The Garden Route is anything you want it to be; a sedate cruise along a lush coastal belt between the Indian Ocean and a ridge of purple-hued mountains, or an adrenaline rush from one end to the other. This might include close encounters with dolphins and whales, paragliding, bungy jumping, riding a horse, quad or mountain bike and ending up face to face with Africa’s Big Five animals. One of the first things you will probably want to do in Cape Town is to go up Table Mountain. To find it, just look up – it’s right behind your Les Cascades beachfront accommodation. A short drive into Franschhoek - the heart of the Cape Winelands - gets you in the mood to appreciate dramatic scenery. Mountains rise all around you and rows of vines march high up the rocky slopes. We leave you in this setting for a couple of days at La Residence - one of the Cape Winelands’ most exclusive guest houses. Next stop is the whale-watching capital of Hermanus. These giants are usually here from June to October/November and can be viewed from a boat, a plane or just by sitting on the rocks by the harbour or even from your bedroom in the opulent Birkenhead House. At other times, Hermanus is still a bustling seaside town with lots of style. Venturing along the Garden Route coast, we have selected Cinnamon Boutique Guest House in Wilderness, because it’s gorgeous and never fails to exceed expectations. And, it is set in an exceptionally pretty area between a long stretch of beach and a chain of lakes. Continue alongside the coast to the famed lagoon town of Knysna and Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa. Wow, what a view! This 5-star hotel and golf course soars above the glittering Knysna lagoon. The finale of this Garden Route itinerary is Shamwari Private Game Reserve, just outside Port Elizabeth. It’s a very special safari destination with an eco-system that allows all of Africa’s big game animals to thrive.