Garden Route
★ 4.8🇿🇦 Garden RouteSuggested visit 3-4 daysBest season October to April, with steadier weather
NatureCoastRoad trip
A coastal drive from Mossel Bay to Tsitsikamma, where forest, lagoons and shoreline alternate over hundreds of kilometres.
Overview
The Garden Route is about 300 kilometres of coastal road in southern South Africa, running from Mossel Bay east to Tsitsikamma past towns such as Knysna, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay. Along it lie the Knysna lagoon, the gorge and suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River Mouth and the Bloukrans bungee bridge. Inland routes reach the ostrich farms at Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves.
History
It developed as a touring route through the 20th century, with sections protected as national and marine reserves; the name comes from the dense temperate forest along the coast.
Highlights
- •The Knysna lagoon and Heads
- •The Tsitsikamma suspension bridge and gorge
- •Bungee at Bloukrans bridge
- •Ostrich farms and the Cango Caves
Practical tips
- •Self-driving is best — remember traffic keeps left
- •The surf is powerful; keep clear of the water and rocks
Practical information
- Best time
- October-April
- Tickets
- Some parks charge about ZAR 300
- Opening hours
- All day
- Local food
- South African seafood, ostrich, Cape wine
- Getting around
- About four hours by car from Cape Town to Mossel Bay, or fly to George.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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