURISM OFFICES

Each town along the Garden route will have it's own tourism information office which can provide you with brochures, maps and will also be able to help with accommodation/tour bookings. They are usually along the main road in town and well-marked, so keep an eye out for the standard tourism information "i".

To plan before you leave, have a look at the websites of the George Tourism Bureau, Knysna Information Bureau and Plettenberg Bay Tourism Centre.


TRANSPORT

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train between George and Knysna runs every day and also stops off at Wilderness. Book at least 24 hours in advance.

There is a weekly train between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, and Cape Town and Port Elizabeth which stops off at several towns along the way. For more information, visit the Spoornet website, or call central reservations on 086 000 8888

The Garden Route is well served by inter-city coach services, which can connect you to all the major cities in South Africa. Greyhound, Intercape, Translux and Luxliner all operate air-conditioned services.

A great way to get around the Garden Route is to use the hop-on, hop-off Baz Bus. The Baz Bus runs from Cape Town to Johannesburg via the Garden Route, Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal. Once you've purchased a ticket to your destination, you can jump on and off as many times as you like along the way at their designated stops.

However, depending on where you are staying and what you intend to do, the best way to really explore the garden route is to hire a car.

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AIRPORTS

There are only two airports along the Garden Route, and only one capable of handling jet aircraft. George airport is a small, functional airport which is the primary gateway for tourists arriving by air. It is served by scheduled flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

There is also a smaller airport at Plettenberg Bay. Although there is a scheduled flight from Johannesburg each weekend, the airport is mainly used by private charter aircraft. For flight information, contact the airport on + 27 44 533 9041


SHOPPING

Boutique shops and fleamarket stalls are the name of the game along the Garden Route. Knsyna's main road has an eclectic array of shops selling everything from tie dyed kaftans to curios made from locally collected sea shells. A relaxed wander down the main road is a great way to spend a few hours on a hot summers afternoon. it can get very crowded in the peak season though. You can also pay a visit to the Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre or the Knysna Waterfront.

The shops in Plett reflect the fact that this is no ordinary seaside holiday town. With the so-called "millionaire's row" just up the hill, Plett is where to go if you're looking for boutique beachwear.

There are numerous craft and farm stalls all the way along the stretch of N2 freeway that runs through the Garden route, so take the time to stop off now and again and explore these smaller traders. Usually nestled up against the indigenous forest, a quick browse makes for an excellent break to your journey.

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