Discover the Garden Route - South Africa

Garden Route

The Garden Route, also called the Garden Route, runs approximately from Mossel Bay to Port Elisabeth, but actually the whole route from Cape Town to Port Elisabeth is beautiful and should also be part of the Garden Route. You can drive this route in about 6 days, but more time is always better! We discuss this route from Cape Town towards Port Elisabeth, but of course it can also be driven the other way around.

Swellendam

Swellendam is a nice stopover to break the route to the Garden Route. It has many Dutch atmospheres and some excellent restaurants.

Mosselbaai

This is where the garden route really begins. Mosselbaai is a small quiet town, with a modern harbor and surrounded by beautiful beaches. There are also many hiking trails in the area for the real hikers among us. Don't feel like hiking? Then take the boat to Seal Island to see the colony of over 4,000 seals.

Knysna Heads

Knysna is known for its fantastic location on the rocks. The sea water flows inland to the lagoon that has formed here, but not only is the nature here wonderful. Knysna itself also has much to offer. It is a nice little town with many restaurants and bars located in cozy streets. In addition, Knysna is adorned by many art galleries.

Plettenberg Bay

The most beautiful beaches are at Plettenberg Bay, beautiful sandy beaches with clear seawater. In addition, you can take a unique excursion. With a boat you go out to sea to the seal colony, put on your swimming gear, because you can swim with these wild animals here. In the months of July through November you can also spot whales here!

Tsitsikamma National Park

This park is the high point of the Garden Route. Multi-day hiking, beautiful nature, bungee jumping, kayaking, ziplining, diving you name it and this park offers it! Be sure to set aside a day or 2 for this if you don't want to do a multi-day hike. If you want to do the Otter Trail, a 42 kilometer hike, be sure to take 5 days!

Addo Elephant Park

This park is actually just north of Port Elisabeth, making it the start or end point of the Garden Route. But definitely one not to be missed! The name suggests that only elephants live here, but that is definitely not the case! Among other things, you can spot the traditional big 5 here: Lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards and, of course, elephants. Meanwhile, the park borders the coast and as a result, whales and white sharks can also be spotted from the park!