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Stretching along the south-western coast of South Africa, the Garden Route has a wealth of natural wonders, outdoor adventures and friendly folk. Jeremy Jowell went exploring. With a swing of his dreadlocks and a dazzling smile, Leo Block greets me with a true Rastafarian welcome. ‘Irie, it’s good to meet you, welcome to Judah Square,’ he beams, extending his fist to touch mine in the Rasta gesture of friendship and peace. Nestling in the green foothills above Knysna, the House of Judah Rastafarian Community is one of the most serene spots in South Africa. Life here is tranquil, relaxed and easy-paced. ‘I was one of the founding members when we started our community in 1993,’ says Leo, ‘and today over 100 Rastafarians live here. Our children go to school in the area but we also teach them privately about our Rasta ways. We are a closely knit community and we show each other love and respect, so its very peaceful here, give thanks.’ In recent years, tourism has been booming along the Garden Route with increasing numbers of local and foreign travellers. Many of them, however, want to do more than just take a hike or laze on a beach. They want to meet the local people, like Leo, and learn about their way of life. ‘Visitors nowadays want to experience the local culture so we have been discussing ways forward with the tourism authorities,’ says Leo. ‘Already we have had large groups coming on township tours and we welcome them to meet us and see how we live.’ But for visitors to the Rasta community of Judah Square, there is a set of disciplinary rules that everyone is asked to adhere to. No cigarettes, alcohol, meat, skimpy clothing or bad language is allowed. Starting at Heidelberg, the Garden Route stretches eastwards along the southern Cape coast, past Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma National Park, to its boundary at Humansdorp. With golden beaches, indigenous forests and tranquil lagoons, this coastline of beauty is blessed with a multitude of natural wonders and diverse outdoor activities. Often referred to as 'the jewel of the Garden Route', Plettenberg Bay offers residents and visitors a life of languid pleasure. For those who prefer action, there is everything, from hiking and biking to sea kayaking and scuba diving, in and around Plettenberg Bay. | 
