Nestled within South Africa‘s captivating landscapes lies one of my favourite places – the Garden Route, a breathtaking stretch along the country’s southern coast. Renowned for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, this region offers many experiences that cater to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and leisure enthusiasts alike.

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The main areas found on the Garden Route are Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Storms River. However, I would also recommend exploring the surrounding areas as well. Each region offers some great things to do and see.

Let’s embark on a journey through this paradise and uncover the top things to do along the Garden Route in each region.

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Things to do in the Garden Route area

MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay is a gem with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant tapestry of culture. Let’s dive into the wonders of this coastal paradise.

Things to do in Mossel Bay:

Experience sandboarding on the biggest and longest sandboard ride in South Africa while feeling the wind through your hair.
Spend the day at the beach. My favourites are Diaz Beach, Hartenbos and Santo’s Beach.
Hike the St Blaize Trail that stretches from Mossel Bay to Dana Bay. This is undeniably one of my favourite hikes on the Garden Route.
Find out about the history of the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse as you climb to the top and then enjoy some coffee at the restaurant.
Stroll along the Glentana coast to the Glentana Shipwreck that went aground in 1902.
Explore the beautiful Fransmanshoek Conservancy in the Vleesbaai area.
Sightsee the cave at Mossel Bay Point where you can learn some of the history of this area.
Take a photo of the iconic yellow frame located at Mossel Bay Point.
Enjoy some wine tasting and wine pairing at Jakkalsvlei Wine Farm.
Have some fun at the Hartenbos Pretpark. Here you can enjoy some waterslides, swimming pools and put-put.
Experience the longest zipline in the world that goes over the ocean.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at the rustic little Blue Shed restaurant.
Craft your gin at the Cape Saint Blaize Distillery.
Visit the Bartlomeu Dias Museum which was opened in 1989.
Do some shopping at the Good Shed Market where you’ll find many food stalls and also some arts and crafts shops.
Go on a sailing trip at the Mossel Bay Harbour.
Take a day trip to Cape Agulhas where you can see where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

For more information on all these activities, including GPS coordinates, cost, etc.

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Things to do in Mossel Bay

WILDERNESS

Welcome to the enchanting realm of Wilderness, a picturesque haven that is captivated by its lush forests, pristine lakes and serenity. This is probably one of my favorite places in the Garden Route with all its cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.

Things to do in Wilderness:

Firstly, if you are making your way to or from Wilderness, I suggest taking a detour and stop at the Meiringspoort Waterfalls. Make sure to take the Outeniqua Pass to enjoy some breathtaking scenery.
Hike the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail to the Touw River Waterfall.
Go canoeing with Eden Adventures on a half-day or full-day tour.
Visit the Map of Africa Viewpoint to see the Kaaimans River in the shape of the African continent.
Book an activity with Cloudbase Paragliding and soar to the sky.
Spend the day in George where you can visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, go strawberry picking at the Redberry Farm, have a wine and beer tasting at Houtbosch Wine and Beer Craft and then grab a cup of coffee at the Elvis Brew Padstal.
Visit the Dolphin viewpoint and enjoy the lookout point over the Kaaimans River Railway Bridge.
Grab a tube and swim at the Kaaimans River Bridge.
Enjoy some of the best beaches in the area.
Enjoy the views from the Voëlklip viewpoint located in Herolds Bay.

For more information on all these activities, including GPS coordinates, cost, etc.

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Things to do in Wilderness

SEDGEFIELD

Enjoy the tranquil oasis of Sedgefield, a charming town with serene lagoons, expansive stretches of golden beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

Things to do in Sedgefield:

Enjoy the day at Swartvlei Beach and take a walk to Gericke’s Point which is only accessible during low tide. Also, take the time to swim in the rock pools located at Gerick’s Point.
Feast at the Wild Oats Farmers Markets which is every Saturday morning. During summer months they’re open from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and during winter it is from 08:00 am to 12:00 pm. Enjoy some home-baked goods and fresh produce.
Enjoy a nice cup of coffee at the Slow Roasted Coffee Cafè.

More Garden Route Posts:

Beaches worth visiting on the Garden Route

Great coffee spots on the Garden Route

Canoeing in Wilderness

KNYSNA

Knysna is a jewel adorning South Africa’s Garden Route. Set against a backdrop of lush forests and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Knysna captivates with its timeless charm and natural splendour.

Things to do in Knysna:

Shop around the Knysna Waterfront, go on a boat ride and dine at one of the many restaurants located here.
Take a walking tour with the elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park which was the first facility in South Africa to care for orphaned elephants.
Watch the sunset over Knysna Heads whilst enjoying the sandstone cliffs that separate the sea from the Knysna Lagoon.
Bask in the sun at Coney Glen Beach with gorgeous limestones as your backdrop.
Wander around the forest at the Garden of Eden which is located just on the outskirts of Knysna.
Visit Thesen Island where you can enjoy adventurous activities like paddle boarding, water bikes and boat rides. There are also some amazing restaurants to choose from.

For more information on all these activities, including GPS coordinates, cost, etc.

READ MORE:

Things to do in Knysna

PLETTENBERG BAY

Enjoy the idyllic paradise of Plettenberg Bay. With its pristine beaches, panoramic vistas, and a harmonious blend of nature and luxury.

Things to do in Plettenberg Bay:

Bungee jump from the largest concrete arch bridge in Africa. Face your fears and jump from the Bloukrans bridge with Face Adrenalin.
Hike at the Robberg Nature Reserve. There are three circular trails to choose from that are perfect for the whole family.
Close to Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find the tranquil Keurboomstrand. Enjoy the short 2 km walk along the shore until you reach Arch Rock / Cathedral Rock.
Enjoy the sun at Plettenberg Bay beach.

STORMS RIVER

The untamed beauty of Storms River is located in the beautiful Tsitsikamma region. Carved by nature’s artistry, this enchanting area boasts dramatic landscapes, ancient forests, and the rhythmic melody of crashing waves against rugged cliffs.

Things to do in Storms River:

Go hiking at the Garden Route National Park. Here you can enjoy some breathtaking hiking trails, like the Mouth trail that leads to the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge. Or the Waterfall trail that leads to the Tsitsikamma waterfall – this is also the first part of the world-renowned Otter Trail.
Go kayaking with Untouched Adventures and explore deep into the Storms River Gorge.
Fly high in the tree tops of the Tsitsikamma forest with a canopy tour.
Or explore the Tsitsikamma forest by enjoying a Segway tour through the lush greenery.
Enjoy the beach at Nature’s Valley, which is also the end of the Otter Trail.
Walk along the wooden trail of the Tsitsikama Hiking Trail. Just watch out for the baboons!
Lastly, enjoy the viewpoint of the forest and Storms River down below from the Paul Sauser Bridge aka Storms River Bridge. You can either cross the bridge using the pedestrian crossing, or you can enjoy the view from the wooden viewpoint deck.