Destination information
South Africa's Garden Route is one of the world's most famous drives and is definitely the best. Officially stretching from Mossel Bay in the west to Port Elizabeth in the east, the Garden Route is actually a great drive all the way from Cape Town to the 'Big Five' game reserves in the Eastern Cape. Sleepy historic towns, endless desert skies, white sandy beaches and amazing wildlife all make the Garden Route a highlight of any trip to South Africa.
Exploring more of the Garden Route, you'll discover diverse wonders, from the stunning deserts and mountain passes on Route 62 through to Oudtshoorn to pretty, sleepy little towns like Montagu. Although Knysna has a lot to offer and is a great base for a few days, don't miss gorgeous Plettenberg Bay, a wide crescent of sand with excellent seafront cafés, shops and restaurants, and amazing whale watching between Jun to Nov (there are dolphins too!). Outdoor activities include the highest bungee jump in the world, Knysna Elephant Park and lots of adventure activities to do in Tsitsikamma, one of the country's best-preserved forests.
Sightseeing ideas
- Enjoy the adventurous canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest, riding on cables amongst the treetops
- Visit Shamwari and Kariega (malaria-free) game reserves for close encounters with the 'Big Five'
- Visit the Cango Caves with their spectacular limestone formations
- Addo Elephant Park is only 72km from Port Elizabeth. Make sure you visit
- Take a sunset Champagne cruise from Mossel Bay to Seal Island
- Visit Nelson Mandela's humble childhood home and a museum
- Sun yourself on one of Port Elizabeth's wide open beaches, then stroll along the impressive promenade.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
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Getting there
The best way to explore all that the Garden Route has to offer is by car from Cape Town. It is possible to take an internal flight to Port Elizabeth or George and collect your hire car from there, but you'll be missing out on the beautiful scenery of the Garden Route - the stunning mountain passes, pristine coastline and the indigenous yellowwood trees of Tsitsikamma Forest!