The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s top holiday destinations. The route starts approximately 4-hours from Cape Town and stretches over 300km over the south-eastern coast of South Africa. Some of the popular destinations include the towns of Mosselbay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma, and Wilderness.
Aptly named the ‘Garden Route’ due to its diverse vegetation made up of quaint towns, beaches, lakes, and ancient indigenous forests. Offering a wide variety of activities, accommodation to suit all budgets, incredible scenery, and is a perfect destination year-round.
Towns
While bigger towns like Knysna and Mossel Bay are the more popular locations, there are a few hidden gems that are worth the visit. Sedgefield is one of the best-kept secrets of the Garden Route. While it might seem like there’s not much to do, staying in Sedgefield has its benefits. With spectacular white beaches, a selection of cozy accommodation options, as well as a crystal-clear lagoon. Sedgefield is the place for nature lovers to stay!
Wildlife
One of South Africa’s largest National Parks – the Garden Route National Park, is within the region. With an abundance of forests and untouched landscape, it is perfect for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. Going on safari is easy with a multitude of game reserves to choose from. Some of these reserves include Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and Plettenberg Game Reserve.
Combine your Big 5 safari with an ocean safari! Every June to December the Southern Right Whales make their way up the coast as part of their migration from the icy Antarctic waters, to breed and rear their young in safety. Experience these giants of the ocean on a marine cruise.
Things to do
The Garden Route is a hub of tourist activity during the holidays, and rightfully so! It has a wide variety of activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn is one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa and one of the oldest tourist attractions! The caves are filled with beautiful stalactite rock formations, making it a ‘must-see’ destination for any traveller to the region.
Outdoor activities along the Garden Route range from mild to WILD. There are many horse riding and hiking trails scattered throughout the Garden Route for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. For the adrenalin chasers, there is quad biking, segway trails, kloofing, and shark cage diving.
Knysna offers a variety of relaxing boat cruises, including the famous Knysna Oyster Cruise including a local oyster tasting and learning about this world-famous delicacy.
For more Things To Do in the Garden Route, make sure to watch our Instagram Reel.
Tsitsikamma and Bloukrans
One of the most popular attractions is located near the small town of Storms River, at the Bloukrans Bridge. The Bloukrans Bungee is a bucket list experience for every thrill chaser! Holding the title as the ‘highest bridge bungee’ in the world, this 200m plunge off the bridge is sure to get your adrenalin pumping!
For those who don’t want to throw themselves off the bridge, the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a great alternative! The canopy tour ziplines from platform to platform through the forest, located 30 metres above the forest floor.
The Garden Route is jam-packed with adventures for all. From energy-filled activities to tranquil experiences in nature – it truly has a little bit of everything!
Planning a trip to the Garden Route? Contact Tours & Tickets South Africa to book all of your activities in one place!
