The Garden Route and
Overberg - Tourist Information & Activities
Western Cape Province, South Africa
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African Tourism
THE GARDEN ROUTE
South Africa's famous Garden Route started off only encompassing a narrow coastal stretch of 300 km between Mossel Bay and the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
These days, though, you could be forgiven for thinking that it sprawls all the way from Cape Town along the southern Cape coastline to Port Elizabeth.
The section of the coastline first called the Garden Route is an extraordinary region, blessed with a mild climate, year-round rainfall and unique vegetation.
To many who have
visited it, the Garden Route has a mysterious allure. A most unusual
part of Africa, it is also the sunny corner of the Cape where evergreen
forests, verdant fields, tranquil inland lakes, sparkling bays and pristine
beaches languish in a sultry Mediterranean climate.
Stretching along the southern Cape coast from Heidelberg in the west
to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the east, the region's
entrance to the interior is barred by towering mountains breached by
breathtaking passes and gorges. The silence evoked by its ever-changing landscape carries on its still,
fragrant, sea-scented air a sense of the spiritual. With so much of the
Garden Route's beauty unspoilt, visitors may feel they have been set
free to play in God's backyard.
A well-developed tourist infrastructure has strung the region's towns
along its coast like a string of pearls. In all of them, artists, writers, naturalists and nature lovers co-exist
with those devoting their time and energies to catering to the whims
and special fancies of the area's year-round visitors.
This is where the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe still steams its way between George
and Knysna every day. And where the whales come to calve and mate in
the many unspoiled bays. Importantly, it's an area boasting two National
parks - Tsitsikamma and Wilderness - as well as numerous other provincial
and private nature reserves.
A treasure trove of history, culture, food, sport and entertainment
awaits you between Heidelberg and Plettenberg Bay. Indeed, the Garden
Route is a veritable playground, offering every sport imaginable -
from golf to scuba-diving, abseiling to mountain biking.
Beyond this, there are those unforgettable wild and lonely reaches that
will touch your soul and revive your spirit.
Forest Capital
Some of South Africa’s most ancient forest remnants are here, evergreen and folded into inaccessible ravines. There is also fynbos, part of a unique floral kingdom recently proclaimed a natural World Heritage Site.
Incredible Coastline
The sensitive coastline is protected from overdevelopment by South African National Parks in three areas – the Wilderness National Park, the Knysna National Lake Area, and the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Smalltown Splendour
The towns of the Garden Route include Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley – some of South Africa’s most popular tourism towns for locals and foreign visitors.
Make a point of setting aside as many days as you can for the Garden Route, because this area can make time disappear.
Whale Watching
Southern Right whales take over the shoreline between June and November, making the long trip northwards from Antarctica to give birth and loll in the unspoilt bays. They’re often seen leaping and lob-tailing just beyond the breakers.
Elephant Connection
At Knysna you can touch, feed and walk with Knysna elephants. These are not part of the original (and legendary) Knysna forest elephants, but are rescued orphans that have become habituated to people.
Activities and Attractions
There are hikes through magnificent scenery and vegetation, some to be tackled over five to seven days (notably the famous Otter Trail and the Outeniqua Hiking Trail) and a wide variety of trails that can be done over a few hours or a day.
Every morning, the quaint steam-engine called the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe puffs its way along the lakes, estuaries and ravines between Knysna and George.
The golf courses here are among the best in the world, designed by masters and offering spectacular views.
Adrenalin-junkies can go shark-cage diving or fling themselves off the Gouritz River bridge for the highest bungee jump in the world. There is also blackwater tubing, horse riding, abseiling, canoeing, boating, surfing, diving and deepsea fishing.
Visit some of the atmospheric bars and pubs along this stretch, and don’t forget to sample ales from Mitchells, a delightful micro-brewery in the Knysna area.
And of course, if you blur the boundaries of the Garden Route as almost everyone seems to do, there is even more to see.
