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.Â
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.