Stretching along the southern Cape coast from Heidelberg in the west to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the east, the region is contained by towering mountains, breathtaking passes and gorges.
The region has a well-developed tourist infrastructure with magnificent towns dotted all along the coast. The area also boasts two national parks - Tsitsikamma and Wilderness - as well as numerous other provincial and private nature reserves.
Travelling from Cape Town (west) to Port Elizabeth (east) the main towns are:
Heidelberg - tranquil little village on the banks of the Duivenhoks River
Witsand - a popular sea-side resort offering a multitude of water sports, angling, deep sea fishing and whale watching.
Riversdale - offers much in the way of natural splendour such as magnificent flaura, fauna, hiking trails, rivers and mountains.
Still Bay - the navigable river and estuary spill onto kilometres of unpolluted sandy beach, offering watersports of every conceivable kind.
Albertinia - scenic views of the Gouritz River and it is a town with an enchanting, old-world atmosphere midway between Cape Town and PE.
Mossel Bay - having an excellent temperate climate offering the visitor pristine beaches, mountains and a rich archaeological and cultural history dating back approximately 350 thousand years.
Hartenbos - small town close to Mossel Bay and very popular holiday resort with ATKV providing a variety of accommodation.
Little & Great Brak River - is a quiet village with a beautiful beach. While nearby, Great Brak River flows into a lagoon, both of which offer unspoilt nature and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and watersports.
George - the administrative capital of the Garden Route, George is a picturesque town with streets lined by majestic oak trees and the ideal base to explore the Garden Route
Wilderness - on the banks of the Touws River Estuary, the sparkling white beaches, lakes and rivers of Wilderness are drawing visitors from all over. The Wilderness National Park is an ecotourist's paradise with a spellbinding beauty and blissful peace.
Sedgefield - a small town on the banks of the Swartvlei estuary (the largest natural inland saltwater lake in South Africa) in the heart of the Lakes area. It is a peaceful holiday resort surrounded by forest.
Knysna - situated between the Outeniqua Mountains and the sea, Knysna is surrounded by both indigenous forests and plantations. The lagoon opens into the sea between the well-known Knysna Heads. It is a popular tourist destination and is town of history and arts & crafts. The lagoon is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse as well as over 230 bird species.
Plettenberg Bay - surrounded by the Outenique and Tsitsikamma mountains and engulfed by indigenous forest, the town abounds with hotels, restaurants and shops to suit every taste. With 20km of beaches it is one of the most fashionable holiday destinations along the Southern Cape coast.
Nature's Valley - is a picturesque holiday village nestling between the Groot River lagoon and a headland of magnificent indegenous forest. The sandy beach is popular with sunbathers, while the De Vasselot section of the Tsitsikamma National Park offers a variety of day walks. (Natures Valley accommodations)
Tsitsikamma National Park - the park covers some 100km of coastal area, is internationally recognised for its forests and is also Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve. Hikers from all over the world, visit the area which is known for its rugged, unspoilt coastline.
