Attractions, Places of Interest & Popular Destinations
The Garden Route is a coastal corridor on the southern coast of South Africa, where ancient forests, rivers, wetlands, dunes, stretches of beach, lakes, mountain scenery and indigenous fynbos all merge to form a landscape of restorative beauty.
Did you know? Once you've booked your hotel or Garden Route accommodation, explore the town and destination pages below for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you explore the glorious Garden Route.
This is a strip of land like no other in the world in terms of beauty, natural attractions and unique flora and fauna - hence its name. Three of South Africa's top hikes take place here - the Otter Trail and the Tsitsikama and Dolphin trails and man's footprint has made little impact on the rugged and sometimes inaccessible coastline.
The Garden Route is a paradise for eco-lovers, bird watchers and solitude seekers and one of the most beautiful parts of the Western Cape. It lies sandwiched between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and is on every tourist's itinerary.
Did you know? The Garden Route provides a coastline of some 300 km between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay – one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations for its effortless combination of ancient forests, rivers, wetlands, pristine stretches of beach, lakes, mountains and fynbos.
The Garden Route is a popular holiday destination during summer and a tranquil hideaway during the winter months - both seasons are equally beautiful and attractive due to the largely Mediterranean climate of the Garden Route.
Find accommodation on the Garden Route
South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Garden Route Accommodation
Gondwana Ulubisi House
Ulubisi House is the most exclusive accommodation offering on the 11,000 hectare, Big 5 Gondwana Game Reserve. Sleeping either six adults or four...
Cutty Sark Villa 36
Cutty Sark Villa 36 offers ultimate luxury and exclusive accommodation in Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa's most breathtaking locations. Per...
Cloud 9 Luxury Villa
Cloud 9 is an ideal location for a large family holiday or a special celebration. The Villa sleeps 18 guests in 9 bedrooms and offers beautiful 3...
Pezula Ocean Breeze Retreat
Pezula Ocean Breeze Retreat is an extraordinary cliffside villa, offering accommodation with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean perfectly sit...
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge offers luxury accommodation tucked into the forest canopy. There are ten luxury hide-away suites and six luxury villas. Exten...
Tren Villa
Tren Villa in Plettenberg Bay is an elegant and newly constructed luxury villa, located on the pristine Keurbooms Beach. Offering breathtaking vi...
Roche Bonne 28
Roche Bonne 28 offers accommodation in a double storey house located in Plettenberg Bay . From here guests are near to the Tenikwa Wildlife Aware...
Island Villa
Island Villa offers accommodation in Knysna for large groups, large families and friends to get together and enjoy the pleasures of Leisure Islan...
Pezula Ocean Side Of Life
Pezula Ocean Side of Life offers luxury accommodation and an idyllic retreat in Knysna, just 600 metres from the prestigious Pezula Estate and Go...
Destinations in the Garden Route Region
Albertinia
Overnight? Albertinia accommodation
Albertinia, a peaceful little town lying at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain range, is known as the home of the Aloe. The indigenous Aloe ferox, or Cape Aloe, grows prolifically in the area and the leaves are collected and drained for its bitter-tasting...
Ballots Bay
Overnight? Ballots Bay accommodation
Ballots Bay is a small coastal neighbourhood nestled in the verdant abundance of the Garden Route in the Western Cape. This area forms part of the magnificent shores of the Southern Cape of South Africa, and benefits from being sheltered from winds comin...
Belvidere
Overnight? Belvidere accommodation
Real estate agents describe Belvidere as a suburb of Knysna. In reality it is something of a quintessential English village on the west shores of the Knysna lagoon; a far cry from the modern Thesen Island that lies on the opposite bank.
The hamlet of B...
Boggomsbaai
Overnight? Boggomsbaai accommodation
Stay on the gorgeous Garden Route of South Africa when you book your Boggomsbaai accommodation. Little Boggoms Bay, or Boggomsbaai as it is known, is one of several small seaside villages that fall within the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, on the Garden Route...
Brenton On Sea
Overnight? Brenton On Sea accommodation
Lying on the other side of Knysna's Western Head, nestled on the shores of the Indian Ocean in a quiet, lazy bay, residents describe Brenton on Sea's beauty as the coast that Knysna doesn't have, and in reality, Knysna lies on a lagoon, the rough seas mak...
Buffalo Bay
Overnight? Buffalo Bay accommodation
Idyllically perched on the seashore between Knysna and Sedgefield, this suburb feels a lot like a cute beach village. The houses here range from charming log cabins and cute fishing-style cabins to sprawling mansions and seaside villas.
The good news ...
