Garden Route Destinations & Attractions
The Garden Route remains one of the most scenic routes in the world, and certainly one of South Africa’s primary tourist areas. Its official borders are Storms River in the Eastern Cape and Heidelberg in the Western Cape. However, it is often used in reference to the entire route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
As its name implies, this route is particularly green, lush and fertile. It is characterised by dense forests, deep valleys and beautiful mountains and mountain passes. In addition, half of the Garden Route runs right alongside the coast before turning inland to wind its way through the mountains and flat stretches of grasslands. The entire Garden Route area is known for having the second mildest climate in the world. In fact, all year round, the temperatures generally stay between 10 degrees (on a very chilly winter’s day) and 28 degrees (in summer).
One of the main tourist towns along the Garden Route is Knysna. This coastal gem has a long history, thanks to its being flanked by an enormous lagoon that leads out onto the sea on one side, and mountains and forests on the other. These forests have, for centuries provided people with timber, while the ocean provided access. There is an entire community of people that still live in the forest, occasionally coming into town for goods. The natural splendour of the area is magnificent. To cater to the many visitors, Knysna has a plethora of shops, boutiques, quaint cafés with freshly baking breads, harbour-side restaurants, and more.
The Tsitsikamma and Storms River areas are also magnificently scenic and restful. The pace here is slow, unless you choose to go on the adrenalin-pumping options available, such as canopy tours, blackwater tubing and bungy jumping. Bloukrans Bridge is the world's highest commercial bungy jump at an impressive 216 metres. Adrenalin junkies can choose to jump off it, or swing from it. Alternatively, there are guided walks along a suspended pathway that is situated directly beneath the bridge. The Tsitsikamma Forest resembles an enchanted wood, dense with indigenous trees and ferns. There are trails through the forest that are fairly short, manageable for most. For those that love these surrounds, Natures Valley is another exquisite must-see along the Garden Route. There are camping spots, hikes and picnic or barbecue areas. This is perfect for families.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find that there is no shortage of attractions along the Garden Route. Just some of the recommended attractions include Birds of Eden and Monkeyland (just outside Plettenberg Bay), Botlierskop Game Reserve, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Garden Route National Park, Keurbooms River Reserve, Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, Outeniqua Nature Reserve, Robberg Nature Reserve, and Tsitsikamma National Park.
Albertinia
Albertinia is well known for being one of the Garden Route’s many towns, but is best known for being the home of the Cape Aloe. This pretty succulent’s sap and flesh is used extensively for medicinal and cosmetic applications, ...
Brenton On Sea
Brenton on Sea is an idyllic little bay that is encircled by the spectacular Goukamma Nature Reserve and perched on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean. The mountainous landscape and coastal fynbos make for a naturally rich ...
Dana Bay
The conservancy of Dana Bay, lying halfway between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, is known for its gorgeous array of fynbos. It combines mile upon mile of unspoilt beaches with a variety of wildlife, making for stunning backdrops ...
George
George is the Garden’s Route largest town and is known for being cooler and lusher than most other South Africa towns. It is situated at the foot of the beautiful Outeniqua Mountain Range and within easy access of the Indian ...
Glentana
The little seaside village of Glentana is flanked by the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean and rugged green mountains that boast breath-taking displays of colourful fynbos. It is a peaceful retreat that encourages little more ...
Gouritsmond
The sleepy little spot of Gouritsmond is frozen in time, unaffected by the fast-paced development of the world around it. Situated at the mouth of the Gourits River, it is a hotspot for avid fishermen as well as those that want ...
Great Brak
The Great Brak is the unrivalled retreat of choice for many who appreciate its idyllic abundance and peaceful quality. Boasting both ocean waters and the lagoon, it is perfect for families and other water-lovers that appreciate ...
Hartenbos
Hartenbos is a small seaside village that comes alive during the summer holidays, when families from all around visit it to drink in its pretty escapism. Beautiful beaches and plenty of wildlife make for a tranquil getaway from ...
Herolds Bay
Herold’s Bay is just outside George and retains its tiny village look and feel. The beaches are quiet and private, the mountains boast abundant trail to explore, and the blue of the African sky stretches on forever ...
Keurboomstrand
Immersed within the splendour of the Garden Route, Keurboomstrand is a picturesque beach that is far removed from the maddening throngs of the city. It is popular for camping and fishing, while young and old alike delight to swim ...
Knysna
One of South Africa’s top holiday destinations, the coastal town of Knysna retains its prettiness and allure while continuing to develop. Knysna is home to some very luxurious lodges and boutique guest houses, and boasts the ...
