In South Africa lies a region known as the Garden Route, a 300-kilometre stretch of the southern coast popular for road trips. It takes its name from the Garden Route National Park, which covers lush vegetation, lagoons, mountains, lakes, forests and beaches.
The route runs from Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth, between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, with wide views along the way. Its quiet towns and rocky shores have made it popular with locals and visitors alike, and its forests hold plenty of wildlife.
The Garden Route has family-friendly beaches and makes a good road trip, and there is plenty for hikers and outdoor lovers too. Here are some reasons to go.
1. The scenery
The Garden Route is like a vast, varied garden, rich in plant and animal life. The forest is striking, and the clear water of the beaches glitters in the sun.
You are surrounded by nature here in a way you will not find in many places.
2. Adventure
Whether you are after adventure or nature, the Garden Route has plenty to offer, from bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge to getting close to elephants at Knysna Elephant Park or a quiet visit to Birds of Eden.
There is something new to discover here each day.
3. Wildlife
The varied ecosystem lets you see a good range of animals. Along with monkeys and elephants, you may spot whales, dolphins and the Knysna seahorse.
Birdwatching is popular too, and you can look out for smaller creatures often missed, such as the Knysna dwarf chameleon. The Garden Route is also malaria-free, which makes wildlife-watching that much easier.
4. Seaside towns
The seaside towns of the Garden Route each have their own character, with good restaurants, fine shores, quiet villages and old manors and cottages.
Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and St Francis Bay are among the best known.
5. Beaches
The beaches are one of the region’s main draws, their white sand and the warm Indian Ocean welcoming sunbathers, surfers and swimmers.
There are many to choose from, including Victoria Bay, Noetzie, Wilderness and Myoli beaches.
Top highlights of the Garden Route
1. Tsitsikamma
The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park protects an indigenous forest, with a series of cliffs and suspension bridges across the Storms River Mouth.
The Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump, one of the highest in the world, is a short way inland from Tsitsikamma.
2. Monkeyland
This private sanctuary is a refuge for monkeys and lemurs rescued from captivity. Next to it is Birds of Eden, a large free-flight aviary that is home to thousands of birds.
Jukani, another nearby sanctuary, cares for rescued lions and other big cats, along with smaller carnivores.
3. Robberg Nature Reserve
The Robberg Nature Reserve, next to Plettenberg Bay, is home to a large colony of Cape fur seals, and from the cliffs you can often see dolphins and whales.
4. Knysna
Knysna is one of the best places to learn about the history of the Garden Route. The Holy Trinity Church, on the lagoon, looks like something out of an English village.
The town’s eateries are well known for their fresh oysters and craft beers, and its annual festivals bring it to life.
5. Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn, in the dry Little Karoo, was a centre of the ostrich-feather trade in the 19th century. The CP Nel Museum tells its history and that of the ostrich.
There are many ostrich farms in town where you can learn about the birds, and even ride them.
6. Swartberg
The Swartberg, or Black Mountains, north of Oudtshoorn, is home to the Cango Caves, where a 60-minute guided tour leads deep underground through the well-lit chambers.
How to reach the Garden Route from Cape Town
The Garden Route starts at Mossel Bay, about a five-hour drive from Cape Town. A few ways to get there:
- Drive the N2, which passes places like Hermanus, Swellendam and the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
- Take the N1 and turn onto the R62, through farming country and fine mountain passes.
- Hire a guide who knows the Garden Route well and can take you to the sights.
Add the Garden Route to your list on your next trip to South Africa. It makes a good road trip and a fine region to explore.
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