Written by Logan Tait

South Africa’s southern coast is home to one of its most beautiful and world-renowned regions known as the Garden Route. This 300 km stretch begins in the Western Cape at Mossel Bay and ends at Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The Garden Route boasts a pristine array of sandy beaches, mountains, forests, wetlands, wildlife, and birdlife. Amidst the natural beauty are a number of gorgeous, historical, and quaint towns all offering unique experiences and activities. 

Keep reading to learn more about our top 8 activities to enjoy along the Garden Route. 

1. Relax at the beach

From September through March, the Garden Route often presents the perfect weather for visitors to relax on one of its many sandy beaches. The seawater along the Garden Route is warmer than Cape Town’s, as it forms part of the Indian Ocean. Every town along the coast has their own unique beach – some towns have many. Plettenberg Bay is the ‘beach capital’ of the Garden Route, with many kilometres of uninterrupted beaches that are easily accessible and family-friendly. The Wreck, in ‘Plett’, is a great place to surf and Robberg 5 is the best beach to relax under an umbrella and soak up some sun. Just outside Knysna, Buffalo Bay is a popular surfing spot along this wild stretch of coast. Also in Knysna, on Leisure Isle, Bollard Bay is a fantastic beach for families and a great place to explore the Knysna estuary at low tide. 

When visiting the beach, always remember to obey the lifeguards, wear sunblock, and drink plenty of water. 

2. Go on a hike

The Garden Route’s terrain is incredibly varied and hiking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. From seaside trails to forest paths, there are endless opportunities to experience the Garden Route on foot. The numerous trail difficulties and durations to choose from allow hikers of all skill and fitness levels to enjoy themselves in nature. It is always best to research a trail beforehand and to have a map on hand. A trip to the Garden Route is incomplete without at least one hike! 

In Wilderness, a great hike for beginners wishing to see the forest is a 2 km loop around an 800-year-old yellowwood tree – this trail is aptly named “The Big Tree forest walk”. Near Sedgefield, the Bushpig Trail is a great short walk through the fynbos and indigenous milkwood forest. Knysna has many hidden gems within its thick forests. The Drupkelders trail is a short but challenging hike to the Homtini River. Departing from the Diepwalle Forest Station, there are three different elephant trail walks ranging from 7 km to 9 km. The Robberg hiking trail is a famous scenic coastal peninsula trail in Plettenberg Bay with different route options. Nature’s Valley and Tsitsikamma are both heavily wooded areas with beach access and beautiful views that offer longer, more isolated hikes and some good swimming opportunities. 

It is important to dress appropriately when hiking – closed shoes are a must! It is always safer to hike in a group and remember to take sufficient food and water along on hikes. Maps, information, and permits may be found at South African National Parks offices. 

3. Pick berries at Redberry Farm in George

Redberry Farm is a working berry farm in the Garden Route outside the city of George. Begun in 2000, Redberry Farm employs over 200 farmworkers to make sure that fields are kept to standard and that berries are ready to be picked and enjoyed by visitors. At Redberry Farm, you can pick your own strawberries at their freshest and juiciest, straight from the plant. Choose a container size at the farm stall and head off to the strawberry picking fields where the fun begins. A variety of strawberries are grown at Redberry Farm, each with its own unique size and flavour. 

The farm has grown and developed over the last 2 decades into one of the Garden Route’s biggest attractions. It up-skills employees and supports career development within its team by conducting in-house training for the internal promotion of agri-supervisors, quality controllers, and irrigation technicians. 

Strawberry picking is suitable for all ages but requires the ability to walk through narrow rows of berries on uneven ground. Closed shoes are recommended and it is best to wear gumboots after rain to handle the mud.

4. Eat and shop at the Wild Oats Farmers Market 

Situated in Sedgefield (dubbed, the ‘slow town’), the Wild Oats Farmers Market offers a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy wholesome meals and other foodstuffs. The market opens every Saturday morning until 12 noon, come rain or shine! It is conveniently located at roughly the halfway point of the Garden Route, making it the perfect morning stop if you’re passing through.

The market is divided into a number of independent stalls with wildly diversified offerings including homestyle food, baked goods, fresh coffee, and organic fresh produce from award-winning Garden Route farmers and chefs. The market welcomes everyone (as well as pets), making it perfect for your family and furry friends. Whether you make an adventure out of a visit and spend a few hours there or use it as a morning coffee run, Wild Oats Farmers market is certain to inspire.

It is recommended that you come early to avoid queues, get secure parking, and get access to the freshest food and produce.

