Garden Route - Everything you need to know before you go!
Recommended duration of stay:
The Garden Route is a scenic 400 km stretch of coastline dotted with charming towns and diverse attractions. The best way to experience it fully is by spending one or two nights in several towns along the way, allowing you to explore more and make the most of everything the region has to offer.
- Minimum duration: 4 nights
- Ideal duration: 6 nights or more
Top Sights and Stops along the Garden Route
1. Knysna Heads
Two dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon. A scenic viewpoint with stunning coastal viewpoints and walking trails.
2. Tsitsikamma National Park
Part of the Garden Route National Park, known for indigenous forests, rugged coastline, and the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge. Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and canopy tours.
3. Wilderness National Park
A tranquil paradise of lakes, rivers, beaches, and forests. Great for canoeing, birdwatching, and boardwalk hikes.
4. Knysna Lagoon
Perfect for boat cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, and waterfront dining. Also home to the rare Knysna seahorse.
5. Storms River Suspension Bridge
A highlight of the Tsitsikamma area — this dramatic bridge crosses the mouth of the Storms River with epic ocean and cliff views.
6. Plettenberg Bay
Popular beach town with golden sands, whale watching, surfing, and close access to nature reserves and marine safaris.
7. Birds of Eden
The world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to thousands of exotic and native birds living in a beautiful natural canopy environment.
8. Robberg Nature Reserve
A rugged peninsula near Plettenberg Bay offering coastal hikes, seal colony views, and excellent whale and dolphin spotting.
9. Bloukrans Bridge
Famous for the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 216 meters. Also a hotspot for watching daredevils leap.
10. Featherbed Nature Reserve (Knysna)
Accessible by ferry, this private nature reserve offers eco-tours, hiking trails, and sweeping views over the Knysna lagoon and heads.
11. Ostrich Farms (Oudshoorn)
Visit historic ostrich farms to learn about the feather boom, feed these giant birds, and see the workings of a modern-day ostrich operation.
12. Meerkat Adventures (Oudshoorn)
Join a guided sunrise tour to quietly observe wild meerkats as they emerge from their burrows, offering a unique and intimate wildlife encounter.
13. Cango Caves (Oudshoorn)
Explore an incredible underground cave system with massive limestone formations, with options ranging from a relaxed heritage tour to an adventurous crawl-through.
14. Mossel Bay Shark Cage Diving
A thrilling experience offering close encounters with great white sharks off the coast of Mossel Bay, with options for both cage diving and boat-based surface viewing.
15. Hermanus Whale Watching
Hermanus is world-famous for whale watching from June to November, offering both boat tours and land-based viewing along its scenic cliffs.
16. Kogelberg Nature Reserve
A UNESCO biosphere reserve with rich fynbos diversity, pristine hiking trails, and unspoiled mountain landscapes just inland from the coast.
17. Clarence Drive (R44)
One of South Africa’s most scenic coastal drives, winding between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond with dramatic mountain-ocean views, whale sightings, and photo stops.
18. Cape Agulhas – Southern Tip of Africa
The official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by a windswept coastline, a scenic lighthouse, and the iconic plaque at the geographical divide.
19. De Hoop Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, coastal fynbos, and large populations of southern right whales, plus excellent hiking, birdwatching, and pristine beaches.
Accommodation along the Garden Route:
Since the Garden Route spans a long coastal stretch, you will spend one or at most two nights at each of the charming towns along the way. Your Garden Route journey will either start in Cape Town and end in Port Elizabeth, or vice versa. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury and will be selected based on your preferences and available time, with possible stays in Cape Agulhas, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Jeffrey’s Bay.
For more details about the accommodation options, please refer to the accommodation tab.
Transportation along the Garden Route:
If you plan to visit both the Western Coast (Cape Town, Garden Route, etc.) and the Eastern side of the country (Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, etc.), we strongly recommend booking your international flights to fly into Johannesburg and out of Cape Town, or vice versa. This will save you the hassle of a domestic flight when returning home.
You’ll have a private guide and vehicle at your disposal throughout your entire Garden Route tour, from start to finish. Your guide, equipped with in-depth local knowledge, will handle all your transportation needs and be available for day trips, excursions, and personalised travel assistance along the way.
