Guide To The Garden Route in South Africa

The garden route in South Africa links the Western and Eastern Cape, it extends to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The name derives from the ecologically varied vegetation on the route and numerous lagoons and lakes scattered beside the coast.

The enchanting beauty of the drive begins as you leave Cape Town on the N2 highway that will delight and amaze you all the way.

Gordon’s Bay:

Gordon’s Bay is a harbour town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, it’s located 50 km. to the west of Cape Town. The road that stretches along Gordon’s bay Fauremarine DR and Clarence DR is locally called as a scenic route for its enchanting beauty.

To Stay:

Sleepy Backpackers houses visitors for an affordable price. Its located just 200m away from the main beach of Gordon’s Bay. Sleepy backpackers is surrounded richly by cosy restaurants, taverns and pubs.

Hermanus:

Hermanus is a popular retirement town, which makes it the best place to relax and unwind. Hermanus is famous for whale watching during the winter and spring. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibits that explain the whaling industry and the De Wetshuis Photo Museum houses an exhibition of photos by T D Ravenscroft that depicts the history of Hermanus. The Whale Museum exhibits a skeleton of a whale and shows an audio-visual presentation of dolphins and whales twice daily.

Hermanus is 121 km. to the Southeast of Cape Town.

To Stay:

Zoete Inval traveller’s lodge organises tours in and around Hermanus. “Zoete Inval” in dutch means “Sweet drop in”. Zoete Inval offers 2 TV lounges, fireside library, balconies, sun-deck with outdoor Jacuzzi and shady courtyard.

Caledon:

 

Caledon is 113 km. to the east of Cape Town on the N2 route and to the north of Hermanus. Caledon is known for its hot mineral springs. The largest flower show of South Africa “Caledon Flower Show” is held during September every year in the Victoria Hall.

To Stay:

Caledon could be explored in a day by staying in Hermanus.

Heidelberg:

Heidelberg is 274 km. away from Cape Town. It’s often referred to as the beginning of the Garden Route. Heidelberg is situated on the banks of the Duivenhoks river, between the stunning Langeberg mountains and warm Indian ocean. Heidelberg lies in one of the most scenically preserved regions of the Western Cape.

To Stay:

Lemon-tree cottage offers a free horse riding service. The traditionally decorated cottage is equipped with a double bed, TV and has a private bathroom with bath and shower.

Riversdale:

Riversdale is known as “the floral paradise of the garden route” due to an abundance of indigenous flora. Located 304 km. away from Cape Town, Riversdale has a lot to offer to its visitors from Historical Buildings, wine tasting and traditional food.

The Langeberg Mountains offers plenty of activities like hiking, fynbos trails, bird watching, horse-back safaris, paragliding and rock climbing.

To Stay:

Kweekkraal Guest Farm is located in within 8.5 km. from the centre of Riversdale. The accommodation has a patio, seating area and an outdoor pool. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including fishing and hiking. The property also offers free parking

Mossel Bay:

Mossel Bay or Mossel Baai as the locals refer to it as is located exactly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, both are 400 km. away.
The calm waters of the bay make this an ideal place to relax and unwind. There are a wealth of activities like Skydiving and Dune Riding.

To Stay:

Bay Vista Guesthouse is 1 km from Santos Beach, 1.5 km. from Mossel Bay Golf Club and a 10-minute drive from the Garden Route Casino. The guest house also offers a free shuttle service to the Langeberg Mall and nearby restaurants. Most of the rooms have a seating area that offers the stunning view of the mountain and sea.

Glentana:

Glentana is located halfway between George and Mossel Bay. Glentana’s remarkable seaside village has its beaches topped by fynbos covered cliffs that plunge hastily into the Indian Ocean.
The shipwreck on the beach is the popular attraction among the visitors.

To Stay:

Glentana is 17 km. from George, it could be visited on a day’s trip.

George:

George lies 420 km. from Cape Town and 320 km. from Port Elizabeth. Lying in a fertile, rich valley, surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, forests, rivers and prosperous farmlands. George has abundant of things and activities in store to its visitors which includes – visit Khulani Xhosa Village, Outeniqua Railway Museum, the Garden Route Dam and Botanical Gardens, Outeniqua country hop and Dutch Reformed Church.

To Stay:

De Plaashuis is 4.1 km. from Outeniqua Pass. It offers Free WiFi and free on-site private parking and has an outdoor pool.

