South Africa is a fantastic destination with something for everyone. Boasting breath-taking coastlines, culturally captivating cities, delicious wines and a diverse population, it would be nigh-on impossible for visitors to South Africa to leave feeling disappointed. With so much on offer, you may feel it will be impossible to get a true sense of this country in one trip. You’d be wrong though; this is where a Garden Route driving holiday can truly shine!
What is the Garden Route?
Well unlike the name suggests, you won’t be taking a tour of South Africa’s residents’ gardens. The Garden Route is the name for a stretch of coastline in the south east of the country. Staggeringly beautiful, it has grown to become a bit of a driving pilgrimage for those travellers who like to get out and explore a country properly. Along with the coast you will be able to explore many towns and gorgeous scenery, dotted with lakes and rivers, as well as fantastic flora and fauna. When you compare this area to the country’s interior, you will soon see why ‘the Garden Route’ is certainly a fitting title! Traversing the route, you will take in changing scenery, progressing from the cosmopolitan vibes of Cape Town through to an environment that’s mountainous and wild complete with forests, cliffs and staggering sea views.
What itinerary should I follow for my Garden Route driving holiday?
The Garden Route itself runs from Mossel Bay in the west all the way through to Storms River; a distance which stretches for more than 200km. Along the way, you’ll come across a variety of towns and villages including Mossel Bay of course as well as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Essentially, you can start your drive at either end and spend as much or as little time as you like, taking in the sights and enjoying the experience along the way.
Vastly though, most people will start from Mossel Bay purely for convenience as it is closest to Cape Town and the city of George. There are plenty of activities and things to do in between the key destinations though, so we’ve put together a route map that you might like to use for your holiday here with places of interest also marked. Some of the places we’ve marked aren’t technically a part of the Garden Route but they are in such close proximity that you should definitely consider including them, should time allow.
What are the must see experiences on my Garden Route driving holiday?
The entirety of the Garden Route is an attraction in itself. The gorgeous beaches and scenery as well as interesting towns and villages will be more than captivating enough but there are many more experiences to be enjoyed too!
- Consider a detour to Cango Caves for example; it’s marked on the map above and is a must see in the area. Located just north of the town of Oudstshoorn, in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountain Range. These limestone caves are the only caves open to the public in the entire country. This underground network is a fascinating example of nature!
- The Garden Route National Park should be another staple on your itinerary. A haven of untouched wilderness, this lush area is evidence enough of it’s fitting name. Brimming with hiking and walking trails as well as plenty of other activities, what better way to enjoy an enriching day or two in the great outdoors. There is also mountain biking, boat cruises, canoeing, scuba diving and much more to choose from.
- There are many serene and tranquil lakes to pull over at on your route too, especially near to Knysna but also between George and Sedgefield.
- Wilderness National Park, a haven of lagoons and wetlands is well worth visiting. Home to more than 250 different species of birds as well as great walking and hiking, it’s an ideal location in which to stretch your legs!
- Consider exploring South Africa’s vast wine lands, known for producing delicious grapes and in turn, delectable wines. Rolling vineyards make for unbeatable scenery! The area around Plettenberg Bay will be your best bet, where no less than 18 vineyards can be found.
- What trip to South Africa would be complete without going on safari? The Shamwari Game Reserve makes a fine choice for such an adventure. It’s not part of the Garden Route per se, located east of Port Elizabeth but it’s still more than feasible to include in your plans. Track down wildlife in its natural habitat and come away humbled and amazed at the wonder of our planet.
- These are just mere suggestions as to how you could spend your time. With a whole host of adventure activities and even the simple pleasures such as taking some time and watching the sun set widely available, this is set to be a road trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
Hopefully this will serve as handy inspiration for your Garden Route driving holiday. To truly get the best of your time here, remember to plan adequately but also leave room for spur of the moment spontaneity; you never know where the tarmac will take you!
Would you ever have a Garden Route driving holiday? Have you driven this route before? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.
