De Rust
As far as Garden Route destinations go, the charming Victorian town of De Rust just outside of Oudtshoorn is definitely one of the best. Serene and secluded, De Rust is positioned conveniently outside the magnificent Meiringspoort which is a gorge that runs through the Swartberg Mountains and offers a spectacular assortment of flowers that are extraordinarily rich in botanical diversity.
As one can imagine, De Rust’s intense and overwhelming natural splendour has become a significant muse for many a talented artist and in recent years has turned out to be a noteworthy haven for artists. Besides this obvious natural beauty, De Rust has become known for its sumptuous cheese and delicious dessert wines luring connoisseurs out to the town from all corners of the country. This Garden Route gem may get hot and dusty at times, but travellers do not have to fear threats of malaria; in fact, the area is quite safe and furthermore, the weather is nothing short of terrific boasting resplendent days during both winter and summer.
The quality of life is quite high here and this is evident by the lack of congestion, the tree-lined streets, and the divine drinking water which is received from a mountain spring and far better than bottled water according to the locals; all of this adds to De Rust being the perfect refuge for those who need a break from the rat race and all its accompanying pressures. Activities are numerous while on holiday here with the many examples of late 19th Century architecture being a foremost attraction, while nature lovers will enjoy hiking through Meiringspoort and picnicking around the waterfall, which does indeed make for the perfect holiday photograph.