Victoria Bay:

Victoria Bay has gained a reputation as “The Gem of The Garden Route”. This charming bay of the Southern Cape is snuggled between the towns of George and Wilderness. The waves of the gently sloping beach make it an ideal place for surfing.

To Stay:

Victoria bay is in a close proximity from George, it could be visited from George on a day’s trip.

Wilderness:

Located 15 km. east of George, Wilderness is a peaceful village surrounded by sea, lakes, lagoons, rivers and pristine forests. The Wilderness National Park is a rare ecosystem that includes lakes, estuaries and 18 km. stretch of coastline. Wilderness is a paradise for bird lovers with more than 262 species of birds who are housed in the park.

To Stay:

Wilderness on the Sea offers comfortable and spacious B&B.  The guest house has elegant surroundings with a golden sandy beach that beckons from 30 meters away. It is only a few minutes walk to nearby Wilderness village where there are shops and a choice of 8 outstanding restaurants. Milkwood’s open markets for unique gifts and rare finds every Friday evening.

Oudtshoorn:

This Ostrich capital of the world is an ideal place to rush your adrenaline by taking a crocodile cage dive. Oudtshoorn is also home to the world-famous Congo Caves (the largest cave system in Africa). Though Oudtshoorn is a little off the Garden Route, it could be reached roughly in 2 hours from Mossel Bay through Route 328 (R328).

To Stay:

De Oude Meul Country Lodge is in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains about 14 km. outside of Oudtshoorn on-route to Cango Caves. It is a working Ostrich Farm. Spot the Fallow Deer walking in front of the Self Catering Units and Restaurant at night where the Grobbelaars River flows.

Sedgefield:

The natural beauty and peaceful pace have given the reputation of being known as “slow town” of the route. The farmer’s market sprawls every Saturday morning and is a popular spot to experience the local atmosphere. The Scarab village offers a wide range of arts and crafts.

To Stay:

Tiffany’s B&B is set in Sedgefield 10 km. from The Lakes Area National Park, an area popular for golfing. Tiffany’s B&B features free WiFi throughout the property.

Knysna:

Knysna is one of the best destinations in the Garden Route. Trip Advisor recognized Knysna in 2014 as the destination of travellers choice.
Indigenous forests, fynbos, mountains and lakes combined with the stunning coastline make Knysna a natural Eden.

To Stay:

Laguna Grove Holiday Rentals is the best place to stay and explore this vibrant city.The hotel offers fantastic facilities like a golf course and water sports.

Plettenberg Bay:

This Jewel of the Garden Route is best known for its tranquil and charming surroundings. Miles of sweeping unspoiled golden beaches, intriguing lagoons, stunning views over the Indian Ocean makes Plettenberg Bay a perfect place for lazing.

To Stay:

Bayview Hotel is a great base to explore the vibrant Plettenberg Bay.  Staying in Bayview would give an easy access to all the attractions of the city. The hotel’s recreational facilities include fishing, water sports (non-motorized). Bay view also offers bicycle rental.

Tsitsikamma National Park:

Tsitsikamma is the paradise for water lovers with sea, rivers and water cascading down towards the Indian Ocean. Tsitsikamma National Park is South Africa’s first marine reserve that includes Storms river and Nature’s valley where the country’s one of the most beautiful scenic trails Otter Trails runs.

Storms River is the hub for adventurists, one of the best ones is jumping off the world’s tallest bungee bridge at 216 meters.

To Stay:

Serenity Retreat is a calm and relaxed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The location is ideal for exploring the area around The Storms river and is close to the Bloukrans Bungee Bridge, Natures Valley and Storms River National Park.

Port Elizabeth:

Port Elizabeth also known as “The Windy City” is one of the largest cities in South Africa.The city is a home to Route 67 – a collection of 67 art pieces celebrating the years Nelson Mandela devoted to public life. Locals of Port Elizabeth proudly proclaim that everything lies within 15 minutes drive from the airport. Port Elizabeth is an adventurer’s paradise that offers diving opportunities, boat cruises, an excursion to Bayworld and a trip to the Seaview Predator Park. Not to forget the rich forests of the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve, where buffalo, white rhino, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, bontebok, lechwe, nyala and other animals roam freely.

To Stay:

Lungile backpackers is one of the most recommended places to stay by the locals in Port Elizabeth. It is nestled at 8 minutes walk away from the beach and has an outdoor pool and a campsite. The Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) is 3 km. away from Lungile backpackers, which makes this a perfect place to end the Garden Route Drive.