Top 5 Hidden Gems Along the Garden Route
Written by Logan Tait
The 300 kilometer stretch from Witsands to the Tsitsikamma Storms River dubbed the “Garden Route” of South Africa is arguably one of the most beautiful regions on earth. Sandy beaches, pristine forests, and a vivid history makes this area a traveller’s delight. While there are several incredible activities to explore, the hidden gems along this stretch will provide you with unforgettable experiences and scenes.
Read on to find out more about the Garden Route’s best-kept secrets.
Ride a Horse with Garden Route Horse Trails
Garden Route Horse Trails offers remarkable horse-riding trails into the tranquil Louvain Guest Farm in the upper Langkloof valley, halfway between George and Uniondale. The farm is a working ostrich, cattle, and sheep farm surrounded by lush indigenous forest. Choose between a 1.5-hour or 3-hour ride – the 3-hour ride has the added bonus of reaching an exclusive forest waterfall. You may even swim with the horses!
Rides are suitable for children as young as 6 and previous riding experience is not necessary. All horses are well trained, safe, reliable, and have between 3 and 7 years experience on the trails. Please note that bookings are essential.
2. Go for a 4x4 Dune Experience in Vleesbaai
Feed your inner adrenaline junkie with a 4x4 experience on the Vleesbaai sand dunes, located in the Mossel Bay District. Available to drivers of all skill levels, this 12 kilometer route provides you with a few hours of unmatched fun. Although no beach driving is involved, you are just a stone’s throw away from the warm and wild Indian Ocean.
Along the way there is plenty of unique Southern Cape flora and fauna for passengers to take in. Drivers with keen eyes may spot tracks in the dune sand of local animals passing through the area. This adventure is perfect for those who seek to discover an experience off the beaten track – pun intended!
3. Visit the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay
Located in the Craggs just outside of Plettenberg Bay, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary educates visitors about snakes in an aim to improve understanding and promote the conservation of these commonly-feared reptiles.
The 20-hectare forest sanctuary offers a fully-guided tour of the snakes, led by experts and knowledgeable guides. The park houses all of Africa’s famous snakes including Adders, Mambas, Cobras, Tree snakes, and Giant Pythons in huge natural enclosures. Other reptile residents in the park include Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and tortoises.
The park is open all-year round from 9am to 5pm.
4. Walk or Paddle to a Secluded Waterfall in Wilderness
Spend a day canoeing up the Touw River in Wilderness and hike to a waterfall paradise. Enjoy the noiseless escapism, only interrupted by the slow-moving river and vibrant birdlife along the banks and overhead.
Hire a canoe from Eden Adventures and paddle along the clear, idyllic waters of the Touw River toward a safe and well-marked hiking trail. Roughly 2.5 kilometres into the paddle, the water begins to shallow and becomes golden from the forest tannins rushing through. Here, a stony bank marks the perfect place to bank your canoe and begin a short hike along a boardwalk toward the main attraction. A number of interflowing rock pools and waterfalls suddenly emerge through a break in the thick forest. This untouched paradise is the perfect place to laze away the day with a picnic, a well-deserved swim, some sunbathing, and more exploring. The river is semi-tidal and offers a good opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck.
5. Hike to the Drupkelders Waterfall at Jubilee Creek in Knysna
Nestled in the heart of the Knysna forest, the Drupkelders Waterfall at Jubilee Creek is a local legend. A relatively short walk of 3.6 kilometres brings happy hikers to the Homtini River with a large pool and waterfall. The discolouration of the pristine water is caused by tannins and humic acids from leaves on the forest floor. Set in the depths of Knysna’s forest, the location is teeming with wildlife – it is rumoured that the ancient Knysna elephants still inhabit the area while small vervet monkeys are still common. Lucky visitors may even have the chance to catch a glimpse of the Knysna Turaco – a colourful bird that is famously endemic to the area.
The hike is rated as moderate to hard, because of the steep descents and would be manageable for children about 13 years and older. Remember to wear closed shoes and don’t forget a picnic basket, water, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera! Take your time and check out all the different shapes and colours of fungi on dead trees and listen to the birds.
Eager to explore these hidden gems and more? Visit our website and begin planning your trip to the Garden Route!
