The Garden Route of South Africa is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and yet it is not the first choice of destinations for travellers, who are generally attracted to the country’s safari parks.
But this stunning stretch of wilderness, covering just over 300km of unspoiled southern African coastline is well worth the visit if what you are looking for is peace, quiet, tranquillity and indigenous green coastal forests.
The route, which can be easily followed by sticking to the main road, runs from Mossel Bay to the mouth of the Storms River, and all along the way there are plenty of fascinating places to stop and explore.
This is a destination that promises quite an unforgettable experience, making it an ideal spot for both quiet family holidays and epic solo escapes.
A Destination for Every Kind of Traveller
Whether you’re longing for a peaceful retreat with your loved ones or an adventurous journey all by yourself, the Garden Route is one of those destinations that has something for every kind of traveller
Families can enjoy serene, quiet beaches, lush forest walking trails, and charming small towns, with there being plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way, while solo travellers can explore the mountain ranges, deep ravines, and roaring rivers that define this unique landscape, with there being a whole load of fun and even adventurous things to do in between stops.
Natural Beauty in All its Glory
The natural beauty of the Garden Route is truly out of this world and that is what makes this particular destination such a beautiful place to go.
With the mountain ranges rising majestically against the sky, the deep crevices carved by ancient rivers winding through the mountains, and all around these natural attractions, dense, lush forests filled with wildlife, the route is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive places to have a holiday. There are even wildlife parks nearby where you can have a proper African safari!
The coastline itself is also a major attraction, beautiful no matter the season, with the soft white Eastern Cape beaches and roaring rivers that create a dramatic and picturesque setting, being the ideal setting for some laidback relaxation.
Whether your ideal holiday is one that takes you hiking through the forest, driving along the routes scenic mountain passes, or simply relaxing by the sea, the Garden Route has an endless array of stunning scenes and unforgettable experiences waiting for you to enjoy.
Destination Highlights
At ATC, we love the Garden Route.
It is just one of those magical places, the kind that lifts the spirits and makes for outstanding photos and so many happy memories. The route is a magnificent combination of rustic places and first-world luxury, so no matter what your holiday preferences are, if you want to see some pretty spectacular things, while also enjoying some of the most delicious food, and the finest accommodation, you’ll find it here.
To help you plan the absolute best Garden Route tour, here’s where to go, what to expect and what to do:
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay marks the starting point of the Garden Route, and over the years this town has become quite the iconic place to visit, even if your visit is just to stock up on snacks for the road ahead. Aside from being the town that kicks off your trip into the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is renowned for its rich history and maritime culture. There is so much to see and do in this picturesque stopover and since the town is centrally located, it can be the ideal “base” for your Garden Route holiday.
What to Expect
When you arrive in Mossel Bay, you’ll find places of historical significance, modern-day developments, and so much natural beauty. The town’s fascinating past can be seen all over, in its well-preserved architecture and its numerous historical sites. And since this is a coastal destination, it is also home to stunning beaches, perfect for spending a morning or an afternoon sunbathing and enjoying a swim, and a bustling harbour that welcomes ships from all over.
Recommended Activities
Even if you only have a day or two to spare, when in Mossel Bay add these activities to your to-do list:
- Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex: In the museum, you can see multiple extensive exhibits, which include a life-size replica of the Bartolomeu Dias Caravel and artefacts from the town’s early explorers.
- Enjoy Whale Watching and go Shark Cage Diving: Mossel Bay is a place for the adventurer, as there are all sorts of opportunities to get up close to marine life. Seasonal whale-watching tours provide a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, while shark cage diving is the ultimate adrenaline-pumping activity, made just for those who love sharks and who have brave hearts.
- Relax on the Beautiful Santos Beach: When in Mossel Bay, you don’t just have to run all the time, instead you can relax on the sandy shores of Santos Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachside picnics in the most picturesque setting.
Knysna
Knysna is a town not to be missed; it’s dreamy, it’s a place to make memories, and it is a town renowned for its stunning lagoon and enchanting natural surroundings.
