JENMAN African Safaris

Garden Route Safari

The Garden Route is a beautiful and popular stretch of coastline in South Africa, known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse vegetation, and a wide range of outdoor activities. White beaches, lagoons, forests, lakes and dramatic seaside cliffs provide a never-ending visual feast. The Garden Route encompasses 300 km of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. White beaches, lagoons, forests, lakes and dramatic seaside cliffs provide a never-ending visual feast. This wide variety of habitats results in diverse vegetation and wildlife – each area unique to explore. The four main cities along the Garden Route are Mossel BayGeorgePlettenberg Bay and Knysna, each boasting their own character. From mussels to oysters, the route will also satisfy your taste buds; fresh seafood and local South African cuisine served with pride.

Highlights of the Garden Route

Located on the western end of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is known for its historical significance and outdoor activities. The town features museums, beaches, and the famous Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse.  A standout attraction is the Outeniqua Transport Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives and railway memorabilia, allowing visitors to step back in time to the golden age of railways in South Africa. For outdoor enthusiasts, the George Botanical Garden is a hidden gem, featuring a diverse collection of indigenous plants and birdlife, as well as tranquil walking trails. The region of Tsitsikamma is a delight for travellers on a South African safari through the Garden Route, with its protected indigenous forest that contains the most amazing array of vegetation. Most famously, Knysna is known for its warm-water estuary that passes between two large headlands known as the Knysna Heads. The Heads boast a breath-taking lookout point, which gives visitors the optimal vantage point from which to appreciate the open ocean, as well as the chance to enjoy a meal at restaurants that offer stunning views and good, wholesome food. 

  • Explore the rugged coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Visit the town of Knysna, known for its lagoon and the Knysna Heads.
  • Relax on beautiful beaches of Plettenberg Bay
  • Go whale and dolphin watching, and explore Robberg Nature Reserve.
  • Hike in the Tsitsikamma Forest and enjoy the unspoiled beach.
  • Visit Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary to see a variety of rescued animals.
  • Explore the fascinating underground Cango  Caves in Oudtshoorn.
  • Go on a sunrise meerkat tour to see these cute creatures in the wild.
  • Take a safari to see African wildlife, including the Big Five at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve.
  • Visit this quaint Storms River Village and explore its art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
  • Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, zip-lining, and paragliding.
  • Sample South African wines at various vineyards in the region, particularly near Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
  • Explore the Garden Route National Park, which comprises the Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Wilderness sections, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities.
  • Paddle down the rivers and estuaries in the area.

When to travel to the Garden Route

Where Cape Town and the Garden Route is concerned, the best of South Africa’s natural beauty in this region is on display between September and May when it is hot and dry. This is when the fynbos floral kingdom is in full bloom and when the southern right whales visit the coastline. The Western Cape province is cold and wet from June to September.

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JENMAN African Safaris

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