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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4.93 Average 2197 Reviews
Hazel
We have recently returned from a multi centre holiday in Thailand. Everything went smoothly as planned, the hotels were all lovely. We would definitely recommend eShores and would book through them in the future. Thanks to Laura who organised the trip for us.
Posted 1 week ago
Heath
Been using eshore for several years,always come up with requirements we need.Always happy to rearrange. Staff are very knowledgeable and we always use Leanne as our point of contact. Experts for multi centre holidays.
Posted 2 weeks ago
DavidHurst
I booked two holidays in 4 months with Dave at eshores. First one a 16 day trip around Vietnam north to south which included numerous flights and taxis. My second holiday was in October traveling around Vietnam again and Cambodia. Every hotel in both countries was spot on, every transfer went smooth with no problems. I'll Definitely use eshores again and thanks to Dave who arranged everything, a fantastic experience 👍👍
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Parr
Recently booked a four centre holiday to Asia. The process was straightforward and seamless. Rob, the agent who dealt with our requirements was extremely helpful and not pushy. He was very easy to talk with and seemed genuinely interested in our plans. He managed to put together exactly what we wanted and at a great price.
Posted 3 weeks ago
Horan
Andy at eshores has been great, he worked hard to meet all our needs and went the extra mile for us! We're looking forward to a great Honeymoon!
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Jones
As always Michelle mainly but with some help from Leanne have once again booked an hopefully (as not yet travelled) amazing customised trip to America next September with our family this time.
Posted 3 weeks ago
Canning
First time I have used eshores and it won't be the last. Emma was so helpful in booking my 3 centre holiday to Portugal. Really pleased with accommodation selected and the overall cost. Emma was very quick to respond with different options and I'm looking forward to our holiday next year. I highly recommend this company
Posted 3 weeks ago
Hanagarth
We have just booked a trip to the Far East having previously used this company twice, Vietnam/Cambodia and a Road Trip in the USA. Both trips were problem free with all aspects going to plan. Easy to talk to and never pushing for a decision. A lovely company , thank you Dave for your time and assistance.
Posted 3 weeks ago
BillRoberts
We booked what appeared to be a busy holiday to South Africa and Mauritius. This consisted of five different fights and hotels with the various transfers included. Rachael organised the holiday for us and every aspect of the trip went well. Took a lot of the stress out and allowed us to have a fantastic holiday. Friendly,Professional service with professional staff. Will use them again.
Posted 3 weeks ago
JulieDavidson
All went well on our recent NY trip booked through Matt at EShores. Worth noting: -Newark Airport and Train Station great with transfers on the NYP Train (about 1 hour) to and from Penn Station/Airport Terminal (easy!) -Sanctuary Hotel great location and staff! Room and breakfast spot on. -Brooklyn Bridge walk back great, 1 stop over on subway as suggested. -United Airlines great - direct to and from Edinburgh! Recommended -weather spot on, temperatures just like here. Thanks for all your help and advice. Julie and Georgia (21st birthday girl!)