The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic and beloved travel destinations. Stretching over 300 kilometers along the country’s southeastern coast, it offers visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming towns. Here’s a guide to what you can expect on a journey through this region. The Garden Route is renowned for its beautiful landscapes. You’ll encounter forests, mountains, beaches, and lakes. The area is named for its verdant vegetation, particularly the indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma and Knysna regions. Coastal cliffs and lagoons add to the stunnings views that change with every turn of the road.
Thrill seekers will find plenty to keep them busy. Hiking is a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. The Otter Trail, a 42-kilometer hike through the Tsitsikamma National Park, is especially famous for its breathtaking coastal scenery. For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world. Water sports are abundant, including kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving. The warm Indian Ocean waters are perfect for swimming, while the region’s rivers and estuaries provide ideal spots for canoeing.
Wildlife and Nature Reserves
Nature lovers will appreciate the Garden Route wildlife and protected areas. You can visit the Knysna Elephant Park to see these gentle giants up close or head to the Robberg Nature Reserve for a chance to spot seals and a variety of bird species. The region’s national parks, like the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks, offer excellent opportunities for bird watching, game viewing, and exploring diverse ecosystems.
Towns of the Garden Route
The Garden Route is dotted with quaint towns and villages, each with its own unique charm. Knysna, famous for its lagoon and the Knysna Heads, offers a vibrant arts and crafts scene, delicious seafood, and boat tours. Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett,” is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and marine life, including dolphins and whales during the migration season. Wilderness is another gem, offering serene beaches, rivers, and a relaxed atmosphere. The town is surrounded by the Wilderness National Park, which features numerous walking trails and bird-watching spots. Mossel Bay, often considered the start of the Garden Route, is rich in history and offers a variety of water sports.
Golf Courses in the Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its world-class golf courses, making it the perfect destination for golf tours and golf safaris. Fancourt Golf Estate in George is a premier destination with three outstanding golf courses: The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua. The Links, designed by Gary Player, is frequently ranked among the best in South Africa. Simola Golf & Country Estate, also in Knysna, provides a memorable experience with its Jack Nicklaus-designed course that overlooks the Knysna Lagoon and Outeniqua Mountains. Another gem in George is the historic George Golf Club, established in 1906, known for its traditional parkland layout and well-maintained greens. In Mossel Bay, the Mossel Bay Golf Club offers spectacular ocean views and a relatively easy course suitable for all skill levels. Nearby, the Oubaai Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els, features a links-style course with stunning coastal views, integrating the natural landscape into its challenging layout.
Further along the Garden Route, Pinnacle Point Estate in Mossel Bay stands out with its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Designed by Peter Matkovich and Darren Clarke, it provides a unique and picturesque golfing challenge. Goose Valley Golf Club in Plettenberg Bay, designed by Gary Player, is set within a nature reserve and offers relaxed play with views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and Keurbooms Lagoon. Plettenberg Bay Country Club, located in a private nature reserve, features lush fairways and abundant wildlife, offering a scenic and enjoyable round of golf.
Kingswood Golf Estate in George, designed by Danie Obermeyer, blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. This course provides a challenging game for golfers of all levels with its unique layout and well-kept greens. The Garden Route’s golf courses not only challenge golfers with their varied and strategic designs but also delight them with the most beautiful and diverse scenery imaginable. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, the Garden Route promises an unforgettable golfing experience amid South Africa’s stunning landscapes.