SELECTED TOWNS - THE GARDEN ROUTE
George
George is a large prosperous town which forms a junction
along the Garden Route, where the main road continues along the coast
and another route heads north over the Outeniqua mountains to the Little
Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. George lies on a coastal plateau about 8kms
from the coast and is the start (or finish) point for one of the most
splendid railway journeys in the world. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe pulled
by an ancient steam locomotive, chugs over forested hills, past inland
lakes and across high bridges over raging river mouths. You will need
plenty of film in your camera for this magnificent 3 hour ride and
transport can be arranged to return you to your start point.
Knysna
The name Knysna is a Khoi word but it's uncertain
as to its exact meaning. It could mean 'place of wood', or it could
mean 'fern leaves', but its most probable meaning is straight down'
- an obvious reference to the Heads. Knysna Heads must be the most
striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline.
They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which
the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon
at the mouth of the Knysna River. Knysna's history began in the year
1804, the year that saw the arrival of George Rex, rumored to be the
illegitimate son of King George lll. He purchased the estate known
as Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon and moved his entire family
and considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.
Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations,
situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon -
it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most
well known attraction being the heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding
the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. A lookout
has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of
the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is a privately
owned nature Reserve - Featherbed Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the
few places along the coast and in the world that supports a oyster hatchery.
And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world.
Millwood House Museum in Queen Street
houses material relating to the history of the town, and includes artifacts
once owned
by George Rex. It was built from yellowwood at the end of the previous
century during the gold rush. From Millwood, it was later moved to Knysna.
Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well, one of the
most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many
places within the town as well. It is the largest indigenous forest in
South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic
species, including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white
alders and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild
flowers which add colour to this endless green collage. The forest is
vast and extremely dense in places making it impenetrable. Animal life
is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such
as the famous Knysna Loerie. Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants,
it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today. Another historical
attraction are the Millwood Gold Mines. Alluvial gold was found here
in 1885, which caused a rush to the area. At Jubilee Creek, the exact
spot where gold was found, provides a tranquil and beautiful picnic area,
with many enjoyable forest walks in the area. Buffalo Bay is the closest
beach to knysna, one of the safest for swimming along the coast and enjoyed
by many African holiday makers every year. It is very rocky in places,
making it a great angling spot, there is also a small slipway available
for
small boats.
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay has developed slowly without becoming too fashionable or sophisticated,
hence it has retained a lot of sleepy small town charm, regardless of
the petrol refinery on the outskirts. Surrounded by attractive scenery,
the town is situated on cliffs leading down to a safe harbour and beautiful
north-facing beach. Portuguese sailor Bartholomew Dias was the first
European to land here in 1488 after rounding the Cape. The volley of
stones that sent Dias and his crew scuttling back to their ship, indicated
what the scantily clad Khoikhoi herders thought of the miracle before
them.
Natures Valley
The Groot River forms the western boundary of the untouched Tsitsikamma
Forest and Coastal National Park, which extends all the way to Storms
River Mouth. In the forest you will encounter a world of giant yellowwoods,
forest ferns, clear streams and magnificent birds. But head towards the
sea and you will get a completely different picture where the dominant
features are a narrow coastal strip with massive cliffs and isolated
beaches.
Oudtshoorn
This is the tourist capital of the Little Karoo
and ostrich capital of South Africa with thousands of the beady-eyed
birds all over the place.
Big bodies but small brains, these long legged monsters eat pebbles to
aid digestion and are particularly attracted to the odd earring or glinting
necklace from unsuspecting tourists. At the turn of the century ostrich
feathers were in such demand that the fashion conscious paid a premium
and feathered the nests of the barons who built magnificent mansions
known as ‘Feather Palaces’. This fine architecture can still
be seen around the sedate and pleasant town.
There are several ostrich show farms which still sell the beautiful
downy feathers but now make more money out of the desirable soft strong
knobbly leather. There is also an export demand for the eggs, one of
which makes an omelette for 20 people. At the show farms you can ride
the birds in an ungainly and embarrassing manner or eat them in the restaurant.
The meat is deliciously tender and contains no cholesterol.