Dana Bay
Overnight? Dana Bay accommodation
Whilst often disregarded simply as a suburb of Mossel Bay, Dana Bay is in fact a conservancy, set in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, home to fine examples of coastal and limestone varieties of fynbos under threat from global warming.
Limestone f...
De Vlugt
Overnight? De Vlugt accommodation
Roughly halfway along Prince Alfred Pass (R339), as it descends to meet the river, is the historical hamlet of De Vlugt. Also know as Die Vlug, De Vlugt is what remains of the dwellings of Andrew Geddes Bain and his son, Thomas, their outbuildings and the...
George
Overnight? George accommodation
Lying in a fertile, rich valley, surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, forests, rivers and prosperous farmlands, George lies just 420 km from Cape Town and 320 km from Port Elizabeth, making it a perfect stopover from which to explore the Garden Route.
...
Glentana
Overnight? Glentana accommodation
Just east of the Great Brak River, almost half way between Mossel Bay and George, lies the beautiful seaside village of Glentana, its beaches topped by fynbos covered cliffs that plunge precipitously into the Indian Ocean.
The origins of the name, Gle...
Goose Valley Golf Estate
Overnight? Goose Valley Golf Estate accommodation
The Goose Valley Golf Club is located a scenic four kilometres north of the popular Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay. Nestled between the rolling valleys' hills and set atop sand dunes the club enjoys the best in natural irrigation, resulting in surpr...
Gouritsmond
Overnight? Gouritsmond accommodation
Just over an hour's drive from Still Bay, Gouritsmond lies on the Garden Route on the coast, at the mouth of the Gourits River - creating a wonderful water playground where river meets sea. Pretty little stone houses that date back to the 1920s still domi...
Great Brak
Overnight? Great Brak accommodation
Whilst the adjectives - peaceful and tranquil - have been bandied about when referring to holiday locations, when applied to Great Brak they take on new meaning. This little village, just a few kilometres from both Mossel Bay and George, is without doubt ...
Harkerville
Overnight? Harkerville accommodation
The beauty of the Garden Route is undeniable, but it is always even more delightful when combined with the serenity and calm of a little seaside suburb like Harkerville. This is a farm area that is situated between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, which are bo...
Hartenbos
Overnight? Hartenbos accommodation
Stay in one of the Hartenbos accommodation spots and overlook the spectacular coastline of the Garden Route of South Africa. Between the towns of Mossel Bay and George lies a perfect holiday resort with an endless expanse of golden beach for walkers and a...
Herolds Bay
Overnight? Herolds Bay accommodation
The beautiful, secluded bay called Herold's Bay has held an allure for holiday makers since time of old. Sketches and photographs in the George museum tell of ox wagons filled with tents, goods and servants, camping out on the beach itself.
Today the ...
Hoekwil
Overnight? Hoekwil accommodation
The beautiful Hoekwil accommodation is ideal for visitors travelling in South Africa, that want to get the most out of the Garden Route, its beaches, and its animal sanctuaries. Just 10km inland from Wilderness lies the little village of Hoekwil. What us...
Keurboomstrand
Overnight? Keurboomstrand accommodation
Lying on the other side of the Keurbooms River from Plettenberg Bay, Keurboomstrand (or beach) lies on an enviable part of the Garden Route, highly popular for camping, fishing and swimming. But don't let the idea of holiday fever crowds deter you during ...
Kingswood Golf Estate
Overnight? Kingswood Golf Estate accommodation
Set amongst the heart of Georges Garden Route golfing community, Kingswood Golf Course has on offer, something slightly different, dare I say, even, exceptional. The course is located between Fancourt and George Golf Club and set upon the rolling hills, r...
Knysna
Overnight? Knysna accommodation
The charming town of Knysna offers accommodation in a veritable paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, and golden beaches; showcasing the natural loveliness of South Africa. She nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon, now a p...
Lake Brenton
Overnight? Lake Brenton accommodation
Knysna is one of the Garden Route's most exquisite towns. The massive lagoon, the towering Knysna Heads that create a dramatic gateway for the Indian Ocean to enter, the forests, the mountains, and the historical buildings of this little town all combine ...
Little Brak
Overnight? Little Brak accommodation
A tranquil little haven of sea, lagoon and river, virtually lost in time, wedged between Mossel Bay and Groot Brak on the Garden Route, is Little Brak River.
Mainly a resort area, this part of the coast is renowned for having the mildest climate throu...
Mossel Bay
Overnight? Mossel Bay accommodation
This bustling Garden Route town is a hot holiday spot and one of the ports of South Africa. It is set on the sun-washed slopes of Cape St Blaize, overlooking the expansive bay, and against the blue-black backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains. Accommodation ...
