The Garden Route in the Western Cape is one of the most popular road trip routes in South Africa. And for good reason! This coastline is absolutely breathtaking with long sandy beaches, incredible coastal hikes, lush forests, amazing farmers markets and characterful towns. Whether you’re stopping at Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay or Nature’s Valley you are bound to have a wonderful time along the Garden Route. Here is my Ultimate Guide to the Garden Route including where to stay, where to eat and what to do.
You’ll need to hire a car to drive up to the Garden Route from Cape Town and it will give you the most flexibility in exploring the Garden Route. I recommend booking your car hire through DiscoverCars:
If you are flying in, the closest airport to the Garden Route is George. You can book your flight to George here. Check out GetTransfer.com to organise your airport pick up in advance to make your arrival as stress-free as possible:
For your Garden Route trip I would recommend picking 3-4 spots and spending a week to 10 days in the region. The different areas of the Garden Route each offer something unique and some spots might be better suited to your travel type than others. The towns along the Garden Route are all very close to each other with drives varying from 30 minutes to an hour between towns. That means that even if you aren’t staying in a place you can easily visit it for a day from the neighbouring towns.
The Garden Route enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.
George is the gateway to the Garden Route. I had never stayed here and had always driven stright through it. That was until I saw this gorgeous stay Boomhuis and immediately booked it. We had the most blissful stay and loved gazing out on the Outeniqua Mountains. George is the biggest hub along the Garden Route and you’ll like stop at the Garden Route Mall for a grocery restock at some point.
We stayed at the the Boomhuis by Sanjika Escape and it was beyond dreamy. We went here for our Babymoon and it was the most perfect romantic hideaway. A stunning wooden cabin nestled in the trees with a hot tub, outdoor shower and pizza oven. Book your stay here.
The Buff & Fellow Cabins in George look like a gorgeous spot to stay in the area. They are super unique, have hot tubs, a dam and game on the property. Book your stay here.
The Outeniqua Family market is open on Saturdays from 8am – 2pm. It is a bustling farmers market with food and craft stalls.
The Outeniqua Nature Reserve offers hiking trails, trail running and mountain biking routes. It is also rich in natural beauty with plenty of local flora to admire and bird watching to do. The hikes in the reserve include George Peak (7.3km), Cradock peak (16.2km), Doring River Trail (14.6km) and Kouma Trail (12.1km)
Visit the Prince of Tarts for the most delicious coffee, tarts and pastries along the Garden Route. It is located in the Industria area of George but definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. We’re coffee snobs and can confirm their coffee is really good! They also stock their tarts at The Barn on Montagu which stocks a carefully chosen mix of local produce, pantry favourites, quality meats, baked goods, ready-made meals, coffee, and everyday essentials
Kaaimans is a tiny section of the Garden Route located along the Kaaimans River mouth. We stayed at the Kaaimans River Lodge which was such an amazing experience. To get here you are picked up in a row boat and transported with all your luggage across the river. They have 3 accommodation options: the River Villa, Rustic Views and River Deckhouse. We stayed at the Kaaimans River Villa which was perfectly cosy & comfy for a couple. It has a gorgeous deck with river and sea views and a hot tub. They also have the Rustic Views spot which sleeps four and is a bit more rustic with an outdoor kitchen. The River Deckhouse has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It has a hot tub and a big deck for entertaining.
From here you have access to kayaks to explore the Kaaimans River including the majestic Kaaimans river waterfall a gentle 15 min paddle from the house.
Wilderness is a very laid back part of the Garden Route. It has a gorgeous long beach perfect for beach walks, stunning sunsets and plenty of forest hikes.
AfriCamps is always a win for a family adventure and the camp at Oakhurst Farm in Wilderness is no exception. Enjoy the mountaineous farm life of the Garden Route while spending evenings relaxing in the hot tub. Book your stay here.
Oakhurst Farm offers cottages which are beautifully decorated in a country-style with fully equipped self-catering kitchens. It looks relaxed and lovely and has hot tubs. Book your stay here.
Views over Wilderness is the most gorgeous guest house with panoramic views of Wilderness beach. It is a more expensive option but looks absolutely incredible. The stay includes breakfast. Book your stay here.
Nima Lodge has been on my bucket list for years! It is a stunning cabin stay nestled in the Wilderness Mountains. It is a luxurious retreat with the most beautifully designed cabins, soft interiors and includes an invitation to truly pause. Book your stay here.
