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Garden Route Tours
Embark on one of our unforgettable Garden Route tours that showcases the very best of South Africa’s stunning coastline, combining luxury, adventure, and natural beauty in one seamless experience. With personalised itineraries tailored to your interests, you can explore a diverse array of destinations, from charming seaside towns and lush forests to dramatic mountain landscapes and pristine beaches. Whether you’re looking to relax in exquisite accommodations, indulge in world-class dining, or immerse yourself in the region’s wildlife and cultural heritage, these tours promise a journey filled with unique experiences.
Why you’ll love the Garden Route
Experience the allure of the Garden Route, a magnificent stretch of coastal paradise in South Africa. A meticulously crafted road journey through this magical region is designed to enchant every traveller. Spanning from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, this legendary route is a testament to nature’s grandeur, boasting lush forests, pristine beaches, and captivating towns awaiting exploration.
As you travel through charming towns and picturesque villages, you’ll encounter warm hospitality, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to relax in luxurious accommodations, explore hidden gems, or indulge in gourmet cuisine, the Garden Route promises an unforgettable experience that caters to every traveller’s desire.
What to see
Our top places to explore in Garden Route
Mossel Bay
Garden Route
Wilderness
Garden Route
Tsitsikamma
Garden Route
Knysna
Garden Route
Where to stay
Our preferred properties in Garden Route
Simola Hotel Country Club
Garden Route
Fancourt Hotel
George
Pezula Hotel
Knysna
Periwinkle Guest Lodge
Plettenberg Bay
Emily Moon River Lodge
Plettenberg Bay
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Knysna
Camp Fig Tree
Eastern Cape
The Plettenberg Hotel
Plettenberg Bay
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea
Garden Route
The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Knysna
Gondwana Kwena Lodge
Garden Route
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Mossel Bay
frequently asked questions
What is special about the Garden Route?
The Garden Route, a scenic stretch of South Africa’s southern coast, spans approximately 300 km from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Located about a 4-5 hour drive from Cape Town and extending toward the boundary of the Eastern Cape, this region is renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming towns.
Travellers can explore the ancient Knysna Forest, relax on the sandy shores of Plettenberg Bay, or experience the thrill of adventure sports in Tsitsikamma National Park. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class courses, such as those at Fancourt and Pezula, offering stunning views and exceptional play year-round.
The best time to visit the Garden Route is from September to May when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant.
Are there Garden Route Safaris?
Yes!
For those who crave the thrill of the wild, the Garden Route’s safari options offer an exceptional opportunity to experience South Africa’s diverse wildlife. Explore private game reserves where luxury meets nature, providing intimate encounters with the Big Five and other iconic African animals.
Enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and even horseback safaris, all designed to bring you closer to the majestic creatures in their natural habitats. After a day of adventure, retreat to elegant lodges that blend comfort with the wilderness, allowing you to relax under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
What can I see on a Garden Route tour?
A Garden Route tour offers travelers a breathtaking journey through South Africa’s lush southern coast, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Highlights include the serene beaches and dramatic cliffs of Tsitsikamma National Park, where adventurers can hike, kayak, or take on the famous suspension bridge over Storms River.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love Addo Elephant National Park, home to one of the densest elephant populations in Africa, alongside lions, rhinos, and more. The charming towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay provide coastal beauty and leisure activities, with Knysna’s famous lagoon and lush forests perfect for boat cruises and scenic walks.
Wine lovers can explore the vineyards of the Klein Karoo region, while Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital, offers a unique chance to learn about ostrich farming and explore the fascinating Cango Caves. With stunning coastlines, mountains, and rich biodiversity, the Garden Route offers a little of everything for every type of traveler.
What are the top Garden Route attractions?
The Garden Route is a treasure trove of attractions catering to all interests and ages, offering a memorable and diverse experience. Some of the popular highlights include:
- Cango Caves: The caves are unique for their vast system of limestone caverns featuring some of the world’s most intricate and extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations, which have been forming for millions of years. They also stand out for their historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age
- Ostrich Farms in Oudtshoorn: A unique and educational experience with the world’s largest ostrich population.
- Bloukrans Bridge: The world’s highest commercial bungee jump for the adventurous.
- Robberg Nature Reserve: Scenic hiking trails with stunning coastal views and opportunities to spot seals and dolphins.
- Garden Route National Park: Stretching along South Africa’s picturesque southern coast, this diverse region is ideal for nature enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring scenic coastal landscapes
- Knysna: Known as the Jewel of the Garden Route, famous for its lagoon, arts scene, boat trips to the Knysna Heads, and waterfront dining.
- Plettenberg Bay: A coastal haven with golden beaches, luxury yacht cruises, whale watching, and sun-drenched shores.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: A paradise for adventure enthusiasts, featuring canopy tours, bungee jumping, and tranquil hikes in lush forests.
Each of these attractions adds a unique flavor to your Garden Route journey.
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© Africa Select Journeys In Association with Hotspots2c Travel Group – Since 2007