Noetzie
Overnight? Noetzie accommodation
Noetzie is a hamlet - some people describe it simply as a beach - just east of the Garden Route town of Knysna. The Khoi people, who lived here, called it Noetziekamma – referring to the darkness of the waters of the Noetzie River, into which tannins of t...
Pezula
Overnight? Pezula accommodation
Recognised as one of the best courses in South Africa and recently awarded the prestigious title of South Africa's best Golf Development, the Pezula Golf Course comes highly recommended.
Situated in the coastal town of Knysna, a Garden Route gem, the ...
Pinnacle Point
Overnight? Pinnacle Point accommodation
There are few scenes as breath-taking and impressive than the vast expanses of the ocean as it undulates in a roaring ballet, crashing on rock faces or lapping the pristine gold of the sands. This is the scene that awaits visitors to the luxury estate of ...
Plettenberg Bay
Overnight? Plettenberg Bay accommodation
The town of Plettenberg Bay lies almost on the border of the Western and Eastern Cape. Built on the hillside, most of the town is on a steep slope leading down to the sea, which means that regardless of where you find yourself accommodated, you will be tr...
Reebok
Overnight? Reebok accommodation
Reebok is a little seaside village just outside Mossel Bay. It lies between Klein Brakrivier and Groot Brakrivier, one of a handful of beachside holiday hamlets east of Mossel Bay.
These towns tend to run into one another, functioning more as suburbs o...
Rheenendal
Overnight? Rheenendal accommodation
Along the splendour of the Garden Route in the Western Cape, lies the little settlement of Rheenendal, in close proximity to Knysna. In fact, most consider this hamlet a part of Knysna.
Rheenendal is, officially, part of the Eden District Municipality...
Riversdale
Overnight? Riversdale accommodation
The lovely country accommodation in Riversdale lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, close to the towns of Still Bay and Witsand.
Mountains feature predominantly in the village's appeal and the well-loved Sleeping Beauty mountain peak provides ...
Roodefontein
Just outside the tourist hub of Plettenberg Bay, along the magnificent Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa, lies the little town of Roodefontein. This part of the world is famous for its beautiful vistas and scenic landscapes, making it a ver...
Sedgefield
Overnight? Sedgefield accommodation
Lying between George and Knysna on the Garden Route and 490 km from Cape Town, Sedgefield is a beautiful seaside village surrounded entirely by lakes, sand dunes covered in fynbos, pine plantations, the Swartvlei Estuary and the Indian Ocean.
Describe...
Still Bay
Overnight? Still Bay accommodation
Thanks to the variety of budget-friendly accommodation in Still Bay, this is an ideal choice for families visiting the Garden Route of South Africa, and looking for a tranquil getaway.
The little seaside village of Stilbaai or Still Bay lies just off ...
Tergniet
Overnight? Tergniet accommodation
Tergniet is one of a handful of little seaside villages between Klein Brakrivier and Groot Brakrivier that function at once as suburbs of Mossel Bay and as seaside holiday towns - busy during summer, particularly over the festive season.
One can well i...
The Crags
Overnight? The Crags accommodation
Garden Route accommodation ranges from idyllic forest cabins to boutiques hotels, and a wide variety of lodgings is lying in wait for those travelling South Africa in the pretty area known as The Crags. Perched amongst the idyllic greenery of the Garden ...
Thesen Island
Overnight? Thesen Island accommodation
Thesen Islands make safe, tranquil suburban living a reality in a world of urbanisation, hustle and bustle. This secure estate is situated on an award-winning Blue Flag marina in the heart of Knysna, which remains one of the Garden Route's favourite desti...
Victoria Bay
Overnight? Victoria Bay accommodation
Victoria Bay (or "Vic Bay" as it is called by those in the know) is one of the smallest bays on the Garden Route. Traveling along the N2 National Road, Victoria Bay is 3km off the N2 and situated between George and Wilderness.
Victoria Bay is a specia...
Vleesbaai
Overnight? Vleesbaai accommodation
The pretty little seaside village of Vleesbaai (or Vlees Bay) lies virtually hidden between the bays of Stilbaai and Mossel Bay, just north of where the Gouritz River (of bungee jump fame from the Gourtitz River bridge, 65 metres up) joins the sea at the ...
Wilderness
Overnight? Wilderness accommodation
Lying in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in a region of incomparable beauty, Wilderness is an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins.
As far back as the late 18...
Additional Reading
- Everything You Need to Know to See the Garden Route Properly
- Best Places to Stay on the Garden Route
- 12 Fantastic Places On The Garden Route In South Africa
- Top Ten Natural Attractions in the Garden Route
- Drive the Seven Passes of the Garden Route
- Garden Route Day Walks – we select the best
- 15 great Garden Route adventures (something for everyone)