About The Garden Route
The Garden Route refers to the coastal stretch that extends between Storms River in the Eastern Cape and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. It is not only brimming with activities and attractions, but is also undeniably beautiful. It is abundant in plant and animal life, and is an absolute delight for those who love basking in the African outdoors.
The Garden Route extends for some 200 kilometres and includes towns like Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness and Sedgefield. The Tsitsikamma Forest is also part of this route and is an incredible natural wonder that is densely populated by trees and ferns. Lakes, rivers, beaches, mountains, forests and towns combine to create a stunning destination with just about everything at your fingertips.
Popular tourist attractions along the Garden Route include:
The Tsitsikamma National Park
A stunning protected area that is aesthetically exquisite, and is teeming with marine and land species, as well as many birds.
Knysna
Situated on the banks of a breathtaking lagoon and considered by many to be one of the country’s top residential addresses, Knysna is an idyllic village that combines excellent shopping with natural attractions and top-class dining.
Nature’s Valley
A real retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, Nature’s Valley is a verdant gem in the heart of the Garden Route. It has excellent trails for hiking, walking and cycling, as well as waterways for canoeing, swimming and fishing.
Whale watching
Every year, between about August and December / January, whales skirt past the Garden Route portion of the coast. The Southern Rights and Humpbacks delight onlookers as they lobtail, breach and spyhop, often as close as 200 metres from the shore. Formal whale watching tours are also conducted by boat to allow folk to see these ocean giants from an even more intimate perspective.
Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Jukani
These three wildlife sanctuaries are not only committed to introducing visitors from around the world to the stunning animals within their natural environment, but also to educate guests and protect the animals. Jukani is dedicated mainly to the protection of big cats, but has a host of other exciting residents. Thanks to their commitment to education and protection, they are managed slightly differently, inviting humans into the animals’ lives without compromising on responsible tourism.
