From KSh747,229 pps
Leisure Isle Lodge
Knysna, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Fishing | Canoeing

HomeDestinationsGarden Route
The Garden Route is the forest-and-lake drive east of Cape Town: Knysna, Wilderness, and Tsitsikamma. It is a holiday of scenery and small towns.
Get a quote





From idyllic beaches & forests to golf, whale watching & wildlife, a Garden Route holiday in South Africa has something for everyone - let us plan the ideal tour.


Just a few hours' drive from Cape Town lies South Africa's world-famous Garden Route, a sunny stretch of southern Cape coastline featuring a wonderful mix of wide beaches, dappled forests, peaceful lagoons and buzzing seaside towns.
A long-time favourite for family holidays, this malaria-free region is also a paradise for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts while the easy-to-navigate roads and short driving distances make the Garden Route the ideal destination for an independent-minded self-drive holiday.

The secret behind the Garden Route is that it combines the fun of a classic bucket-and-spade holiday with unforgettable African adventures. Take a forest canopy tour or visit a monkey or bird sanctuary. Dolphins are often seen offshore – as are whales in season – and for even more wildlife thrills, round off your beach holiday with an authentic Big 5 safari in one of the conveniently close – and also malaria-free – reserves in neighbouring Eastern Cape Province.
While outdoor sports and activities take centre stage on a Garden Route holiday (don’t forget that several of the country’s best golf courses are found here) fine food is always close at hand. Indulge in fresh-from-the-boat seafood at the ever-popular Knysna Waterfront or at a restaurant overlooking the beach in neighbouring Plettenberg Bay.
Garden Route accommodation is both plentiful and varied, and you can expect warm hospitality, great food and even better views. Wherever you decide to stay, the warm Indian Ocean is always close by, and although this popular coastline is understandably busy during the December school holidays (be sure to book well in advance!) you can still escape the summer crowds with a walk along a deserted beach or forest trail in one of the many nearby nature reserves.

Browse our range of tried-and-tested itineraries for some Garden Route holiday inspiration and then chat to one of our Africa Safari Experts. They will plan the perfect route for you, organising the right tours and booking the right accommodation all along the way.
Beaches
Food and wine
Scenery
Self-drive
The Garden Route is one of the world's most spectacular drives, a 200km stretch of road that winds past forested mountains, sprawling wetlands and white-sand beaches with picturesque towns spaced no more than a 45-minute drive apart.
Most visitors base themselves at the heart of the Garden Route – either in Knysna (complete with its scenic lagoon) or neighbouring Plettenberg Bay (famous for its excellent beaches) – and then spend a few days exploring the local places of interest. We've also included an inland destination – the Little Karoo town of Oudtshoorn – which is not officially part of the Garden Route but is where to go to see incredible caves and geological formations plus some of the world’s biggest ostrich farms.

South Africa's favourite holiday town lazes on the shore of a shallow lagoon: grand houses tumble down the hill toward the water’s edge, boats bob at wooden jetties and the town’s popular Waterfront buzzes with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and bars. There’s plenty to do in and around town: take the ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve and stroll along its cliff-top paths, go on a boat cruise to ‘The Heads' (a pair of rocky headlands through which the tide ebbs and flows) or walk one of the trails in the surrounding Knysna Forest.

For that quintessential seaside holiday, Plettenberg Bay – or ‘Plett' to the locals – has not just one but a choice of broad beaches with warm kid-friendly foamy waves, and when you tire of the sand between your toes there are excellent golf courses, hiking trails and numerous nature reserves nearby to head for. During mid-summer Plett becomes a party town: beaches fill up with bright brollies and even brighter bikinis, so if you're looking for a quiet seaside escape rather visit during the months of February and March – still plenty of sunshine but far fewer people.
A 25-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay, The Crags is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and is where to go on the Garden Route for unforgettable family holiday activities: visit the Elephant Sanctuary and walk hand in trunk with an orphaned baby elephant; wander through the forest at Monkeyland while monkeys from all over the world swing through the branches above you; and spend a few unforgettable hours at Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight aviary in the world.

Compared to the holiday hustle and bustle of nearby Plettenberg Bay, the tranquil atmosphere of small, unassuming Keurboomstrand is enough to make you audibly exhale on arrival. Consisting mostly of modest private holiday homes, Keurboomstrand is set on a lovely long beach stretching all the way to Plett itself – perfect for long walks! The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is also worth a visit: go for a hike in the spectacular wooded gorge or paddle along the placid river in a kayak, keeping an eye open for forest and water birds including the endemic Knysna louries and colourful malachite kingfishers.

