Western and Eastern Cape, south coast · South Africa
A 300-kilometre stretch of lagoons, indigenous forest, wild beaches and mountain passes along South Africa's south coast, with bungee jumps, oysters and elephants.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Garden Route runs for about 300 km along the south coast of South Africa, between the towns of Mossel Bay and Storms River, in a strip of land squeezed between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Its name comes from the lush green landscape, in which lagoons, lakes, rivers, indigenous forest, fynbos and beaches follow one another, and it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
The main towns each have a distinct character. Wilderness has lagoons and dunes, Knysna has a large lagoon with two rocky Heads at its mouth and a forest full of woodcarvers and cafés, Plettenberg Bay has some of the country's best beaches and the Robberg peninsula, and Tsitsikamma National Park has coastal forest, sea cliffs and a famous suspension bridge. Inland, Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital, with the spectacular Cango Caves.
It is a place for driving, walking, kayaking and adventure. The Bloukrans Bridge has the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump, whales and dolphins can be seen from the shore, and indigenous forests hold big yellowwood trees. It is a highlight of any South African trip, and best explored at a leisurely pace, with at least four or five days.
Why visit
The Garden Route is one of the great road trips in Africa, with beauty and variety at every turn.
Knysna's lagoon and the Tsitsikamma forests are highlights.
Long, quiet beaches at Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.
Bungee, zip lines, kayaking, hiking and surfing.
Whales, dolphins, seals, monkeys, birds and elephants nearby.
Craft shops, oysters and easy-going restaurants.
Main attractions
The route is best done with stops of a night or two in each area.
A large estuary lagoon with two sandstone cliffs, the Heads, at its mouth. Boat trips, oyster farms and viewpoints make it the route's hub.
Tip Try a sunset boat cruise or fresh oysters.
A coastal national park of forest and cliffs, with a 77-metre suspension bridge over the river mouth, walks, kayaking and the multi-day Otter Trail.
Tip Walk to the bridge in the morning.
A resort town with white beaches, dolphins and whales offshore, and the Robberg Nature Reserve, a rocky peninsula with a seal colony and cliff-top walks.
Tip Walk the Robberg circuit.
A small village of lagoons, forests and long beaches, with kayaking, paragliding and a national park.
Tip Kayak the Touw River.
A 216-metre bridge over a gorge with the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump, and a walking tour under the arch.
Tip Book in advance.
The centre of the ostrich industry in the Little Karoo, with farms and a spectacular limestone cave system, about an hour's drive inland from George.
Tip Book a caves tour, and visit an ostrich farm.
Things to do
Outdoor activities and scenic stops fill the days.
A short coastal trail leads to a wobbly bridge across the river mouth.
Tip Go in the morning.
Paddle up a river gorge in Tsitsikamma or along the coast.
Tip Book in advance.
Boat trips from Plettenberg Bay from June to November.
Tip Choose a licensed operator.
Leap from the Bloukrans Bridge if you dare.
Tip Book ahead.
The town is famous for its oysters, particularly during the Oyster Festival in July.
Tip Try them fresh from the lagoon.
Trails such as the Otter Trail and shorter walks through indigenous forest.
Tip Book the Otter Trail far in advance.
Local food
The Garden Route's food is seafood, dairy and local produce, served in relaxed restaurants.
Plump, briny oysters farmed in the lagoon.
Where to try it Waterfront restaurants in Knysna.
Line fish, calamari and prawns.
Where to try it Harbour restaurants.
Lean red meat, served as steaks and carpaccio.
Where to try it Oudtshoorn.
Local microbreweries.
Where to try it Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Homemade pies, cakes and jams at roadside farm stalls.
Where to try it Along the N2.
Accommodation
Choose from small towns along the route, with a night or two in each.
Transport
The Garden Route is best reached by hire car.
A car is best, though the Baz Bus links hostels.
When to go
The Garden Route has a mild, oceanic climate, with rain all year and warm summers.
Warm and sunny, and the busiest time.
Warm and calm, with fewer crowds.
Cool and wet, with whales and low prices.
Mild, with whales and wildflowers.
Worth planning around: The Christmas and Easter holidays if you dislike crowds.
Itinerary
From Wilderness to Tsitsikamma.
Lagoons.
The lagoon.
Beaches and Robberg.
Forest and cliffs.
Inland or east.
Travel tips
A few tips make the drive better.
FAQ
Four or five days, with more if you add Oudtshoorn or Addo.
November to April.
It is the best way, though the Baz Bus and tours are available.
Generally yes, with normal precautions.
Yes.
Knysna is 5 to 6 hours away, but it is best to take it slowly.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with the Garden Route, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Western Cape, south-west coast, South Africa
One of the world's most beautiful cities: Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula's penguins and Cape Point, Kirstenbosch, Bo-Kaap and a superb food scene.
Don't miss The top of Table Mountain on a clear day, looking over the city, the bay and the Atlantic coast at your feet.
Explore Destination — Cape TownEastern Cape, near Gqeberha, South Africa
One of South Africa's most rewarding safari parks, malaria-free and easy to reach from Gqeberha, with dense elephant herds, the Big Five, dung beetle crossings and private reserves such as Shamwari.
Don't miss A herd of elephants arriving at a waterhole at dusk, with calves splashing in the mud.
Explore Destination — Addo and the Eastern CapeWestern Cape, south coast, Overberg, South Africa
A seaside town 90 minutes from Cape Town with whales from June to November, plus shark-cage diving at Gansbaai, Cape Agulhas, wine in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and coastal walks.
Don't miss A southern right whale mother and calf just metres from the cliff path, seen with no boat needed.
Explore Destination — Hermanus and the OverbergWestern Cape, east of Cape Town, South Africa
The heart of South African wine: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia, with historic estates, Cape Dutch architecture, food, art and superb scenery.
Don't miss A long lunch on a wine estate terrace, with a chilled chenin blanc and vineyards stretching to the mountains.
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