Prepare for the ultimate road trip when you discover South Africa’s sought-after Garden Route. A place where natural beauty meets adventure and culture, this 300km stretch of coastal road on the country’s west tip gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers – and once you’ve seen it for yourself, you’ll see why.
Meander along pristine beaches, swim in natural lagoons, hike through lush forests occupied by diverse vegetation and wildlife and explore charming coastal towns – these are just a few of the incredible things you’ll experience during your journey along the Garden Route.
Within our extensive Garden Route itinerary, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to one of the most stunning destinations on earth.
Map of The Garden Route
The South Africa Garden Route is a scenic coastal drive that stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful combination of beaches, lagoons, forests, and villages, allowing you to explore key destinations including George, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, not to mention a host of outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching – when driving breaks beckon. Notable attractions worth stopping by also include the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Knysna Lakes National Park.
Garden Route Road Trip Facts
– Start/End Location: Mossel Bay (Western Cape) to Storms River (Eastern Cape) or vice versa
– Distance: 300 kilometres
– Length of time: This self-drive tour can take anywhere between 3 – 14 days to complete, depending on how many stops you wish to make along the way. We recommend the latter so you can explore at a leisurely pace.
– Best time to go: The best time to embark on the Garden Route is between February and April, when there are less crowds. However, the route boasts a year-round climate, meaning its outdoor adventures and tours are suitable whenever you choose to go.
How to get there from the UK
If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need to fly to one of South Africa’s major airports, the closest being Cape Town International Airport (CPT), George Airport (GRJ), or Plettenberg Bay (PBZ). There are several airlines that operate flights from the UK to South Africa, including British Airways, South African Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Upon arrival, you can rent a car and start your journey along the Garden Route.
Best Scenic Spots Along the Garden Route, South Africa
1. Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve
Nearby the popular town of Plettenberg Bay at the foot of the Mountain of the Seal (which dates back around 120 million years), Robberg Nature Reserve is a stunning natural monument. Best known for its beautiful beaches, marine life, and variety of hiking trails, it has made its name as an important breeding area where enthusiasts can spot water birds, seals, whales and even dolphins – in season.
2. Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna
This pretty destination whisks visitors on a daily ferry across the twinkling Knysna lagoon to a private sanctuary. Explore the fascinating reserve and all its natural beauty, with local flora and fauna, wildlife, and panoramic lookout points. Book a guided tour to learn about its history and stop for a bite in the alfresco dining space, nestled under a canopy of trees. Explore other available cruises to Knysna Heads while you’re here.
3. Wilderness National Park
Situated between George and Knysna, Wilderness National Park is a wonderful corner of the Garden Route National Park, which extends from the Trouw River to Sedgefield. Fringed by the Outeniqua Mountains and boasting a long stretch of Indian Ocean beach, this is an awe-inspiring landscape that’s worth a leisurely wander. Fun activities include riding horseback through the dense forests, making a splash with canoeing or windsurfing, or enjoying a Segway tour around the park.
4. Bloukrans Bridge
Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more thrilling? One of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The bridge crosses a steep valley that offers spectacular views of the Bloukrans River and surrounding mountains (even if you’re upside down!). You can choose to take the 216-metre jump or simply drive across in the comfort of your car. Whichever you decide, this is a wonderful scenic stop to add along your journey.
5. Garden Route Botanical Garden
A tranquil oasis with a diverse collection of indigenous plants, walking trails, and idyllic picnic areas – Garden Route Botanical Garden is a must for your itinerary. Located 30 minutes from the historic town of George, this UNESCO-declared spot along the coast is noted for its astounding biodiversity. For insight, the region spans as little as 0.5% of Africa yet contains 20% of the continent’s plant species.
Most Popular Things To Do Along The Garden Route
1. Wildlife Experiences courtesy of the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance
Animal lovers prepare to be in your element. Not too far from Plettenberg Bay lies three affiliated sanctuaries that make for wonderful Garden Route stops where you can enjoy educational wildlife experiences. Birds Of Eden is the world’s largest dome which plays host to over 280 species of bird from around the world, look out for colourful parrots, channel billed toucans, Knysna loeries, blue and gold macaw and more.
Monkeyland has rescued more than 11 species of captive primates and rehabilitated them in a lush, forested habitat where they can swing to their heart’s content. Head to the viewing deck and catch sight of a team of charismatic primates, including lemurs, too.
If cats are more your thing, the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is your best bet. Get up close and personal with beautiful creatures such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, and even black leopards and learn more about them with a guided introduction.
2. Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms
If you like Ostrich’s, this is a bucket-list destination. The largest town on the Little Karoo is Oudtshoorn, and it’s the world’s biggest ostrich-breeding centre. It’s a popular stop along the Garden Route not only for these lovable animals, but the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains. While you’re here, visit one of the three Ostrich Farms for an afternoon of educational fun – kids (and big kids, too) can even test the strength of an Ostrich egg by standing on it!
3. Tour the Cango Caves
Close by to Oudtshoorn you’ll find the jaw dropping Cango Caves. These dripstone caverns make for a fascinating afternoon if you have an interest in history and adventure. Head into the Van Zyl Hall chamber – which is 70 metres-long, 17 metres-high, and can hold 1,000 people – named after the first man to explore the cave in 1780. If you want to take your visit to the next level, book a guided Adventure Tour which will take you deeper into the cave – beware, some wriggling may be required!
4. Indulge in an Oyster Tour on Knysna Lagoon
While travelling through Knysna, take a detour to sample fresh local Oysters paired with crisp white wine whilst floating along the twinkling lagoon. Sounds blissful, doesn’t it? This sophisticated 90—minute guided tour is indulgent in all the best ways, allowing you to excite your taste buds, educate your mind, and admire spectacular views out to sea. If you’re serious about Oysters, be sure to visit for the annual Knysna Oyster Festival every June.
5. Visit Brenton-on-Sea
This seaside resort town 15km west of Knysna is the perfect place to escape it all. Pack some lunch and head down to this gorgeous hamlet for a well-deserved pit stop, where you can sunbathe, wander the golden stretch of sand, or watch paragliders soar through blue skies. Before you leave, discover Castle Rock, a large rock formation that’s made its name as the go-to fishing spot!
Garden Route Accommodation Options
There are some fantastic places to stay along the Garden Route South Africa, many of which are perfectly positioned for exploration.
- 4* Whale Coast Villa | Hermanus
- 4* La Plume Boutique Guest House | Oudtshoorn
- 4* Hlangana Resort | Oudtshoorn
- 4* The Lofts Boutique Hotel | Knysna
- 3* The Kelway Hotel | Port Elizabeth
Tips for driving in South Africa
- Drive on the left in South Africa
- Seatbelts are compulsory
- Get to know the slang – “Robots” is used to describe traffic lights
- Robots are often out of use due to power outages, in this case treat the junction as a 4-way stop
- Don’t exceed the speed limit
- Beware of road conditions
- Avoid driving at night
- Beware of wildlife
- Road signs are in English
- Emergency number from mobiles is 112
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The Garden Route is crowned as one of South Africa’s top tourism spots for good reason and makes for a wholesome experience if nature’s diverse ecosystems are a passion of yours.
With excellent things to see and do, outdoor activities galore, sandy beaches, vast wildlife, plus fantastic accommodation along the way – it’s the ultimate holiday to enjoy with the whole family, a group of adventure loving friends, or as a couple.
Speak to one of our personal travel advisors to start planning your South Africa escape, today.
FAQs for Garden Route, South Africa
While hiring a car is the best option for your flexibility and freedom, it is not the only option. There are various bus and shuttle services available that operate along the Garden Route from Cape Town, and you can also book guided tours that include transportation.
There are many highlights to be discovered along this stretch of coastline, with a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions available. A few of the top sights include the beautiful beaches, rugged coastal scenery, Bloukrans Bridge (where you can brave one of the world’s highest bungee jumps!), pretty towns and villages like Plettenberg Bay, plus Tsitsikamma National Park and the Knysna Lakes National Park – you won’t want to forget your camera here.
The Garden Route is considered a safe place to holiday, but like with any travel, it is always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. Where possible, do some research before you travel or check with local authorities for any specific restrictions or safety concerns before you fly.
Cultural experiences are in abundance when you embark on South Africa’s Garden Route. You’ll learn a lot about the history and culture of the region as you pass the many towns and villages, plus interacting with the local people is always a great way to understand the destination’s history, food, festivals etc. There are a few museums along the route, so be sure to dive for an idea of the area’s history and heritage.
If you’re an adventure lover you’re in for a treat! There are outdoor activities to suit everybody on this journey, from hiking and surfing to wildlife watching, ocean safaris, bungee jumping, paragliding, snorkelling, ziplining, canyoneering, and beyond. There are also plenty of opportunities for nature photography.