5. Visit and explore the Knysna Heads

One of Knysna’s biggest attractions is the geomorphological phenomenon known as the Knysna Heads, which represent the boundary between the Knysna Estuary and the Indian Ocean. The channel is absolutely stunning, with crystal clear waters flowing between the two rocky outcrops. The beauty of this landmark cannot truly be expressed unless experienced.

There are two heads: the Eastern Head and the Western Head. The Eastern Head is more commercially developed than the Western Head, and is an upmarket Knysna suburb with a number of beautiful homes and places to stay. It is also home to ‘East Head Café’ – one of Knysna’s best restaurants with certainly the most unique view! This head has direct access to the Knysna Estuary through beachfront paths on its northern side and offers a great launch point to scuba dive or snorkel and see the sunken Paquita shipwreck. The southern side of the area sees tall sandstone cliffs tower over a wild ocean and is inhabited by seabirds and peregrine falcons.   

The wilder Western Head is dominated by the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This area is a privately-owned reserve and South African Heritage Site that encapsulates the essence of Knysna’s beauty. Accessible only by ferry, a visit to the nature reserve is a fantastic way to see Knysna in a truly different way. The Featherbed experience offers a 4-hour eco-adventure beginning with a return ferry ride on the Knysna Estuary to the Western Head. Hop into a 4x4 and drive to the top of the headland to enjoy sensational views over the Indian Ocean, estuary, Knysna, and forested mountains with a specialist guide offering information on the area’s history, fauna, and flora. We recommend that you join the 2 km walk – optionally guided and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. This walk takes visitors through the coastal forest and fynbos into ancient Khoisan sea caves. Complete your tour with a buffet lunch at the Forest Restaurant, on its rustic wooden deck under a canopy of Milkwood trees overlooking the estuary.

6. Explore Plettenberg Bay’s ocean during a guided marine tour

Climb aboard an engine-powered boat to explore the Indian Ocean around Plettenberg Bay, experiencing unforgettably close encounters with whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, sharks, and pelagic fish. 

During the whaling season, head to Humpback Highway – a passage of water between the Robberg Point and Nature's Valley and the Tsitsikamma Marine Reserve, where migrating humpback whales are often encountered en route to their breeding or feeding grounds. Otherwise, skim along Keurbooms Beach in search of breeding pods of southern right whales. This area is also a popular hang-out for bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. You also have the opportunity to head over to the Cape fur seal colony at Robberg Peninsula, where you have the chance of spotting endangered great white sharks. Finally, head back along the Robberg beach. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original whaling station, end the experience with an exhilarating James Bond-style landing on Central Beach.

It’s recommended that you take sea-sick tablets beforehand if you don’t have the best sea legs!

7. Zipline through the treetops of an indigenous forest

Does flying through the air hanging from a steel cable between the canopies of indigenous forest sound like a thrill? Then you would love the ziplining opportunities in the Garden Route. Interact with nature in a new and unique way as you glide through the treetop canopies and feed your inner thrill-seeker. Your zipline canopy tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a 'kitting up' session where a full-body harness, pulleys, and other equipment is issued and checked. There are a number of different locations to choose from when considering your experience. However, we recommend Knysna Ziplines as they offer the longest and highest zipline in the region.

8. Experience the world’s highest commercial bungee jump

The Bloukrans Bridge is located above the Bloukrans River Valley in Nature’s Valley outside Plettenberg Bay and is 451 meters long and sits 216 meters above the river below. The surrounding area is characterised by steep stone cliffs, indigenous green bush, and a meandering tannin-stained river. However, this natural beauty pales in comparison to the intense thrill and exhilaration of throwing yourself off the bridge attached to a bungee cord. 

Face Adrenaline offers a truly irreplaceable bungee jump experience at the bridge. With a distance of over 200 meters, the Bloukrans bungee jump is recognised as the highest bungee jump from a bridge on earth. Safety is taken incredibly seriously, and the best in bungee technology is employed. A pendulum system ensures the smoothest, most comfortable bungee jump possible, while jumpers are secured in a full-body harness combined with an ankle connection. 

If the bungee jump is too hardcore for you, Face Adrenaline also offers a ‘skywalk’ for those who wish to traverse the bridge on foot and marvel at the beauty below and watch the bungee jumpers. Many world-renowned personalities have visited the bridge, including Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Thabo Mbeki, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, contestants from The Amazing Race, and many more.

Bungee jumpers must be at least 14-years-old and the bridge walking tour is permitted for anyone older than 6-years-old. 

Are you ready to explore the Garden Route and experience the highlights first-hand? Head over to our website to book your next adventure!