There is no shortage of things to do
in this locality with a tour through the fascinating Cango Caves of
stalagmites and stalactites, and Cheetahland,
a place where you can stroke the fastest animal on earth while it purrs.
There are some spectacular mountain passes with the Swartberg Pass the
most sensational in South Africa. The wonderful twisted sedimentary layers
of rock sport colours that look as if a painter were splashing about
with his palate. The 24 km road has some awesome sheer drops and hair
pin bends leading down to great echoing canyons.
Plettenberg Bay
Originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful
bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay can now be accessed
by
first class national roads, by sea or by scheduled air flights.
The great forests lying at the feet of
the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the
incredible indigenous African wealth
of Plettenberg Bay, which lies on South Africa's spectacular south coast
210 kms from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma
indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate
forest and offer the nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an
exciting opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of South
Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife. Nearly 300 species are to
be found in the great variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest
to wetlands.
No less than ten important nature reserves
embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine
reserves, home to soft
coral reefs,
dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. The bay itself is
Nursery to the endangered Southern Right Whale which come here to calve
in the
winter and spring (July to December).
The area is of course a sports paradise
and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders
and canoeists. The highlight
of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal
conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe
waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots.
Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching
for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At
night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants.
A wide range of accommodation offers luxury hotels, exclusive country
retreats, cosy bed and breakfasts, self-catering chalets and excellent
camping facilities.
Storms River / Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma is the Khoi-San word for a place of many waters. It is
the perfect description of this exquisite area but does not do justice
to the overwhelming experience the Tsitsikamma provides for those fortunate
enough to visit it and to indulge in its unique pleasures.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is internationally recognized for its
forests which harbour and conserve the giant Outeniqua yellowwood -
one of the few true monarchs of the world's forests. This enormous
tree is one of the most successful species in existence, having survived
unchanged for millions of years. Tsitsikamma National Park is also
Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve, playing a vital role in
the preservation and conservation of marine fauna and flora. Tourists,
and particularly hikers from all over the world, visit the area which
is known for its rugged, unspoiled coastline - a photographer's dream.
The region has many wonderfully scenic hiking trails of which it is
justifiably proud, though its greatest asset remains the world-renowned
Otter Trail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that remains indelibly
imprinted on the mind.
Wilderness
This exceptionally pretty area offers a unique system of lakes, rivers
and wetlands with much alpine style accommodation on heavily wooded hillsides
with the sea beyond. The coastal road runs along a narrow strip between
the Indian Ocean and the chain of lakes, one of which reputedly contains
a mermaid. This is no new legend as ancient Bushman paintings in the
mountains depict a woman with a fish tail. She does not seem to interfere
with the present day pleasures of boating, yachting, swimming, fishing
and canoeing, which is a delightful way to explore the tranquility of
the national park area and its abundant bird life.
OVERBERG, HELDERBERG & THE WHALE COAST
In the most southerly region of Africa, only one hour east of Cape Town,
lies the Fairest Cape's best kept secret, a fertile area surrounded by
mountains and sea. Simply called the Overberg, it is the traveller's
reward for breaching the mountain barriers which divide it from the rest
of the country. To early settlers it represented the land beyond the
mountains of Africa, a region rich in resources as well as boundless
treasures.
Overberg literally means 'over
the mountain' and it derives from the early settlers in Cape Town
who went over the mountains by ox and wagon to see what was on the
other side. They found a fertile coastal belt which now is intensively
farmed with fields of wheat and herds of sheep. Some considerate
farmers have even put signs up on the edges of their fields to tell
travellers what kind of crop they are looking at. The villages and
towns are all quite charming, some nestling amongst the mountain
ranges and others in lowland river valleys.
The Overberg coast, also called the Whale Coast, has the distinction
of splitting the oceans. At Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the
continent, the waters are cleaved into the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The foothills of the mountains, covered in a wealth of indigenous fynbos,
roll down through green and gold wheat and sheep country to the lighthouse
here. Apart from the cry of seagulls and the endless beat of the surf
along a holiday-friendly shoreline - which also gives rest to the wreckage
of scores of luckless ships - silence prevails and solitude is easy
to find.