Driving from Cape Town you know you've truly arrived on the Garden Route when you crest the hill just before the village of Wilderness and see a ribbon of dazzling white sand and blue surf-speckled ocean stretching away into the far distance. Broad beaches, well-marked hiking trails and unique ecosystems of bird-filled forests, rivers and lagoons make Wilderness a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers or anyone looking for a peaceful escape away from the larger and more popular towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Storms River Village is surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park – a well-known coastal reserve that protects the remaining indigenous forest that once carpeted this region. The coastline around Storms River Village is wild and rugged, and this is where to go on the Garden Route for hiking trails that last anything between a couple of hours and five days but how about inching along a swaying suspension bridge over a yawning ravine or taking a forest canopy tour high in the treetops as well?

Halfway between Knysna and Port Elizabeth lies St Francis Bay, a picturesque sweep of sand popular with both locals and overseas visitors. It’s a wonderfully quiet part of the Garden Route: the small town of St Francis Bay and the even smaller cluster of white-washed cottages that is the village of Cape St Francis are the largest built-up areas on this stretch of coast. Besides the miles of empty beaches and an ocean full of dolphins, there are small nature reserves, teeming rock pools, great fishing spots, horse and mountain-biking trails, bird watching hot spots and, if you fancy renting a board, some of the best surf on the Southern Cape coast.
Conveniently tucked away between Knysna and George, laid-back little Sedgefield was recently declared Africa's first Cittaslow town – a worldwide organisation that advocates a cultural shift towards slowing down life's pace. Set on the banks of a beautiful coastal lagoon famous for its birdlife, it’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, active families or indeed those just looking for a relaxing break: kids can splash about in the shallow waters of the lagoon; there's a choice of inviting beaches; cycling and hiking routes wind through the surrounding forests and nature reserves; and every Saturday morning sees a popular outdoor organic market.
A sleepy agricultural town in a stunning mountainous setting, George is set back from the coast and, though friendly enough, is a fairly unremarkable destination. Its main draw however is the fact that three of South Africa’s best golf courses are found here, including the peerless Fancourt Golf Estate – an 18-hole champion course designed by South African golfing legend Gary Player. Other highlights in the area are the mountain biking and hiking trails in the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains plus great swimming beaches, located only a short drive away.

Lying not quite 400km from Cape Town, Mossel Bay signals the start of the Garden Route. Although the town’s sprawling outskirts aren’t much to look at, as soon as you reach the ocean, you'll find protected sandy bays that are perfect for swimming, sailing and kayaking. And being a popular holiday destination there's plenty to do in the area as well: take a boat trip to Seal Island, go horse riding along the beach and visit nearby Botlierskop, a private game reserve that gives its visitors a taste of South Africa's legendary game viewing experience. Mossel Bay is also where to go on the Garden Route to try one of the country’s biggest thrills: cage diving with great white sharks.
Oudtshoorn is separated from the Garden Route by a dramatic mountain range that forms a barrier between the lush coastline and semi-arid interior known as the Little Karoo. Luckily there’s a mountain pass which makes for a beautiful drive into this unique landscape and on to South Africa's ostrich capital, Oudtshoorn. The town has several ostrich show farms where you can learn all about these extraordinary birds and even ride one if you'd like, but our favourite reason to travel here however is the presence of the Cango Caves: we'd highly recommend taking a tour of this elaborate underground labyrinth, complete with narrow stone passageways and vast caverns dripping with stalactites.

