Garden Route National Park, Nature reserve along South Africa's southern coast
Garden Route National Park is a nature reserve along South Africa's southern coast that links beaches, lakes, mountains, and forests. The park stretches from Wilderness to Tsitsikamma and combines several protected landscapes with different ecosystems.
The park was created in 2009 by combining several existing protected areas such as Wilderness, Knysna, and Tsitsikamma. This merger aimed to protect the region's coastal landscapes and forests under unified management.
The park encompasses different landscapes where visitors walk trails along coastal cliffs and through forests. Local communities practice traditional fishing and gathering in certain areas.
The best time to visit is between October and March when weather is dry and mild and trails are easily accessible. The park offers multiple entry points and accommodations ranging from camping sites to forest lodges at different locations.
The park is known for its lakes recognized as Ramsar wetlands that shelter five different kingfisher species. These water bird habitats rank among the most valuable on the southern coast.
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