Best time of year to visit:
The Garden Route is a year-round destination thanks to its mild coastal climate, but different times of year offer different experiences:
- Summer (December to February) brings warm to hot temperatures ranging from 25–35°C, often accompanied by humidity and occasional summer rainfall. It's an ideal time for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking. However, the December school holidays mark the peak tourist season—expect larger crowds and increased prices.
- Winter (June to August) offers mild days (15–22°C) and chilly nights (down to 5°C). Mostly dry with clear skies, though some rain is possible. The sea is cooler and rougher. Whale watching peaks from June to October. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and a relaxed vibe make it ideal for quiet travel.
- Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) bring mild, pleasant weather ranging from 18–26°C, with occasional rainfall. Nature is especially vibrant in September, and while these seasons see fewer crowds than summer, the atmosphere remains lively. Ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Bonus: September to October offers the unique overlap of blooming spring flowers and whale watching.
General Advice:
- Bank cards are widely accepted, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping or when visiting small cultural markets that may not accept cards.
- In the service industry such as restaurants, standard tip ranges between 10% and 20%. Hotel cleaning staff usually receive around R50 per day and activity guides typically receive between R100 and R150.
- Pack according to the season of your visit. Summers are typically warm, with a light jacket sufficient for cooler evenings. Winters can be quite cold, so be sure to bring adequate warm clothing.
- Be sure to bring insect and mosquito repellent. Peaceful Sleep and Tabard are effective brands commonly available in South African grocery stores.
- Rainy weather can be unpredictable throughout the year in the Garden Route, so make sure to pack a raincoat.
- Be sure to protect your skin—sunscreen and a hat are essential on sunny days.
Brief History:
The Garden Route, stretching along South Africa’s southern coast, has long been a magnet for tourists thanks to its stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, pristine beaches, and serene lagoons. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples and later developed through timber and farming industries, the region transformed into a premier travel destination in the 20th century. Today, it attracts visitors worldwide with its diverse outdoor activities—such as hiking, whale watching, and adventure sports—alongside charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, which offer vibrant cultural experiences, luxury accommodations, and eco-tourism focused on preserving the area’s unique environment.
Garden Route - Everything you need to know before you go!
Recommended duration of stay:
The Garden Route is a scenic 400 km stretch of coastline dotted with charming towns and diverse attractions. The best way to experience it fully is by spending one or two nights in several towns along the way, allowing you to explore more and make the most of everything the region has to offer.
- Minimum duration: 4 nights
- Ideal duration: 6 nights or more
Top Sights and Stops along the Garden Route
1. Knysna Heads
Two dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon. A scenic viewpoint with stunning coastal viewpoints and walking trails.
2. Tsitsikamma National Park
Part of the Garden Route National Park, known for indigenous forests, rugged coastline, and the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge. Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and canopy tours.
3. Wilderness National Park
A tranquil paradise of lakes, rivers, beaches, and forests. Great for canoeing, birdwatching, and boardwalk hikes.
4. Knysna Lagoon
Perfect for boat cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, and waterfront dining. Also home to the rare Knysna seahorse.
5. Storms River Suspension Bridge
A highlight of the Tsitsikamma area — this dramatic bridge crosses the mouth of the Storms River with epic ocean and cliff views.
6. Plettenberg Bay
Popular beach town with golden sands, whale watching, surfing, and close access to nature reserves and marine safaris.
7. Birds of Eden
The world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to thousands of exotic and native birds living in a beautiful natural canopy environment.
8. Robberg Nature Reserve
A rugged peninsula near Plettenberg Bay offering coastal hikes, seal colony views, and excellent whale and dolphin spotting.
9. Bloukrans Bridge
Famous for the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 216 meters. Also a hotspot for watching daredevils leap.
10. Featherbed Nature Reserve (Knysna)
Accessible by ferry, this private nature reserve offers eco-tours, hiking trails, and sweeping views over the Knysna lagoon and heads.
11. Ostrich Farms (Oudshoorn)
Visit historic ostrich farms to learn about the feather boom, feed these giant birds, and see the workings of a modern-day ostrich operation.
12. Meerkat Adventures (Oudshoorn)
Join a guided sunrise tour to quietly observe wild meerkats as they emerge from their burrows, offering a unique and intimate wildlife encounter.
