Ultimate New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary • The Blonde Abroad

When in South Africa, take the scenic route 🚗🇿🇦
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The Backyard Route is a scenic and ecologically numerous area in South Africa (and one of the well-known highway journeys within the nation!). It stretches 300 kilometers (190 miles) from Mossel Bay to Storms River. It highlights a number of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes, together with epic coastlines, towering mountains, and plush forests. Not solely does this highway journey present breathtaking views, but it surely additionally affords an opportunity to expertise the wealthy biodiversity of the area, with quite a few alternatives to see wildlife each on land and within the ocean.

You are able to do this highway journey in some ways, however right here’s my superb itinerary, beginning and ending in Cape City:

Cease 1: Hermanus & L’Agullhas (Optionally available)
Begin your journey in Cape City driving from west to east. You possibly can take a detour in your option to Mossel Bay alongside the coastal route, which is thought for its whale watching alternatives. Spend 1 evening in Hermanus (a cute seaside city celebrated for its charming ambiance and vibrant arts scene) or L’Agullhas (the southernmost tip of Africa, the place the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, and a fantastic place to find out about maritime historical past).

Cease 2: Gondwana Recreation Reserve
Mossel Bay is the official begin of the Backyard Route, so a safari is the proper option to kick off your highway journey. Spend 2 nights right here, the place you may immerse your self within the African bush and witness the Large 5 of their pure habitat. The reserve additionally affords guided excursions and academic packages about wildlife conservation.

Cease 3: Wilderness
Spend 1-2 nights in Wilderness should you love tenting, nature, and journey actions. This space boasts pristine seashores, lush forests, and tranquil lagoons. There’s tenting, kayaking, climbing trails, and a lot to discover, together with birdwatching and nature walks that spotlight the world’s numerous natural world. Do not miss the prospect to go to the Wilderness Nationwide Park, which affords beautiful views and distinctive geological formations.

Cease 4: Knysna
Spend 1-2 nights right here — an island-dotted lagoon well-known for its oysters, Knysna is ideal for sundown cruises, crusing, and water sports activities. Take time to discover the Knysna Heads, the place the lagoon meets the ocean, and expertise the colourful native markets that showcase artisanal crafts and contemporary produce.

Cease 5: Plettenburg Bay
Spend an evening at Emily Moon River Lodge, it’s one in every of my favourite properties! This space can be nice for outside actions, together with climbing within the Robberg Nature Reserve, the place you may see seals and typically even dolphins from the cliffs.

Cease 6: Nature’s Valley
Try Monkeyland Sanctuary and Birds of Eden right here! These points of interest are dwelling to rescued animals and provide a novel alternative to find out about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Nature’s Valley Seashore can be a must-visit, good for a calming day by the ocean.

Cease 7: Storms River
Finest for adrenaline junkies, that is “technically” the tip of the Backyard Route. Soar off the tallest bungee on the earth at Bloukrans Bridge or e book a Blackwater Tubing Journey by way of the luxurious rainforest. Keep for 1 evening and take within the beautiful surroundings of the Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park.

Cease 8: Jeffrey’s Bay
Why not proceed the drive to finish your journey on the other coast of South Africa at one of many prime surf spots on the earth? Be sure you keep 1-2 nights. Jeffrey’s Bay not solely affords world-class browsing but in addition a laid-back ambiance with charming cafes and retailers. Take a surf lesson or just chill out on the seashore.

Cease 9: Oudtshoorn (Optionally available)
Take a special route again to Cape City by slicing by way of the South African Karoo and spending an evening at De Zeekoe Visitor Home in Oudtshoorn. This space is legendary for its ostrich farms, and you’ll get up at dawn to view wild meerkats, supplying you with a novel glimpse of those fascinating creatures of their pure habitat.

Finish: Cape City
As soon as you come back to Cape City, contemplate extending your keep to discover the town’s wealthy historical past, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant tradition additional. Go to Desk Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the native vineyards for a style of South African wine. Benefit from the numerous culinary scene and immerse your self within the native traditions and customs to really expertise the fantastic thing about this nation.
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#southafrica #capetown #gardenroute #africa