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South Africa is divided into 9 provinces. Each having sights, beauty and places of interest unique to its region. Here I would like to explore the Garden Route with you.

The Garden Route is situated between the mountain ranges at the end of the Karoo and along the southern shores of the Western Cape. Its name ‘garden’ derives from the beautiful, natural vegetation, forests and flowers that could be likened to The Garden of Eden. The climate is mild and the area enjoys a gentle all year round rainfall, the countryside is always green. Wild flowers are always seen on the hillsides and on the verge of the road. The Garden Route is a paradise for birds and bird watchers because of the forests, flowers, rivers and lakes. The coastline is sheer, with various rock types, interrupted by small bays and the occasional long stretches of beach.
Whale sightings are common and are mostly spotted in the summer months. Plettenburg Bay’s calm waters are the chosen place for whales to calve. Humpbacked and Bottle nosed dolphins can be seen frolicking and playing along the coastline all year round. The Garden Route offers trails with overnight huts in the forests for the more adventurous tourist to enjoy.
Towns of interest and beauty along The Garden Route include; Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenburg Bay. Mossel Bay is South Africa’s seventh largest port and it boasts a number of historic firsts. The main industries of the beautiful little town George are sawmilling, furniture manufacture and tourism. Mixed farming is also practised in this district. Knysna is home to the Knysna hardwood forests. There are also beautiful beaches and lagoons which play host to boating and water sport fanatics. The town is considered to be among the country’s most fashionable resort, residential and retirement centres. Its lagoon to its shores fall within the 15 000 ha of the Knysna National Lake Area.
The Garden Route is an absolute beautiful, well equipped, cosy and luxurious holiday destination that every tourist in, or visiting South Africa, should experience.

South Africa, like many other Tourist destinations around the world is not excluded from crime. In fact,South Africa has some of the highest violent crime rates internationally. By being vigilant, using common sense and asking what precautions you should take, you should be able to enjoy a safe stay.
Here are some guidelines to followto ensure you have an incident free visit.

• Don’t walk around in deserted areas at night, not even on a well lit beach.
• Don’t accept any offers from strangers.
• Do not carry large sums of money; rather make use of credit cards or travellers cheques.
• Do not advertise that you are a tourist by openly carrying a camera, binoculars and other items associated with travel.
• Don’t wear expensive jewellery, or carry all your valuables and passports in your handbag.
• Do not drive around with any valuables in plain view in your vehicle. Smash and grab instances are very high and happen even in the busiest of places.
• Drive with all doors locked and windows closed.
• Ensure that you carry a road map, and plan your route of travel. This will prevent you from getting lost and ending up in dangerous areas.
• Do not pick up hitch hikers or even stop to assist in what appears to be a breakdown scene. If you are really concerned that the situation is sincere, rather report what you have seen to a police station.
• Do take extra care when driving at night. Many South African roads are badly lit, especially in the rural areas. Some places aren’t lit up at all. Fencing in some places is nonexistent so look out for stray animals and pedestrians.

By adhering to these guidelines and asking for additional information from trustworthy sources, you should have a pleasant and memorable stay in South Africa.

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SOUTH AFRICAN HOLIDAYS – Your own choice 

Before you start off on your holiday it is best to book your accommodation in advance. 

This is especially advised in the peak holiday seasons. Peak seasons in South Africa are the months of April (Easter and school holidays), July (School holidays), December (Christmas Holidays, School Holidays and many Companies close over this period). 

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from a variety of accommodation. 

There are a number of hotel groups that operate countrywide. These have different star ratings, and the prices are charged accordingly. 

1 Star: Comfortable, clean and functional
2 Star: Rating: Good. Quality furnishings, Quality service and Quality guest care
3 Star: Rating; Very Good. Better furnishings, service and guest care
4 Star: Rating: Superior. Very high standard furnishings, service and guest care and excellent comfort
5 Star: Rating: Exceptional. These have Top of the range quality furnishings and luxurious accommodation to match international standards. 

B+Bs 

Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be found on all major and minor travelling routes. These are ideal if you are travelling long distances and need a stopover to get some sleep before continuing on your journey. They offer rooms and a breakfast is usually served. 

Backpacker Lodges 

Backpacking lodges are also found along all travelling routes. These establishments offer good value tours and other activities in their areas. This is very suitable for single or younger travellers. They mostly have self catering facilities. 

Self Catering 

Usually a house, cottage, chalet or bungalow where equipment and facilities are provided for guests to cater for themselves. 

Guest House or Lodge 
 

A guest house is usually a house or manor that has been converted to cater for overnight guests. The owner usually lives on these premises and caters for all the needs of their guests. They will most likely provide you with breakfast and dinner if required. 

These are just some of the options of accommodation to consider before setting off on your South African Holiday and adventure. 

Before you start off on your holiday it is best to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially advised in the peak holiday seasons. Peak seasons in South Africa are the months of April (Easter and school holidays), July (School holidays), December (Christmas Holidays, School Holidays and many Companies close over this period).

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from a variety of accommodation.

There are a number of hotel groups that operate countrywide. These have different star ratings, and the prices are charged accordingly.

1 Star Accommodation: Comfortable, clean and functional
2 Star Accommodation: Rating: Good. Quality furnishings, Quality service and Quality guest care
3 Star Accommodation: Rating; Very Good. Better furnishings, service and guest care
4 Star Accommodation: Rating: Superior. Very high standard furnishings, service and guest care and excellent comfort
5 Star Accommodation: Rating: Exceptional. These have Top of the range quality furnishings and luxurious accommodation to match international standards.

B+Bs

Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be found on all major and minor travelling routes. These are ideal if you are travelling long distances and need a stopover to get some sleep before continuing on your journey. They offer rooms and a breakfast is usually served.

Backpacker Lodges

Back Packing lodges are also found along all travelling routes. These establishments offer good value tours and other activities in their areas. This is very suitable for single or younger travellers. They mostly have self catering facilities.

Self Catering
Usually a house, cottage, chalet or bungalow where equipment and facilities are provided for guests to cater for themselves.

Guest House or Lodge

A guest house is usually a house or manor that has been converted to cater for overnight guests. The owner usually lives on these premises and caters for all the needs of their guests. They will most likely provide you with breakfast and dinner if required.

These are just some of the options of accommodation to consider before setting off on your South African Holiday and adventure.