A scattering of tiny seaside resorts in the vicinity attract regular
caravanners, campers and fishermen. In contrast is Hermanus, a bustling
town where crowds flock to watch migrating whales between June and
November. The region offers visitors a myriad other activities, such
as golf, hiking,
birdwatching, canoeing, mountain biking, architectural tours, historical
tours, fynbos and flower trails and, of course, unending opportunities
to indulge in fine food and wine.
This superb coastal area, stretching from Hangklip to the mouth of the
Breede River, can be approached from the Cape Peninsula over the dramatic
Sir Lowry's Pass along the N2 national road, by a coastal road carved
from the sea cliffs from Gordon's Bay, through the Kogelberg Biosphere
- the only one in South Africa. The area can also be journeyed into from
other regions of the Western Cape Province such as the Winelands, the
Garden Route, the Breede River and the Klein Karoo.
The Cape Helderberg, or Helderberg basin, includes the towns of Gordon's Bay, Sir Lowry's Pass, Somerset West, Macassar and Strand. The Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountain ranges provide a lovely backdrop against which the valley descends into picturesque vineyards and the spectacular False Bay coastline. The vast expanse of white, sandy beaches, warm water, cliffs and coves make the area a tourist and photographer's paradise. Less than 30 miles from Cape Town, the Helderberg is the gateway to the Overberg, Winelands and the Garden Route. The Helderberg also has its own wine route with over 20 estates, one of which is the historic Vergelegen in Somerset West.
SELECTED TOWNS - THE OVERBERG
Calitzdorp
This is an unexpected oasis in the barren landscape of the Little Karoo,
as it lies on the other side of the mountains from the lush coastal
belt. It nestles below the forbidding ramparts of the Swartberg Mountain
where several stunning passes wind their way through the rocky mountain
range. The Seven Weeks Poort Pass is one of the loveliest and most
remarkable for its scenery and road building. A visit to Calitzdorp
in July would coincide with their annual Port Wine Festival but wine
tasting is available all year round.
Ladismith
Legend has it that the extraordinary mountain peaks to the west of Ladismith,
were cleft in two by an angry old witch who could not find a way through
the mountains. She would have found a sweet little town superbly set
against the mountains with life meandering along at a slow pace. As you
walk up the path to the neo-gothic Dutch Reformed Church (every town
has one and it is usually the most impressive building in town) the crackle
underfoot is due to a path laid not with gravel, but with peach pips.
This small detail tells you a great deal about the produce of the area.
Montagu
Afrikaner Voortrekkers
found the river water here strangely flavoured, yet wonderfully refreshing,
so
they decided
to follow the river course.
They found healing hot springs bubbling to the surface at 45ºC,
and decided to stay. These hot springs can now be enjoyed by everyone
and a large swimming pool complex has been built which gets very busy
at weekends. The Long Street of Montagu has 14 of the town's 23 national
monuments, the gardens bloom with roses and the surrounding fields are
full of fruit and vines. The fresh clean air and beautiful scenery make
this a delightful place to visit. Looking down on the town from beside
the rusty old cannon on the hill, the road can be seen sneaking off between
yellow rocky mountains. Within a few kilometres out to the west, the
iron-tinged rocks look like waves on the point of breaking. The English
thought this a strategic place to build a fort, and above the amazingly
engineered tunnel through sheer rock, sits the remains of an 1899 Boer
War bastion.
Robertson
This warm, low rainfall region has excellent lime-rich soils ideal for
producing delectable white wines including a superb sweet Muscatel as
well as sherry and brandy. Most of the wine estates are clustered along
the Breede River and form a very friendly farming community. So fertile
is this river valley that fruit, vegetables, almonds, coriander and lucerne
are also grown. Upon the green fields and white fenced pastures of wine
estates graze many hopefuls for the Cape Town racetrack.