The Views Boutique Hotel is the place to stay if you’re after an hotel experience in Wilderness. It offers luxury suites with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. It is pricey but truly gorgeous. Book your stay here.
The Map of Africa location is a photo spot with a stunning view of a river valley shaped like Africa. You’ll also have panoramic views of the ocean and see paragliders soaring overhead.
Paragliding over Wilderness with Africa Paragliding is an absolute bucket list item. The views are just insane. Book your paragliding trip in Wilderness here.
Salina’s is a lovely family-friendly seafood restaurant right on the beach in Wilderness. Come for an early dinner and watch the sunset over the beautiful coastline.
There are a few beautiful hikes in the Wilderness region. Check out this blog post on the 9 best hikes in Wilderness for full details. I would recommend either the Brown Hooded Kingfisher trail or the Half-Collared Kingfisher trail.
Visit the Fairy Knowe Hotel and hire a canoe from Eden Adventures. The cost for a double canoe is R240 per hour, R600 for a half day and R800 for a full day. Head up the Touw River towards the Tour River Waterfall. Paddle for 40 minutes (3 km) through indigenous forest and then walk for 40 minutes (2.5 km) on a boardwalk to a waterfall. After spending time at the waterfall, picnicking and swimming, you return in the same way.
Sedgefield is a sleepy town along the Garden Route. It definitely gives more of a ‘granny town’ vibe but is perfect for cheaper accommodation, a much quieter experience than other Garden Route towns and you can enjoy exploring the lagoon and forest.
Teniqua Treetops has been on my for years and I still haven’t got there yet but I definitely want to make it a stop on our next Garden Route trip. The accommodation is made up of a number of treehouses nestled in the gorgeous Tsitsikamma Forest. They each have a bath or hot tub with beautiful forest views. Book your stay here.
The Soul Forest GeoDome offers a luxury tent experience. The GeoDome has wall to wall views of the surrounding forest and the perfect setup for stargazing from bed. Book your stay here.
Fynbos on Sea Lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and nature. Perched atop a hill, the lodge provides panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the tranquil Sedgefield Lagoon, and the lush surrounding landscapes. Book your stay here.
The Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 7:30am-12pm. They have flower sellers, food stalls and local crafts and handmade goodies. Get there early as parking and crowds can be a little crazy.
The Sedgfield Lagoon is the perfect spot for a tranquil paddle and some bird watching.
Myoli Beach is a good beach for swimming in Sedgefield.
The rock pools at Gericke’s Point in Sedgefield are absolutely dreamy and a must-visit on your Garden Route trip.
The Little Prince Cafe is such a lovely spot in Sedgefield for really good coffee, croissants and a cheeky brunch. We’re certified coffee snobs and this spot got our tick of approval! Bonus, after brunch pop round to the Sedgefield Animal Matters Charity shop and grab your next holiday read for that classic small holiday town feeling.
Knysna is arguably the true gem of the Garden Route with gorgeous vistas, a vibey town and restaurant scene, the enchanting Knysna Forest and plenty of stunning places to stay. I have a whole blog dedicated to Knysna.
Camping in the Diepwalle section of the Knysna Forest is one of my highlight trips. I have written a whole guide to this experience here.
We have stayed at Amanzi Island Lodge and it was the perfect spot for a bit of luxury and some gorgeous views of the Knysna Lagoon. Located on Leisure Isle, they offer free use of the bicycles to cycle around the island. Book your stay here.
If you’re looking for a spot with a view then look no further than Glenview Heads Apartments. Located right on the Knysna Heads, this spot is gorgeous with each unit having a balcony, terrace or patio. Book your stay here.
The Knysna Lagoon is Knysna’s crowning glory and the best place to view it is from the top of the Knysna Heads. The Knysna Heads are two hills that act as the gate entrance from the ocean to the Knysna Lagoon. The West Head is private property and so pretty much impossible to access (you can however, drive up to Margret’s viewpoint and get a view from the West side of the lagoon). The East Head is where the action is really at. You can type ‘Knysna Heads viewport parking’ or ‘East Head View Point’ into Google maps and it’ll take you to the top of the hill. From the parking you just walk a few metres and you’ll see the sign indicating the viewing spots. There are four different viewing points which each give you a different perspective and view over the lagoon, of the West Head and of the Indian Ocean. There is no entrance fee so you can enjoy these spectacular views for free.
