As South Africans, we’re incredibly fortunate with our holiday destination options, and traveling overseas can become quite costly. Known as “God’s own country” by those who reside there, the Garden Route boasts a variety of mesmerising staycation options. Whether you decide to select one awe-inspiring destination or to road trip along the entire route.
The impressive 300-kilometre stretch between Mossel Bay and Storms River features a few of South Africa’s most loved holiday locations. Each offering its unique magic and wonder.
Here are some of our top picks along the Garden Route:
Mossel Bay
Start your trip with a stop in the harbour town of Mossel Bay (the Bay of Mussels). Known for expansive Santos Beach and 19th-century Cape St.Blaize Lighthouse, this town has a population of 130 000 people. It was first proclaimed a town in 1848.
The Post Office Tree is one of the famous tourist attractions and came about when a Portuguese sailor sought refuge. He wrote a detailed account of the catastrophe and left it in an old shoe hanging from a milkwood tree. It served as a post office for decades afterward. Now, nearly 800 years old, the Post Office Tree is now declared a National Monument.
Mossel Bay attractions include a train ride on Diaz Express, hiking the Oystercatcher Hiking Trail, and visiting Garden Route Casino.
Stop over at one of these establishments for the night, in between Mossel Bay, Knysna, and George:
Oudtshoorn
Take a slight detour and visit Oudtshoorn, in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Stop by Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, the oldest show farm in the world. You cannot go to Oudtshoorn without having seen the phenomenal and world-renowned Cango Caves at least once.
Explore the delightful Oudtshoorn Art, Cheese, Chocolate and Liquer Route for some award-winning taste bud tantalisers. Enjoy crocodile cage diving, meerkat walking, the Valley of Ancients, and the Karusa Vineyards for premium winery and craft beer.
George
Known as the “gateway to the Garden Route,” this popular town is the commercial hub and capital of the Garden Route, and is nestled halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
At the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, George is widely regarded as the hub of the Southern Cape region. Golfers flock here for the world-class golf courses, some even designed by famous golfers themselves! The most well-known is Fancourt Golf Estate, which often hosts high-profile golf tournaments.
Look out for local gems like the Robertson Brewing Company and the Garden Route Botanical Garden. The town also has a rich local history which you can learn about at the George Museum, The Old Oak Slave Tree, and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. It also hosts popular events like the George Old Car Show and the George Beer Festival. If you want to know more, check out this guide on things to do in George.
Wilderness
This Garden Route gem is an internationally recognised nature lover’s paradise. It’s a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts because of its rivers, two estuaries and 18km of pristine coastline. Situated directly on the Touw River Lagoon, this seaside town is mostly known for its white sandy beaches and caters to holiday-makers.
Ending operation in June 2009, the last continually operated Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train ran through the town en route between George and Knysna.
Fridays bring the Milkwood Evening Market where you can find a variety of handmade wares, from cured meats, artisanal breads and cheeses, to various arts and crafts, while sipping on a craft beer and enjoying the live music.
Get your adrenalin rush by going dolphin paragliding or abseil right next to a majestic waterfall in the Kaaimans Gorge, one of the most serene abseil sights, landing in a canoe below.
The famous “Map of Africa” viewpoint at Wilderness Heights is also popular for breathtaking views of the Kaaimans River valley. If you’re an avid birder, grab your binoculars and visit the Malachite Bird Hide in the WIlderness National Park along Langvlei Lake.
Knysna
This picturesque seaside town boasts a population of about 50 000 and has a fascinating history. Not only were its indigenous inhabitants none other than the Khoikhoi, but it also experienced a mini gold rush in 1878 after a gold nugget was discovered in the area.
The town is a popular holiday destination because of its year-round fair weather and various outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing and birding. It’s also considered a golfer’s paradise because of its numerous courses, including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and Knysna Golf Course.
Other local attractions include Mitchell’s Brewery and the Knysna Oyster Festival in late June/early July, where an estimated 200 000 oysters are consumed in just 10 days!
- A 1-Night Stay for 2 in Knysna at Rexford Manor
- Experience Knysna’s beauty with a 1 night stay for 8 people with Pezula Realty & Letting or opt in for a 1 night golf villa stay for 4
- A 2-night stay in Knysna (and a free bottle of wine!) at Leisure Isle lodge
- A magical 2 night stay in a Forest Tent for 2 people – with a free extra night
Plettenberg Bay
Popular with local and foreign tourists alike, Plett has something for everyone. Whether you’re after pristine beaches or buzzing nightlife, it’ll be a trip to remember.
Enjoy local attractions like the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve, or traverse the world’s largest free-flight aviary, Birds of Eden; Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is another spot to take the time to see, with it being the first free-roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary in the world.
Other memorable outdoor attractions are tree canopy tours, sea kayaking, and whale watching, to name a few. You can also enjoy local wine estates, go on a township tour or look out for festivals like the Plett Arts Festival, and the Plett Wine and Bubbly festival.
With so many options catering to all requirements, what are you waiting for? Head to the Garden Route and have yourself a wonderful and unforgettable stay!
Please note: all deals were accurate and available at time of publication.
Images courtesy of African Budget Safaris
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