Explorer at heart, Ypie Kingma has called South Africa’s Garden Route home for 20+ years: crafting road trips, sharing local secrets, hidden gems, and stories to help you explore like a local. Welcome to my world!
Discover the best child-friendly wineries on the Garden Route, from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. Explore family-friendly wine estates with playgrounds, picnic spots, delicious restaurants and beautiful vineyard views, where parents can enjoy local wines while children have fun in safe, welcoming surroundings.
Discover why the Vetplantfees Calitzdorp is one of the Klein Karoo’s most unique annual festivals. From rare succulent displays and guided veld walks to expert talks, local food, botanical art and warm Karoo hospitality, this personal guide explores what makes the Vetplantfees a must-visit event. Plus, find out what else to see and do in and around Calitzdorp during your stay.
William Smith receives the Order of the Baobab for his impact on maths education and conservation in Knysna, strengthening the legacy of the Garden Route.
The Attakwas Extreme is South Africa’s most legendary one-day mountain bike race — a brutal yet beautiful journey from the Klein Karoo to the Garden Route. Known as the “Hell of the South,” this iconic event blends rugged history, unforgiving climbs, and unforgettable scenery. From the infamous Attakwaskloof Pass to the fast-rolling final kilometres, this first-person rider’s guide covers what to expect, route updates, race history, and everything you need to know to enter and survive Attakwas.
A stacked field, brutal mountain passes, and unpredictable racing — the inaugural Garden Route Giro promises a thrilling battle as top gravel, road, and rising stars fight for victory.
Travellers can now enjoy a seamless journey between the Garden Route and South Africa’s renowned safari region, thanks to CemAir’s new direct service between George and Hoedspruit. The route, which commenced on…
The Knysna Oyster Festival 2026 returns from 3–12 July with ten days of oysters, sport, food, wine and family fun. Discover the festival’s rich history, iconic events, community impact and why it remains one of South Africa’s favourite winter celebrations.
Featherbed Nature Reserve is back — greener, wiser, and more beautiful than ever. One and a half years after the Knysna Fires, this iconic Knysna destination has reopened with a powerful story of restoration and hope.
Experiencing breakfast at a small guesthouse in South Africa is more than just a meal – it’s a welcoming ritual full of fresh local fruit, golden toast, perfectly cooked eggs, and rich coffee. From the first sip to discovering new flavors like grenadilla (passion fruit), every bite offers a taste of South African hospitality. Join me as I share my first-time breakfast experience in Cape Town, and why a lekker ontbyt on the Garden Route is a must-try for travelers seeking authentic, cozy mornings.
The Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, returns to the Garden Route on 17 January 2026, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a legendary 120km mountain bike race from Oudtshoorn to Great Brak River. Known as the “Hell of the South”, this UCI Class 1 event attracts world-class riders and adventurous amateurs alike, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Klein Karoo and Attakwaskloof while delivering one of South Africa’s toughest and most iconic endurance cycling challenges.
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