Port Elizabeth (or PE as it is commonly called) has an easily accessible airport connecting the city to other major travel hubs in South Africa. Most visitors simply pass through PE on their way to or from the Garden Route or Eastern Cape game reserves, but for those spending a night or two in the well-named ‘Friendly City' we can recommend several boutique hotels within easy strolling distance of PE's beaches – well known for their safe swimming, wide choice of watersports and frequent dolphin sightings.
The best time to visit the Garden Route in South Africa is from February to April, but keep in mind that on a Garden Route holiday you can experience rain at any time of year. This route has an all-year-round, temperate climate that is perfectly suited to outdoor adventure activities and Garden Route tours. Temperatures are highest in the summer months (November to April) and this stretch of coastline gets very busy over the Christmas school holidays.
The Garden Route is one of the most scenic, self-driving routes in South Africa. It is a 300-kilometer (186 mile) stretch of southern-most Cape coast that traverses the Western and Eastern Cape provinces between the city of Cape Town and the Storms River.
For a beach holiday without the crowds, there are secluded beaches along this route. Brenton in Knysna and Arch Rock just outside Plettenberg Bay are perfect examples of hidden gems. Whale watching season runs from June to October (peaking in September), hiking is superb in winter, and the 10-day Knysna Festival in July is a great combination of sporting events, food and live local music.
The route is great all year round, but particularly in the summer months. The coastal towns in January are still busy with tourist crowds who aren't quite ready to leave after the New Year's celebrations. This is the best time to visit the Garden Route for a mid-summer beach getaway filled with adventure activities.
February is also a great time to visit the Garden Route for a beach holiday with less crowds. The local, summer tourist season has come to an end and the roads are much quieter. Temperatures are at their highest along the route in February as the summer is still in full swing. However, as this is a coastal climate that can be unpredictable at times, you could experience some rain.
March is considered the best time to drive the Garden Route. Starting your journey in Cape Town will be business as usual, with regular city traffic. But once you exit the city and take the majestic passes into the greater Western Cape, the drive will be far more tranquil and scenic. Numerous game parks can be found en route and small seaside towns like Hermanus, Sedgefield and Knysna are perfect stops along the way.
By April the temperatures start to cool but with the Easter school holidays and long weekends, the towns can be a little busier with family holidays in the Garden Route. April is not as quiet as other winter months but is still one of the best times to drive along the Garden Route.
To avoid crowds and queues, paying a visit to the many celebrated sites along the way will be far easier during May. Visit the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, the highest bungee jump in the southern hemisphere on Bloukrans Bridge, or the famed Otter Trail – a hiking journey that can take up to 5 days along the southern tip of Africa.
June is the best time to visit the Garden Route for whale watching. This is the start of whale season in the seaside town of Hermanus, a location that has been rated as one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world. The southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to the cooler, shallow waters just off South Africa to breed and care for their young.
July is often considered one of the best times to visit the Garden Route, particularly if you are planning to stop in Knysna. The Knysna Oyster Festival is held annually and has been a success since 1983, growing into one of the biggest events on the calendar along the Garden Route. The Oyster Fest (as the locals call it) runs over 10 days and includes live music, swims in the world famous Knysna lagoon, and offers the freshest oysters accompanied by the finest South African wines.
August is the last winter month. There will be some rain and wind during this month, but there are plenty of sunny days in between. The weather is ideal for hiking one of the many trails or visiting one of the many renowned wineries along the way.
September is spring on the Garden Route, and you can literally feel it in the air during this time. The weather can be a little unpredictable during the last few months of the year, but most days are pleasant. There is always a chance of rain during this spring months, which are mostly only slight drizzles. The temperatures are comfortable and it's a relatively quiet time before the summer. October is a quieter month on the Garden Route as local businesses prepare for peak season.
The month of November is officially the start of summer on the Garden Route and the weather is significantly warmer than in October. This famous roadway is frequented most during the festive season of December. This is the best time to travel to the Garden Route for a balmy, summer holiday. With shark cage diving, township tours, zipline adventures and boat trips, the festive season is buzzing with activity.
Chat with someone who's been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Garden Route that's right for you.
For general information on travelling to South Africa, visit our South Africa travel advice page.
George Airport: ideally located for combining Cape Town with the Garden Route but without the big drive between them, this airport is located at the start of the Garden Route and is also served by flights from Johannesburg.
Port Elizabeth Airport: positioning itself as either the end of the Garden Route or as the gateway to the Eastern Cape‘s private Big 5 reserves, Port Elizabeth airport is served by flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Transfers and tours on the Garden Route are conducted in modern mini buses or sedan cars, but with such easy roads, great scenery and dozens of places to stay, it’s a popular self-drive destination. Hire a car and tour the Garden Route at your own pace – if you’re including the Eastern Cape’s game reserves on your itinerary then you’ll join other guests on guided 4X4 game drives.
Skip the school holidays: this stretch of coastline gets really busy during South Africa’s long December and January summer holidays – especially around Plettenberg Bay. If you want a party atmosphere then this is the time to travel, but otherwise it's probably best to skip these peak-season months.
Watch for whales: whale watching season runs from July to October, peaking in the month of September. You can do boat-based whale watching tours on the Garden Route but if you're driving to or from Cape Town, we recommend taking a detour through the coastal town of Hermanus – home to the best land-based whale watching in the world.
Don’t mind the mosquitoes: both the Garden Route and the nearby game reserves of the Eastern Cape are malaria-free so there’s no need to hassle with anti-malarial medication.
Try the oysters: Knysna oysters are world-famous – in fact they're so good they even have their own festival in July. Don't leave this stretch of coastline without trying at least one (or a dozen).
