EXPLORE Garden Route

Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and George are just some of the fascinating destinations along the way.

Sandwiched between the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua Mountains, and the Indian Ocean, the landscape is deliciously variable. The naming convention is literal, depicting the lush and diverse vegetation which characterises the area.

Smaller, hidden towns are a fascinating feature of this scenic highway, with towns such as Sedgefield, Calitzdorp, and the Storms River Village well-worth a stopover.

Wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with the Garden Route National Park, which was established in 2009, merging the Wilderness National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Knysna National Lake Area. The dense forests which line the coast feature vervet monkeys, honey badgers, mongooses, duikers, bushbuck, and even the illusive elephant.

Offshore, make sure to keep an eye out for Southern Right, Bryde's and Humpback Whales, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, and Cape Fur Seals.

With warm summers, and mild winters, the Garden Route boasts by far the mildest weather in South Africa. Take advantage of this convenient fact and experience one of many Garden Route activities. Things to do inland include canopy tours, golfing, forest hikes, abseiling, cliff-jumping, mountain biking, and much more.

A host of stunning beaches dot the coastline of the Garden Route, which ensure fantastic swimming spots year-round, while soft coral reefs make for fantastic snorkelling. For the more adventurous at heart, visit Mossel Bay, or Nature's Valley, or Victoria Bay for some of South Africa's best surfing spots.

While we suggest exploring this region over a couple of a days, should you not have that much time, there are scheduled daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to the George Airport. Mango, SA Airlink, and Kulula are just some of the airlines operating these routes.  Upon arrival, there are a vast array of George car hire options on offer, ensuring you a sense of freedom.

When searching for Garden Route accommodation, one will not be disappointed, with a variety of different options. From guest houses boasting a personalized touch, to luxury hotels which cater to your every need, and backpackers offering a simpler stay, there is something for everyone.