Garden Route Game Reserve, Garden Route (original) (raw)

The Garden Route Game Reserve, with the Langeberg Mountains as its backdrop, provides a wonderful break from the monotony of a drive. Be warned though � you might want to stay for longer than a mere lunch stop as there is plenty to keep you occupied.

Did you know? The great programmes for children, the fact that it is only three and a half hours' drive from Cape Town and the malaria free game viewing are highlights of the privately run game reserve.

One does not expect to find access to the big 5 on the Garden Route, usually associated with verdant, generous vegetation, forests and rivers rather than the bushveld necessary to sustain game.

Garden Route Game Lodge, a popular stop for travellers between Cape Town and Mossel Bay, has its main gates right on the N2, for easy access.

There is a Kids' Bushwise Activity programme that includes game drives for children to get up close to wildlife, a guided bush walk and an insect walk or fishing in one of the waterholes. There is also an interactive tour of the Reptile Centre where there are snakes and crocodiles.

Add to this the elephant feeding where one can feed, touch and photograph these gentle giants, a children's menu, a heated and cold swimming pool and two children's themed play areas, and the Garden Route Game Lodge begins to look like an attractive option.

There is a Skull Garden where a collection of skulls makes for an unusual activity for both children and adults. And the Bush spa gives adults the chance to unwind, if the guided game drives have not already worked their magic.