Swellendam
After Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Swellendam is the
third oldest settlement in South Africa. Laying at the foot of the beautiful
Langeberg mountains this place is not only famous for its youngberries,
but as well as for its architecture and its history. The town is situated
halfway between Cape Town and George on the N2. Swellendam was founded
by the Dutch East India Company in the year 1745. The town and its district
was named after the governor of the Cape and his wife, Hendrik Swellengrebel
and Helena Ten Damme. In time, a village was established opposite the Drostdy,
across the Koornlands River, where artisans, including numerous wainwrights,
and traders settled. To travellers and explorers, the services of these
village folk were indispensable, as Swellendam was the last outpost of
civilisation on the eastern frontier.
By the middle of the 19th century, the
eastern districts has been colonized by British settlers and Swellendam
was a thriving metropolis. The town
served as a useful refreshment station on the long slow journey up the
coast. Nowdays, in addition to serving its local and surrounding community,
Swellendam glories in its past by continuing to offer travellers the
services they require for rest and relaxation on their travels. Swellendam
offers a variety of accommodation to suit every taste. This range includes
one hotel, luxury guest houses, Bed and Breakfast establishments, chalets,
caravan and camping facilities as well as self-catering cottages on farms
in the area. Swellendam still lives up to its reputation as a
foremost ‘refreshment station’ and there are many restaurants
and coffee shops in the town catering to travellers.
SELECTED TOWNS - THE HELDERBERG
Somerset West
Named after Lord Charles Somerset in 1819, Somerset West has thrived and is now the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg Basin whilst maintaining its village atmosphere. Lying on the slopes of the Helderberg, the town is 6km inland from the False Bay coast and the resort towns of Strand and Gordons Bay, is 20km from Stellenbosch and its wine route, a mere 35 minutes' drive to Paarl, Wellington and Franschoek and forms an integral part of the Winelands Region.
Gordon's Bay
Gordons Bay is a small idyllic seaside town on the Eastern edge of False Bay in the Western Cape, in the popular, picturesque region of Helderberg, and the winelands. It is well located, just 25 minutes from Cape Town Airport and 40 minutes from the famous "mother City of Cape Town". The climate is Mediterranean and they have some of the best beaches in the Cape, beautiful white sand, rock pools, shallow paddling areas and calm seas. The famous Bikini Beach has also been awarded Blue Flag status. The sea is much warmer here than you will find at the Atlantic beaches such as Clifton The area abounds with excellent restaurants, shopping malls and amenities.
SELECTED TOWNS - THE WHALE COAST
Arniston
Two hours’ drive from Cape Town, this old fishing village
exudes an authentically quaint atmosphere. It has two names; Arniston in
memory
of the 372 people drowned on the HMS Arniston transport ship wrecked in
1815. The original name is Waenhuiskrans, meaning wagon house cliff, deriving
from the enormous tidal cavern big enough to fit six ox and wagon teams
inside. The area is notable for its bizarre marine erosion, and fishermen
clamber over the rocks for the perfect angling spot. The beaches are pearly
white and the dunes vast and unspoiled. Writers and painters are known
to come here for peace and inspiration. Not to be missed is a visit to
Kassiesbaai, the neighbouring 200 year old fishing village where a unique
collection of original whitewashed thatched vernacular cottages are shown
to you by a local guide. The entire village of Kassiesbaai is now a National
Monument and you have to be born there to be able to live there.
Caledon
Bushmen and
Hottentot tribes discovered bubbling hot springs at Caledon long before
Europeans came. These thermal
springs are not related to
volcanic activity and the principle feature of the water besides its
wonderfully constant 50ºc heat, is that it is free of any organic
material but is high in iron and minerals, comparing very favourably
with the Spas of Europe and America.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
This reserve incorporates 50km of coastline and stretches 5km out to
sea into the rich feeding grounds of the Agulhas bank. With its pristine
dunes, indigenous Cape Fynbos flora and lake wetlands, the reserve teams
with wildlife. The seven distinct eco-systems support about 1,400 plants,
40 mammal species, 11 types of reptiles and 6 amphibian species. More
than 200 different birds have been recorded and the rare Cape Vulture
may be spotted on the crags.
