The Garden Route, a secret place where unmatched luxury exists in one of the world's most spectacular settings. This EscapeArtist Special Report will be a revelation to many. Few Americans have heard of the Garden Route, those that have are keeping it to themselves. That such a wonderful way of life had been kept secret for so long is probably due to the fact that Americans only recently began moving overseas. Europeans know about the Garden Route and there has been an increasing number of Europeans moving there. Lately Americans have begun moving there. This Special Report will certainly persuade others to do so. The place is breath-takingly beautiful. Moving to Panama or Belize is better than being in the USA; moving to Knysna, as shown in the images above and below, is better than moving to anywhere on earth. What a splendid place.

The Garden Route, a slender stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, bears a legendary status as South Africa's paradise - reflected in local names such as 'Garden of Eden' and 'Wilderness'. This soft, green, forested swath of nearly 200 km is cut by rivers from the mountains to the north, tumbling down to its southern rocky shores and sandy beaches.

Wildlife-spotting, deserted sandy beaches, sheltered lagoons, bush land and mountain passes: this stretch of the Western Cape coastline is an area of spectacular natural beauty. And with outdoor sports and delicious local food, there's plenty of entertainment along the way. This is why the Garden Route has become a primary residential destination of choice for both South Africans and for a growing band of internationals, mostly from Europe and the USA.

Western Cape Incorporating the Garden Route Becoming a Potential Safe Haven for Internationals - by Paul Weavers

More and more international people are closely considering the Western Cape, and particularly the Garden Route, as a potential safe haven from world conflict and as a place in which to build either their primary residence or a secondary holiday home type set up. 

This scenario has been evolving over recent years due to favourable exchange rates backed by the sheer natural beauty of the region, combined with major climatic advantages and the general desire ‘to have a farm in Africa’ (or at least a foot in Africa) as the renowned 1985 movie ‘Out of Africa’ once described. Well a farm may not be practical for many, but a coastal property in South Africa’s fairest Cape is most definitely a realistic option.

These motivations still hold true despite the strengthening of the rand, but one must now add to this list the very real concern of many internationals who are looking for a safe haven away from potential terrorist attacks.

With most of Europe, the United States, the Middle East and the Far East, wrapped up in a complex and seemingly unending ‘War against Terrorism’, the threat of potential terrorist acts in many previously thought safe corners of the World has become a source of constant fear for many, making the purchase of a residential property in the southernmost tip of Africa a most attractive option.

Many major South African brand name Property Realtors have noticed a marked increase in both the level of interest and of actual property sales when attending international property exhibitions from Dublin to London to Hamburg and the rest.

It is sad and most unfortunate that an ever deepening World crisis has presented South Africa’s prime Western Cape residential destinations with some major indirect marketing opportunities. Let us hope and pray that matters can be resolved, but for the moment that looks increasingly unlikely, as does the fact that Messrs Bush and Blair will be in power for much longer to be part of the process, one which they were very eager to commit to, yet one which has no clear conclusion.

As Liza Stroebel of Immigration Southern Cape comments, “Of late I have been approached by an increasing number of Americans who are desperately wanting to know the procedure for applying for a South African passport. They are afraid to travel around the World on their US passports.”

Much To See and Do in the Beautiful Bay - by Lisa Greyling

My editorial task for this Special Report was to write about Plettenberg Bay and its surrounds. It proved to be a piece of cake. Why? Because this treasured region is robed in a wealth of living things, offering so much to see and do for visitors of all ages that I will merely be whetting your appetite, as you might discover, just as I did that the promise for adventures are endless… 

I shall never forget the day I drifted lazily up the Keurbooms River in a canoe alongside a bunch of my best mates. We were winding our way along the Keurbooms River Canoe Trail en route to an isolated cabin 7km upriver, the canoes effortlessly cutting the glassy tannin tinted water beneath us. Breathing in the surrounding forest fragrance was pure indulgence; the trees rooted to the banks of the river draped in old mans beard, an obvious clue to the untainted quality of the air around us. Indigenous forest flanked either side of the length of the river and a comic looking giant kingfisher swooped down across the water before coming to rest on the gnarled limb of a long dead tree. Smatterings of pink from the Keurbooms tree petals softly contrasted the verdant mass before me. I knew right then that this place was a small glimpse of heaven and thanked the universe for leading me here, to this most rejuvenating serpentine river. Originating in the Langeberg and flowing through the Outeniquas, it sculpts and carves its way through the inland mountain valleys before eventually spilling into the indigo depths of the beautiful Plettenberg Bay.

Even Manuel da Mesquita Perestrello, the explorer that attempted to chart the South African coastline way back in 1576, gave reverence to the aesthetic beauty of this bay, renaming it ‘Bahia Formosa’ which means, simply, Bay Beautiful. A couple hundred years later the bay was renamed Plettenberg Bay, after the then Governor Joachim van Plettenberg. 

