Garden Route :: overview

The Garden Route: one of South Africa’s most beautiful destinations

It is easy to understand why the Garden Route is such a popular tourist destination among foreign visitors and South Africans. The area comprises a diverse array of striking natural environments such as majestic mountain slopes, luscious forests and seemingly endless beaches. A holiday to the Garden Route offers plenty of exciting experiences that are unique to the area.

The exact start and end of the Garden Route is widely contested as many of the Western Cape province’s coastal towns want to benefit from being included on Garden Route holiday itineraries.

Many people consider the towns of Witsand, Stilbaai and Albertinia to be the start of this beautiful coastal strip and all of these towns are worth visiting. The end of the Garden Route is arguably the small town of Storm’s River in the Eastern Cape.

Part of what makes the Garden Route such an interesting location is that it is bordered to the south by the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains to the North. These contrasting environments provide visitors with a host of beautiful scenes and panoramas.

Namibia Travel Connection can help you to plan your Garden Route holiday today.

Popular Garden Routedestinations

George – Considered by many to be the gateway to the Garden Route, George is situated in a fertile and luscious valley. The town is small compared with cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, but it has a highly developed infrastructure. Golf is popular in the area and George contains a number of world-class golf courses.

Knysna – Set amongst tranquil lakes and indigenous forests , the peaceful town of Knysna is renowned for its almost undeniable natural beauty.. The Knysna waters offer a plethora of intriguing aquatic life, including the Knysna seahorse, over 200 species of fish and a number of waterfowl species. Dolphins can also be seen frolicking in the ocean from time to time.

Plettenberg Bay – With some of the most pristine beaches in South Africa, Plettenberg Bay is frequented by Capetonians who enjoy escaping the city for relaxing holidays. While the powder-white beaches may be the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities usually available, including the world’s highest commercial bungee at Bloukrans Bridge, polo at Kirkland and a chance to spot whales from the shore or on a boat (with a trained guide).

Tsitsikamma Forest – Nestled between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean lies Tsitsikamma Forest, a massive protected conservation area. The forest, and area in general, is characterised by gorges created by the flow of rivers down the nearby mountain range. Not only does this water nourish the plant life but it forms clear pools throughout the forest.

Wilderness – This secluded holiday destination offers a level of peace and quiet that is hard to find. Wilderness overlooks the ocean and also has a lagoon, giving visitors numerous options of beautiful sites. There are plenty of vantage points from which whales may be seen at certain times during the year.

Plan your Garden Route holiday with Namibia Travel Connection

Our travel specialists can recommend what areas of the Garden Route to visit during your holiday and help you to make the most of your South African holiday. Contact us now to speak to an experienced travel advisor.