The Garden Route

One of the most iconic journeys in South Africa, the Garden Route is a picturesque stretch of coastline that takes travellers through lush forests, stunning beaches, and charming towns.

There are a number of malaria-free Big Five game reserves found along the way or a short drive beyond the Garden Route, such as Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Gondwana Game Reserve, and Pumba Private Game Reserve.

A Garden Route holiday is easily extended with a Big Five safari adventure.

Must-Visit Areas Along the Garden Route

The coastal towns and wildernesses along this famous route have so much to offer travellers, including ideal watersports locations and Blue Flag beaches:

Knysna: Watersports Galore

Set between two cliffs known as the Knysna Heads lies the Knysna Lagoon, a famous spot in this picturesque town. Here, besides just enjoying the stunning views, you’re able to go fishing and sailing, as well as participate in watersports.

From kitesurfing and wakeboarding to stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, you can easily while away a day at Knysna Lagoon.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Big Five Safari

A natural extension of the Garden Route, Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers travellers the opportunity to see the Big Five in a malaria-free, family-friendly location. Explore the landscapes and spot wildlife during game drives and bush walks.

Gain insight into wildlife rehabilitation by visiting the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It’s here that Shamwari professionals work with sick, injured, abandoned, or orphaned animals to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild.

Plettenberg Bay: Perfect Beach Destination

This seaside town, also known as Plett, is renowned for its beaches and marine life.

Stop at Robberg, Central, and Lookout beaches for their perfect white sand, and watch dolphins in the distance. Go on boat tours to not only get closer to the pods of dolphins in this area but also the whales.

Plett is earning its stripes as a wine region. South Africa’s smallest wine-growing region, tour the wine farms here to taste unique vintages and bubbly.

Best Time to Visit the Garden Route

If lying on the beach and participating in watersports is what you’re looking forward to the most on your Garden Route holiday, plan your trip during the hotter months, from November to March.

However, the winter months don’t disappoint. In July, the Knysna Oyster Festival takes place. This multi-day event includes live music performances, cooking competitions, wine festivals, arts and crafts, markets, and, of course, a tonne of oysters! The cooler months also see fewer visitors and whale season kicking off.

Wildlife Found in the Garden Route

Along the Garden Route, you’ll also be able to spot pods of dolphins and whales on their migration. Take a boat tour to see these incredible animals up close.

If you go snorkelling in Knysna, among the various marine life, you may be able to spot the Knysna seahorse, a species endemic to the area.

As there are Big Five reserves along the Garden Route, going on safari here gives you the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos.

How to Get to the Garden Route

The Garden Route is easily accessible from Cape Town. For a more convenient starting point closer to the route, travellers can fly into George Airport, a regional hub located in the Western Cape. Upon arrival, a rental vehicle can be arranged for a self-drive journey along the scenic Garden Route, which can include a Big Five safari experience.

Vehicle drop-off can be coordinated at Port Elizabeth Airport for added convenience, with a return transfer to and from your safari lodge, and a flight from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town. Your Discover Africa safari planner can assist you with the planning and logistics.