October 9, 2016
The Garden Route runs along the coast of the western cape and it one of the most beautiful drives. It reminds me of HWY1 along the California coast with breathtaking views of the ocean and winds through fields and mountains. It breathtakingly beautiful and I did not have enough time to enjoy it. After spending a few extra days in Cape Town, I had to cut my road trip to a week. I opted for the Baz Bus since I was traveling alone, but if you can swing it, renting a car is the way to go. It gives you more flexibility on the locations you visit and how long to stay. The bus is comfortable and reliable but you’re tied to its schedule and it does’t run on Wednesdays and Sundays making planning a bit of an exercise.
Wilderness
Wilderness is a few hours to the east of Cape Town is a great place to spend your first night along the Garden Route. I stayed at The Beach House which was a great little hostel walking distance to town. There’s a relaxing canoe trip and hike out to a waterfall. While in town, you also have to visit the man that lives in the cave. He’s a deeply spiritual man with a funny high pitched voice who has been living there for over 10 years. To get there, you walk west along the abandoned railroad tracks and just after passing through a hole in the side of the cliff you find his very well maintain and meticulously planned residence. There are several tables overlooking a private beach. He greets you and may or may not offer to give you a tour. in my case, he walked me in the door, told me to enjoy and showed me where the donation box was on the way out. The inside is filled with strings of seashells hanging from the ceiling, paintings of Egyptian third eyes, cats, dolls, butterfly wings. You’re not even sure where to look because there’s so much to take in that it becomes overwhelming. The story goes that God told him to leave Cape Town and build a home. He had a dream where he saw the bridge and when he arrived in Wilderness he saw the cave next to the abandoned bridge and his third eye told him he had to build his home in the cave. Madness.
If you continue along the railroad tracks, it winds along the side of the mountain to Victoria Bay. It’s a beautiful 45 minute walk but recommended to do with a few other people since muggings have happened in the area. There also a beautiful walk up to the farm and Map of Africa that boasts beautiful views of the coast.
The Crags
Nestled the the mountains Wild Spirit is the place to stay in The Crags. It has this warm, welcoming, hippy vibe with a fire pit, bongo drums and a treehouse. There are hikes to the beach, though the magic forest and to the waterfall. You can easily spend a few days there. Also take a walk to the farm stand and pick up some local bread and cheese. They also make amazing brownies and milkshakes!
Jeffreys Bay
If surfing is your jam, Jeffreys Bay is the spot to visit. The city has grown exponentially over the past few years so it’s lost it’s small town vibe. If you take a surf lesson, do it in the morning. I waited until the afternoon and then wind kicked up making the waves rough for a beginner. I manages to fall a lot but I got up on my board twice! I stayed Island Vibe Backpackers that’s located on the beach with a surfer party vibe to match. Get ready of lots of games of beer pong.
