Flora and fauna, adventure, glorious sea views and the chance to kick back and relax are just some of the offerings at the beautiful Garden Route National Park.
Divided into three parts — Wilderness, Knysna Lakes and Tsitsikamma — each boasts affordable family-friendly and educational activities.
Each of the parks has its own personality, as Weekend Post discovered during SA National Parks Week — during which free entry was offered to SA citizens from Monday to Friday, and now extended to Sunday.
Hiking, nature walks, forest excursions, birdwatching, mountain biking and a variety of water-based activities are just some of the adventures that await nature lovers.
The Knysna section is home to one of the most prominent landscape features — the Knysna Estuary.
The estuary is one of SA’s top tourist destinations, featuring in the top five countrywide because of its botanical and conservation importance.
It also ranks among the best for its fish conservation, and is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse.
During a tour of the estuary, Knysna park manager Megan Taplin said it was home to The Forest Legends Museum and the Seahorse Sanctuary, which offered lessons on the habits of the seahorse and its habitat.
The park also offers zip-lining, an activity not traditionally found in a national park.
Taplin said guests continued to return because of the magnificent views of the coast and forest they were afforded while zip-lining.
“This area was affected by the Knysna fires.
“All the slopes were burnt, but that has all recovered now,” she said.
“People love adrenaline activities and this zip line gives them an experience and views of a hiker, without having to put in the work,” she said.
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The 32,000ha Wilderness section of the park offers guests the chance to travel from the scenic beaches to the most majestic mountains in less than 30 minutes.
In this section of the park one can experience whales, dolphins and bird sightings, with affordable accommodation ranging from single camper homes and semi-modern family rooms to a camping space.
For bush lovers, the park boasts a beautiful forest with fynbos.
Wilderness park manager Sandra Taljaard said visitors were able to truly connect with nature.
“The water area is a focus area where one can do boating, canoeing, sailing [and] skiing,” she said, adding that the waterfall was a highlight.
“We have three bird hides for keen birdwatchers.”
Day visitors can also take part in the Wilderness River Safaris tour on the Touws River.
The tour passes the house of former state president PW Botha.
The Tsitsikamma section of the park has a rich history, boasting a rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscape views.
There is also an adventure section to the park, which is home to SA’s oldest marine protected area and offers plenty to bucket-list chasers.
Tsitsikamma park manager Victor Mokoena said thrill-seekers could explore the suspension bridge, the Otter Trail waterfall and big tree walk.
HeraldLIVE
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