experienced by boat. Dolphins ride the surf inPlettenburg Bay and the Tsitsikamma Forestoffers a network of hiking trails throughnative hardwood trees, passing picturesquemountain streams on the way. The EasternCape extends from the Garden Route to theborder with KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho.Once farmland, this area now containsnumerous, malaria-free game reserves. The Greater Addo National Parkencompasses an offshore marine reserve,making it the only place in South Africawhere you can see the 'Big Seven', the usualBig Five as well as great white sharks andsouthern right whales. In addition, anumber of private reserves such asShamwari and Amakhala offer their ownexclusive game experiences.Endless miles of white sand, towering dunes, glassy lagoons and hillsidescovered in indigenous forest form theGarden Route. Stretching between MosselBay and Plettenberg Bay, this area is ideallysuited to self-driving, exploring mountainpasses and stopping off in seaside towns.Knysna's tranquil lagoon and the rockypromontories of the Knysna Heads are best20The Garden Route & Eastern Cape

Audley in the GardenRoute & Eastern CapeThe Garden Route has much to offer anyvisitor to South Africa, whether you arelooking to relax on the coast, spend a few days hiking or even ride an ostrich. Self-driving is one option here and the pretty back roads make this the ideal way to explore. For more information about self-driving see pages 30-31. All of ourspecialists have driven throughout the regionand can advise you on anything from drivingdurations to the kind of scenery you'll passalong the way. And although it is less wellknown than the Kruger for safari, the EasternCape offers some superb Big Five safarireserves, with the added bonus of beingmalaria-free. Their proximity makes it easy to add a few days on safari after your timetraversing the Garden Route. We know thesafari lodges intimately and can recommendthe best base, depending on your interests. AccommodationWe regularly visit this region to keep ourspecialist knowledge right up to date. In thequaint towns along the Garden Route, wehave a handful of favourite small guesthousesand lodges which offer you the best of localhospitality. Some offer self-catering, whilstothers provide a more luxurious experience.Wherever you choose to stay, you can beassured of a warm welcome, a tasty breakfastand the best location for discovering thesurrounding area.In the Eastern Cape, we work closely withsafari lodges in the national parks and private reserves. Some are ideally suited tofamilies, whilst others offer an intimate andluxurious experience. Whether this is yourfirst safari or you're an old hand, we canrecommend a lodge that will ensure afantastic wildlife experience. Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in the Garden Route& Eastern Cape, please see pages 28-29.www.audleytravel.com/southafricaInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate information and articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our South Africaspecialists 01993 838 550?Route 62Travel along one of SouthAfrica's most scenic roads,through mountain passes anddesert landscapes.Tsitsikamma ForestVisit Storms River Mouth, hiketo waterfalls and take a canopytour through indigenous forest. KnysnaFeast on delicious seafood aftera day cruising the lagoon.321The Garden Route & Eastern Cape2112345678Plettenberg Bay Walk along the long beachesand look out for pods ofdolphins surfing the waves.A day out at The CragsVisit the Elephant Sanctuary,Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.OudtshoornHome to dozens of ostrichfarms and the renowned Cango Caves.456Greater Addo National ParkWatch lion and elephant inland, and great white sharksoff the coast all within thisnational park. Malaria-free safarisThe reserves of the EasternCape are malaria-free and easily accessible from theGarden Route.78Lion, Eastern CapeOstrich, OudtshoornBeach houses, Garden RouteKokerboom tree