The Garden Route

About

Linking Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, the roughly 150-mile coastal Garden Route is one of travel’s great temptations. It’s also one of its finest misnomers – for while you’ll find tracts of greenery and wildflowers (fynbos), there are also primeval forests, mountains, beaches and lakes to relish, and even Big Five game parks for those without time for Kruger. Nor is is actually a single route: the real joy comes in deviating from the main N2 artery and unearthing hidden gems.

Highlights

The indigenous forests near Wilderness are an adventure playground, with walking, zip-wiring and canoeing among the activities. Birdwatchers come too, hoping to spy the scarlet Knysna turaco. South Africa’s most popular hike, the five-day Otter Trail, begins at the Route’s equally wooded eastern end. Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are busy towns with lovely accommodation and are perfectly positioned for exploring the area.  ‘Plett’ is famous for surfing and also has a great beach, while Knysna has a lagoon with delightful sunset booze cruises. Local game parks include Kwandwe, Shamwari and Amakhala all offering unique experiences. But it’s really all one big highlight, with whale-watching, secluded coves – Victoria Bay, Nature’s Valley – great golf courses, rolling hills and artist communities all here.

Getting there

Most visitors hire a car in Cape Town and drive eastwards via Hermanus or the more scenic Route 62.  Typical itineraries include 3-5 days along the Route, but many travellers like to be less hurried. Port Elizabeth, to the west, is where the majority deposit their vehicle, and from where one can fly on to the next adventure.

Best Time To Visit

With a temperate climate even in winter (June-September) – the mercury rarely drops below 16°C – your decision can be based on other factors. The Christmas holidays are busiest, while beaches quieten between February and April. Summer can be too stifling for hikers. Whale-watching season runs from July to October, peaking in September.