More animals for less: if you're travelling on a Garden Route family holiday, be sure to visit the Monkeyland sanctuary and neighbouring Birds of Eden aviary – they're wildly popular with kids and you can get a discount ‘Combo Ticket’ that gets you into both.
Book Accommodation in Advance: Popular destinations like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best options.
Explore the National Parks: The Garden Route is home to several stunning national parks, including Tsitsikamma National Park and Wilderness National Park. These parks offer a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, and zip-lining.
Visit Local Markets: Towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay have vibrant local markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine. It’s a great way to support local businesses and get a taste of the region’s culture.
Yes, and this is exactly why the Garden Route is so popular! At the eastern end of the route lies the Eastern Cape province, home to a collection of world-class, luxury private game reserves like Shamwari, Amakhala, and Kwandwe. Because these reserves share the same completely malaria-free environment as the Garden Route, you can effortlessly drive from a luxury seaside resort in Plettenberg Bay and be settling into a classic Big 5 safari lodge by lunchtime.
The Garden Route enjoys a beautifully temperate, maritime climate with warm summers (November to March) and mild, occasionally breezy winters (June to August). Rain can fall year-round - usually in short, refreshing afternoon showers that keep the forests famously lush and green.
When it comes to swimming, the Garden Route borders the Indian Ocean, which is warmer than Cape Town's chilly Atlantic coast. Swimming is fantastic during the balmy summer and autumn months. If you are visiting during the cooler winter months, the ocean might be a bit too brisk for a casual dip, but it remains perfect for surfing, kayaking, or enjoying a cooler beach walk.
For iconic, high-demand activities – such as the Tsitsikamma forest canopy tours, guided hikes into the Robberg Nature Reserve, or leaping off the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans – we highly recommend booking in advance, particularly if you are travelling between November and April.
While spontaneous stops are part of the joy of a road trip, reserving your slots ahead of time ensures you don’t miss out due to daily capacity limits. Tell us which bucket-list experiences matter most, and we can build suitable stops and timing into your Garden Route itinerary.
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Garden Route that’s right for you.
A long stretch of golden beaches set against a mountainous backdrop, the splendidly scenic Garden Route is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa. Although there is a wide range of guided tours and holidays for the Garden Route, this easy, safe and friendly destination makes for a fantastic self-drive experience for families and romantics alike.
When you’re touring the Garden Route, remember to enjoy the many day trips and activities on offer: canopy tours through the Tsitsikamma Forest are a must for nature lovers while visits to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and the Elephant Sanctuary are non-negotiable for families with kids. And if you’re a golf enthusiast, why not enjoy a round or two at some of the Garden Route’s award-winning 18-hole courses?
A Garden Route holiday also combines well with a stay in Cape Town and ends off beautifully with an Eastern Cape safari; kick off with all the fun of the Mother City before hitting the beaches of the Garden Route and the malaria-free Big 5 reserves of the Eastern Cape.
Our selection of top Garden Route tours and holidays is comprehensive and includes shorter self-drive itineraries as well as longer guided holidays and perfect combination trips. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just let us know and we’ll tailor-make a trip for you.
Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town. Explore Cape Town's beaches & vineyards.
Full-day family fun tour in Franschhoek. Explore Cape Town & the scenic Winelands.
Explore the attractions of Cape Town like Table Mountain & Cape Point. Explore magnificent estates and sip excellent wines on a winelands tour.
Private villa accommodations throughout. Private chefs & dedicated staff.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Unforgettable Big 5 game viewing . Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town. Explore Cape Town's beaches & vineyards.
Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town. Explore Cape Town's beaches & vineyards.
Full-day family fun tour in Franschhoek. Explore Cape Town & the scenic Winelands.
Full-day family fun tour in Franschhoek. Explore Cape Town & the scenic Winelands.
Explore the attractions of Cape Town like Table Mountain & Cape Point. Explore magnificent estates and sip excellent wines on a winelands tour.
Explore the attractions of Cape Town like Table Mountain & Cape Point. Explore magnificent estates and sip excellent wines on a winelands tour.
Private villa accommodations throughout. Private chefs & dedicated staff.
Private villa accommodations throughout. Private chefs & dedicated staff.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Unforgettable Big 5 game viewing . Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Unforgettable Big 5 game viewing . Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
4 daysA visit with a local community.
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps
Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
South Africa | Western Cape
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh425,226 pps
Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps
5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps
Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
From KSh1,470,438 to KSh1,663,900 pps
Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
Accommodation on the ever-popular Garden Route is both plentiful and varied with something to suit just about anyone. From exclusive guest houses and intimate lodges to charming country cottages and private villas, the Garden Route will welcome you with the warmth and hospitality for which this region is famous.
Combining easily with Cape Town, the Garden Route is a favourite destination for romantics and honeymooners as well as families and self-drive adventurers, so whether you’re looking for a luxury tree house in a forest, an ultra-indulgent castle on a private beach, or a spacious child-friendly guest house with a pool, our tried-and-tested selection of top Garden Route accommodation is sure to tick all the right boxes.
Filter Your Results
1 stay. The rate is per person sharing.
From KSh747,229 pps
Knysna, South AfricaBird watching | Fishing | Canoeing
The Garden Route is a self-drive: car, fuel, and hotels. It is usually kinder than a private safari week.
International flights into Cape Town are the large line outside it.

Places
Everything You Need to Know About the Garden Route is a planning note from Safari Continents Travel. It sits beside the destination guides for Garden Route. Published trip prices are a guide. You receive a quote before anything is paid.