The Garden Route
The Garden Route: A Flexible Exploration, Not Just a Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic and ecologically diverse regions. Although often referred to as a “route,” it’s better described as an area to explore rather than a linear journey. Instead of driving straight through, visitors can make the most of their trip by choosing one or two bases and travelling to nearby attractions from there.
Travelling along the coastline was practically impossible until Thomas Bain, the famous road engineer, completed the Groot River pass in 1880. The pass, which crosses river gorges and rugged forest areas, is a masterpiece of engineering
The route is not just a road trip – it’s an immersive experience in one of the most beautiful and biologically rich regions in the world.
The exact boundaries of the Garden Route vary. Generally, it is understood to stretch from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to Storms River at the border of the Eastern Cape. It covers about 300 km. Inland, it reaches as far north as Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg Mountain Range. However, the route can begin as far West as Witsand. The region includes dramatic coastlines, dense forests, winding rivers, rugged mountains, and peaceful beaches.
Towns and villages along the way include:
Mossel Bay – Great Brak River – Little Brak River – George – Wilderness – Sedgefield – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Nature’s Valley – Oudtshoorn – Albertinia – Gouritsmond – Stilbaai – Riversdale – Heidelberg, and Witsand
Click each one to find out more about each place
The best time to go
The weather is generally mild year-round. Coastal temperatures range between 10˚C and 29˚C, with no fixed rainy season (though June–August may see slightly more rain). The best time to visit is from September to March, when the days are long and warm. Still, it’s wise to pack some warm clothes..
The Garden Route offers something for everyone – from families with children to solo adventurers, beach lovers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts.
You don’t need a 4WD for the trip. A standard sedan or hatchback will work, and there’s usually a petrol station along the N2 every couple of hours and many in each stop. The petrol/service stations include restrooms, and often they have convenience stores attached.
Some towns along the Garden Route
Mossel Bay is usually considered the starting point of the route. This is where the first European landed in South Africa. Explore the Dias Museum Complex, St Blaize Lighthouse, and the caves below Pinnacle Point. The coastline is rocky, but there are several great swimming spots and sheltered coves. From Mossel Bay, you can choose to detour and follow Route 12 and The Fragrance Route
George is often called the “Gateway to the Garden Route.” It lies between the Outeniqua Mountains and the coast and features historical sites like the Slave Tree, the King Edward VII Library, and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is worth a visit, and keen golfers will know of Fancourt, one of the world’s best courses..
Oudtshoorn inland marks the northern boundary of the Garden Route it is on the edge of the Klein Karoo. The area is famous for ostrich farms and the Cango Caves. These caves are massive limestone caverns with ancient formations. The area reflects a shift from coastal fynbos to semi-arid landscapes.
Wilderness is a peaceful village on the Touw River Lagoon. The Wilderness National Park protects 2,500 hectares of forest, rivers, and coastline. Visitors can hike to waterfalls or kayak in the rivers. The birdlife is spectacular, and the area is also a great whale-watching location. Between Wilderness and Knysna is Sedgefield with a slower pace and beautiful beaches and calm waters bordering the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is a quieter seaside town that is ideal for families.
Knysna is famous for the lagoon and the indigenous forests. The original Seven Passes Road from George to Knysna is a scenic drive crossing rivers and gorges. Forest trails feature Outeniqua yellowwoods and Cape chestnuts. The town has a strong arts scene and wonderful restaurants. Plettenberg Bay is loved for its long beaches, whale and dolphin watching, and the Robberg Peninsula, which is home to Cape fur seals.
Tailor your experience
The Garden Route offers incredible flexibility. Whether you’re after wild coastlines and forest hikes, local art and food, or quiet beaches and luxury stays, you can build an itinerary to match your style. Choose a town or two as your base, and from there, take day trips to nearby attractions, parks, and towns. See the listings attached to the “Towns and Suburbs” pages to get some ideas of places to see along the way.
