Established in March 2009, the Garden Route National Park covers about 1210
km2 of land - 605 km2 of this is indigenous forest. The park forms part of both
the Western and Eastern Cape and is a popular tourist destination.
It
would take you a lifetime to explore the entire park, so boredom is not
something you need worry about whilst visiting. There are plenty of exciting
hiking options to choose from which provide some of the most breathtaking
scenery South Africa has to offer. If you're not keen on working up a sweat, you
can choose to lounge on the beach while you listen to the waves crashing on the
shore.
The Garden Route National Park is a birding paradise with 371
species of birds for you to spot. Of these birds, 45 species are vagrants and
are not seen very often - but maybe you'll be one of the lucky few? 22 species
of raptors have been spotted here, including the Crowned Eagle and the African
Cuckoohawk. The KnysnaTuraco and the Narina Trogon are two of the most sought
after species for bird watchers and can be easily heard and sometimes seen here.
The forest is also home to Bushbuck, Blue Duikers, Common Eland, Vervet
Monkeys, Savanna Baboons, Cape Clawless Otters and Dassies. The park is also one
of the best locations for whale watching, with no fewer than 15 species of
whales and dolphins to be found.
Contact:
SA National Parks
Reservations: +27(0)12 428 9111
Garden Route National Park: +27 (0)44 302
5600
Address:
Dumbleton road, Wilderness, 6560
Most people drive
along the N2 highway north from Cape Town or south from Port Elizabeth. Another
option is to fly to the town of George and hire a car.
When to visit:
Any time of the year is spectacular, but September is when the flowers start
blooming and it is particularly pretty. Remember to take a raincoat with you, as
the Garden Route experience rain all year round.