The Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of the world's most beautiful coastal drives, a lush stretch of South Africa's southern Cape coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River. It weaves past indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons, golden beaches and mountains, through pretty towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, offering everything from whale watching and forest walks to bungee jumping and encounters with elephants, in a temperate, green and endlessly scenic landscape. In the widest sense the route runs some 300 kilometres from Witsand to Storms River, George is its largest town, archaeological finds around Mossel Bay, Stilbaai and Plettenberg Bay tie it to the early history of human culture, and it became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2017.

What's there

• Knysna and its lagoon - the lakeside town and the sea-cliff Heads.
• Tsitsikamma - the coastal national park of forest, cliffs and a suspension bridge.
• The beaches and lagoons - Plettenberg Bay and the coves.
• The adventure and wildlife - bungee jumping, whales and elephant sanctuaries.

When to go

October to April for the warmest weather and beach days; the whale-watching season runs roughly June to November, when southern right whales come close to shore. It is a region to drive slowly over several days rather than rush.

Practical notes

It is a driving route rather than a single sight, so a car and several days do it justice; rushing it in a day misses the point. The weather is milder and greener, but wetter, than the classic African image. Some 'wildlife' attractions along the way vary in ethics, so choose genuine sanctuaries.

Nearby

The Cape winelands and Cape Town lie to the west; Addo Elephant Park is to the east.

Key facts