Visit the Garden Route and be seduced by the glorious natural beauty of this popular and scenic stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa. Extending from Mossel Bay to Storms River, the name Garden Route originates from the luxuriant and ecologically diverse vegetation and abundant water features found in this area. It really is a tourist’s paradise, offering awesome beaches, picturesque lagoons, indigenous forests and magnificent mountains.
The range of topography, vegetation, wildlife and outdoor activities will gratify all holiday inclinations, whether you prefer to relax and soak up the sun, canoe, surf or hike. The ancient indigenous forests that line the coast from Wilderness to Knysna offer adventure trails and hiking, bird watching, canoeing on the scenic rivers, gliding through the tree canopy or taking a sensual walk through the forest to find a 600 year old yellowwood tree. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting brilliant green and red Knysna loeries or maybe even catching sight of one of the shy Knysna elephants, the last remaining forest elephants of South Africa.
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to cold winters. You can enjoy visiting the area any time of year, depending if you prefer a peaceful retreat during winter or a lively bustling holiday during summer. If you would like to spot the endangered Southern Right Whale which comes into the bays to calve, the best time is July to December.
Contact
Tourism Bureau in Plettenberg Bay
Tel: +27 (0)44 533 4065
Email: info@plettenbergbay.co.za
Knysna Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 5510
Email: info@knynsainfo.co.za
Garden Route National Park
Tel: 042 281 1607 / 042 281 1629
