Explore Garden Route

📅 Best Time to Visit the Garden Route

• Summer (December to February):

  • The summer months are warm and ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking, whale watching, and beach outings. Temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), and the region experiences its peak tourist season, with vibrant festivals and events.

• Autumn (March to May):

  • Autumn offers pleasant weather, with fewer tourists, making it a great time to enjoy the Garden Route at a more relaxed pace. The fall colors in the forests and vineyards are a bonus.

• Winter (June to August):

  • Winter brings cooler temperatures, with daytime highs around 16°C (61°F) and nighttime lows near 5°C (41°F). While some attractions may be quieter during this time, it’s an excellent season for whale watching and cozying up by a fireplace at a lodge.

• Spring (September to November):

  • Spring brings mild weather and beautiful wildflowers in bloom. It's a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as exploring the towns along the Garden Route before the summer crowds arrive.

✈️ How to Get to the Garden Route

1. By Air:

   • George Airport (GRJ) is the main gateway to the Garden Route, with direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major South African cities.

   • Plettenberg Bay Airport also serves the region but has fewer direct flight options.

2. By Car:

   • The Garden Route is best explored by self-drive. The scenic N2 highway runs through the heart of the route, offering access to many towns and natural attractions. The journey from Cape Town to George takes about 4-5 hours, and from Johannesburg to George, it's around 9-10 hours.

3. By Bus:

   • Several bus services, like Intercape and Greyhound, operate between major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, with stops along the Garden Route.

🏞️ Top Attractions on the Garden Route

1. Knysna:

   • A charming coastal town known for its Knysna Lagoon, Knysna Heads, and Knysna Elephant Park. It's a great spot for water activities, hiking, and sampling local oysters.

2. Tsitsikamma National Park:

   • Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, lush forests, and Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma is a haven for outdoor lovers. Popular activities include bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge, hiking along the Otter Trail, and zip-lining through the forest canopy.

3. Plettenberg Bay:

   • Known for its pristine beaches, whale watching, and wildlife sanctuaries, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for nature lovers and families. Don’t miss a visit to Robberg Nature Reserve, offering fantastic views of the coast and sea-life sightings.

4. Mossel Bay:

   • This historic coastal town offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and the famous Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which houses the Old Post Office Tree (a national monument). Mossel Bay is also known for its hiking trails and shark cage diving experiences.

5. Wilderness National Park:

   • A natural paradise with a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and rivers. Enjoy activities such as canoeing, birdwatching, and nature walks.

6. Cango Caves (Oudtshoorn):

   • A short detour from the Garden Route will take you to Oudtshoorn, home of the famous Cango Caves. These limestone caves offer stunning formations and guided tours through underground chambers.

7. Outeniqua Mountains:

   • The Outeniqua Pass offers spectacular mountain views and is a popular spot for scenic drives. It’s also a hub for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

8. Robberg Nature Reserve (Plettenberg Bay):

   • A picturesque peninsula offering hiking trails with stunning views, seals, and birdlife. It’s a great place for a nature walk and to enjoy secluded beaches.

🚶‍♀️ Activities to Do in the Garden Route

1. Hiking:

   • The Garden Route is known for its spectacular hiking trails, including the Otter Trail, Robberg Nature Reserve Trail, and trails in Tsitsikamma National Park.

2. Whale Watching:

   • Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus are among the best places in South Africa to see whales, particularly during the whale season (June to November).

3. Bungee Jumping:

   • For adrenaline junkies, Bloukrans Bridge near Tsitsikamma offers the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 216 meters (709 feet).

4. Water Sports:

   • With its extensive coastline, the Garden Route is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and sailing. Knysna Lagoon and Plettenberg Bay are popular for water sports.

5. Cultural and Historical Tours:

   • Explore the historical sites of Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, where you can visit the Cango Caves and learn about the region’s early explorers.

6. Wildlife Safaris:

   • The Garden Route has a range of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, such as Elephant Sanctuary in Knysna and the Elephant Park in Plettenberg Bay, where you can get up close with African elephants.

🏨 Accommodation on the Garden Route

1. Luxury Accommodation:

   • The Plettenberg Hotel: Located in Plettenberg Bay, offering luxury rooms, beautiful sea views, and excellent service.

   • The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa (Knysna): Situated in a former power station, this boutique hotel offers modern luxury with a great location on the Knysna Lagoon.

2. Mid-Range Options:

   • The Wilderness Hotel: Situated in the heart of Wilderness, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the beach and local attractions.

   • Fancourt (George): A luxury golf estate with a wide range of family-friendly accommodation and world-class golf courses.

3. Budget Accommodation:

   • Jembjo’s Knysna Lodge & Backpackers: A laid-back, affordable option for backpackers in Knysna.

   • Tsitsikamma Village Inn: A rustic yet charming spot in Storms River offering budget-friendly accommodation with a historic feel.

🍽️ Food & Restaurants on the Garden Route

1. Knysna Oyster Festival:

   • Knysna is famous for its oysters, and the Knysna Oyster Festival (usually in July) celebrates these delicacies with various events and culinary experiences.

2. Local Cuisine:

   • Don’t miss out on local specialties such as bobotie (spicy minced meat), biltong (dried cured meat), and melktert (milk tart). The Garden Route is also known for its fresh seafood, especially oysters and line fish.

3. Top Restaurants:

   • The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa (Knysna): A stunning location with gourmet food and views of the lagoon.

   • The Plettenberg Hotel (Plettenberg Bay): Offering an upscale dining experience with magnificent ocean views.

   • Café Zorba (Mossel Bay): A quaint and cozy spot offering delicious meals with a Mediterranean twist.

🌱 Local Culture & Traditions in the Garden Route

• Cultural Heritage: The Garden Route is home to various indigenous groups, including the Khoisan people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Local culture and history are celebrated through museums and storytelling.

• Nature Conservation: The region is also known for its efforts in conservation. The Garden Route National Park protects unique ecosystems, including coastal forests, wetlands, and mountain areas.

💡 Tips for Visiting the Garden Route

✔️ Pack for All Seasons: The weather can vary, so bring layers, including a light jacket for cooler evenings.

✔️ Take Your Time: There’s a lot to see along the Garden Route, so take your time to stop at the viewpoints, beaches, and towns.

✔️ Book in Advance: Popular accommodations and activities (like whale watching and bungee jumping) can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book ahead.

Booking information