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

Unlike its eastern counterpart, the western side of the Heads (part of the Featherbed Nature Reserve) is relatively unspoiled. In addition to a bizarre rock arch and great scenery, the reserve is home to various small mammals, more than 100 species of birds, and 1,000 plant species. There is a morning standard trip here, plus more in high season (generally October–April). The four-hour trip leaves at 10 and 11:30 and costs R1,200. It consists of a ferry ride across the Lagoon to the Western Head, a 4x4 ride onto the reserve, and a guided 2.2-km (1.3-mile) downhill walk through the Reserve and along the coastline. After this there's a buffet lunch under the trees.

There are three fabulous walks through Robberg Nature Reserve, all with equally spectacular scenery. Even the shortest one needs you to be steady on your legs because there are rocks to clamber up and down. The shortest takes about half an hour and offers great views of the ocean. A longer walk taking 90 minutes passes above a seal colony. Taking at least three hours (or even four or more if you have a more leisurely pace), the longest walk goes right to the end of the peninsula and often offers views of dolphins and whales offshore. It's worth taking a picnic, because you’ll want to stop and admire the wildflowers along the way. A fascinating archaeological excavation at Nelson's Bay Cave has a display outlining the occupation of the cave over thousands of years. Other activities in the park include angling, abseiling, and swimming with seals.

This 299,000-acre reserve stretches eastward along the coast for 31 km (19 miles). A wetlands paradise, the park's two blinds draw birders from all over the country hoping to see African fish eagles, great crested grebes, and red-knobbed coots. Several walking trails wind through the park alongside lakes, rivers, and the sea. A gentle, accessible option is the 45-minute Woodville Big Tree Walk, which takes you past an 800-year-old yellowwood tree and into the indigenous forest.