For all the geographical, ethnic and cultural diversity of South Africa, perhaps it is along the southeast coast of Africa that the influence of Europe is most visible.

A narrow green band along the blue waters of the Indian ocean, this idyllic area * known in tourist brochures as "the Garden Route" * offers a relaxed setting of long stretches of sandy beaches, historic country houses, rolling hills and picturesque trading towns.

This area was settled by Europeans who left booming Cape Town in search of new land to farm and settle. To this day, even the largest towns of this region are quite intimate and maintain a character and charm that is distinctly European and rural.

Like Cape Town, the Fairest Cape features outstanding accommodations (many in historic homes with original furnishings), a delicious cuisine and excellent shopping. Indigenous art and artifacts from all over Africa - both traditional and modern - are available at upscale galleries for the sophisticated collector. Equally intriguing are the roadside vendors who venture into the Bush on extended buying trips and return with ritual and cultural artifacts from worlds rarely seen by the outsider.

Ostrich farms - a few of which still exist - once dotted this area to supply ostrich plumes for the European and American fashion industries. Tiny museums offer looks into the pioneer life - a society not nearly as monolithic as one might imagine - for many of these towns had tiny Jewish communities and many African communities, although less visible, thrived here as well.

Because of its reputation for its beauty and its charm, European tourists are beginning to discover "the Garden Route". Most, however, never venture off the main road.

Yet by doing so - a new world opens up: Sleepy and picturesque towns as yet untouched by international tourism. The type of towns where South Africans go to discover what their country was once like.

Malaria-free game parks - some of which are at the forefront of conservation efforts - offer the opportunity to meet (and work for a day or two) with the conservation rangers to learn about the challenges they face in preserving and restoring animal populations.

The Great Karoo desert (and national park) is one of the world's great scientific wonders. Its rocks contain fossil remains spanning 310 million years and it contains a wide variety of animal and bird life.

Venture off the beaten path and enjoy the Fairest Cape. This region is particularly beautiful in spring (our autumn) when the landscape is transformed into a carpet of flowers.