At a glance
- Provinces
- Western Cape and Eastern Cape
- Nearest airports
- George (GRJ), Port Elizabeth or Gqeberha (PLZ)
- Best time
- October to April; whales July to November
- Days needed
- Four to seven
- Known for
- Forests, lagoons, beaches, adventure
- Main towns
- Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay
The route at a glance
Most people drive the Garden Route as part of a journey between Cape Town and Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, on the N2 highway. From Cape Town it is about four to five hours to Mossel Bay, the western start. Many travellers detour inland via **Route 62** and the ostrich town of **Oudtshoorn**, home to the **Cango Caves**, then rejoin the coast at George.
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay has warm water, a sheltered bay and the **Dias Museum Complex**, which includes a full size replica of Bartolomeu Dias's ship and the old milkwood post office tree. The St Blaize trail is a dramatic cliff walk.
Wilderness
**Wilderness** is a small village of lagoons, lakes and an endless beach, part of the **Garden Route National Park**. Paddle a canoe up the Touws River to the **Giant Kingfisher Trail** waterfall, walk the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail or watch paragliders from the **Map of Africa** viewpoint.
Knysna
Knysna sits around a large estuary guarded by two sandstone cliffs, **the Heads**. Take a lagoon cruise, eat oysters at the **Knysna Waterfront** or on **Thesen Island**, walk in the **Knysna forests**, home to the last few forest elephants and towering yellowwood trees, and drive up to the viewpoints over the Heads. **Brenton on Sea** and **Noetzie**, with its castle houses, are lovely beaches nearby.
Plettenberg Bay
**Plett** is the region's glamorous beach town. **Robberg Nature Reserve** has a spectacular peninsula hike with seal colonies, dolphins and, in season, whales. The area has wildlife sanctuaries such as **Monkeyland** and **Birds of Eden**, and boat based whale and dolphin trips run from Central Beach.
Tsitsikamma and Storms River
At the eastern end, the **Tsitsikamma** section of Garden Route National Park has rugged coast and old forest. Walk to the **Storms River Mouth** suspension bridge, kayak and lilo up the gorge, or tackle the famous five day **Otter Trail**, which must be booked far ahead through SANParks. Thrill seekers come for the **Bloukrans Bridge** bungee and treetop canopy tours.
When to go
The Garden Route has rain spread through the year and mild temperatures. October to April is best for beach days; southern right whales visit from roughly July to November. December and Easter holidays are very busy, so book stays early.
Practical tips
The N2 is a good highway but watch for speed cameras, slow trucks and animals at night. Fuel stations and shops are plentiful. Allow at least four nights, ideally a week, and base yourself in two places, for example Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay. Fly into George or Gqeberha if you do not want to drive from Cape Town.
Food on the route
The Garden Route is known for oysters in Knysna, fresh line fish in Mossel Bay, farm stalls along the N2 selling pies and preserves, and weekend markets such as the Wild Oats market in Sedgefield. Plettenberg Bay has a small but growing wine region, and Oudtshoorn serves ostrich on many menus. Many restaurants close earlier than city visitors expect, so book dinner ahead in the busy seasons.
Questions about the Garden Route
How many days do you need for the Garden Route?
Four days is the minimum to enjoy Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma. A week lets you add Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and slower beach days.
Where does the Garden Route start and end?
It is usually described as running from Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms River in the east. Most visitors drive it between Cape Town and Gqeberha.
Is the Garden Route good for families?
Very. Calm lagoons, easy forest walks, animal sanctuaries, beaches and boat trips suit children, and towns have good self-catering stays and family restaurants.
Can you see whales on the Garden Route?
Yes. Southern right whales visit the coast roughly from July to November, and dolphins and seals are seen all year, especially from Robberg and on boat trips from Plettenberg Bay.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
