The Garden Route Travel Guide
The Garden Route Travel Guide
The Garden Route is a beautiful stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) along South Africa's southern Cape. Renowned for its diverse landscapes, it boasts rugged mountains, lush forests, tranquil lakes, winding rivers, and pristine beaches.
Highlights
- Easily accessible from Cape Town or Gqeberha, perfect for road trips
- A self-drive haven with well-maintained roads and stunning scenery
- Charming coastal towns with great restaurants, markets, and cultural spots
- Thrilling adventure activities, from bungee jumping to paragliding
- Outdoor exploration with mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches
- World-class golf courses, including Fancourt and Pezula
Famous for its varied scenery, South Africa's Garden Route features dramatic mountains, verdant forests, serene lakes, meandering rivers, and unspoiled beaches. The region is dotted with charming coastal towns like Knysna, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, and Nature's Valley, each offering unique attractions and a laid-back atmosphere. George, the administrative hub, provides easy access via its regional airport.
Must-See Attractions & Activities
Canoeing in Tsitsikamma National Park
Knysna – The Heart of the Garden Route
This waterfront town is famous for its beautiful lagoon, the dramatic Knysna Heads, and fresh seafood, especially its renowned wild oysters. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the lagoon, visit Featherbed Nature Reserve, or explore the indigenous forests.
Tsitsikamma National Park & The Big Tree
A haven for nature lovers, Tsitsikamma offers lush indigenous forests, dramatic coastal cliffs, and thrilling activities like ziplining and tubing down the Storms River Gorge. Don't miss the 800-year-old Big Tree, a towering yellowwood.
Plettenberg Bay – Beach Bliss & Marine Life
With golden beaches and excellent dolphin and whale-watching opportunities, Plett is a must-visit. Robberg Nature Reserve offers spectacular hiking trails with panoramic ocean views.
Bloukrans Bridge – The World's Highest Bungee Jump
Adrenaline seekers can take the plunge from a 216m bridge—the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. Even if you don't jump, watching others take the leap is a thrill in itself.
Cango Caves & Oudtshoorn's Ostrich Farms
Explore the vast underground chambers of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's oldest tourist attractions. Nearby, Oudtshoorn is home to famous ostrich farms where you can learn about these fascinating birds.
Sedgefield & Wilderness – Tranquil Lakes and Beaches
Sedgefield is South Africa's first official “Slow Town,” known for its relaxed vibe and stunning beaches. Nearby Wilderness, with its network of rivers and lakes, is a kayaking and paragliding hotspot.
Cape Agulhas – The Southernmost Tip of Africa
Stand at the exact point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Agulhas is also home to South Africa's second-oldest lighthouse, offering breathtaking views.
Addo Elephant National Park
While not traditionally part of the Garden Route, Addo offers a malaria-free safari experience, home to over 600 elephants and the Big Five. A great extension for wildlife lovers.
Best Time to Visit the Garden Route
The Mossel Bay lighthouse
The Garden Route enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination.
- Summer (December – February): Warm, sunny, and perfect for beaches and water activities.
- Autumn (March – May): Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and ideal for hiking.
- Winter (June – August): Great for whale watching, with southern right whales migrating along the coast.
- Spring (September – November): Wildflowers bloom, and outdoor activities are at their best.
What to Pack for Your Garden Route Trip
Whales off the coast of Hermanus
- Comfortable walking shoes for hikes and exploring
- Lightweight clothing for warm days, with a jacket for cooler evenings
- Swimsuit and beach gear for coastal stops
- Waterproof jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection
- Camera or smartphone for capturing the spectacular scenery
For a detailed packing list tailored to an action-packed adventure, check out our 5 or 6-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park Safari itinerary.
De Zeekoe Guest Farm
Situated in the heart of ostrich country and close to the Little Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, lies the beautiful De Zeekoe Guest Farm. Boasting 14 stylishly furnished luxury rooms and suites, as well as 4 rustic waterside cabins, De Zeekoe is a popular accommodation choice in the Oudtshoorn area. The famous Cango Caves are nearby, and other activities on offer include Meerkat safaris as well as horse riding and canoeing.
The Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge
The Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge is a luxury bed & breakfast guest house situated in an upmarket residential area of Knysna. Perched on top of the Welbedaght Cliff Tops, it offers spectacular views over the Knysna estuary. The lodge offers 5 beautifully-furnished suites and outstanding personal service.
Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages
Situated in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley in the Little Karoo, Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages is in the heart of ostrich country. It's close to the attractions of Oudtshoorn and the spectacular Cango Caves. With seven beautifully decorated suites and eight self-catering cottages, swimming pools and air conditioning, this family-run farm is the perfect spot to stay. Encounters with Berluda's meerkat family, tours of the family's working ostrich farm, hiking, biking, abseiling and 4x4-ing are just some of the activities offered on, or near, Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages.
Kanonkop House
Kanonkop is a 5-star boutique guest house situated in Knysna, one of South Africa's favourite coastal resort towns. The individually appointed five bedrooms are all tastefully furnished, focussing on natural light and texture. The Paradise room is rated the 'best room in Knysna' by Frommers.
Knysna Hollow
Completely rebuilt after the devastating fires of 2017, Knysna Hollow is superbly located on a secluded 3-hectare country estate, just 5 minutes from Knysna town and its expansive lagoon on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the many attractions and activities this beautiful area has to offer.
Head Over Hills
Set on the dramatic cliffs of the Knysna Heads on South Africa's renowned Garden Route, Head Over Hills offers a serene and luxurious retreat with stunning views of the ocean and the Knysna Lagoon. Ideal for travellers seeking a blend of comfort and natural beauty, the boutique property is perfectly situated for easy access to the town's attractions and outdoor activities, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.
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5 or 6-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure through South Africa's scenic Garden Route and the wildlife-rich Addo Elephant National Park. Journey from Cape Town along breathtaking coastal roads, visit must-see destinations like Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Oudtshoorn, and encounter diverse wildlife, including the Big 5. For those wanting a round-trip experience, the 6-day option returns to Cape Town via Mossel Bay.
15 Day Southern Africa Signature Safari
Experience the best of Southern Africa on this 15-day semi-guided safari, visiting world-renowned destinations like Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Designed for travellers seeking an immersive yet flexible itinerary, this trip offers a blend of wildlife, landscapes, cultural experiences, and city highlights—all at a budget-conscious price.
