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

Oudtshoorn & surroundsThe Great Karoo is the semi-arid desert whichcovers much of the heart of South Africa. On itsfringes is the Little Karoo, a slightly morehospitable environment which proved ideal forrearing ostriches. The town of Oudtshoorn owesits genesis to these giant birds, thanks to theVictorian fashion of wearing ostrich feathers intheir hats. Throughout the town, 'Feather Palaces'are still seen today, formerly homes of merchantswho prospered from the trade. Today,Oudtshoorn is predominantly a base for visitingthe Cango Caves, one of South Africa's bestknown natural attractions. Huge caverns are filledwith stalagmites and stalactites and lights add adramatic atmosphere to this other-worldly place.Ostrich farms are also open to visitors, where youcan learn more about these odd birds as well assee them race. Swellendam & De HoopNature ReserveAt the base of the Langeburg Mountains,Swellendam is an ideal gateway town situatedbetween Cape Town and the Garden Route. It is one of the oldest Dutch settlements in thecountry and has a strong sense of history,documented in the Drostdy Museum and OldGaol. Nearby, the Bontebok National Park is asanctuary for the rare and elegant bontebokantelope as well as some beautiful plant life,including colourful proteas. The real unsung heroof this area, though, is the De Hoop NatureReserve. With lofty sand dunes and rocky cliffs,impressive flora and fauna and a superb positionfor viewing the southern right whales betweenJune and November, it is well worth a visit. ROTHMANMANOR, SWELLENDAMSet on an idyllic country estate, Rothman Manoroffers an enticing mix of Dutch colonial elegancewith modern comfort. The six rooms are stylishwith a combination of contemporary furnishingsand African artwork. Pretty gardens include aJacuzzi and swimming pool, which overlook apaddock where zebra and springbok grazepeacefully. Andreas and Franziska own andmanage the lodge, and work hard to ensureservice is personal and attentive, and theatmosphere is both relaxed and welcoming.22Langeburg Mountains, SwellendamBontebok, De Hoop Nature ReserveTHETHORNTREECOUNTRYHOUSE, OUDTSHOORNDating back to the late 19th century, TheThorntree Country House is a peaceful andaffordable retreat situated 12 kilometres outsideOudtshoorn. The homestead is typical of KleinKaroo architecture and has been thoughtfullyrestored to keep its original charm intact. Thereare 16 spacious rooms, each furnished with darkwoods and rich ruby-coloured fabrics. There is aswimming pool and restaurant serving delicioushome-cooked meals with views across theSchoemanshoek Valley. ROSENHOFCOUNTRYHOUSE,OUDTSHOORNNamed after its delightful rose gardens, Rosenhof Country House is a charming ruralproperty situated just outside Oudtshoorn.Antique furniture and yellowwood beams harkback to the Victorian origins of the homestead.There are 14 rooms set amongst the rose trees,all of which are light and airy. Facilities areexcellent and include a swimming pool, spa, gym,sauna and Jacuzzi. Meals are delicious and thewine cellar has an extensive choice of superbSouth African wines.