Welcome to the Garden Route, one of my favourite places to visit in South Africa! Nestled along the southeastern coast of South Africa, this breathtaking stretch has become a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide.
The Garden Route spans roughly 300 km from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. It offers an unforgettable mix of coastal views, lush forests and charming towns. So whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone who simply wants to unwind, the Garden Route has something for everyone.
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What you need to know
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, but you’ll mostly hear South Africans speak English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.
Currency: The currency in South Africa is called Rand (R)
Credit Cards and ATMs: The major cities along the Garden Route, such as Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, will have card facilities available. There will also be ATM’s available at most gas stations and shopping malls. If you are planning on travelling to the smaller surrounding areas, I would suggest taking enough money with you just to be sure!
Water: South Africa does sometimes struggle with water scarcity, so visitors are encouraged to conserve water during their stay. Also, avoid drinking tap water, rather opt for store-bought water.
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The best way to travel the Garden Route
You have two options for travelling the Garden Route.
Firstly, you can take a road trip and spend a few nights in each coastal town. I would suggest starting in Mossel Bay and travelling towards Storms River.
OR you can stay in one location and have mini day trips to the surrounding areas. My suggestion would then be to stay in Wilderness or Knysna, as they are more central.
In my opinion, it is best to spend a few nights in each area, as there is so much to do and this way you’ll get a chance to experience as much as possible and not spend most of your time in the car.
How to get to the Garden Route:
You can either fly to George Airport and then rent a car and make your way to Mossel Bay, which is about half an hour’s drive (41km).
OR you can travel from Cape Town, which is a 4-hour drive from Mossel Bay. This is the option that I would highly recommend as you can stop at other tourist attractions (like the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus or Cape Agulhas – where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet).
You can also drive from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) airport. This is a much longer route and will take you about 12 and a half hours to complete (1,234 km). But here you will be able to travel through the beautiful Karoo.
When to visit the Garden Route
It is best to travel the Garden Route during spring and summer, which is from September to February. The days are warm and long, although evenings might still get chilly so make sure to pack some layers.
The rainy season is also during their summer time (December to February), however, when it does rain, it doesn’t rain for long.
If you want to do some whale watching, then you can visit the area from July to October (although Hermanus is more famous for whale watching, you’ll still see some whale action in this area)
Most popular activities on the Garden Route
- The Garden Route has some of the most gorgeous hiking trails such as the St Blaize Trail, Robberg Nature Reserve and the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail.
- Enjoy the views from the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse.
- Enjoy a walk to the Glentana shipwreck.
- Do a wine tasting at Jakkalsvlei or craft your own gin at the Cape Saint Blaize Distillery.
- Enjoy whale watching during whale watching season.
- Visit incredible viewpoints such as Map of Africa and Dolphin viewpoint.
- Enjoy some great coffee spots along the way.
- Relax on the pristine beaches.
- Go sailing at the Knysna Waterfront or Thesen Island.
- Bungee jump from the largest concrete arch bridge in Africa.
- Visit the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge in the Garden Route National Park.
- Take a dip underneath a waterfall.
Is it safe to travel the Garden Route?
Yes, South Africa is known for its crime; however, the Garden Route is generally safe for tourists. But always take basic precautions.
Exercise caution, especially in tourist areas and avoid walking alone at night. Always keep your valuables secure and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
Getting around
The public transport in this area is very limited, I would even say that it is non-existent. So renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The roads are well-maintained, and the scenic drives are part of the Garden Route charm.
There is no need to hire a 4×4 vehicle as most of the activities are easily accessible with a normal car.
How many days do you need to travel the Garden Route?
I would suggest at least one week (seven full days) to travel the Garden Route. This will ensure that you see most of the top attractions. Stretching it to two weeks will enable you to travel at a slower pace and have more time to relax.
If you have the extra time, I would recommend adding a day or two to explore these areas as well:
- Hermanus
- Cape Agulhas
- Cape St Francis
Where to stay
From luxury resorts to cosy bed-and-breakfasts, there’s accommodation to suit every budget. Again, consider staying in different towns along the route to fully experience the diversity of the region.
Here are some recommendations on where to stay in the different areas:
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