11 Best Things to do in the Garden Route , South Africa

Africa

11 Best Things to do in the Garden Route , South Africa

Mar 14, 2024

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.

7 main towns along the Garden Route

1. Mossel Bay

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.

2. George

The largest town along the Garden Route, George is a commercial hub with numerous golf courses, against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains.

3. Wilderness

Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Wilderness is renowned for its tranquil lakes, indigenous forests, and pristine beaches.

4. Knysna

Famous for its scenic beauty, Knysna is set around a picturesque lagoon.

5. Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, or Plett, is a popular holiday destination with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

6. Storms River

Storms River is a small village known for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

7. Oudtshoorn

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”,

11 best things to do in the Garden Route

1. Go ziplining in the Tsitsikamma National Park

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.

2. Get intimate with the Storms River

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.

3. Visit the Big Tree

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.

4. Take a Hike

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.

5. Bungy Jump off Bloukrans Bridge

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!

6. Relax on the beach

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.

7. Go back in time at The Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex

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.

8. Play Golf

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.

9. Explore Knysna

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.

10. Go underground at the Cango Caves

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.

11. Go on a marine safari

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.