Thesen Island is where the elite stay in Knysna. While it is impossible to access the residential area without owning property there, you are free to wander around some of the canals and bridges of this man-made island. The houses are pretty to look at and if you can manage to swim off one of the jetties you may see a Knysna Seahorse! Alternatively you can explore the Thesen Island canals by hiring a SUP from Ocean Odyssey. While on Thesen Island why not pop in at Ile de Pain for a delicious croissant or brunch or to pick up your artisanal bread?
The Knysna Forest is the country’s largest forest. Filled with yellowwoods, stinkwoods and plenty of other tree species it is a place where one can really be fully immersed in nature. The Garden of Eden Forest Walk is probably the easiest way to access the Knysna Forest. This spot is located between Knysna and Plett. There is a small entrance fee to pay at the offices at the entrance to the walk (around R20). The walk is only 1km but a beautiful boardwalk walk through the forest. This is also a great pitstop if you have a long drive along the N2 and need a leg stretch.
Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known by locals as ‘Plett’, is a popular local holiday desitination. It is the location for an annual high school ‘spring break’ style of party holiday (end of November, beginning of December) and is popular over the festive season. For this reason holiday rentals can be pricey in this area at certain times of the year and it can be very busy. However, if you go in the off season you’ll be able to enjoy the relaxed, nature-loving parts of Plett.
Located close to Robberg Nature reserve with wall-to-wall sea views, this cute cabin is simply immersed in nature. Book your stay here.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous hotel with sea views, a rooftop pool and located in the heart of Plett then check out Plett Quarter Hotel. Book your stay here.
Urban Plett offers an affordable garden apartment in Plett. Book your stay here.
AfriCamps is always a family favourite and there is another one along the Garden Route at Ingwe. Book your stay here.
The Harkerville Market is located between Knysna and Plett. It is open on Saturdays from 8am-12pm.
The Robberg Nature Reserve Hike is one of the best hikes along the Garden Route. The hike has 3 different distance options: 2km, 5.5km, 11km. We did the 5.5km loop and absolutely adored it! I wrote a blog post with all the details you need to know to do the hike. Find it here.
After you’ve done you hike at Robberg Nature Reserve have an ocean dip and relax at Santuary Beach in Plett. Please be aware of the shark flags and listen to the shark spotters while swimming at Plett. There has been a increase in Great White Shark activity and attacks along this section of coastline recently.
Birds of Eden is a free flight bird sanctuary with a unique two hectare dome (the world’s largest) spanning over a gorge of indigenous forest. Currently it is home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds. Book your tickets here.
Go by boat to Robberg Marine Protected Area, where over 8000 Cape fur seals are located. Join a guided swim and spend up to 30 minutes with these amazing animals in the water.
Many people rush to Pletterberg Bay for their summer holidays but I have always preferred the quieter neighbour: Keurbooms. Nestled between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley, Keurbooms is one of the Garden Route’s most peaceful coastal gems. With its long stretch of unspoilt beach, tranquil lagoon, and indigenous forests, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re taking a stroll along Keurbooms Beach, paddling on the Keurbooms River, or simply enjoying the quieter atmosphere away from the crowds, it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring this section of the Garden Route.
A classic Garden Route camping spot set beneath milkwood trees on the banks of the Keurbooms Lagoon. It’s ideal for campers, caravans and families wanting direct access to the lagoon for swimming, paddling and fishing, all at a very affordable price. You can book directly here.
One of the best-value places to stay in Keurbooms, offering self-catering apartments just steps from the beach. The resort has a swimming pool, restaurant and easy beach access, making it a great option for couples or families without breaking the budget. Book their one bedroom apartment or two bedroom apartment.
Live Lekker Stylish Coastal Hideaway is the perfect nature lovers getaway, situated in a secure nature estate, in Keurbooms just outside Plettenberg Bay. Sleeping 6, the home comprises 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It has direct access to an exquisite remote beach (and the sea) a short three to five-minute walk behind the house (within the estate). Book your stay here.
Around 10 minutes from Keurbooms, this is one of the Garden Route’s most iconic luxury stays. Think private treetop suites, forest views, plunge pools and exceptional dining, making it an unforgettable choice for a honeymoon or special occasion. Book your stay here.
Keurbooms is all about slowing down and enjoying the natural beauty of the Garden Route. While it’s quieter than neighbouring Plettenberg Bay, there are plenty of ways to spend a day here, whether you’re after adventure or simply want to relax.
One of the Garden Route’s most beautiful and unspoilt beaches, Keurbooms Beach stretches for kilometres and is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, swimming (when conditions allow) and watching dolphins and whales during the migration season.
