6 Best Sights in The Garden Route and the Little Karoo, South Africa

The beach at Brenton-on Sea, past Belvidere, is a long stretch of sand popular for its 6-km (4-mile) walk to neighboring Buffalo Bay. Although spectacular, this beach is not particularly good for swimming because of a strong undertow. Lifeguards are present in season, but only swim between the flags. The beach is about 12 km (7½ miles) west of Knysna. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; walking.

About 20 km (12 miles) from Knysna, Buffalo Bay is a sandy beach on a half-moon bay. Safe swimming and excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding make this an ideal family destination. A popular beach walk takes you toward Brenton-on-Sea. The village has been spared overdevelopment because of its proximity to the nearby Goukamma Nature Reserve. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: family, surfing; swimming; walking.

All the dolphin-watching boats and kayaking trips leave from Central Beach. A constant stream of tenders going out to the fishing boats moored in the bay makes this area quite busy, but it's still a great spot. Just avoid the boat ramp area and swim in the southern section. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

Named after the native keurboom tree, this sandy beach is about 10 km (6 miles) from Plett on the eastern edge of the bay. If you're fit you can walk all the way from here to Nature's Valley, but you need to watch the tides. Otherwise, you can stroll about a mile down the beach, relax for a while, and then walk back. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: walking.

Always one of Plettenberg Bay's most popular beaches, Blue Flag-certified Lookout Beach is a favorite spot for swimmers and surfers. Families enjoy paddling on the lagoon side of what is essentially a large sandy spit. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in season); parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

Just past the Beacon Island Resort is Robberg Beach, a great swimming beach that continues in a graceful curve all the way to the Robberg Peninsula. You can catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales just behind the breakers. Robberg 5 Beach is popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; sunbathing.