“So where is the Garden Route?” you might ask. This section runs along the South African coast for about 200km, from Mossel Bay all the way to Tsitsikamma National park. Recenty, I went back to the Garden Route. This time was to explore the many exciting activities one can enjoy on this route. It is an amazing destination, and it’s definitely worth visiting. “must see”Anyone visiting South Africa. The Garden Route is a short summary of what I consider it. “the outdoor adventure activities and golf Mecca of South Africa!”Here are some ideas for you to consider when planning your Garden Route trip.
Scenic Drives – There are some beautiful scenic drives along the Garden Route. Depending on where you’re staying and how long you have, you might include them in your itinerary.
1. Swartberg Pass near Oudtshoorn and Meiringspoort – A beautiful day trip that includes a picnic stop at Meiringspoort’s waterfall, scenic views and dramatic mountains.
2. Seven passes road is the original road connecting George with Knysna. It features dense native forest, black water rivers that are rich in tannin, steep gorges, and abundant birdlife.
3. Montagu Pass: This is the route through the Outeniqua Mountains that runs between George & Oudtshoorn. The original route was constructed in 1848 using convict labour.
Mossel Bay
Shark Cage Diving: An exhilarating and unforgettable experience, I recommend it to everyone! Mossel Bay is home to the greatest great white shark adventure in the entire world. This boat trip takes less time and the water is calmer than at Gansbaai (near Cape Town). This experience will make you a better person and help to build a deeper appreciation for the magnificent predator.
Oudtshoorn is a great spot to visit, especially when it rains elsewhere on the Garden Route. Oudtshoorn, the capital of Little Karoo is semi-desert so the weather is generally good all year.
Cango Caves, an underground world with spectacular dripstone formations
Cango Ostrich farm – Learn about Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farming industry and ride an ostrich on a horse!
Cango Wildlife Ranch, a sanctuary for endangered wildlife species. Enjoy a close encounter with a cheetah and a dive with the crocs.
Wilderness is a peaceful seaside resort offering a variety of outdoor activities, including Paragliding (canoeing up Touws River), Hiking trails through the magical indigenous forests, Kloofing, and Abseiling.
Knysna is a lively, vibrant little town that has so much to offer.
The 4 hour Eco Experience at Featherbed Bay is highly recommended. It includes a boat ride over the lagoon and guided tours in the reserve. There’s also a tractor-trailer ride. Lunch in classy restaurants under old milkwood trees.
Quad biking, mountain biking in Harkerville or Knysna, Abseiling over the Knysna Heads and Canoeing down the Knysna River. Hiking through the Knysna Tree Forest
Plettenberg Beach – Plettenberg is another vibrant town that you should include in your travel itinerary. Plettenberg offers many outdoor activities suitable for everyone. There are many activities for children.
Elephant Sanctuary: You can take a walk or ride with the gentle giants of elephant sanctuary
Birds of Eden: A spectacular collection of birds from all around the world.
Monkeyland: Interesting and Informative!
You can enjoy adventure activities like Canoeing down the Keurbooms River or Sea kayaking. Also, you can take a boat cruise to see marine life, such as whales, seals, and dolphins.
Skydiving (abseiling), Hiking, and Skiing in Robberg Nature Reserve. Bunji jumping off Bloukrans Bridge (the world’s highest bunji jump, at 216m).
Plett became well-known for his role as the “polo mecca”South Africa. There are exciting polo tournaments at Bitou House, Kurland and Kurland in December, January and Easter. Also there is polo practice throughout the year.
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Big Tree is the largest Outeniqua Yellowwood tree within this area, measuring in at 8.5m around and 36m high. It is the tallest tree species in South Africa, and one of my favorite trees.
Tree Top Canopy Tours- Offering fun and exciting cable sliding from one large tree to the other, this is a wonderful way to get introduced to the beautiful forest and all its inhabitants.
Trekking along the rugged coastline
Pristine beaches
You should also remember that there are many beautiful beaches along this stretch of coast, with most of them offering stunning views. “blue flag”Status Heralds Bay is near George. Glentana, Victoria Bay and Victoria Bay are close to George. Wilderness beach. Buffels Bay. Plettenberg Bay. Natures Valley. All offer the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with beautiful golden sand. It is an excellent summer spot, making the Garden Route one of my favorite destinations!
Golfing is huge on the Garden Route. Here are some of our top courses: Fancourt Country Club Estate offers 4 courses by Gary Player.
All in all, South Africa is a wonderful destination that you should include on your travel itinerary.