High on the must-see list of most visitors to South Africa is the renowned Garden Route which is surely up there with one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The 300km stretch of South Africa’s coastline offers spectacular views, diverse verdant countryside, pristine beaches, dense forest as well as lakes and lagoons. This dramatic journey has been inspiring travellers, artists and writers for generations.
However, the first thing you must know about the Garden Route is that it is not, as the name implies, filled with a plethora of gardens to visit! Instead it got its’ name from the lush and varied vegetation in the area which is a dramatic contrast to the arid interior of the country. Also there is not just one ‘route’, there are many variations, so choose where you want to visit and then how long you want to spend. You can also drive just one-way, but there are also enough places to visit and variations that you can do a return trip without driving along the same route.
This route takes in Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay as well as the mountains of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma ranges that divide the verdant Garden Route from the arid Little Karoo.
Drive through this stunning region and you will enjoy not only the views, but also delicious local food, charming towns and plenty of outdoors activities along the way. The Garden Route is also one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale and dolphin-watching, particularly between July and October. The best way to do it is to hire a car in Cape Town so you can explore the Garden Route at your own pace and it’s only half a day’s drive away to the old-fashioned seaside resort of Mossel Bay which marks the start of the route.
From Mossel Bay start your trip along the Garden Route by heading to Oudtshoorn, the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’. The obvious thing to do here is to take a tour of one of the ostrich farms to see the amazing birds and even have a go at trying to ride one! However, there are many other things you can do in Oudtshoorn if Ostriches aren’t your thing; the Cango Caves and Wildlife Reserve are really worth visiting. In the vast caverns of the caves you can see the amazing stalactites and stalagmites, whilst the wildlife reserve also allows you to get close to some of its big cats including Leopards. Oudtshoorn is also where some of the best South African port wines are produced so the vineyards are well worth visiting.
Next stop is Wilderness National Park a mix of coastal and mountain forest, lagoons and wetlands. With a wonderful year-round climate, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty renowned for its friendly welcome. Set between the Kaaimans River and the Goukama Natural Reserve, with the impressive Outeniqua Mountains on its border, it is a naturalist’s paradise with plenty of hiking and biking available. There are also beautiful beaches and tranquil seas, whilst the lagoon is ideal for watersports. The reserve is famed for the amount of birdlife and you’ll find whales and dolphins out to sea.
Next up, the seaside town of Knysna is at the heart of the Garden Route and one of the highlights of the route. Sitting on an attractive, oyster-rich lagoon and between the Tsitsikamma National Park, the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is home to abundant wildlife – and many excellent restaurants. Explore the enchanting town with its lovely harbour surrounded by shops and restaurants and also hire bikes and cycle through the woodlands. If you are around in late June/early July this is when the Knysna Oyster Festival is on which is a celebration of the good life, with sport and oysters as its focus. The town is also a great destination for golfers, with a collection of several world-class golf courses. Knysna’s lagoon is protected from the sea by the sandstone ‘Heads’ where the ocean meets the lagoon. Do go out to see them, they are best viewed from either a boat trip or from one of the many hiking trails within the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Next along your way is the beach town of Port Elizabeth where you can enjoy the stunning beach and more excellent restaurants. After Port Elizabeth you’ll drive to Plettenberg which is one of South Africa’s best seaside resorts.
Plett is also wonderful for nature lovers with its large Cape fur seal colony, a seasonal penguin colony, dolphins and a chance to spot whales and sharks too. The coastline is great for walking and hiking. Nearby you’ll also find the largest enclosed aviary in the world at Birds of Eden and also a large primate sanctuary at Monkeyland.
If you’ve got more time, take a look at our Best of South Africa Multi Centre Holiday, which adds a few days in the Winelands to the beginning of the route, and provides the ultimate finish, with a safari at the end! There are also plenty of other options when it comes to exploring South Africa, so take a look at our suggested South Africa Multi Centre Holidays for more inspiration.
Helen is our liveliest character in the office, she can make a Monday Morning smile! She has been working at eShores since Jan 2012 but has over 17 years experience in the travel industry. Helen has a wealth of knowledge across the globe, whether you are looking for Europe, the USA, the Far East or South Africa, Helen will give you everything you need to know. And although she’s great fun, when it comes to her clients she’s completely focused and makes sure they are well looked after. She may even give you a song if you're lucky!
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Anthony
As always, a thoroughly professional service. We have booked a number of times through e shores and they endeavour to go the extra mile to ensure complete satisfaction
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Julie
We cannot thank Emily at eShores enough for her outstanding service in planning our holiday to Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi next March. From the moment we made our initial enquiry online, she was quick to follow up with a phone call. Emily listened attentively as we shared our interests in multiple-centre destinations and our preferred travel dates. With her first-hand experience in one of the locations, she provided invaluable advice that helped us make informed decisions. She sent us an initial quote that included various hotel options across different budgets, allowing us to choose what suited us best. Throughout the planning process, we exchanged numerous questions and queries, and Emily always responded with warmth and patience, making us feel that nothing was too much trouble. Her approachable and supportive communication made the experience enjoyable, and we felt guided every step of the way. Thanks to Emily, we have a fantastic booking in place, complete with all transfers from the airports to our hotels organised seamlessly. We’re extremely excited about our upcoming trip without the stress of planning it ourselves. We highly recommend Emily and eShores to anyone looking to book a holiday. Thank you, Emily, for making this process so easy and enjoyable! Best wishes, Julie and Paul Jackson
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DerekMichael
Prompt and efficient service, catering to our requirements.
Posted 2 days ago
Rebecca
We haven't taken our holiday, yet but to date our consultant, Rachel, has been fantastic! Rachel has delivered on all communication promises, always contacting us as promised. She has been more than happy to answer all questions, even daft ones, and been incredibly professional at all times. If our holiday is as good as the service recieved to date then we will be thrilled to bits.
Posted 3 days ago
Anonymous
Efficient, helpful and friendly service from Nick who understood what we were looking for and made excellent suggestions. Easy booking process.
Posted 4 days ago
CarolynMary
I have only just booked my trip to Italy with eShores and paid my deposit. I hope that all will go well in September but I can't comment on that yet. However, I can comment about your travel advisor, Nick. He has been absolutely excellent throughout. I originally contacted you in November about a different holiday in Italy but had to pause proceedings when my inheritance didn't come through soon enough. Nick had designed and tweaked the trip and was so patient and helpful with my questions and changes. Then when I changed the trip in April again he was so helpful and patient. He is a credit to your company!
Posted 6 days ago
Latif
Laura , spent alot of time as i changed holiday location pleased , booked for september 2025 to Eastern Algarve. paid deposit. request for balance 12 weeks before travel. British Airways holiday bookings ask for balance 4 weeks prior to travel . eShores ought to mirror BA for competitinion,
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Jane
Excellent service...they arranged our trip quickly and we're available to make amendments as required. Very good efficient service
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June
Booked a holiday with eshores this week. Very happy with the experience. Matt is very efficent and helpful. Matt has promptly answered my questions and left me with just looking forward to the experience. I still know that he will be there when and if I think of other things I need to know
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Caroline
Nick helped us book the correct holiday for us he listened to everything we had to say and tailored it spot on Would definitely recommend
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