Page 25 - Silver Lakes April 2021

TRAVEL

HOLIDAYS ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

ake the most of leave days, mini With incredible local holiday packages
breaks and school holidays by and deals up for grabs, South Africans
Mventuring up (or down) the
Garden Route for a well-deserved break should take full advantage and plan
this year! Here are some activities that you their 2021 getaways well in advance!
can enjoy.
AUTUMN HORSE RIDING IN HOEKWIL
(WILDERNESS)
Enjoy the milder autumn weather by
trotting on horseback to take in the beauty
of the season. The Black Horse Trails
company offers a choice between one
and a half-hour and three hour-long rides
that take you through indigenous forests,
along mountain trails and past crashing
waterfalls. The weather should still be just
warm enough to jump in for a swim!

WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter is a wonderful time of year on
the Garden Route as it’s usually mild and
windless. You can enjoy walks on the
beach, fantastic hiking trails in Wilderness,
Knysna, the Tsitsikamma Forest and along Knysna - Garden Route
the Robberg Peninsula, adventurous
excursions like ziplining or sandboarding
(Dragon Dune anyone?), or wine tasting Route. Since the public holiday falls on STRAWBERRY PICKING AT REDBERRY
along the region’s award-winning wine a Monday, you can request Tuesday, 10 FARM IN SEPTEMBER
route. August off (and possibly the next day, too) Strawberry picking is a fantastic, family-
Of course, there’ll be a few stormy days – and savour a well-deserved long weekend. friendly springtime activity. Purchase a
perfect for cosy lie-ins, sitting beside the Recommended: How about some container at the farm stall and take your
time strolling through the flourishing fields
fireplace, high teas and indoor spoils. Book indulgent wine tasting in the Plettenberg in search of red, ripe, ready-to-eat berries
a stay at The Manor House at Fancourt and Bay wine region? While it is indeed one to tuck into back at your accommodation.
on the away rainy days enjoy their private of the youngest wine regions in South
library, couples’ spa treatments, or tea and Africa, it still promises a diverse selection Redberry Farm is also home to a quaint
cake in a quiet nook. Throw in evening of wonderful wines, and lots of breath- tea garden, a pizzeria, deli, and a coffee
bar. You’ll have the chance to sample a
canapes and a winter stay on the Garden taking scenery, including the towering selection of wines and craft beer inside the
Route doesn’t get more romantic than this! Tsitsikamma Mountains. Be sure to sample Houtbosch tasting room, too.
a glass of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) –
NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN AUGUST the region’s specialty. STAY AHEAD OF THE PACK IN DECEMBER
Celebrate the special ladies in your life – or Take a break just before Christmas and
yourself – this Women’s Day on the Garden
put in for leave on Friday, 17 December,
to make a long weekend of the Day of
Reconciliation. Recommended: Christmas
Mossel Bay - Garden Route Markets and Carols by Candlelight.
Summer’s long lazy days and warm
evenings lend themselves to Christmas gift
markets, famer’s markets, craft beer, local
food and festivities! Spend some Festive
Season time on the Garden Route and put
the Outeniqua Farmer’s Market, Milkwood
Evening Market and Carols by Candlelight
in the very special Garden Route Botanical
Garden at the top of your list!
These are just a small selection of the
many activities on offer along the Garden
Route. With its wide range of ecosystems
including mountain, lake, forest and
fynbos, enjoying nature and unwinding on
the Garden Route is hard to beat!

INTRA MUROS APRIL 2021 23