South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the country’s most celebrated travel experiences — a spectacular coastal corridor where lush forests meet wild beaches, charming towns dot the shoreline, and adventure awaits at almost every turn. Stretching over approximately 300 kilometres from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this scenic drive blends natural beauty, outdoor activities, culture, and relaxation into one unforgettable journey.

What Is the Garden Route?

The Garden Route is a renowned coastal region in southern South Africa named for its verdant vegetation, lagoons, indigenous forests, and estuaries along the Indian Ocean. It encompasses a mix of rugged landscapes — from dense forests and lagoons to sandy beaches and dramatic mountain passes. The route includes towns such as George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness, each offering distinct experiences for travellers.

Why It’s a Must-Visit Travel Destination

The appeal of the Garden Route lies in its diversity. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, family traveller, or culture lover, there’s something here for everyone:

• Breathtaking Landscapes: Drive along winding coastal roads framed by the Indian Ocean on one side and lush vegetation on the other.

• Outdoor Adventures: Hike the famous Otter Trail, explore indigenous forests in Tsitsikamma National Park, or enjoy water sports like kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

• Wildlife Experiences: Look out for dolphins and whales off Plettenberg Bay’s coast, and consider an add-on safari at Addo Elephant National Park, home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and more.

• Charming Towns and Culture: Visit lively towns like Knysna for its bustling waterfront and oysters, or Wilderness for tranquil beaches and bird-watching spots.

Top Stops Along the Route

1. Mossel Bay
Often considered the starting point, this historic seaside town features whale-watching, beaches, and adventure activities.

2. Knysna
Known for its scenic lagoon and vibrant town centre, Knysna is ideal for dining, shopping, and water-based excursions.

3. Plettenberg Bay
A standout destination for beach lovers, Plettenberg Bay boasts long sandy stretches, marine life sightings, and outdoor adventure options.

4. Tsitsikamma National Park
Renowned for its indigenous forests and dramatic coastlines, this area is perfect for hiking, ziplining, and nature immersion.

5. Addo Elephant National Park
A short detour from the eastern end of the route, Addo offers one of the best Big Five safari experiences — especially for first-time visitors.

Best Time to Visit

The Garden Route can be visited year-round, but spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are especially pleasant. These seasons offer mild weather and better chances to spot migrating whales along the coast.

How to Travel the Route

Many travellers choose to self-drive the route, starting from either Cape Town or George. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore hidden gems, and control your pace. Guided tours are also available for those who prefer structured itineraries.

Final Thoughts

South Africa’s Garden Route isn’t just a road trip — it’s a full-scale travel experience that brings together the best of nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up sun on pristine beaches, exploring forests teeming with wildlife, or discovering local livelihood in coastal towns, this scenic stretch is worthy of a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.

The release of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results has once again placed education at the center of national discussion, as families across the country assess outcomes and plan the next academic steps for their children. Among the parents publicly celebrating this milestone is Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who shared a proud message after his daughter attained a mean grade of B- in the national examination.

Taking to social media, the outspoken senator congratulated his daughter for what he described as a strong and deserving performance, noting that the result opens the door to university education. His message emphasized gratitude—to God, to teachers, and to family members who supported her throughout her academic journey—while highlighting the importance of discipline and perseverance in education.

A Grade That Opens Doors

A B- grade in KCSE is widely regarded as a solid achievement, qualifying a candidate for direct university admission under KUCCPS guidelines. Education experts consistently note that performance at this level reflects not only academic ability but also sustained effort over the four-year secondary school cycle.

By celebrating this result publicly, Khalwale reinforced an important message: academic success is not limited to top national grades alone. Rather, it is about meeting required thresholds, identifying suitable career paths, and progressing confidently to the next level of learning.

Public Reaction: Praise, Reflection, and Debate

As expected, the senator’s post attracted significant attention online. Many Kenyans congratulated the family, applauding the decision to celebrate a realistic and attainable academic outcome rather than focusing solely on elite grades. Supporters argued that such messages help reduce unhealthy pressure on students and encourage a broader understanding of success.

Others used the moment to reflect on parenting, privilege, and visibility, sparking wider debate on how public figures influence perceptions of education. Despite differing opinions, the conversation underscored a shared national interest in student welfare, performance, and opportunity.

A Familiar KCSE Season Tradition

This is not the first time Boni Khalwale has publicly celebrated his children’s academic milestones. Over the years, his posts during national examination seasons have become a recognizable feature of Kenya’s education calendar. While sometimes met with humor or criticism, these posts also humanize public leadership, showing political figures in their role as parents navigating the same milestones as millions of Kenyan families.

In an era where social media often amplifies only exceptional or extreme outcomes, such moments serve as reminders that steady, consistent achievement deserves recognition.

The Bigger Picture: 2025 KCSE Results

The 2025 KCSE results reflect the efforts of hundreds of thousands of candidates nationwide, many of whom faced academic pressure, curriculum transitions, and resource disparities. As universities and colleges prepare to absorb the next cohort, education stakeholders continue to emphasize informed course selection, career guidance, and skills alignment with national development goals.

For students who achieved qualifying grades, the focus now shifts to placement, admissions, and future planning. For others, alternative pathways—including technical training and diploma programs—remain critical options within Kenya’s evolving education framework.

Why This Moment Matters

Beyond the headlines, Khalwale’s celebration highlights a broader truth: education success is multifaceted. It involves academic performance, emotional support, institutional guidance, and realistic expectations. Recognizing effort and progress—rather than only perfection—can play a vital role in shaping confident, resilient learners.

As families digest the 2025 KCSE outcomes, stories like this continue to shape public discourse, reminding Kenyans that every grade represents a journey, not just a number.

The cost of higher education continues to rise, making financial support a crucial part of academic success for many Kenyan students. To simplify access to funding, the government introduced the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal, a centralized digital platform that has quickly become one of the most searched online resources in the country. The portal serves as the official gateway for students seeking loans, scholarships, and bursaries to support their university or TVET studies.

What is the HEF Portal?

The HEF Portal is an online platform designed to streamline the application process for higher education financing under the new funding model. Instead of navigating multiple offices or different systems, students can simply log in to the portal to apply for support, track their eligibility, and receive updates. It brings together government funding agencies such as HELB, Universities Fund, and TVET Fund under a single digital ecosystem.

Why the Portal Matters

For many young Kenyans, the HEF Portal is more than just a website—it is the starting point of their academic journey. With transparent guidelines, a simplified application process, and clear communication channels, the platform ensures that students from all backgrounds have equal access to higher education support.
Key advantages include:

• Centralized funding access – all government loans and scholarships in one place.
• Real-time application tracking – students can monitor progress and status.
• Equity-based funding – support is allocated based on the student’s level of need.
• Reduced paperwork – digitization eliminates long queues and manual processes.

What Kenyans Search for on the HEF Portal

The portal receives high traffic, especially during university reporting seasons. Kenyans commonly search for:

• Application deadlines for scholarships and loans
• Eligibility criteria for government funding
• Step-by-step application procedures
• Updates on disbursement and approval status
• Support for first-time applicants and continuing students

This high search volume reflects the portal’s importance to students, parents, and guardians seeking clarity on financing opportunities.

How to Access the Portal

To start the process, students are required to create an account on the official HEF portal using their ID number, KCSE index number, and basic biodata. Once registered, users can proceed to fill out the funding application, upload required documents, and submit their details for assessment.

The Future of Higher Education Financing in Kenya

The HEF Portal represents a major shift toward technology-driven public service delivery. As the platform continues to evolve, it is expected to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and ensure that funding reaches the students who need it most. With increased awareness and continuous upgrades, the system is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Kenya.