| Garden Route | ||
| Good to know | ||
| Nature´s Paradise | ||
| The Garden Route stretches along the southern Cape coast and is a place of rare beauty and wild adventure and one of South Africa's great natural gems. It is a wonderful part of the world blessed with the breathtaking arid beauty of the Klein Karoo, in spectacular contrast to the lush vegetation ot indigenous forests and abundant water of the coastal area, the lagoons and lakes. The main attraction along this stretch of the coast is the wealth of natural wonders, leisure and adventure activities that awaits the outdoor enthusiast and it is no surprise that the region has become South Africa’s most popular tourist destination after Cape Town. Its infinite diversity allows for many unique opportunities for the visitor, from sporting, safari and adventure activities, to cultural attractions, shopping, fine dining, relaxing, sightseeing, beach visits and nature experiences. | ||
 |
||
| When to go | ||
| The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas of South Africa, most of which occurs in the winter months (June-September), brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean. But any time of the year is good for visiting the area, as even in the cooler winter months, tourists can expect far more sunshine than rain. And you have to decide for yourself, if you rather enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination during the summer. | ||
 |
||
| Where to go | ||
| The South African Garden Route includes 21 towns stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape including the Little Karoo. Apart from its indigenous forests, spectacular coastline and natural scenic beauty, it is a destination that offers an unbelievable variety of touristic attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking trails and comfortable accommodations to suit every pocket. We recommend to travel the Garden Route slowly and to take in as many impressions as possible. Highlights along the road include the Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, the unspoilt Wilderness and Sedgefield coastal stretch, the game farms around Mosselbay, the Outeniqua Mountains and Train at George, the Knysna Heads and Lagoon, as well as the fancy Plettenberg Bay beaches with their boat-based whale and dolphin watching points and unspoilt Tsitsikamma National Park for truly unique nature experiences. | ||
 |
||
| How to get there | ||
| The Garden Route is conveniently situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and is serviced by two airports. Flights to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth leave daily from George Airport and Plettenberg Bay Airport. However, if you are travelling from Cape Town, we recommend a leisurely 4 hour drive to the Garden Route and to take scenic Route 62 passing Montagu and the Klein Karoo Town of Oudtshoorn before heading towards the famous coastal towns of George, Mossel Bay, Knsyna or Plettenberg. Alternatively take the N2 National Road to the Garden Route, which winds its way parallel to the coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and beyond. | ||
 |
||