We have just returned from 2 weeks in South Africa, with a tour that covered Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the Garden Route and of course a little relaxing time drinking wine in Stellenbosch. Cape Town itself was much nicer than I expected, with the Ocean and Table Mountain often offering a stunning backdrop to many a view of the City. We spent two days site seeing in the City before heading off for our tour of the garden route.We took a 4WD vehicle with a driver/guide (very decadent, but worth every penny). It allowed us to sit back, relax and take in the views.....and on this tour there are plenty. Plus we wanted to save our energy for some trekking. The 'start' of the garden route at Mossels Bay is quite a long drive from Cape Town, but the roads are good. Once at Mossels Bay our guide got away from the main roads and that's where the stunning views really began.We were heading for Plettenberg Bay where we had pre-booked 2 days of trekking, and the drive from Mossel Bay takes in some wonderful secluded coves and beaches on the ocean side and some really nice walks in the forest as you pass by the Wilderness National Park, Victoria Bay, Nature's Valley and Knysna. We often made an excuse to stop and stretch our legs to take in the clean air and the views.Once near Pletternberg Bay we started our 2 days of trekking on the Harkerville Coast hiking trail. It's just under 20 miles in total and 2 days is fine if you are reasonably fit - warning though - we were surprised by some of the very narrow ledges we had to traverse and not for people wary of heights. But it really is worth it - a circular trail that just gives amazing views be it ocean or forest.We were absolutely buzzing after our trek - and confess that we did not complete the full garden route, but instead headed back towards Cape Town via a stop for some well earned wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Beautiful place that will make pretty much anyone relax and unwind......or was it just the wine?Once back in Cape Town we headed down the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point - again a very nice drive, through the National Park. I definitely recommend climbing to the old lighthouse (a bit tiring) as the views over the Cape are amazing. The wind was really strong at the top (apparently that is normally the case) and this helps you to imagine why the Cape is so difficult to navigate round with its crashing seas and rugged coastline.On the drive back to Cape Town we stopped in at the Boulders Penguin Colony - now this really is quite amazing to see Penguins waddling away down a beach in gorgeous sunshine. There are boardwalks which make it very easy to get close and just watch and listen as they carry on with their day - very cute indeed.We finished of our great trip with a few more nights in Cape Town.......and of course a few more glasses of wine!
Hi Jenny. I was in Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula back in early May 2007. I loved it too. Sadly, I didn't have time to get onto the Garden Route - although will definitely get out there for some walking next time. I had a few glasses in Stellenbosch too!