The vistas across this bay really are something of a wow factor, the distant mauve mountain peaks etched across the horizon providing a phenomenal backdrop to a picture perfect scene. It’s what lies beneath this liquid landscape however, that is most often celebrated. Throughout the year the bay boasts a cornucopia of marine life, including large schools of common dolphins, Bryde’s Whales and the now legendary seal colony. Once a year, when the air is softly infused with the scent of springtime, the bay welcomes an even greater abundance of life. Local Tourism Authorities decided to take advantage of the popularity of the whale season by putting on grand spectacle of music and marine life from 22-27 September, so don’t miss the much talked about Whales, Whisky and All That Jazz Festival.

Our esteemed whales, mostly Southern Rights, enter the bay to gambol, mate and give birth in its depths. The visiting whales attract thousands to Plettenberg Bay every year, the money generated from this attraction not only supporting the local economy, but funding extremely important marine research. The Centre of Dolphin Studies situated in Plett is a highly respected marine research facility, contributing extensively to environmental awareness and conservation of myriad marine species.

There are a limited number of highly qualified, responsible operators offering unforgettable boat based whale watching excursions that is a must if you are a fan of our ethereal ocean giants. Another option is to contact one of the kayaking operators for an up and close and personal encounter with the marine life. Better still; why not take advantage of the bay’s diving and snorkelling opportunities and discover the spell binding aquatic world beneath its surface.

There are a great many first-class land based viewing sites from which to enjoy whale and dolphin activity – Robberg Peninsula being the best among them. This National Park is another place that provides balm for urban weary souls. It tops my list for hikes to do in the Garden Route, simply because of the variety of natural attributes to be found there. This 175ha unspoiled promontory, which extends 4km into the Indian Ocean, has a fascinating history, remnants of Middle Stone Age activity evident throughout the area. It has a variety of plant biomes, prolific bird and animal life and a landscape strewn with striking natural features. It provides an ideal vantage point from which to view the Bay’s extensive marine life.

The area is well known for its living carpet of green, so for those hikers and biking trail blazers wanting to explore the unadulterated riches of the surrounding forests, there are numerous trails to choose from. One of the most popular, the Harkerville Forest Reserve, offers genuine respite. Others include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden and Nature’s Valley. The most celebrated trail is of course the Tsitsikamma National Park Trail, which covers 44km of breathtaking terrain and takes 5 days to complete. Bookings need to be made well in advance.

If you are after more spine tingling, adrenaline surging activities, you have happened upon the right place. The world’s highest commercial bungi jump is located at the Bloukrans River Bridge, which, at 216m high, allows thrill seekers a 7 second free fall. Not quite high enough? Why not head 10 000 feet heavenwards and throw yourself out of a plane. Skydiving above one of the most scenic drop zones imaginable is a dazzling, breathtaking experience in more ways than one. For those a little less courageous, opt for the Bloukrans Bridge Walk, an opportunity to see first hand Thomas Bain’s masterpiece of bridge engineering. Other thrilling jaunts include abseiling, tree top canopy tours, blackwater tubing, scenic flights and much more.

There are a great many first-class land based viewing sites from which to enjoy whale and dolphin activity – Robberg Peninsula being the best among them. This National Park is another place that provides balm for urban weary souls. It tops my list for hikes to do in the Garden Route, simply because of the variety of natural attributes to be found there. This 175ha unspoiled promontory, which extends 4km into the Indian Ocean, has a fascinating history, remnants of Middle Stone Age activity evident throughout the area. It has a variety of plant biomes, prolific bird and animal life and a landscape strewn with striking natural features. It provides an ideal vantage point from which to view the Bay’s extensive marine life.

The area is well known for its living carpet of green, so for those hikers and biking trail blazers wanting to explore the unadulterated riches of the surrounding forests, there are numerous trails to choose from. One of the most popular, the Harkerville Forest Reserve, offers genuine respite. Others include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden and Nature’s Valley. The most celebrated trail is of course the Tsitsikamma National Park Trail, which covers 44km of breathtaking terrain and takes 5 days to complete. Bookings need to be made well in advance.

If you are after more spine tingling, adrenaline surging activities, you have happened upon the right place. The world’s highest commercial bungi jump is located at the Bloukrans River Bridge, which, at 216m high, allows thrill seekers a 7 second free fall. Not quite high enough? Why not head 10 000 feet heavenwards and throw yourself out of a plane. Skydiving above one of the most scenic drop zones imaginable is a dazzling, breathtaking experience in more ways than one. For those a little less courageous, opt for the Bloukrans Bridge Walk, an opportunity to see first hand Thomas Bain’s masterpiece of bridge engineering. Other thrilling jaunts include abseiling, tree top canopy tours, blackwater tubing, scenic flights and much more.

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