Locals share their favourite Garden Route top spots

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations for both locals and tourists. But so often, we cling to the N2 and venture off only as far as we can see. So Getaway.co.za got hold of some locals and asked them what their favourite things to do on the Garden Route are. Here’s what they believe you should not miss!

Breakfast atle de pan on Thesen Island, Knysna

‘My favourite thing for breakfast is their fresh croissant with crispy bacon and rosa tomatoes with a skinny latte!’ – Hilary Ford, Port Elizabeth

Translated, le de pan means ‘Island of bread’ and that is exactly what Liezie Mulder and Markus Frbinger have created on Thesen Island in Knysna. The bakery uses a traditional wood-fired oven to bake fresh, artisan breads including their famous crispy nutty baguette, the bold Companio – which is a wheat and rye sourdough – or the specialty breads such as the Rye or Vollkorn bread. On the caf side, Liezie uses fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and producers to create a light, unpretentious and fun food menu. The pastries are ‘to die for’ and don’t forget to pick up a bar of their luxurious Swiss Chocolate to take home.

Contact
Tel: 044-302-5707 or 044-302-5705
E-mail: office@iledepain.co.za
Web: www.iledepain.co.za

Buy fish and take away sushi at Robberg Seafood Safari, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

‘Try Robberg Seafood Safari for the freshest fish! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and you can find almost anything in their little store. Also remember they make great sushi. Get some as a takeaway and park off with it on the dock or as part of a picnic.’ - Danielle Wolmarans, Knysna

Opening hours: Monday 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Closed on Sundays.
Knysna branch: Corner Waterfront Drive and Tide Street, Fruit & Veg City Complex
Plettenberg Bay branch: Theron Street, Plett Industria

Contact
Tel: 044-382-3811
E-mail: safariknysna@telkomsa.net
Web: www.robberg.co.za/seafood-safari/seafood-safari.html

Mountain biking and walking in Harkerville Forest, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

‘The trails are great for all adventurers, but gentler walks and picnic spots are easy to find and allow for relaxing afternoons in the forest. The walks are a great way to experience the unique and magical forests surrounding Knysna, plus you never know when or how the next elephant will be spotted’. – Danielle Wolmarans, Knysna

For maps and permits (around R20) to ride the Harkerville trails, you’ll find the Garden of Eden Harkerville Forestry Station 15 km east of Knysna on the N2 or 16 km west of Plettenberg Bay. Harkerville offers three mountain biking routes of varying difficulty that ride through the forest and offer intermittent views of the rugged coastline. There are plenty of short, circular walks in the forest as well as picturesque picnic spots.

Get more info on the Harkerville Forest and its activities here.

Contact
Harkerville Forestry Station
Tel: 044-532-7770

Cocktails at Sirocco

‘Go for trendy cocktails and a spectacular sunset at Sirocco.’ – Cobi Koen, Knysna

Sirocco restaurant is situated in Knysna’s trendy Thesen Harbour Town, overlooking the water. This stylish venue is named after the warm wind that blows across the Mediterranean and has a cocktail menu that promises the traditional favourites as well as more exotic house specialities. The food menu caters to all palates and includes everything from light lunches and salads to seafood, meat and decadent desserts.

Contact
Tel: 044-382-4874
Web: www.sirocco.co.za

See Wilderness from the air

‘Fly along one of the most pristine pieces of coastline in South Africa. This is the only place you will see mountains, lakes and the ocean. Not only is the scenery breathtaking but you might just see some whales and dolphins or the odd great white shark. Few things come close to the tranquil excitement of flying above the sand while the ocean laps away gently on the side. And you can do this for miles on end. That’s seeing Wilderness like very few people do.’ – Johan Anderson, Wilderness

People from across the world flock to Wilderness to take advantage of the superior flying conditions that the area offers. Follow the signs from town up to The Map of Africa launch site and get on a tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight. You could also spend some time in the quaint village and do a hang gliding course that takes between 10 and 15 days to complete.

Contact Johan Anderson
Tel:083-229-2919
E-mail: wefly@iafrica.com
Web:www.hangglidingschool.com

Cheesecake at Caf Lama in the Timberlakes Retail Centre, Wilderness

‘The cheesecake is creamy and delicious and the portions are generous. Their chocolate cheesecake is mind blowing! The garden setting is relaxed and informal and it’s just the kind of place you could spend the afternoon dozing in their hammock.’ – Hilary Ford, Port Elizabeth

Timberlake farm stall and organic food resembles a small village on the road between Wilderness and Sedgefield. Using local and organic produce from the area, the eateries and coffee shops tantalise the tastebuds with great food. The cheesecake at Caf Lama is particularly amazing and each bite oozes with decadence. It’s made by Aiden Pomario on his farm in Hoekwil who also makes handmade cheeses including camembert, chevin, feta and a peasant cheese encrusted in herbs. Food here is not prepared in a rush, so make sure you have enough time to enjoy sitting back and relaxing or lazing in their hammock. You could also try an organic juice or pizza, escape into another world in the Faerie Gem store (make sure you get some Frankincense incense), go wine tasting at the Oak Barrel wine boutique, taste olives and cheese, walk amoung the plants in the nursery and even have fresh organic carrots picked for you out of the garden.

Contact
Tel: 044-882-1185
E-mail:info@timberlakeorganic.co.za
Web: www.timberlakeorganic.co.za

Wilderness beach and its miracles

‘There is an easy walk to a part of beach that will make you feel like you’re on an island. A sandbar connects Gericke’s point to a small island that is only accessible at low tide and when you walk out, the ocean is on your west and east. Walk for about 20 minutes from the Kleinkrantz car park towards Sedgefield for this very unique experience.’

‘Tucked away in the far western corner of Wilderness beach is Lienkies Klip. Here you are protected from any westerly winds and even when the infamous southeaster is blowing there is a good chance that here it is not. Find windless warmth for much longer than anywhere else along the Garden Route coast, in this often over-looked corner.’ – Johan Anderson, Wilderness

The full moon puddle exploration at Gericke’s point, between Knysna and Sedgefield

‘Exploring the puddles under the full moon is one of the most unique experiences you will ever have. Walk on the beach at night and view nature’s true aquarium right there.’ – Laetitia Wolmarans

You’ll find Gericke’s Point just outside Sedgefield, heading away from Knysna. The tidal pools are teeming with marine-life and by the light of the full moon, you’ll get to witness the ocean nightlife.

Paddle to a waterfall, Kaaimans River Mouth near Wilderness

‘Stop at the Kaaimans river mouth and take a canoe to a mystical waterfall. It is just a ten-minute paddle from the car park and you can paddle to right under the vertical waterfall – get as wet as you like!’ – Johan Anderson, Wilderness

You can take your own canoe or rent one from Kaaimans Adventures. They also do other activities such as abseiling, kloofing and water walking balls (bubble ball).

Contact
Tel: 044-801-6464
Cell:079-676-7218
E-mail: admin@kaaimans.com
Web:www.adventures.talkspot.com

What are your favourite spots on the Garden Route? Add your recommendations in the comments below.