Garden Route Towns South Africa
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a popular coastal town located at the start of the Garden Route. As you approach Mossel Bay along the highway, it appears to be dominated by oil refineries and light industry, but when you head into the town it is a pleasant surprise.
The most striking will be the awesome ocean views and the dramatic coastline. The town is home to many coffee shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, guest houses antique shops and historical buildings. Several museums are testimony to its rich history. The Dias Museum Complex marks the spot of the historical landing of Dias in 1488 and a replica of the Caravel is housed in the museum.
Some attractions include blue flag beaches, walk-ways, the Cape St. Blaize lighthouse, the harbor, seal island and the Diaz Museum complex.
The Point is a vibey and active hub where you will find several restaurants, bars, the Point Hotel, an aquarium as well as the St Blaize lighthouse.
There is a natural tidal pool as well as smaller one ideal for kids. You can stroll along the walkway that spans the rocky coastline or venture along the 15 km hiking trail to Dana Bay.
It has mild all-year round climate which makes it a great place to stay and a popular holiday destination. It also has the only north-facing beach in the country, called Santos Beach.
There are many exciting things to do in and around Mossel Bay. Possible activities include sightseeing, whale watching (in season), hiking, swimming, various water sports, boating and exploring marine life. There is even an 11 km zipline across the water.
Garden Route Tours
We offer 5 and 10 day Garden Route tours. We can also offer custom Garden Route tours.
George
George is the capital city of the Southern Cape and main gateway to the Garden Route. It has an airport that serves flights from main hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The N2 highway connects George with larger cities such as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth as well as towns along the Garden Route.
George has an enviable setting at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and is within easy reach of lovely destinations along the Garden Route.
Wilderness
Only 15 km from George, Wilderness is a must-stop town along the Garden Route. The long sandy beaches, lagoon systems, natural lakes, forests, mountains and coastline provide breath-taking scenery.
Nestled between the Milkwood Trees you will find inviting restaurants, charming coffee shops and cafes, delightful gift shops and more – a joy for any visitor.
There are also several accommodation options that range from hotels to guest houses to camping sites.
There are also many things to do such as sightseeing, walkways, hiking, kloofing, mountain biking, horse-riding, canoeing, kayaking, angling, boating and more. The Wilderness lagoon and river systems are great for canoeing and similar water based activities.
For sightseeing the Wilderness Heights Viewpoint is a highlight where you will see the map of Africa.
As the river winds and its way through the forest, it creates a remarkable outline of the African continent. The Map-of-Africa is the viewpoint from where you can get a birds-eye view of this natural phenomenon.
Sedgefield
Just past Wilderness, take a short detour off the highway and you will find the sleepy town of Sedgefield.
There is something magical about Sedgefield. Its a mix of things – the slow pace, the pristine beaches, the lazy Estuary that meanders around ancient sand dunes on its way to the ocean.
If you love nature and tranquillity then you will love Sedgefield. Some call it the hidden gem of the Garden Route and for good reasons.
Myoli Beach alone is worth the slight detour. It is one of a series of beaches set behind the lagoon and sand dunes.
Here you won’t find big hotels, large shopping malls or bright city lights. Here, you take your foot off the accelerator, you slow down and you make your own entertainment. And there are many things to do and see in Sedgefield.
- Walk the streets and explore the back roads
- Relax on the beach or swim in the lagoon
- Cycle anywhere you want to go
- Go kayaking or sailing on the lagoon
- Kite surf the length of the Cola beach
- Ride the waves off Swartvlei beach
- Visit a Saturday market
- Hike the trails of the Nature Reserve
Sedgefield is the type of place you love to spend time.
Knysna
Knysna is the jewel of the Garden Route. Here life revolves around the lagoon which connects to the Indian Ocean through a channel flanked by sandstone cliffs. (the Heads). You can take an exhilarating boat ride through the heads.
Knysna is a vibrant town abuzz with creative energy. It is a paradise for shoppers, where art & crafts abound. You will find a mini-market of stalls along the road. The waterfront with its marina, shops, hotels and restaurants is one of the main attractions.
Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafe’s beckon with small-town allure and hospitality. All this helps make Knysna a trendy place.
There are plenty of accommodation options. Hotels, stately Manors, guest lodges and backpackers cater to all tasted and budgets.
Famous also for delectable home grown oysters, (washed down by the local brew) – the annual oyster festival is held here.
An impressive network of rivers, lakes, lagoons and estuaries are waiting to be explored. Grab a canoe, go on a boat trip, take a leisurely lagoon cruise, or try water-skiing, stand up paddling or wakeboarding – Knysna is a water sports wonderland. During season a whale watching boat trip is a must. Nearby attractions worth a visit are Brenton-on-Sea and Noetzie.
Go kloofing or drive the Knysna forest, hike in the nature reserve or visit a nearby attraction. And when the adventure is over, go hangout at one of the quaint pubs or restaurants. There is no shortage of things to do and see.
Indigenous forests, fynbos, lakes, rivers, mountains and beautiful coastlines combined with a moderate climate, make the Knysna area a natural Eden.
Visitors are spoilt for choice with a kaleidoscope of exciting and memorable experiences to choose from. Whether it is leisurely relaxation or high energy adventure, Knysna has it all.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay (also affectionately known as Plett) is about 35km from Knysna. With its sweeping beaches and many attractions it is a holiday mecca for local wanting a break from city life. During the December holiday season this town is packed with holiday makers.
Its lovely beaches are complemented by warm Indian ocean water as well as fascinating lagoons and estuaries. This rocky peninsula offers breathtaking scenery and sweeping view over the Indian Ocean.
Lookout Beach offers fantastic ocean views and great surf. From here you can sometimes spot dolphins and whales (in season). You can also enjoy great dining at the Lookout restaurant.
This town has all the tourist facilities so whether its boutique shopping, wine tasting, gourmet dining or lazing on the beach, you are sure to have fun in Plett. You can go hiking in the Robberg Nature Reserve, cruise on the Keurbooms River, or visit some of the ethical wildlife sanctuaries in the area. These include the free-flight Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Storms River Village
This small village is tucked away in the heart of the lush indigenous forest and set at the foothills of the majestic Tsitsikamma mountain range. This charming village is surrounded by the magical Tsitsikamma National Park.
The village offers charming accommodation options, has a micro-brewery and is the gateway to the Tsitsikamma National Park. This areas is a hive of activity and offers mountain biking, an array of hikes and trails as well as adventure activities such as black water tubing, kayaking and zip-lining. Close by are some lovely beaches as well.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is a dramatic mix of forests and rugged Indian Ocean shoreline. This protected area offers several marine and land attractions and its lush forests are rich in birdlife.
