The incredible contrast between the Cape Province’s verdant Garden Route and the adjoining desiccated Klein Karoo reflects the influence of South Africa’s topography and climate on its vegetation.

The semi-arid Klein Karoo is characterised by ostrich farms, spectacular mountain passes, hot springs and world-renowned caves. 

Along the Garden Route, the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans pound the coast, whales and dolphins frequent sheltered bays, waterfalls feed lush forests, mountains circle the surrounding landscape and lakes and rivers run into the sea.

A semi-Mediterranean climate makes the region’s indoor and outdoor attractions accessible all year round. Whether they visit beaches, lagoons, mountains, valleys, or forests, visitors will find the climate generally pleasant and welcoming.

A number of game reserves along the Garden Route and Klein Karoo boast the Big Five – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. Other interesting activities involving animals include elephant-back rides, feeding tame eels, stroking a cheetah and riding an ostrich.

The Karoo also plays host to Route 62, possibly the longest wine route in the world.

The hub of the region is Oudtshoorn, which lies between the Swartberg Mountains and the Outeniqua range. This is also the location of South Africa’s famous Cango Caves, an underground network of spectacularly colourful limestone caverns.

The dryness and the heat of the Karoo can be offset by a visit to the Boulders Lodge & Spa, en route to the Cango Caves. It offers full-body massage, Indian head massage, de-stress and pamper packages.

The Knysna area comprises the towns of Sedgefield, Brenton, Noetzie, Rheenendal, Belvidere and Buffalo Bay. It is here that lush indigenous forests, a peaceful estuary, fynbos, lakes, rivers, mountains and beautiful coastlines combine with a moderate climate to create a natural Eden.

Whether it’s relaxation, high-energy adventure, trendy shopping, fine cuisine, or sampling locally brewed beer, Knysna offers a taste of the finer things in life.

Relax and return to the gracious, leisurely travel of yesteryear by taking a two-hour train trip – in a wood-panelled carriage – along the coast on the famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe.

Sedgefield is renowned for its Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday in town. Residents also produce a diverse range of arts and crafts at Scarab Village and the Tortoise Arts & Craft Route points out the location of other craft gatherings.

Paragliding and horse riding afford visitors an opportunity to take in the beauty of Sedgefield, while beaches with lovely rock pools at Platbank and Swartvlei alongside the majestic Gericke’s Point, are a hit with kids.

The Wilderness is a bird-watcher’s paradise where wetlands, forests, mountains, beaches, open fields and fynbos provide ideal habitats for more than 200 feathered species.

Canoeing on the Touw River, or whale and dolphin watching are sedentary pastimes, while the more active might prefer mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, or hiking along a number of scenic trails. The indigenous forest at the 800-year-old Woodville Big Tree is a favourite hiking spot.

This region of the Cape with its contrasting hot and dry hinterland and wet and lush coastal forests make it a fascinating place to visit. There’s much to see and do along the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. Here’s what we’d include on our itinerary …

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