Knysna is hand down one of the most popular stops along the Garden Route, and whether you want to take a walk through the forest, to clear your mind and just feel one with nature, or if you want to take to the wide open blue waters of the ocean, this is just the place.
What to Expect
Knysna is the most beautiful place to catch your breath after you arrive in South Africa. It is home to South Africa’s biggest indigenous forest and one of the best ways to see the town is to go on a ferry ride, which will take you past some of the area’s most scenic places.
The town is situated between the scenic Outeniqua Mountains and the warm Indian Ocean, creating a landscape that is waiting to be explored and where you can put your feet up for a while, to enjoy the view. As for the town, with its artisanal shops and eateries, there is much to see and do.
Recommended Activities
Knysna is a natural beauty, and most visitors will spend as much time outdoors as possible. When you find yourself in this stunning corner of the Garden Route, here are a few suggestions for things you can do:
- Explore the Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve: Visit the iconic Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon. Take a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve and take part in a tour to see those spectacular views.
- Visit the Knysna Elephant Park: Get up close with these gentle giants in a safe and ethical environment. The park offers guided tours where you can learn about elephant conservation and interact with the elephants.
- Indulge in Fresh Oysters at the Knysna Oyster Festival: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Knysna Oyster Festival, when the town comes out in full force to eat and celebrate its oysters. Enjoy gourmet food, live music, and a range of fun activities for the whole family.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay (or Plett) is a playground for South African city slickers, in fact, it is largely considered to be a premier holiday destination by locals.
With its gorgeous golden beaches, beautiful estuaries and lagoons, stunning indigenous forests, and some of South Africa’s most beautiful rivers, Plett is a fantastic place to explore during your Garden Route tour.
What to Expect
In Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find some of the very best beaches, the kind that stretches for miles and is home to so much marine life that every trip here is an absolute adventure of a lifetime.
While the town is a popular place for nature lovers to get in touch with the natural world, it is also home to some of the most magnificent luxury accommodations, making it just the place to have an indulgent stay.
Recommended Activities
Want to walk away from Plett with a well-rounded idea of what makes this town so special? These are just a handful of the activities you can look forward to doing:
- Go Whale and Dolphin Watching: Experience the wonders of watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Seasonal tours give travellers the chance to see humpback whales, southern right whales, and playful dolphins.
- Visit Robberg Nature Reserve and Go Hiking: Explore the rugged beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve. The reserve has many well-marked trails that have stunning coastal views, fascinating rock formations, and plenty of opportunities to spot seals and seabirds.
- Enjoy Water Sports like Surfing and Kayaking: Plettenberg Bay is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, providing endless fun on the water.
Storms River
Away from the towns, away from the noise of people, away from the glaring lights, Storms River is where the Garden Route starts to come alive.
Storms River is a tiny village, built into the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Although elephants once roamed this land, long before man set foot here, today the region is safe for moonlit walks.
Storms River is a dramatic place and one of the biggest attractions in all of the Garden Route. This is where the verdant forests begin, where the birdlife is your only music as you walk through the trees, and where you can take a step back from the world, and really enjoy the wild.
What to Expect
At Storms River, you’ll be greeted by some of the most dramatic landscapes and dense forests, and you shouldn’t be too surprised if such scenes stop you in your tracks, leaving you with a sense of awe and wonder. The area is characterised by huge, jagged cliffs, the greenest vegetation, and the powerful Storms River itself, all creating a magical atmosphere.
Recommended Activities
- Walk the Storms River Suspension Bridge: Experience the excitement (and slight terror if you are afraid of heights) of crossing this iconic bridge, which spans the mouth of the Storms River. The walk has stunning views of the river and the surrounding forest, making it a memorable adventure.
- Try Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge: For those adrenaline junkies out there, Bloukrans Bridge, which is one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world, is waiting. Take the plunge and feel the rush as you leap from this towering structure.
- Explore the Tsitsikamma Forest and the Otter Trail: Venture into the dense Tsitsikamma Forest on the renowned Otter Trail. This multi-day hiking trail provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature, with breathtaking coastal views, waterfalls, and wildlife to see along the way.