Gansbaai
This
fishing village is said to have originally been populated by the survivors
of one of the
worst disasters in British maritime history.
The steam troopship HMS Birkenhead struck a submerged rock off Danger
Point in 1852, tearing the bottom open and drowning sailors still in
their hammocks. The saying ‘Women and children first’ originated
from this calamity, and while they were being put into lifeboats, the
remaining troops were mustered on deck. They saluted as the ship rapidly
sank, drowning 455 men and many horses.
Gansbaai is now the centre for a new adrenaline pumping sport: Great
White Shark cage diving. The diving cage floats just below the surface
and in it you come face to face with the most fearsome creature in the
ocean, attracted to the boat by food. This is not for the faint-hearted
and some say it could encourage shark attacks on bathers, but a number
of independent marine experts have refuted this idea.
Grootbos Nature Reserve
Grootbos Nature Reserve stretches across 1200 hectares of milkwood forests
and fynbos wilderness near Gansbaai You can enjoy panoramic views across
coastal dunes and out to sea over beautiful Walker Bay. Here you have
a good chance of seeing enormous Southern Right Whales, who migrate to
these waters every year from July to October Activities available at
Grootbos are 4x4 drives, horse riding and guided walks along the pristine
sandy beaches or through the fynbos. Accommodation is offered in traditional
cottages built from local stone and timber.
Hermanus
This lovely
little, rapidly growing town, forms the centre of the Whale Route. A
bustling cheerful
Whale Festival, celebrating these trusting
gentle giants is held at the end of September each year. Once hunted
almost to extinction from this harbour, they now loll around within a
stone’s throw of the rocks where you can sit and commune with them
for hours. The most common species arriving here to calve and mate, are
the Southern Right Whales. They are amongst the biggest in the world,
measuring 11-18 metres and weighing 30-80 tonnes. Don’t pass the
quaint little museum on the harbour’s edge - the whale song playing
in the background comes live from underwater microphones in the bay.
Accommodation is plentiful but gets quite booked up over public holidays
and during festival time.
The town of Hermanus got its name from Hermanus Pieters, an itinerant
teacher and sheep farmer. He first came to the Cape in the early 1800's,
and settled in the Caledon district. He brought his sheep to the coast
for grazing. After that came fishermen and holiday makers from the Cape.
In 1902 the name of the little village was Hermanus Pietersfontein, and
latter abbreviated to Hermanus.
Hermanus is one of the best whale watching
spots in the country, and it even has its own Whale Crier, who announces
the sighting
of whales with a blow of his kelp horn, calling everyone in the town
to come watch these majestic animals of the ocean frolick in the water.
The
Old Harbour Museum is another landmark of the town, which has an
outside display of an old sea wall, old fishing boats and reconstructed
stone fishing huts. The inside display is of anything used for fishing
in the early days and aquarium displays of locally caught specimens.
In the surrounding Hemel & Aarde Valley (Heaven & Earth Valley)
just 2 km outside Hermanus you can embark on the Hermanus Wine Route.
This area is fast making a name for itself for its magnificent Burgundy
varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Another attraction of a different
kind, is Great White Shark Diving - from a close distance, in a safe
environment, if that makes you feel any better. This is one of the
few places in the country where you can experience these predators
in their
natural environment without being the hunted! But if this is not for
you, then viewing from the surface is also an experience as sharks
are surface feeders and are very happy to perform for your amusement.
Stillbaai
A happy informal African holiday village divided
by a large river mouth. Ideal as a holiday centre with a fine swimming
beach,
excellent boating on
the river and fishing in the estuary or on the coast. These attractions
together with an equable climate have lured people here for centuries.
Prehistoric man found it a convenient place to live having worked out
an ingenious and easy way of catching fish. He manoeuvred boulders to
form low barricades between high and low water marks. At high tide fish
swam in to feed among the rocks and as the tide receded were trapped
in great numbers. These fish traps are still evident today, as are shell
middens where waste was discarded forming a mountain of shells.
Information courtesy of South African
Tourism (www.southafrica.net)
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