Little Brak
Most of the Little Brak area is dedicated to holiday resorts, thanks to its picturesque qualities of peace and escapism. Although it gives off the feeling of being untouched, there is plenty to see and do in Little Brak, ...
Mossel Bay
Almost exactly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is the coastal city of Mossel Bay. The Indian Ocean lies ahead of it and the Outeniqua Mountains behind it for a truly spectacular view, no matter where one looks ...
Noetzie
The conservancy and hamlet of Noetzie has a history that extends to the time of the indigenous Khoi people that once enjoyed the natural wonder of this tucked-away retreat. The lagoon offers awesome swimming opportunities and the ...
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay, fondly referred to as Plett, is a holiday hotspot and peaceful seaside town that has managed to remain relatively quiet and undisturbed. It has an undeniable vibe and is favoured amongst surfers and families ...
Riversdale
The little village of Riversdale along the Garden Route is set against the backdrop of gorgeous mountains laden with indigenous fynbos. In addition to its floral wonder, this area also boasts a rich history that dates back to the ...
Sedgefield
The paradise-like setting of Sedgefield has earned it the love of many a local and international tourist year after year. In addition to its lovely coastline, a series of lakes surrounds the tiny village, as do mountains and ...
Still Bay
Still Bay has become a very popular escape from the city, favoured amongst those who want to immerse themselves in the pace of coastal country living. Occupied mainly by retirees, this little spot is a great whale-watching ...
Tsitsikamma
Nestled between the Bloukrans and Eerste rivers lies the exquisite region of the Tsitsikamma. It is known for its verdant vegetation, dense forests, winding rivers and tall mountains and is a popular spot for those that thrive on ...
Victoria Bay
Secluded between George and Wilderness, Victoria Bay is picturesque and very little. This is a tiny cove, surrounded by magnificent mountains, with safe swimming beaches and lovely areas in which to relax and play ...
Vleesbaai
Mile upon mile of untouched beach characterises the idyllic little village of Vleesbaai along the Garden Route. It is close to many other local attractions, as well as its own fair share of natural wonder and wealth ...
Wilderness
Flanked by ocean and mountains, Wilderness has a romantic charm that is not easily left behind, even years after one’s visit. Rolling dunes and unspoilt white sands meet the warm blue of the sea, while magnificent homes nestle ...
Eersterivier
Eersterivier is a remote little seaside village nestled along the magnificent Tsitsikamma coastline. Its landscape is characterised by rocky outcrops, deep valleys, fynbos, tall trees and spectacular shores and beaches ...
Joubertina
The apple farming village of Joubertina is somewhat rural, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and orchards. It is small and quiet, with little more to do than tour the farms, visit the welcoming locals, and enjoy the peace ...
Kareedouw
In the heart of Kouga and the Baviaanskloof mountain ranges lies the rural village of Kareedouw. Wide streets are lined with tall trees and old-fashioned homes from yesteryear. This is a haven for those that love the outdoors and ...
Natures Valley
The unspoilt Nature’s Valley is an exquisite jade-coloured haven along the Garden Route. The little village within this valley comprises quaint homes and more impressive ones lying side by side, most of which are within a short ...
Storms River
Storms River is an irresistibly charming village that lies on the cusp of the ocean, river, deep valleys and towering mountains. It is a vibrant hub, especially loved by adventurers and those looking for a rush, as they can bungy ...
Heidelberg
Less than 300 kilometres from Cape Town and at the foot of the awesome Langeberg Mountains is the pretty little town of Heidelberg. It is simultaneously historical and aesthetically lovely, making for a great getaway that is only ...
Herold
Deep within the mountains of the Klein Karoo is the magnificent little hamlet of Herold. The slow pace is quite contagious but, for those who want to explore the surrounds, there are plenty of things to do and see here ...
Oudtshoorn
Known as Ostrich Country, Oudtshoorn is a cultural and natural attraction that continues to lure tourists from all over the world. The farmlands and vineyards are magnificent and the Swartberg Mountain Range impressive. One of ...
Oyster Bay
Home and conservation area of the African Oyster Catcher bird, this tiny village is characterised by pristine white sandy beaches and lazy holiday homes. It is situated just outside of St Francis Bay along the Garden Route ...
Witsand
Known as the breeding and nursing ground of choice for the Southern Right Whale, Witsand is a gorgeous coastal town about three hours’ drive from Cape Town. This is also the point at which the ever-popular Breede River enters the ...
