The Garden Route in South Africa is a world renowned African destination that travels across many different landscapes. There are a variety of amazing attractions to visit, from natural wonders to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Originally named for the dense biodiversity of flowers and forest, there are so many amazing things to see including all that Mother Nature has to offer! After spending a month in South Africa, here are some of the best things to do on the Garden Route in South Africa that I enjoyed and would definitely add to my South Africa itinerary again.
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What is the Garden Route?
The Garden Route National Park encompasses a pretty large area covering Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness National Park, and Knysna areas, offering amazing spots for nature lovers, cute little towns, hiking, homestays, and more. The Garden Route is some of the more rugged coastal, mountain, and even indigenous forests that you can find on a trip to South Africa! The easiest point of entry for a South Africa Garden Route trip is to fly into Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.
Officially, the Garden Route begins in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, though many people include some other popular areas in their Garden Route itineraries. Since it covers such a vast area, the Garden Route is best explored by road trip. Mostly following the coast hugging Indian Ocean, a Garden Route road trip will bring you through many of the popular attractions and plentiful areas to stay overnight including boutique hotels, home stays, and even camping options!
Kayak the Wilderness Lagoon
Right in the heart of the Garden Route you will find an area known as Wilderness. This area is filled with wetlands including lakes, marshes, and rivers that meet the ocean. This area is a great spot for activities on the water such as kayaking in it’s calm lagoon. It’s a great spot for bird watching with it’s dramatic landscape, and is a great way to really immerse yourself in the area. If kayaking isn’t your preference, there are plenty of amazing hikes, boat tours, or even camping spots if you want to make it an overnight on your Garden Route itinerary!
Watch for Migrating Whales on a Boat or from Shore
One of South Africa’s popular experiences is whale watching! As the whales migrate north from the cold Antarctic waters for winter, they pass by the South African coast, making whale watching a great activity during your trip! There are many whale watching tours from nearby towns, but you can even see them from shore if you’ve got a keen eye. Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are both great options for whale watching, and are cute towns with great views, dining, shopping, and even beaches to enjoy! There are many species that migrate through South Africa’s oceans, so keep your eyes out for Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and even Orcas!
Heading to South Africa? Check out this Cape Town Bucket List and this South Africa vineyards travel guide!
Relax on the Beach in Plettenberg Bay
Along the coast of Plettenberg Bay you’ll find numerous beaches that are great for swimming, surfing, relaxing in the sun, and enjoying the marine life that calls South Africa home. From dolphins to whales, you can see abundant wildlife from shore if you’ve got a keen eye. If you’re traveling with a pet, Sanctuary Beach is dog friendly, or check out Central Beach for beautiful art installments. Whichever of Plettenberg Bay’s popular beaches you choose, you’re sure to have a great day!
Explore Nature’s Valley
Within the Garden Route National Park is another hidden gem for hikers, travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts called Nature’s Valley. Enjoy numerous trails for all hiking levels, a rugged beach to enjoy, and even a gorgeous lagoon with the stunning mountains as a backdrop. This area also offers amenities such as shops and a restaurant, and is home to abundant wildlife. Try canoeing through the river, take a morning beach walk, or camp for the night and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Hike along Robberg Nature Reserve
Located just south of Plettenberg on a protected peninsula, you’ll find another nature lover’s spot on the Garden Route. The Robberg Nature Reserve is a protected coastal ecosystem that is a great way to enjoy being in nature, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Meander across the rugged terrain by hiking, enjoy the boardwalks to make the hike a little easier, and keep your eyes peeled for seals such as the Cape Fur Seal, Leopard Seal, or even Elephant Seals!
Visit the Knysna Heads: One of the Most Dangerous Harbor Inlets in the World
Take a drive up to the Knysna Heads to get an aerial view of one of the most dangerous harbor inlets in the world. This inlet was formed when the Knysna River broke through the sandstone, creating a narrow and rough inlet that has shifting sandbars, rocks, and can even have pretty big waves with the strong currents. The Knysna Heads are dramatic cliffs that are split into the East and West “heads”, with the east being easily accessible. There are overlooks and plenty of benches, whereas the West head is practically inaccessible unless by boat or ferry. From above, the views of the Knysna Heads, the town of Knysna, and the bay are incredible, and is even a great sunset spot!
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park makes up a good portion of the popular spots along the Garden Route. From dramatic bridges and views to the Storms River mouth, you’ll likely be spending a good amount of time in this portion of the Garden Route. From the mountains to the coast, you can find a variety of landscapes and amazing biodiversity. Try scuba diving to explore kelp forests, reefs, and look out for unique marine creatures like the Knysna Seahorse, which is the first endangered seahorse in the world.
Jump off of Bloukrans Bridge
Located in Tsitsikamma National Park, experience one of South Africa’s most iconic adrenalin-inducing experiences by jumping off the world’s tallest bungee bridge. Bloukrans Bridge, spans over a lush valley and is a bridge that not only offers this bucket list activity, but operates as a functional traffic bridge as well!
Bloukrans Bungy offers a variety of activities for everyone’s comfort level. If you’re up for the jump, you’ll be 216 meters above the ground and have a pretty decent free-fall before they bring you back up to the bridge. The energy in the middle of the bridge is contagious and despite the initial nerves, most people come up with a big ear to ear smile with talks of going again.
Whether you’d rather be watching from afar at their on-site bar or want to be front and center to jump, want to walk to the center of the bridge or even zip line, a trip to Bloukrans is a must on your Garden Route road trip. Book your bungee jump here!
Take a Boat Trip on the Storms River
The Storms River Gorge is one of the more dramatic gorges that you will drive over, but there’s much more to experience on the Storms River than just the bridge! Head down to the mouth of the river onboard a boat tour to see the dramatic 80 meter cliffs on either side. To get to the boat tour, you’ll have a hike over the suspension bridge and will board the boat. While aboard, you’ll travel through the gorge and see caverns, cliffs, and possibly even bats! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while you’re onboard, and be sure to see the gorge from above during your drive through Tsitsikamma too!
Eat at Marilyn’s Diner
Over in the Storms River Valley is a unique diner that celebrates the nostalgic 1960s era icons like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. Filled with vintage decor, great burgers and shakes, and a jukebox, it’s definitely a unique stop along the Garden Route to grab a bite to eat!
Visit the Big Tree
One of the most notable trees along the Garden Route is known simply as the “Big Tree.” This tree is over 800 years old and stands over 36 meters (118+ feet), it truly makes you feel small standing next to it! The Big Tree is a outeniqua yellowwood tree, which is a relative of the redwoods, and towers above the rest of the surrounding trees. This is a definite stop to add on your Garden Route trip, especially if you’re a nature lover!
Explore Caves and Drive the Arid Desert of Little Karoo
Just south of the the Klein Karoo area you will find a semiarid region called Little Karoo. This area is quite a contrast from many other parts of the Garden Route with a much drier landscape. This area, near Oudtshooren, is popular for it’s caves, the Swartberg Pass, and even ostriches! Oudtshooren has a long history of ostrich farming, while the Cango Caves draw in visitors with it’s grand stalagmites and stalactites. Even if you decide not to visit the caves or ostriches, the drive through the Swartberg Pass is beautiful and rugged, and is a great pass to include in your Garden Route itinerary!
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