What are the best ways to discover the Garden Route?
Garden Route holidays are ideal for self-drive trips. Travel via Hermanus, spotting whales as they breech near the shore from July to November. Continue to St Francis Bay or Plettenberg Bay, beautiful beachside resorts offering relaxation and an array of coastal activities. Alternatively, explore Route 62, cruising through verdant valleys and rolling vineyards. Stop off in the charming town of Montagu before enjoying a safari at Sabona Wildlife Reserve.
Special Things to do During Garden Route Holidays
Regional attractions include shopping and fine dining in Knysna, the forests and yellowwood trees in Tsitsikamma, sun and surf at Plettenberg Bay, tranquil beaches and hiking at Nature's Valley, the Cango Caves and ostrich farms near Oudtshoorn, and the scenic waters near Sedgefield and Wilderness. There’s even a traditional Bushman village for an alternative experience, close to Stormsriver. When it comes to adventure activities, the options are seemingly endless: hiking, paragliding, bungee jumping, canoeing, rafting, tubing, snorkelling, riding, cycling, zip lining, quad biking, shark cage diving at Mossel Bay, whale watching tours, sailing trips, scenic helicopter flights, deep-sea fishing, and more. The Garden Route is also South Africa's golfing capital, with world-class courses such as Fancourt, Oubaai, Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Simola and Goose Valley.