Looking for the best things to do in the Garden Route? Read on...
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most picturesque areas, and it makes an amazing road trip and holiday destination– for the whole family. Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains on the one side, and the Indian Ocean on the other, the route snakes along a narrow coastal road between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and Storms River (Tsitsikamma) in the Eastern Cape.
The 300 kilometre green forested route is interspersed by rivers, lakes and lagoons and is flanked by sandy beaches and pretty little towns, each with its own unique attractions and character. A large section of it also forms part of the Garden Route National Park, which consists of three separate sections: Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma, each with its own unique landscapes and biodiversity.
We've visited the Garden Route several times. On our last trip, we flew to Port Elizabeth and went as far as Knysna however we've been as far as Mossel Bay on other trips.
Mossel Bay is known for its historical significance as one of the first landing sites of European explorers in South Africa and has a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The largest town along the Garden Route, George is a historic timber town and commercial hub with numerous golf courses, against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Wilderness is renowned for its tranquil lakes, indigenous forests, and pristine beaches.
Famous for its scenic beauty, Knysna is set around a picturesque lagoon and is known for its annual oyster festival .
Plettenberg Bay, or Plett, is a popular holiday destination with beautiful beaches and sandy coves, where you can often spot dolphins, seals and whales.
Storms River is a small village known for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Although not directly on the coast, Oudtshoorn is is often included in Garden Route itineraries and is known as the "Ostrich Capital of the World",
Tsitsikamma National Park (cc: Wikimedia Commons)
This spectacular park lies in the heart of the Garden Route. It incorporates a rocky coastline, a mountainous region with valleys covered in fynbos, and high forests with deep river gorges leading to the sea. The more adventurous can glide through the magical forest between 700-year old trees on an exhilarating treetop canopy tour.
Storms River Banks
The Storms River is a playground for water adventures like kayaking, snorkelling, rafting and tubing. The river adventures will take you deep into the park where you can see the ancient forests, dark caves, and serene pools.
The Big Tree (cc: Wikimedia Commons)
The Big Tree is an eight hundred- year-old Yellowwood tree which towers over the rest of the canopy. You will see a turn-off directing you there on the National Road to Tsitsikamma which runs between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Robberrg Nature Reserve
The Garden Route is a hikers paradise with long and short hikes amid some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. On some of these hikes, you may be lucky enough to see seals, dolphins, great white sharks and humpback whales. The Otter Trail is one of the most popular hikes. It is a five day trail that follows the scenic Garden Route coastline. Be sure to book in advance, as it has a one year waiting list. For shorter hikes, do visit the Robberg Nature Reserve. We went on a hike there and it was one of the most beautiful hikes we've ever been on.
Bloukrans Bridge
This one is for the extreme adrenaline junkies. 216 metres above the Bloukrans River Valley is the Bloukrans Bridge, which holds the record for the highest commercial bungy bridge in the world. (This position was previously held by the Victoria Falls Bridge). A jump from here is certainly a bucket list item to be ticked. But if you have no desire for your insides to be churned as you are hurtled from dizzying heights, then you can just walk along the walkway under the bridge to get to the arch of bridge, where you can experience the extreme heights without the heart-stopping jump!
Plettenberg Bay Beach
The Garden Route has a plethora of beautiful beaches, like Buffalo Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay beaches. You can build sand castles, go for a swim or learn to surf, or you can just lie on the sand, relax and read a book.
Bartolomeu Dias Museum
The Mossel Bay museum is named after Bartolomeu Dias, the 15th century Portuguese explorer who sailed around the southern tip of Africa. It contains a life-size replica of Dias’ ship, the Dias Caravel. The complex also houses the Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and the aquarium. It makes a fascinating journey back in time. See more things to do in Mossel Bay.
The Links at Fancourt
Golfers will be pleased to learn that the Garden Route has some beautiful and challenging golf courses. With more than a dozen courses to choose from, golfers will be spoilt for choice. One of the most renowned courses is The Links at Fancourt, which is constantly rated among the best golf courses in the world.
Knysna Heads
Knysna is a natural paradise renowned for its lush indigenous forests, serene lagoon, and the iconic Knysna Heads, two towering cliffs guarding the entrance to the Indian Ocean. The coastal town seamlessly blends modernity with a historical charm, evident in its Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene. It is also known for its annual oyster festival, but even if you’re not there during the festival, you can still indulge in delicious fresh oysters at the waterfront restaurants at any other time.
