Garden Route overview
We all are aware of South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, incredible wildlife, and game reserves. Millions of travelers explore the country every year and feel the kindness & love of its people. There are so many interesting things to do in this beautiful country like whale watching, safari rides, adventurous hiking trails, and much more. That being said, if you haven't included the renowned South African Garden Route on your itinerary yet, your journey is unfinished!
This Garden Route travel guide covers all important information such as how to reach the destination, highlights of the route, top sightseeing places along the way, etc. that you should know before planning your road trip.
Garden Route is situated on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. The route is a 300-kilometre stretch (190 mi) that extends from Witsand in the Western Cape to the border of Tsitsikamma Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name "Garden Route" refers to the region's diverse vegetation and the numerous lakes along the coastline.
How to enter The Garden Route?
You can start your journey based on your schedule.
- If you plan to drive from Cape Town - Head east on the N2 highway. The westernmost town of the Garden Route (Mossel Bay) is located about 350 kilometers from Cape Town.
- If you plan to drive from Durban or Port Elizabeth - Head west on the N2 highway. The easternmost point of the route (Storms River) is located about 150 kilometers from Port Elizabeth.
Top 10 places to explore along The Garden Route
The Garden Route has breathtaking views and an abundance of natural beauty. The region provides a comfortable environment for outdoor activities and adventure. Along the way, there are various locations to explore. Even though the place has so much to offer, there are some interesting spots that you cannot afford to ignore during your journey. So go ahead and include every location listed below in the itinerary so you may have the greatest road trip of your life!
Nature and wildlife
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Knysna Elephant Park
The park offers a friendly environment to interact with the elephants in their natural habitats. You can feed the elephants and spend time with the animals. It was the first park in South Africa that took care of the orphaned African elephants.
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Tsitsikamma National Park
This park has the world’s highest bridge bungee jump (Bloukrans Bridge). The area is known for its dense forests, wildlife, and adventurous activities. You will see a rich marine habitat including some endangered species. It is also famous for the Storms River Suspension Bridge, Dolphin Trail, Otter Trail, waterfalls, art galleries, and many more adventurous trails.
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Wilderness National Park
This is a park for nature lovers! You will be astounded by the surroundings and will surely enjoy the nature trails. It offers various outdoor activities like Hiking, Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Abseiling / Kloofing, Fishing, Birding, and Paragliding. You can even enjoy the relaxing Touw River Cruise.
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Robberg Nature Reserve
This reserve is situated in Plettenberg Bay and is popular for its fabulous coastal views. You can swim with the seals and experience the beauty of marine life along with some adventurous activities.
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Cango Caves
Cango Caves is one of the seven wonders of South Africa and is Africa’s largest show cave. It is 20 million years old and consists of hidden chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. The caves also provide a habitat to some threatened or rare species.
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Oudtshoorn
This place is referred to as the “Ostrich Capital of the world”. It has numerous ostrich farms, ancient caves, and beautiful mountains and is known for the ostrich feather industry.
Coastal towns and beaches
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Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a popular destination among tourists. It is known for its beautiful beaches. The top attractions in this area include Seabird & Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, Cape Saint Blaize Distillery, St. Blaize Trail, Janine Iron & Washin Museum, ReedValley, and Santos Beach. The place is famous for its historic houses, mussels, and oysters.
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Plettenberg Bay
This place is famous among travelers for its golden beaches, iconic Robberg Peninsula, vineyards & wine estates. It is also known for its water sports activities and has various iconic landmarks like Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds Of Eden, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, and Robberg Nature Reserve.
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Knysna
Knysna is a town located in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is famous for its lagoon water, beautiful nature reserves, mouth-watering seafood, and exciting festivals. The town offers boat cruises and one must consider visiting its Wild Oats Community Framers Market.
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Wilderness
Wilderness is a popular destination that is famous for swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking. The town’s topmost attractions include Wilderness National Park, Horse Trail, Kaaimans Waterfall, Dolphin Point Lookout, Pharoah Art Gallery, Milkwood, and Timberlake Village.
Best time to visit The Garden Route
The Garden Route enjoys a fairly lovely climate throughout the year. It is regarded as one of South Africa's rainiest regions and has a Mediterranean Maritime Climate.
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November to March (Summer Season): During this period, the temperature typically lies between 24 and 30°C (75 and 86°F). It provides the perfect weather for outdoor pursuits or just lounging on the beaches. According to the analysis, millions of tourists explore the route between December and February, which is considered the tourism season. In addition, the rates are somewhat exorbitant in comparison to other months.
