Best Things to do on The Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route is one of the most scenic and popular tourist destinations in South Africa. Spanning over 300 kilometers along the southeastern coast of South Africa, it stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and picturesque towns, the Garden Route has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 20 things to do on the Garden Route from Cape Town.

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1. Visit Cape Point – The southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula is a popular tourist attraction with breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails.

2. Go whale watching – From June to November, you can spot southern right whales in Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, and Knysna.

3. Visit the Cango Caves – These limestone caves in Oudtshoorn offer a fascinating glimpse into South Africa’s geological history.

4. Take a safari – Explore the wildlife of the Garden Route at the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve or the Gondwana Game Reserve.

5. Visit the Knysna Heads – These two sandstone cliffs form the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon and offer stunning views.

6. Go bungee jumping – Face your fears by taking a leap off the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world.

7. Go hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park – This stunning coastal park offers a variety of trails, including the famous Otter Trail.

8. Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve – Take a ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon to this privately owned reserve, where you can explore the forest and enjoy a traditional South African barbecue.

9. Take a surf lesson – Learn to ride the waves in Plettenberg Bay or Victoria Bay.

10. Visit the Garden Route National Park – This park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including forests, lakes, and wetlands.

11. Go kayaking – Explore the tranquil waters of the Wilderness National Park by kayak.

12. Take a sunset cruise – Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.

13. Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum – This museum in George houses a collection of steam trains and vintage cars.

14. Take a scenic drive – The Garden Route boasts some of the most scenic drives in the world, including the Route 62 and the Swartberg Pass.

15. Visit the Knysna Elephant Park – Get up close and personal with these gentle giants in a sanctuary setting.

16. Go horseback riding – Explore the forests and beaches of the Garden Route on horseback.

17. Visit the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary – This sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay is home to a variety of primates, including lemurs and monkeys.

18. Take a hot air balloon ride – Soar above the Garden Route and enjoy the stunning views from a different perspective.

19. Visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden – This botanical garden in George showcases the rich diversity of South Africa’s flora.

20. Go paragliding – Soar over the beaches and cliffs of the Garden Route for an unforgettable experience.

These are just some of the many things to do on the Garden Route from Cape Town. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of activities, the Garden Route is a must-visit destination for any traveler to South Africa.

Why Is The Garden Route So Popular?

The Garden Route is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of activities. The region boasts breathtaking coastal landscapes, pristine beaches, lush forests, and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, kayaking, and bungee jumping, as well as cultural experiences such as visiting museums, exploring historic towns, and enjoying traditional South African cuisine. Additionally, the Garden Route’s temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, makes it a popular year-round destination. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations for both local and international visitors.

Which Areas Make Up The Garden Route in South Africa?

The Garden Route is a region in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa that stretches over 300 kilometers along the southeastern coast of the country. The region includes a number of towns and areas, including Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma, and Storms River. The exact boundaries of the Garden Route are somewhat fluid and can vary depending on who you ask, but these areas are generally considered to be part of the region. The Garden Route is easily accessible by car, with the N2 highway running through many of the towns along the route.