"The Garden Route is one of the most-loved vacation destinations in South Africa, and while the popular holiday towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are among the most alluring in the country, it’s the area’s natural beauty that really steals the show. The route boasts tranquil lagoons, pristine beaches and wetlands, striking mountains and gentle rolling hills – all along a 300-odd-kilometre stretch of verdant coastline.”
- Narina Exelby
The Garden Route
When towns along a stretch of coastline have names like Wilderness, Storms River, Nature’s Valley and Still Bay, you know it’s got to be a pretty special area. That stretch of coastline is known as the Garden Route – its name a give-away as to what makes this area so alluring.
The Garden Route sits along South Africa’s south-west coastline between Mossel Bay and Storms River, and between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains. It’s an area of incredible biodiversity – so much so that it has been added to Unesco’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The vegetation that shrouds the rugged mountains and hugs the edges of pretty lagoons and rivers is a mix of temperate forest and fynbos, the smallest and most diverse of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Almost 300 species of birds are found along the Garden Route; large mammals here include elephants, rhinos and buffaloes; and the adjacent marine protected area is home to 200 species of fish, sharks and rays as well as 11 of the 17 threatened fish species in South Africa.
While this biodiversity translates into unforgettable walks, vistas and wildlife experiences, the towns along the Garden Route add to the area’s appeal. In Wilderness the picturesque lagoons are the big drawcard while the river and estuary at Still Bay attract water sports enthusiasts. The pretty holiday villages of Sedgefield and Natures’ Valley offer tranquil getaways while the arts and crafts on offer in Knysna, along with a plethora of restaurants, enjoys plenty of attention.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
A beautiful time to visit with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The area does occasionally experience heat waves during these months with temperatures climbing over 35°C/95°F
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
SUMMER
A beautiful time to visit with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The area does occasionally experience heat waves during these months with temperatures climbing over 35°C/95°F
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions this remains a fantastic time of year to visit.
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
AUTUMN
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions this remains a fantastic time of year to visit.
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
WINTER
The Eastern Capes location so close to the Indian Ocean offers much more pleasant midday temperatures in comparison to the Western Cape, averaging around 19°C/68°F. Morning can be a little cool, so do pack some warm clothes!
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
WINTER
The Eastern Capes location so close to the Indian Ocean offers much more pleasant midday temperatures in comparison to the Western Cape, averaging around 19°C/68°F. Morning can be a little cool, so do pack some warm clothes!
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
WINTER
The Eastern Capes location so close to the Indian Ocean offers much more pleasant midday temperatures in comparison to the Western Cape, averaging around 19°C/68°F. Morning can be a little cool, so do pack some warm clothes!
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
WINTER
The Eastern Capes location so close to the Indian Ocean offers much more pleasant midday temperatures in comparison to the Western Cape, averaging around 19°C/68°F. Morning can be a little cool, so do pack some warm clothes!
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
SPRING
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions this remains a fantastic time of year to visit.
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
SPRING
With more pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions this remains a fantastic time of year to visit.
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
SUMMER
A beautiful time to visit with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The area does occasionally experience heat waves during these months with temperatures climbing over 35°C/95°F
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
SUMMER
A beautiful time to visit with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The area does occasionally experience heat waves during these months with temperatures climbing over 35°C/95°F
The Garden Route is situated between KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and its climate is a bit of a mixture of the two. Its coastal areas enjoy both a subtropical and Mediterranean climate while inland things get a bit hotter. The geographic location between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean give the region rather mixed rainfall patterns, with no distinct dry period as found within the Western Cape. Rainfall amounts are however usually minimal with plenty of sunshine throughout the year!
Explore The Garden Route Properties
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Kurland Hotel
Kurland Hotel
Situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the iconic Garden Route, the lodge is surrounded by indigenous forest in a large, gated estate. The elevated rooms look out across the Piesang River Valley below and as the estate is ..
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The Manor House
The Manor House
Situated within the 600-hecatre golfers' paradise of Fancourt, The Manor House is a boutique retreat surrounded by manicured gardens. With excellent service, a modern-classic design and a rolling landscape to enjoy, The Manor ..
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The Robberg Beach Lodge
The Robberg Beach Lodge
The Robberg Beach Lodge is, without doubt, one of the most luxurious offerings on the Garden Route, a super-comfortable base from which to explore Plettenberg and surrounds. A stay here combines well with a city break in Cape Town ..
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Tsala Treetops Lodge
Tsala Treetops Lodge
Tsala Treetops Lodge sits beautifully amid the trees in Tsitsikamma Forest. Privately owned by the Hunter Family, the lodge has a unique design with an impressive stone-masonry entrance, suspended treehouse villas and private ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
