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Garden Route & Beyond

South Africa’s famed Garden Route will fulfill all your notions of discovery and adventure on Africa’s southern coast. Dramatic coastal scenery, strange and beautiful wild flowers, close encounters with exotic wildlife and some of the finest cuisine in the world. Spend time in Hermanus where seasonal whale watching is the big draw but you can also enjoy carefree coastal walks and horse riding on Pearly Beach. Inland is Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farming, while along the coast you will find quaint towns and gorgeous boutique hotels in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Finish your journey in Port Elizabeth from where you can easily add on a safari to complete your African adventure.

 

What’s most loved about the Garden Route

  • The Garden Route is celebrated for its stunning coastal scenery, featuring dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque lagoons. The scenic drive along this route offers spectacular ocean views and lush landscapes
  • The region is home to diverse wildlife, with opportunities to see elephants, dolphins, whales, and various bird species. Attractions like the Knysna Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma National Park provide memorable wildlife encounters
  • The Garden Route is an adventure lover’s paradise, offering a range of activities such as bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge, zip-lining through forests, hiking trails like the Otter Trail, and water sports like kayaking and surfing
  • The route is dotted with charming towns and villages like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and George, each offering unique attractions, quaint shops, and delightful restaurants. These towns provide a blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty
  • The Garden Route boasts lush forests and numerous nature reserves, such as the Garden Route National Park and Robberg Nature Reserve. These areas offer serene hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for birdwatching
  • The region has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with opportunities to explore museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Visitors can learn about the local history and culture through various cultural sites and festivals

Where to Book

  • Enjoying a beach stroll on Mossel Bay in South Africa's Garden Route region

  • Spotting whales in Hermanus

  • Exploring Ruitersbos Nature Reserve by road

  • Nature's Valley beach viewed from Pig's Head on the Garden Route

  • Hiking in Witfontein Nature Reserve, Garden Route

  • Robberg Peninsula near Plettenberg Bay

  • Couple watching the waves at Coney Glen in Knysna - South African Tourism

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 25℃
  • 23℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 24℃
  • 25℃
  • 27℃
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 6
  • 5
  • 6
  • 6
  • 6

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Working with the world’s leading airlines, an impressive portfolio of hotels, car hire providers and a huge array of exciting day tours and attractions, Gold Medal create bespoke long-haul holidays with expertise. Gold Medal are committed to supporting travel agents in every way possible, with low deposits, product training, FAM trip opportunities and an industry-leading reward scheme.

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Mainstreet Travel Group are a UK-based, ABTA and ATOL protected tour operator specialising in cruises, tailor-made and multi-centre holidays. They work exclusively with the trade, offering competitive pricing, flexible packaging and reliable support backed by strong supplier relationships and industry expertise.

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Pure Luxury are experts in ultra-luxury travel, providing bespoke experiences designed to meet the exact specifications of the individual, couple, family or group whose holiday they’ve been entrusted to look after. From start to finish they provide best-in-class service including elevated benefits for customers and industry leading expertise, rewards and incentives for agent partners.

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For nearly 80 years, Ramble Worldwide has been the UK’s leading independent walking holiday specialist. With 300+ curated small-group trips across the UK, Europe and worldwide, it blends iconic highlights with authentic discoveries, expert leaders and graded routes for all abilities – creating inspiring, purposeful adventures on foot.

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