Nature can be some horticulturist at times, and this is never more so recognised by the name of this exquisitely pretty, pleasant and popular strip of South Africa’s Western Cape and coastline.

Lush indigenous forests cascade down picturesque mountain sides, serene lagoons and salt lakes, wild sandy bays and beaches, green valleys cradling quaint towns and exotic birdlife are all what characterise the suitably titled ‘Garden Route’.

Stretching almost 300km from Heidelburg to Storms River in the Eastern Cape this coast’s mild climate (the second mildest in the world after Hawaii) has cultivated a landscape of ecologically diverse flora, laid heavy with the spectacular kaleidoscope of colours when its flowers bloom. This has in turn brought an equally broad collection of fascinating fauna and marine life seen in its reserves and off its shores.

Amongst all these alluring attributes its being so close to Cape Town and en route to those heading to the popular safaris spots in the north-west, which has cemented the Garden Route’s appeal to travellers not to mention its array of charming lodges, hotels and an immense variety of activities to choose from too.

This scenic stretch includes the towns of Heidelberg, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenburg Bay, George and Nature’s Valley, as well as 10 nature and marine reserves such as the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness national parks.