The calm waters of the Keurbooms River are ideal for kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. As you paddle upstream, you’ll be surrounded by indigenous forest and may spot kingfishers, fish eagles and other birdlife along the riverbanks.
This protected area is home to pristine forests, fynbos and abundant wildlife. It’s a wonderful spot for birdwatching, picnicking or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Nature’s Valley is the gateway to the Tsitsikamma. It is a sleepy town found down a winding forest road. It has no shops, is very laid back and quiet. You come here to escape and retreat to nature. Whether you stay at the hippy-dippy eco Wild Spirit Backpackers, camp at the Nature’s Valley rest camp or just stop briefly before embarking on the Tsitsikamma Trail, Nature’s Valley will feel like an invitation to slow down.
Wild Spirit Backpackers is a conscious-living centered backpackers perched right on the edge of the Tsitsikamma Forest. We camped within the forest beneath a canopy of trees and stars. The property boasts a bounty of forest walks, waterfalls, magic forests, a sunset tree house and big Mama yellow wood trees. Book your stay here.
The nature’s Valley rest camp is run by SANParks and has campsites, forest huts and chalets. Book your stay here. This is the starting point of the Tsitsikamma Trail and the ending point of the Otter Trail.
The Wood is located in the heart of Nature’s Valley ‘town’ with a serene garden and outdoor terraces. It is in an old wooden A-Frame house with rooms available to book. Book your stay here.
The Nature’s Valley lagoon is the perfect spot for a paddle, a float or a swim. Canoes are available for hire from Nature’s Valley Rest Camp.
There are numerous day trails to choose from such as the Salt River Mouth Trail, The Kalander Trail, and the Groot River Trail. Nature’s Valley is also the starting point of the incredible Tsitsikamma Trail. For everything you need to know about doing the Tsitsikamma Trail read my guide: How to Book & Plan the Tsitsikamma trail.
Storms River Mouth is a gorgeous area located in the heart of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Explore hiking trails, camp on the banks of the Storms River Mouth, adventure along the river on a kayaking tour or join a ziplining tour through the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Stay at Storm’s River Mouth Rest Camp or The Village Lodge or Boutique Vintage Forest Cabin to be close to the Tstitsikamma National Park.
This hiking trail starts just after the main beach at Storms River Mouth. Once you’ve crossed the beach you’ll arrive at the sign for the trail. Keep left up a fairly steep set of stairs and you’ll be on the right track for the Storms River Mouth Hiking Trail. The hike is about 2km long and involves some steep climbs and hair-raising downhill sections. It will take between 1-2 hours to go there and back depending on your fitness and is accessible to anyone with normal walking fitness.
The trail follows a boardwalk nestled deep in the Tsitsikamma forest. It’s a beautiful shady and lush walk, with the path lined by bright green trees and dangling mosses.
The walk takes you slightly up the river mouth giving you a glimpse of the vastness of the Storm’s River Gorge. Sheer cliffs covered in green foliage and mosses plunging steeply into the Storms River. The final destination is the three suspension bridges at the Storm’s River Mouth.
There are three suspension bridges at the turn around point of the Storms River Mouth Trail. The longest one is 77m and spans the whole river mouth. You’ll be able to admire the transition from sea water to river as the deep blue water gradually turns to browny green. If you enjoy a little swaying sensation then you’ll love the walk across. However, if you’re like me and have the reality of motion sickness to deal with, then maybe just go halfway, enjoy the view and turn around. It can also get pretty crowded in high tourist season which will further amplify the swaying.
Coming back along the main suspension bridge you’ll be able to cross another two bridges which then loop back to the Storms River Mouth boardwalk trail. These are much shorter bridges and don’t sway as much. They provide a wonderful viewing point of the ocean. After enjoying the suspension bridges and gorgeous views of the Storms River Mouth you can come back along the boardwalk finishing the hiking trail.
Untouched Adventures does guided kayaking adventures up the Storms River Mouth. You’ll kayak upriver from the ocean or the Tsitsikamma Forest (conditions depending), into a dramatic cave full of bats, and between towering cliffs. At low water, hop on a “lilo” inflatable mattress to explore further upriver, with ample opportunities for cliff-jumping en route. Finally, float and kayak back towards the sea.
Soar 30 meters above the forest floor on a thrilling zipline. Glide between platforms and dive into the stunning beauty of the Tsitsikamma indigenous forest in Africa’s first adventure of its kind.
The Garden Route is such a beautiful part of South Africa and needs to be on your bucket list! If you’re visiting Cape Town it is an easy week long road trip to explore more of the country.
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