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April to May (Autumn Season): It's a very comfortable time of year to visit this place because of the nice weather and cool evening temperatures. Compared to the summer, the number of tourists and prices are slightly lower. In certain places, you can even witness the breathtaking autumnal leaves.
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June to August (Winter Season): During the day, the average temperature is roughly 18°C (64°F). Rainfall occurs mostly at night and leaves a lot of greenery around - a beautiful sight to behold! Whale watching is particularly popular at this time of year.
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September and October (Spring Season): The weather is beautiful and the temperature is warm. Witnessing gorgeous gardens brimming with blossoming flowers will be a memorable experience for you. It provides an ideal time for hiking and other outdoor activities.
You can plan your trip and enjoy the beautiful scenery and adventurous activities according to your preferences. Visit the route between September and November if you wish to avoid crowds of people. If whale watching is on your bucket list, June through August is the best time to do it.
Similarly, February through April is the best time to visit the area if you want to enjoy a favorable climate and beach activities. Having said that, the Garden Route will always be full of breathtaking scenery and an abundance of exciting activities that you will relish forever no matter when you decide to plan!
Food & culture in the region
Garden Route is home to beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and a diverse range of cultures and mouthwatering cuisines. This coastal paradise has a multicultural atmosphere with people respecting each other beliefs and traditions. You will have a great time learning about different cultures while enjoying a wide range of delights!
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Seafood: Garden Route is a seafood lover's dream come true in terms of cuisine. Being in the coastal area, seafood is the staple diet of many people. Every time, you'll be offered an abundance of seafood delicacies at different eateries. Fish, prawns, and oysters are the specialties of many restaurants.
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Braai (BBQ): Braai is a South African social custom in which family and friends gather to barbecue meat, fish, or vegetables. It is a pleasant gathering around the fire to enjoy the food and stories with loved ones.
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Local Flavors & Produce: Garden Route is rich in flavors and fresh vegetation. Tasting the regional cuisine, which includes Biltong and Droëwors, pies and pastries, and fresh farm-sourced fruits and vegetables, must be at the top of your list!
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Diverse Influences: While local food takes priority when exploring food diversity, Garden Route also offers a variety of international delicacies. There won't be a shortage of foreign cuisines, including Mediterranean, Asian, and Italian.
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Wine and Craft Beer: The region is renowned for its exceptional beverages. Along with delicious food, it offers a variety of local wine & beer that you will love. It is also home to numerous vineyards and craft breweries!
Quick information about The Garden Route
| Garden Route distance | 300 kilometre/190 mile |
| Suggested travel duration | 4-15 days (depending on your itinerary) |
| Arrival point | Cape Town International Airport |
| Best season to visit | Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) |
| Start point of The Garden Route | Mossel Bay |
| End point of The Garden Route | Storms River |
The best way to explore The Garden Route
A course like the Garden Route deserves to be explored comfortably and at your own pace. And this can only be achieved in a car. If you are visiting this place as a foreigner or tourist, you need not feel discouraged as we have just the right alternative for you, which is none other than a car rental. Of all the ways you can choose to cover this route, renting a car is easily the most convenient and affordable choice.
A rental car is the ultimate key to planning your journey your way. In addition to gaining freedom, you also get to save time, money & effort.
Simply, rent a vehicle in Cape Town and return it in Port Elizabeth or Durban. If you intend to spend a long time in the country, drive back from Durban and drop off the vehicle at the rental location in Cape Town. You can avoid paying the one-way fee by choosing the latter.
Car rental information
| Popular car rental cities | Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban |
| Starting and ending points | Cape Town - Durban (1,016 miles) |
| Popular pick-up location | Cape Town International Airport [CPT] |
| Popular drop-off location | Durban King Shaka Airport [DUR] |
| Popular self-drive car hire | Economy, SUV, Van |
| Under 25 car rental | Available |
Top driving tips for The Garden Route
- If you want to enjoy this long drive, make sure to choose the right type of vehicle for your journey. It should be comfortable and at the same time spacious.
- First time travelers must take it slow and drive the car on the left side of the road.
- Make sure to carry essentials like the first aid kit, appropriate clothing items depending on the season you’re traveling in, etc. to make your journey more comfortable.
- Always carry documents like a Driver's License, National ID/Passport, and International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are driving as a foreigner.
- Due to the constant changes in the speed limits through this route, it is advised to be wary and take notice of the accepted speed to avoid receiving a fine.
