Garden Route 365

Highlights

The Garden Route runs along the coast and while its natural beauty lends it to outdoor activities – from bungee jumping to golfing (the area has some of the country’s best courses), it’s ideal for more leisurely pursuits too (wine tasting and beaching) and memorable wildlife encounters – visit the area’s bird, monkey and elephant sanctuaries, or paddle out for whale watching. Proximity to Cape Town and good roads make it a great weekend road-trip – it’s a scenic and easy drive. 

Weather

The Garden Route region has a Mediterranean maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. Because it has one of the highest rainfall levels in South Africa, it’s incredibly lush. Most of the rains occurs during the winter months (June, July and August), brought on by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean. 

Budget

Plettenberg Bay is as affordable or as indulgent as you would like it to be. The accommodation options range from no-frills Air Bnb’s to mid-range boutique hotels right up to five-star beach resorts. Dining out too, can be tailored to your budget but on the whole offers excellent value for money and amazing variety. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay

A glamorous coastal resort town whose natural beauty is matched by its leisure attractions

Knysna

Knysna

A town with coastal charm and a rich craft heritage flanked by lush ancient forests and spectacular natural scenery

Whale Coast & the Overberg

Whale Coast & the Overberg

A 200-kilometre stretch of coast offering some of the best marine sightings in the world, and boasting pristine and protected reserves and nature sanctuaries

Route 62 & The Karoo

Route 62 & The Karoo

The text-book road-trip route, with an ever-changing backdrop and charming towns, it’s an ideal way to experience the landscape