NAME
LOC
Garden Route / Eden
Eden
Geography and history
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo known as Eden, spans South Africa’s Western Cape coastal belt and forms one of the six regions of the Western Cape.
Slightly inland are a series of mountain ranges that form the border with the Klein Karoo. These ranges include the Langeberg, Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains and add to the varied landscape of the prestine Garden Route.It’s all about an abundance of blue skies, white sand beaches, rolling oceans, dramatic mountain scenery, indigenous fynbos, ostrich antics and local hospitality.
The Klein Karoo is a semi-arid region with untold beauty. Known for its ostrich farms, spectacular mountain passes, clear streams and some amazing flora to be found in this georgeous area. Quite a few winemakers make a living from vines grown close to the rivers, and Oudtshoorn is a favorite destination with its Cango Caves, ostrich farms, musuems and the yearly KKNK (Karoo National Arts Festival), offering showcases of South African art forms from serious drama to farce and includes music, fine arts, festive food, poetry, theatre and dancing.
Eden forms an important part of the Cape Floral Kingdom – the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms and the only floral kingdom that is confined within the borders of a single country. This region boasts more than 6500 indigenous plant species and many bird and wildlife species offering the visitor a memory of a lifetime. Indigenous plants are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and Forest Species and offer a range of eco-tourism activities in the way of hiking, bird watching etc.
Activities
Some of the adventure and outdoor activities available in the Eden region include tree canopy gliding, kloofing, abseiling, boating and hiking. Southern Right whale watching (mid- June-November) rates as a key highlight at Witsand, Stilbaai, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna and Plett. Be sure to explore marine marvels on a sea kayaking, SCUBA or snorkeling exploration, or get stoked surfing it up at Stilbaai’s Point and the adjacent Groot Jongensfontein, Mossel Bays Peninsula, Georges Victoria Bay, or at good old Plett.