South Africa's Garden Route attracts ecotourism

Tourists that like to take eco friendly holidays have been flocking to South Africa to enjoy the Garden Route. Local businesses along the Garden Route have been prioritising environmental issues, making the area popular with green travellers.

The International Ecotourism Society has found that ecotourism along the Garden Route has increased by at least 20% over the last 20 years. With climate change and carbon footprints being brought into the limelight in recent years, more and more travellers are seeking eco friendly holiday options.

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve in the Afromontane Forest is a fantastic eco friendly development that allows visitors to enjoy the forest wildlife without impacting on it too much. The Phantom Forest is an award winning eco retreat. In 2007 it was earmarked as Africa's leading ecotourism destination and this year it became Africa's leading green hotel.

The tree suites at Phantom Forest offer fantastic views of the surrounding forest. The upper tree camp is the perfect retreat for honeymoon couples, with private decks and outdoor spa baths. They also have tree suites that adopt Moroccan themes. After a delicious meal of kudu, springbok or ostrich in the evening, guests can sit by an open fire listening to the gentle beat of bongos on the fire deck.

Set in 137 hectares of nature reserve, the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve has been constructed from sustainable materials and it blends perfectly with the surrounding forest.

South Africa's Garden Route is a mix of spectacular landscapes including lakes, lagoons, beaches and mountains. A fantastic way to experience the garden route is to hire a car and explore what it has to offer, staying in different locations as you go.

If you want to visit Cape Town, the Garden Route is just half a day's drive away. Don't forget to explore the Cape of Good Hope - it will get you in the mood for what lies ahead.

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