Garden Route Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, activities, itinerary, and more in Garden Route, South Africa. Read on to plan your next trip to this beautiful destination.


Introduction to Garden Route

Located on the Western Cape of South Africa, Garden Route is a popular destination for travelers and adventurers alike. Spanning 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay to Storms River, Garden Route is known for its stunning natural landscapes, breathtaking views, and unique blend of culture and heritage. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and historic sites, Garden Route has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Garden Route

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Diaz Museum: A museum dedicated to Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz, who is credited with being the first European to round the southern tip of Africa.
  • George Museum: A museum showcasing the history of George and the surrounding areas, including exhibits on local industries and natural history.
  • Outeniqua Transport Museum: A museum featuring vintage steam locomotives, rail cars, and other transport-related exhibits.
  • Cango Caves: A series of underground caves formed over millions of years, featuring stunning limestone structures and fascinating geological formations.

Natural Attractions of Garden Route: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tsitsikamma National Park: A coastal park with hiking trails, stunning ocean views, and opportunities for kayaking, bungee jumping, and other adventures.
  • Knysna Heads: A natural landmark made up of two large rock formations that mark the entrance to Knysna Lagoon.
  • Gondwana Game Reserve: A private game reserve featuring guided safari tours and opportunities to see rare and endangered wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
  • Robberg Nature Reserve: A scenic nature reserve with hiking trails, breathtaking views, and a seal colony.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Garden Route

  • Otter Trail: A 5-day hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, featuring stunning coastal views, waterfalls, and indigenous forests.
  • The Outeniqua Trail: A scenic hike through the Outeniqua Mountains, featuring breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Garden Route Trail: A multi-day hike through the Garden Route, featuring a variety of landscapes and terrains.
  • Seven Passes Road: A scenic drive or bike ride through the Outeniqua Mountains, featuring stunning views of forests, rivers, and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Garden Route: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to spot southern right whales off the coast of Hermanus.
  • Bungee Jumping: Leap from the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world.
  • Wine Tasting: Sample some of the best wines of South Africa in the vineyards near Mossel Bay or Oudtshoorn.
  • Shark Cage Diving: Get up close and personal with great white sharks in Mossel Bay.

Week-Long Itinerary for Garden Route

Day Activity
1 Visit Diaz Museum, explore Mossel Bay Harbor, hike St. Blaize Trail
2 Drive the Seven Passes Road, stop at Map of Africa, Knysna Heads
3 Visit Knysna Elephant Park, take a sunset drumming circle at Scarab Village
4 Take a cable car up to Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, explore Cape Town’s beaches
5 Hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, adventure sports, visit Storms River Mouth
6 Visit Cango Caves, Safari at Gondwana Game Reserve
7 Hike to the Knysna Lagoon, visit Outeniqua Transport Museum, tastes local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Garden Route

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braai: South African barbecue featuring meats such as boerewors (spicy sausage) and sosaties (kebabs).
  • Bobotie: A savory dish made with spiced ground meat, dried fruit, and creamy custard topping.
  • Koeksisters: A sweet pastry soaked in syrup or honey, similar to a doughnut.
  • Bunny Chow: Curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

Local Beverages

  • South African Wine: Wine from the Western Cape is highly regarded around the world, including varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.
  • Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea made from a South African plant, commonly served hot or cold with lemon and honey.
  • Castle Lager: A popular South African beer with a bitter taste and smooth finish.

Where to Stay in Garden Route: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Fancourt Hotel: Luxury hotel in George with a golf course, spa, and fine dining restaurant.
  • The Backpack: Affordable hostel in Knysna with clean rooms, stunning views, and friendly staff.
  • Earthbound Guest House: Cozy bed and breakfast in Oudtshoorn with comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • The Fernery Lodge and Chalets: Secluded accommodations on the Wild Coast with stunning ocean views and outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Garden Route: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • African Art: Shop for traditional African art and handicrafts at local markets and shops.
  • Ostrich Products: Oudtshoorn is known for its ostrich farms, so look for leather products, feathers, and other souvenirs.
  • Wine: Take home some of South Africa’s best wines from vineyards near Mossel Bay or Oudtshoorn.
  • South African Spices: Spice up your kitchen with local spices such as peri-peri, boerewors, and curry blends.

Local Culture and Customs of Garden Route

South Africa is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and Garden Route is no exception. The region is home to a mix of cultures, including the Khoisan people, Xhosa people, and Afrikaner people. Visitors should respect local customs and etiquette, such as shaking hands when greeting someone, addressing people respectfully, and being aware of cultural taboos.

Best Time to Visit Garden Route

The best time to visit Garden Route is during the summer months, from November to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect crowds and higher prices. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Garden Route

Do:

  • Do respect the local culture and customs.
  • Do wear sunscreen and insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
  • Do pack warm clothing in case of chilly evenings or sudden changes in weather.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave valuables unattended or in plain sight.
  • Don’t hike or explore unfamiliar areas alone.
  • Don’t drink tap water.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to wildlife or litter in natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Garden Route

Garden Route is generally a safe region to visit, but as with any travel destination, visitors should take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, keep your valuables close, and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to never leave your belongings unattended in public areas.

Health in Garden Route

Visitors should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to South Africa. In addition, visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever, including wearing insect repellent and covering exposed skin.

Getting to Garden Route: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Garden Route

  • George Airport: The closest airport to the Garden Route, located in the town of George.
  • Cape Town International Airport: About a four-hour drive from Garden Route.

Bus Stations Near Garden Route

  • George: Connects Garden Route to major cities such as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
  • Mossel Bay: Connects Garden Route to other South African cities.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car is an easy way to get around Garden Route and explore the surrounding areas.
  • Private transfer: Private transfer services are available to/from nearby airports and cities.

How to Get Around in Garden Route

The easiest way to get around Garden Route is by renting a car or taking a private transfer. Local buses and taxis are also available, but may not be as convenient for exploring the region’s scenic routes and remote areas.

Where to Go Next from Garden Route: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cape Town: South Africa’s cosmopolitan capital city, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island.
  • Kruger National Park: One of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, featuring opportunities to see “The Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo).
  • Drakensberg Mountains: A stunning mountain range in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, featuring scenic hikes, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Garden Route is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of culture, heritage, and outdoor adventure. From stunning natural landscapes to cultural attractions and unique cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region of South Africa. Plan your trip today, and discover all that Garden Route has to offer.

Garden Route Garden Route The Choo-tjoe, a narrow gauge railway that followed the Garden Route and which is under restoration The Choo-tjoe, a narrow gauge railway that followed the Garden Route and which is under restoration


    Knysna
    Mossel Bay
    Plettenberg Bay
    Tsitsikamma National Park
    Wilderness
    Wilderness National Park