Oudtshoorn
As much as the Garden Route is well-known for its spectacular greenery, beautiful blooms and stunning ocean views, it also has a partly arid region.
Oudtshoorn might be a lot drier than the rest of the Garden Route, but it is an interesting place to venture to. This is the Ostrich capital of the world and is known for its ostrich feather booms (yes, you read that correctly!). From 1865 to 1870 and again from 1900 to 1914, the town made a small fortune on feathers. And once you have got your feathery fill here, there is much else to enjoy.
What to Expect
Oudtshoorn is situated in a semi-arid region and with around 60 000 people, it is one of the biggest towns in the Little Karoo. From fascinating geological formations to bustling ostrich farms, there’s plenty to see and do in this stunning area.
Recommended Activities
When in Oudtshoorn, try out these activities:
- Tour the Cango Caves: These limestone caverns feature incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations, which are fascinating to look at.
- Visit an Ostrich Farm: Get up close and personal with the world’s largest bird at one of Oudtshoorn’s many ostrich farms. At the farms, you can learn about ostrich farming, you can feed these curious creatures, and if you are brave, you can even try riding one!
- Drive through the Scenic Swartberg Pass: Take a scenic drive through the Swartberg Pass, a mountain route with wonderful views and excellent photo opportunities. The pass is known for its stunning landscapes and challenging roads.
Wilderness
Wilderness is a small village situated between the Kaaimans River and the Indian Ocean. It’s the ideal spot for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature.
The village stretches up along the coastline, with the ocean in front of it and some of the most beautiful forests, mountains and lakes all around it. Famous for its nearly endless beaches and for having a spectacular lagoon system, Wilderness is a destination beloved by locals and international travellers alike.
What to Expect
The town and its surroundings have serene beaches, lush forests, and a peaceful atmosphere. Wilderness is just the place for leisurely days spent exploring the natural surroundings.
Recommended Activities
Wilderness is for many reasons best explored on foot, and while adventuring through the town, here’s what you should do with your time:
- Canoeing on the Touw River: Paddle along the peaceful Touw River and enjoy the stunning scenery. Canoeing is a great way to experience the tranquillity of Wilderness.
- Hiking in Wilderness National Park: Explore the beautiful landscapes of Wilderness National Park. With numerous hiking trails, you can enjoy the sights of waterfalls, indigenous forests, and viewpoints.
- Bird Watching in the Malachite Bird Hide: For bird enthusiasts, the Malachite Bird Hide offers a chance to spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the serene environment.
Sedgefield
Sedgefield is a quaint town known for its natural beauty and relaxed pace of life. It’s not the most visited attraction on the route, but it is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Sedgefield is surrounded by sand dunes, lakes, lagoons and fynbos. It is at the centre of South Africa’s very own lake district and those who venture here can look forward to a wonderful few days.
What to Expect
In Sedgefield, you’ll find unspoiled beaches and a rich biodiversity. The town’s laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for unwinding and just enjoying nature.
Recommended Activities
While here, these are just some of the activities you can get up to:
- Visit the Sedgefield Market: Explore the local Sedgefield Market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. It’s a great place to soak up the local culture and meet friendly locals.
- Paragliding over the Beach: Take in the stunning views of Sedgefield from above!
- Explore the Goukamma Nature Reserve: With its coastal dunes, forests, and wetlands, the reserve is perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Swartberg Pass
Swartberg Pass is a mountain pass that has some of the most out-of-this-world views of the Garden Route. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves scenic drives and outdoor adventures.
What to Expect
You can expect spectacular scenery and challenging roads when you visit the Swartberg Pass. The pass is known for its almost cinematic landscapes, long winding roads, and panoramic viewpoints that are perfect for photography.
Recommended Activities
When travelling along the Swartberg Pass, this is what you can do:
- Scenic Drives and Photography: Take a leisurely drive through Swartberg Pass and stop at various viewpoints to capture the stunning scenery. The dramatic mountain landscapes and unique rock formations provide endless photo opportunities.
- Hiking Trails with Panoramic Vistas: Explore the hiking trails that wind through Swartberg Pass. These trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region up close.