Cango Caves (cc Leo za1 via Wikimedia Commons)
The Cango Caves, located near Oudtshoorn, stand as a geological marvel and a testament to nature's artistry. These limestone caverns, formed over millions of years, boast intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations that create a surreal underground landscape. The caves, discovered in 1780, have been designated a natural monument, and guided tours navigate through narrow passages, revealing fascinating chambers adorned with awe-inspiring formations.
Oudtshoorn is also known as the "Ostrich Capital of the World," and you can visit ostrich farms to see the ostriches or buy ostrich products.
Marine safari
Marine safaris along the Garden Route in South Africa offer thrilling encounters with dolphins, seals, and majestic whales. Guided boat tours provide a unique opportunity to witness the playful behavior of dolphins, observe seal colonies, and marvel at the awe-inspiring presence of southern right whales and humpback whales during the peak season from June to November.
These are just some of the things to do in the Garden Route . Other activities include game drives, skydiving, paragliding, canoeing, or just take long drives to soak in the beauty around you. Just make sure that you visit the Garden Route.
Premier Resort The Moorings (Knynsa)
Find more places to stay in the Garden Route or click here for more accommodation.
What are your favourite things to do in the Garden Route ?
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Disclosure: 17
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Hey there! Your Garden Route guide is a treasure trove of awesome ideas! I'm already daydreaming about exploring the Tsitsikamma National Park and checking out the stunning landscapes. The mention of the Cango Caves and the chance to spot whales in Hermanus have me super excited. Plus, your personal tips add such a nice touch. Thanks for putting together this fantastic list.. I can't wait to hit the road and experience the magic of the Garden Route! My wife and I were in Mossel Bay in December and had a blast, I think Santos beach is one of the best in South Africa in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
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The Garden route looks amazing! This is such a great post, I'm bookmarking because I'm hoping to visit soon!
Thanks Emma. The Garden Route is beautiful. I hope you get to visit soon. 🙂
The Garden Route looks amazing and an awesome place for outdoor activities! I’d love the hiking, zip lining and kayaking. I’ve never been to South Africa but would love to visit especially after learning about this region. 😁
Thanks Vanessa . I hope you get to visit South Africa soon 🙂
The Garden Route seems to be great for exploring and adventuring through the Summer!
If you want to explore garden route then staying at the homestay will be the best option. This will help you to explore the place from all aspects such as food, culture tourism and all. Also, the best part of homestays is that they make you feel like home in other places too.
Informative post. South Africa's Garden Route is filled with exciting activities for all ages.
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Great share. Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas with us. Garden Route really seems to be an amazing place to explore.
I’d love to go on safari with a tour guide and see all the animals roaming free. I think you would find out a lot more information that way and learn some new things. South Africa has so much to offer tourists. I’d love to take a Safari along the Garden Route, looks like an incredible location and once in a lifetime opportunity.
I always wanted to visit South Africa. Garen Route sounds amazing, hope one day I can manage a visit here
Garden route looks like a great place for escape from the hubbub ...Glad to know that tourism is not affected in Knysna ... would love to explore the nature reserve 🙂
Garden Route looks like an all-around great place to visit. Love the wide variety of things to see and activities to do, and certainly looks very picturesque!
I always just associate Africa with the Serengeti, but when I see pictures like yours I remember how many different biomes are in Africa. I would love to hike in the national park.
I love a good road trip, and this one looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing, I can't wait to visit myself
Very relaxing place!! even if I don't like golf, your post inspired me! thanks for your sharing!
You have provided a comprehensive list of things to do when in Garden Route. But honestly, the place is so beautiful, I guess if I ever head there, I will be more or less captivated by the natural beauty. I will like to find a retreat and just relax here.
I love the formatting and how simple your reviews were to read. I absolutely love golf and traveling and I hope to be able to play there someday! That's a bummer about the fire. I hope they can get back to normal soon. Happy Travels!
The Garden Route is just so beautiful! Dying to go back and spend some more time there!
Cassidy x
We are planning our first-ever trip to South Africa next year and driving along the Garden Route is so high up on the list of things to do! I'll definitely be checking out your blog for more ideas of things to do and national parks to visit.
Always wanted to explore the beauty of South Africa and this post gave me the right motivation. I'd like to play golf even if I'm not so good with it lol
Beautiful location in every aspect 🙂