Garden Route Where to Play

This stretch of wild and beautiful coastline running along the continent's southern shore, known as the Garden Route, is legendary among South Africans as a holiday destination. 

As you can imagine, much of the action revolves around the sea. The sandy beaches of Mossel Bay are the perfect setting for relaxing days of sunbathing, broken up by long walks along the pounding surf. Or head into the waves for some adventure.  Explore alone in a canoe or sea kayak in Wilderness.  Grab a surfboard and hit Supertubes in Jeffery's Bay (made famous by the movie Endless Summer) or take an organised trip during the whale-watching season. Ocean safaris run out of Plettenberg Bay allow you to get up close and personal with whales, dolphins and other creatures of the sea, while catamaran cruises around the scenic Knysna lagoon provide a quieter alternative. The truly daring can experience Great White shark cage diving.

On land, spend your days walking in Knysna Forest, an unspoiled woodland area where a few elephants still roam, or hiking through the spectacular Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks. The dramatic Storms River Mouth is a must-see for all travellers to the area. Adventure tourism opportunities include bungee jumping, rafting and canopy tours. Manicured golf courses overlooking the sea, and game drives or stays at luxury game reserves, round off the options for leisure activity.

The cities of Mossel Bay, George and Plettenerg Bay provide great beach views along with fine shopping and dining spots. Plett (as the locals call it) is known as one of the favourite summer playgrounds of the country's elite, and has all the entertainment options that upscale tourists have come to expect. The smaller, artsy community of Knysna offers a cosmopolitan waterfront dining area as well as a quaint town square flanked with shops owned by local craftsmen and designers. And to keep your journey interesting, the main road through the Garden Route (the N2) is dotted with farm stalls and craft markets.

With so much to see and do, it is hard to plan a trip along the Garden Route without some help. So look through our listings and take advantage of our virtual concierge service to organise a holiday that covers all the highlights - and that suits your specific interests - and enjoy the special rates that we can offer...