Touring South Africa’s Garden Route has truly magical sights and attractions for a wide range of interests. The start and end of the route is much debated, but rest assured that any trip along the 800 km stretch of the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth will be a memorable one.
Although busy with South African tourists during the Christmas and Easter holidays, the Garden Route is ripe for exploration. It maintains mild to warm summers and mild to cool winters. Rainfall occurs throughout the year and the climate here is the mildest in South Africa. Only Hawaii has a milder climate.
KnysnaPhoto by: michaeljung/Fotolia
Famed for its diverse botanical delights, so much so it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bird watchers and horticulturists will experience heaven on earth. Locate the king protea, blue lily, Cape rockjumper and the protea canary. You may also spot humpback whales, killer whales, and bottlenose dolphins out in the Indian Ocean on your trip.
We pick out our highlights starting from Mossel Bay and ending in the Garden Route National Park. Why not hire a car from Cape Town Airport and explore the whole south coast before returning the car to Port Elizabeth Airport? Car hire is the best option to make the most of the sights and scenery at your own pace. Take advantage of nature trails and blue lagoons as you pass them.
Mossel Bay
Named for the mussels that are favoured by chefs world-round, Mossel Bay is a hive of activity. Whether you prefer to keep it low-key or extreme, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a game of golf or tennis, or liven things up a bit with great white shark cage diving. As one of only two places in South Africa that offer this experience, be sure to consider it! There’s also scuba diving, bungee jumping, and bridge diving if you wish.
For those more interested in learning more about their surroundings, visit one of the sites in the Bartholomeu Dias museum complex.
George
This town is the sixth oldest in South Africa and lies centrally to Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Visit the George Museum to learn more about the towns history. There’s even a yellowwood remake of a woodcutter’s cottage. The exhibition on slavery shouldn’t be missed.
Browse old steam locomotive engines and vehicles at the Outeniqua Transport Museum. There are 13 trains to learn about a private collection of classic cars.
Don’t fall foul of town legend if you visit the Old Slave Tree. It’s said that the chain and padlock that’s become warped into the tree was used to hold down slaves as they were auctioned. The truth is less dramatic. Spare a minute or two to stop by and break the myth.
Knysna
Spend a day in the town relaxing. Take a picnic at Jubilee Creek where gold was once found. Swim in Buffalo Bay or visit the Waterfront, Woodmill Lane, or Main Street for unique gifts. The town specialises in oysters so try them fresh when you can!
If you haven’t been lucky enough to spot a roaming elephant, the Knysna Elephant Park has protected elephants in a natural environment for over 20 years. The park educates visitors on how best to show respect for the elephants and allow close encounters, even rides. Make the most of your time with the elephants and stay the night.
For alternative accommodation, try a tree suite at the eco-friendly Phantom Forest.
George Photo by: majonit/Fotolia
Plettenberg Bay
One of the best places to watch whales, take a whale watching boat trip out to sea for the best view.
Where Western Cape meets Eastern Cape along the Bloukrans River sits the acclaimed world’s highest bungee jump. Bloukran Bridge is 216 metres high… can you jump off it?
Wine lovers shouldn’t skip a visit to the Bramon Wine Estate. The boutique wine estate has won many awards, two double gold Gran d’Or’s in 2015 alone. Book with Plett Wine Tours and remove the worry of who’s driving back to your accommodation!
Around the Garden Route
If spending time in Cape Town, a visit to Robben Island is a must. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in the islands prison. Learn more about its shady history. Be sure to take a trip up Table Mountain and awe at the views.
Other highlights to visit while in South Africa include Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Use of ostrich feathers in fashion led to the popularity of ostrich farms. Take a guided tour to learn more about these animals and the impact they’ve had. Also check out the incredible nearby Cango Caves.
Port Elizabeth is home to Route 67– 67 different art pieces dedicated to Nelson Mandela. See if you can visit them all! Spend some time relaxing here; swim or partake in some of the various sports activities on offer such as golf, fishing, snorkelling and sailing.
What will be your favourite part?
We’ve covered a lot of highlights from a Garden Route road trip, and there’s lots more for you to discover too. Book your hire car today and plan your own trip of the Garden Route set at your own pace. Let us know if you’ve visited South Africa in the comments and tell us your highlight.
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Written by Jessica Juby.
