Explore the Route

1st Beach offers sand, sea and that unhurried Garden Route beach feeling near Mossel Bay. Early mornings are calmest — the wind often picks up through the afternoon.

1st Beach rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Sedgefield. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A viewpoint near Sedgefield — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

A viewpoint near Nature's Valley — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

3rd Beach rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Sedgefield. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A viewpoint near George — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

Abseil Viewpoint is a lookout near Storms River with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

A stop near Plettenberg Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Afri-Abseil is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Africanyon River Adventures is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Agulhas lookout point is a lookout near Storms River with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

Andre Hut Viewpoint is a lookout near Nature's Valley with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

Aquada de São Bras is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Mossel Bay. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Arch Rock is a lookout near Nature's Valley with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

A museum/gallery stop near Hartenbos. Weather-proof and unhurried — check local opening hours, as smaller venues on the Garden Route keep their own schedules.

Attakwaskloof Forest Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Hartenbos. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

A stop near Knysna that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Bendigo Mines is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Knysna. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Benton on Sea View point rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Knysna. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A stop near Storms River that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Big Tree is a local attraction near Knysna — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Birds of Eden is the world's largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary, located in Kurland village near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, South Africa. The mesh dome of the sanctuary was built over 2.3 hectares of indigenous forest, and is up to 55 metres (180 ft) above ground level. — Wikipedia

A viewpoint near Storms River — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

Bloukrans Bridge Bungy is one of the world's highest commercial bungy jumping sites at 216 metres (709 ft) above the Bloukrans River. It is situated at Bloukrans Bridge on the N2 Highway at the border between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape in the Tsitsikamma area of South Africa's Garden Route. — Wikipedia

Bloukrans Bridge Bungy is one of the world's highest commercial bungy jumping sites at 216 metres (709 ft) above the Bloukrans River. It is situated at Bloukrans Bridge on the N2 Highway at the border between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape in the Tsitsikamma area of South Africa's Garden Route. — Wikipedia

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve day tours is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Hartenbos. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Bottomless Pool is a local attraction near Storms River — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Bramon Tasting Room is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Brenton Blue Butterfly Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Knysna. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

Cape Floral Protected Area protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near Storms River — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

Cape Floral Region Protected Areas protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near Oudtshoorn — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

A beach spot near Plettenberg Bay, with the wide ocean views this coast is known for. Swim where it's protected, watch for rip currents, and keep an eye on the day's sea conditions.

Cloud base Paragliding is a local attraction near Wilderness — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

A beach spot near Mossel Bay, with the wide ocean views this coast is known for. Swim where it's protected, watch for rip currents, and keep an eye on the day's sea conditions.

De Bakke Water Trough is a local attraction near Mossel Bay — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

De Vasselot Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Nature's Valley. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

A museum/gallery stop near Mossel Bay. Weather-proof and unhurried — check local opening hours, as smaller venues on the Garden Route keep their own schedules.

Diaz offers sand, sea and that unhurried Garden Route beach feeling near Hartenbos. Early mornings are calmest — the wind often picks up through the afternoon.

Diaz Water Park is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Mossel Bay. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Dolphin Point is a lookout near Wilderness with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

A protected natural area near Oudtshoorn, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

Eastern Heads Views rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Knysna. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

Eastford Private Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Knysna. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

Elandsbos View rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Storms River. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A stop near Nature's Valley that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Face Adrenalin is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

A stop near Storms River that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately owned nature reserve on the Western Headland of the Knysna River Estuary on South Africa’s Garden Route. — Wikipedia

Featherbed Tours is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Knysna. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Formosa Nature Reserve protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near Nature's Valley — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

Formosa Nature Reserve protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near Storms River — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

Friday Market is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Knysna. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

A protected natural area near Oudtshoorn, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

A protected natural area near Knysna, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

The Garden Route Botanical Garden located in George, Western Cape and borders the Outeniqua Nature Reserve. The Garden focuses on plants native to the Southern Cape region. — Wikipedia

Garden Route Botanical Garden protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near George — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

Garden Route National Park protects a patch of indigenous Garden Route habitat near Plettenberg Bay — expect birdlife and fynbos or forest depending on the terrain. Take water, sun protection and check fire-danger ratings in summer.

A stop near Hartenbos that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A protected natural area near Sedgefield, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

A stop near Plettenberg Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A museum/gallery stop near George. Weather-proof and unhurried — check local opening hours, as smaller venues on the Garden Route keep their own schedules.

Giant Strawberry at Redberry Farm is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near George. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Goesa Forest trail is a local attraction near Storms River — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Gondwana Game Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Hartenbos. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

A protected natural area near Sedgefield, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

A viewpoint near Wilderness — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

Greetenboom Naturewalk is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Knysna. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

A stop near Storms River that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Hang Krans Lookout rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Hartenbos. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A viewpoint near Hartenbos — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

A viewpoint near Knysna — worth a stop for the outlook over coast, forest or mountains, depending on which way you're facing. Sunrise and late afternoon give the best light.

