THE GARDEN ROUTE
The stunning Garden Route offers an array of attractions from quaint coastal towns and their Blue-Flag beaches to lush forests dotted by endless hiking trails. The Garden Route is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque routes in South Africa. This stretch running along the Indian Ocean between Heidelberg and Storms River is South Africa’s N2 Highway at its best, making it an awesome destination for a self-driving trip. We recommend the below stops on route.
SWELLENDAM
Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa a great stop in-between Hermanus and Plettenberg bay when travelling through the Garden Route. Laying at the foot of the beautiful Langeberg Mountains this town is not only famous for its young berries, but as well as for its architecture and its history. Swellendam has over 50 provincial heritage sites, most of them buildings of Cape Dutch architecture.
PLETTENBERG BAY
Plettenberg Bay, or ‘Plett’ as it’s more commonly known, is a resort town through and through. With mountains, white sand and crystal-blue water making it one of the country’s top local tourist spots. As a result, peak season can get very busy, but the town retains a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and does have excellent hotels. The scenery to the east is spectacular, with some of the best coast and indigenous forest in South Africa.
KNYSNA
Knysna is located in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. Surrounded by lush indigenous forests, golden beaches and tranquil lagoons that lead onto large sandstone cliffs, the Knysna Heads, which form a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Knysna is known as the oyster capital of South Africa and hosts an annual Oyster Festival, which is a must visit for any oyster lover!
KENTON-ON-SEA
Kenton is renowned for some of the best beaches and protected coves on South Africa’s coast and affords guests with fantastic swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horse-riding, walking, canoeing, snorkeling and kite-surfing opportunities.
Kenton is nestled between two rivers (the Bushmans and the Kariega) and the edge of the sea. All this water and the warm Agulhas current makes Kenton a water sport mecca.
Just inland you'll find world-class, malaria free game reserves stocking a variety of game including the Big 5, with Shamwari, Kwandwe, Sibuya, Lalibela & Kariega game reserves, just to name a few, within 2 hours driving distance.
OUDTSHOORN
Oudtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo area of South Africa’s Western Cape between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains It’s known for its ostrich farms and rests along the Route 62 wine route. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.