13. Cango Caves (Oudshoorn)
Explore an incredible underground cave system with massive limestone formations, with options ranging from a relaxed heritage tour to an adventurous crawl-through.
14. Mossel Bay Shark Cage Diving
A thrilling experience offering close encounters with great white sharks off the coast of Mossel Bay, with options for both cage diving and boat-based surface viewing.
15. Hermanus Whale Watching
Hermanus is world-famous for whale watching from June to November, offering both boat tours and land-based viewing along its scenic cliffs.
16. Kogelberg Nature Reserve
A UNESCO biosphere reserve with rich fynbos diversity, pristine hiking trails, and unspoiled mountain landscapes just inland from the coast.
17. Clarence Drive (R44)
One of South Africa’s most scenic coastal drives, winding between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond with dramatic mountain-ocean views, whale sightings, and photo stops.
18. Cape Agulhas – Southern Tip of Africa
The official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by a windswept coastline, a scenic lighthouse, and the iconic plaque at the geographical divide.
19. De Hoop Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, coastal fynbos, and large populations of southern right whales, plus excellent hiking, birdwatching, and pristine beaches.
Accommodation along the Garden Route:
Since the Garden Route spans a long coastal stretch, you will spend one or at most two nights at each of the charming towns along the way. Your Garden Route journey will either start in Cape Town and end in Port Elizabeth, or vice versa. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury and will be selected based on your preferences and available time, with possible stays in Cape Agulhas, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Jeffrey’s Bay.
For more details about the accommodation options, please refer to the accommodation tab.
Transportation along the Garden Route:
If you plan to visit both the Western Coast (Cape Town, Garden Route, etc.) and the Eastern side of the country (Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, etc.), we strongly recommend booking your international flights to fly into Johannesburg and out of Cape Town, or vice versa. This will save you the hassle of a domestic flight when returning home.
You’ll have a private guide and vehicle at your disposal throughout your entire Garden Route tour, from start to finish. Your guide, equipped with in-depth local knowledge, will handle all your transportation needs and be available for day trips, excursions, and personalised travel assistance along the way.
Best time of year to visit:
The Garden Route is a year-round destination thanks to its mild coastal climate, but different times of year offer different experiences:
- Summer (December to February) brings warm to hot temperatures ranging from 25–35°C, often accompanied by humidity and occasional summer rainfall. It's an ideal time for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking. However, the December school holidays mark the peak tourist season—expect larger crowds and increased prices.
- Winter (June to August) offers mild days (15–22°C) and chilly nights (down to 5°C). Mostly dry with clear skies, though some rain is possible. The sea is cooler and rougher. Whale watching peaks from June to October. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and a relaxed vibe make it ideal for quiet travel.
- Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) bring mild, pleasant weather ranging from 18–26°C, with occasional rainfall. Nature is especially vibrant in September, and while these seasons see fewer crowds than summer, the atmosphere remains lively. Ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Bonus: September to October offers the unique overlap of blooming spring flowers and whale watching.
General Advice:
- Bank cards are widely accepted, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping or when visiting small cultural markets that may not accept cards.
- In the service industry such as restaurants, standard tip ranges between 10% and 20%. Hotel cleaning staff usually receive around R50 per day and activity guides typically receive between R100 and R150.
- Pack according to the season of your visit. Summers are typically warm, with a light jacket sufficient for cooler evenings. Winters can be quite cold, so be sure to bring adequate warm clothing.
- Be sure to bring insect and mosquito repellent. Peaceful Sleep and Tabard are effective brands commonly available in South African grocery stores.
- Rainy weather can be unpredictable throughout the year in the Garden Route, so make sure to pack a raincoat.
- Be sure to protect your skin—sunscreen and a hat are essential on sunny days.
Brief History:
The Garden Route, stretching along South Africa’s southern coast, has long been a magnet for tourists thanks to its stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, pristine beaches, and serene lagoons. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples and later developed through timber and farming industries, the region transformed into a premier travel destination in the 20th century. Today, it attracts visitors worldwide with its diverse outdoor activities—such as hiking, whale watching, and adventure sports—alongside charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, which offer vibrant cultural experiences, luxury accommodations, and eco-tourism focused on preserving the area’s unique environment.