Garden Route
Stretching over 300 kilometers along South Africa’s southern coastline, the Garden Route is a spectacular blend of lush forests, ocean cliffs, serene lagoons, and charming coastal towns. It offers the perfect combination of nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it one of the country’s most popular self-drive or guided circuits.
Whether you’re kayaking through wilderness waterways, bungee jumping off the world’s highest bridge, or simply savoring oysters by the beach, the Garden Route delivers an ever-changing panorama of experiences.
Location
southern coastline
Best Time to Visit
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September to May: Ideal weather for beach time, hiking, and road trips
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June to August: Whale watching season (especially in Plettenberg Bay), cooler temperatures
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December holidays: Popular local tourism season – book well in advance
Route Highlights
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Mossel Bay: Historical coastal town and gateway to the route
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George: Garden Route’s commercial hub and golf paradise
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Wilderness: Serene beaches, rivers, and bird-rich wetlands
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Knysna: Famed for its lagoon, oysters, and The Heads cliff viewpoint
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Plettenberg Bay: Elegant seaside town with dolphin-viewing beaches and adventure hubs
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Tsitsikamma: Rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and the Storms River Mouth
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Nature’s Valley: Secluded beach paradise inside a national park
Top Experiences
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Kayak & Lilo Adventure in Storms River Gorge (Tsitsikamma)
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Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump – the world’s highest commercial bridge jump
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Forest Hiking: Explore indigenous Yellowwood forests and suspension bridges
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Marine Safaris: Dolphin and seal watching in Plettenberg Bay
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Self-Drive Journeys: Stop at farm stalls, artisan bakeries, and roadside viewpoints
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Outeniqua Choo Tjoe (Heritage Rail): Steam train through the mountains and coast (restoration ongoing)