Alternative activities along the Garden Route
The Garden Route is famed for its natural splendour and abundance of sights and sounds, which you can experience as you journey along it. Stretching along the south-eastern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route spans from Mossel Bay to Storms River, with a plethora of the country’s famous landmarks in between. We’ve made a list of alternative activities along the Garden Route for your perusal, so your time spent there will be exhilarating and utterly unique.
Black Horse Trails
There are many ways to absorb the beauty of the Garden Route’s sceneries, but none more memorable than from the back of a horse. Situated at the base of the majestic Outeniqua mountains, this charming horse ranch houses a collection of beautiful Friesian horses. Hop into the saddle and meander down several picturesque trails, where you’re liable to see a wonderful variety of indigenous flora and fauna. Whether you’re an avid equestrian or an absolute beginner, the Black Horse Trails ranch has steed to suit everyone.
Safari Ostrich Show Farm
If riding a horse sounds too conventional for you, then why not try your luck with an ostrich? Ostrich riding is bizarrely an increasingly popular sport in South Africa, and a visit to the Safari Ostrich Show Farm will enable you to ride the world’s biggest bird. Or, if that doesn’t sound appealing, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about these comical creatures with a tour around the farm, where you may even see baby ostriches!
Knysna Elephant Park
South Africa is famed for its incredible wildlife, including the majestic elephant. Get to know these fascinating creatures with a visit to the scenic Knysna Elephant Park, where you’ll get to see herds of elephants in their natural habitat. Learn about the history of the elephant, or get more active by embarking upon an unforgettable elephant walk, where you’ll feel like part of the herd as you literally walk in their footsteps. There’s no experience quite as humbling.
Otter Trail
Get to grips with the beauty of the Garden Route as you hike along the Otter Trail, appropriately named after the Cape Clawless Otter which frequents the area. Considered one of the best hiking trails in the world, the Otter Trail stretches from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley, providing hikers with a myriad of utterly break-taking views of the ocean and surrounding greenery. Rare and beautiful flora dots the area, so make sure you have your camera to hand as you will no doubt want to capture these memories forever.
Bungee jumping
If you’re feeling adventurous then get ready to test your limits with a bungee jump in the Garden Route! You’ll view South Africa from a whole new perspective – quite literally – as you leap from the Bloukrans Bungee, the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge. Over the years many celebrities have dived from the bridge, including Jack Osbourne and Prince Harry, and now you will have the chance to follow in their footsteps!
Matthew Coe is Online Marketing Manager for Wanderforth.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
I have never really considered a trip to South Africa before, but your photos have given me something to think about. Thanks for posting.
I did the Bloukrans Bungee and it was absolutely exhilarating. If you are too nervous to jump the bridge walk itself is worth going.
It’s wonderful to see the Knysna Elephant Park rather than elephants cooped up in a zoo. I hope their habitat long remains peaceful and untouched, because they’re majestic animals that deserve far better than the treatment they often get. While bungee jumping is something I couldn’t even contemplate doing, I’m sure there are lots of people who would love to give this a go because of the spectacular view, especially if they can take a video of it with a Go Pro on the way down!