Herolds Bay offers sand, sea and that unhurried Garden Route beach feeling near George. Early mornings are calmest — the wind often picks up through the afternoon.

A stop near Mossel Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A stop near Mossel Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A stop near Storms River that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Indalu, derived from the Xhosa word for “nature”, is a stunning game reserve situated 30 km from Mossel Bay, 20 km from Albertinia and just 2 km off the N2 towards Cape Town.

A stop near Plettenberg Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Kalandarkloof hike is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Nature's Valley. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Katrivier Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near George. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

A protected natural area near Plettenberg Bay, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

Keurboomstrand is a stretch of Garden Route coastline near Plettenberg Bay — good for beach walks, sea air and watching the swell roll in. Conditions change quickly with wind and tide, so check the Coastal page before swimming.

King Edward VII Big Tree is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Knysna. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

A beach spot near Wilderness, with the wide ocean views this coast is known for. Swim where it's protected, watch for rip currents, and keep an eye on the day's sea conditions.

The Knysna River is a river flowing in the Western Cape province in South Africa. It has its source in the Outeniqua Mountains, in the district of Eden, then it goes towards the Indian Ocean, in which it opens with a large estuary, where is located the town of Knysna, which takes its name from the river. — Wikipedia

Knysna Beach Lookout is a lookout near Knysna with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

A stop near Plettenberg Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A stop near Knysna that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

A protected natural area near Nature's Valley, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

Kranshoek View Point is a lookout near Plettenberg Bay with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

Lawnwood snake sanctuary is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Leentjies Klip offers sand, sea and that unhurried Garden Route beach feeling near Wilderness. Early mornings are calmest — the wind often picks up through the afternoon.

Lelievlei Nature Reserve is a quiet green corner of the Garden Route near Knysna. Good for a slow walk and a reset between bigger stops; conditions are best outside the midday heat.

Lookout Beach is a stretch of Garden Route coastline near Plettenberg Bay — good for beach walks, sea air and watching the swell roll in. Conditions change quickly with wind and tide, so check the Coastal page before swimming.

Love Cross Viewpoint rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Mossel Bay. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A beach spot near Mossel Bay, with the wide ocean views this coast is known for. Swim where it's protected, watch for rip currents, and keep an eye on the day's sea conditions.

Malachite Bird Hide is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Wilderness. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Mama Yellowwood is a local attraction near Nature's Valley — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

Map of Africa rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Wilderness. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

Margaret's Viewpoint rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Knysna. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

Maritime Museum is an indoor stop near Mossel Bay — a solid choice for a rainy day or a break from the sun, and a window into the area's history and character.

A stop near George that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Monkeyland is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Nature's Valley. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Moonlight Beach is a stretch of Garden Route coastline near Sedgefield — good for beach walks, sea air and watching the swell roll in. Conditions change quickly with wind and tide, so check the Coastal page before swimming.

Mossel Bay Zipline (End section) is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near Mossel Bay. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Natur is a lookout near Nature's Valley with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

Second Viewpoint rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Nature's Valley. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

Viewpoint rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Nature's Valley. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

A protected natural area near Mossel Bay, typical of the coast's mix of fynbos, forest and water. Paths can be informal — sturdy shoes help, and mornings are best for birds.

Oakhurst Viewpoint is a lookout near Storms River with views over this stretch of the Garden Route. Best on a clear day — low cloud or sea mist can hide the view entirely, so check conditions before the drive up.

A stop near Knysna that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Viewpoint rewards the stop with a proper Garden Route panorama near Oudtshoorn. Bring a jacket — exposed lookouts here can be windy even on warm days.

The Transnet Transport Museum is a railway museum located in George, South Africa. — Wikipedia

The Transnet Transport Museum is a railway museum located in George, South Africa. — Wikipedia

Oystercatcher Hiking Trail is a local attraction near Mossel Bay — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

A stop near Storms River that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Pedal Go Carts is one of the spots that gives this part of the coast its flavour near George. Good to combine with other stops in the area rather than as a single destination.

Pledge Nature Reserve is a declared nature reserve located in the town of Knysna in the Garden Route district of the Western Cape province in southwestern South Africa. The reserve covers ten hectares adjacent to the town center and is accessible via Fitchat Street, parallel to the N2 highway. — Wikipedia

A stop near Plettenberg Bay that locals and visitors rate as part of the area's character. Pairs well with a meal or beach stop nearby.

Plett Puzzle Park is a local attraction near Plettenberg Bay — worth adding to your route if you're exploring this part of the Garden Route. Check opening times locally before making a special trip.

A beach spot near Plettenberg Bay, with the wide ocean views this coast is known for. Swim where it's protected, watch for rip currents, and keep an eye on the day's sea conditions.