The Garden Route extends along the coastal strip between Heidelberg and the Eastern Cape border at Storms River Mouth, and incorporates all of the towns and resorts along the N2 highway and coast. To the North the Garden Route is bordered by three mountain ranges, the Langeberg, the Outeniqua and the Tsitsikamma mountains. The whole region is one of extreme natural beauty and many very popular resorts have become established along the route. Large parts of the Garden Route are controlled by the South African National Parks thus ensuring the preservation of this pristine area well into the future. Just east of George, lies the Wilderness National Park. This region attracts hundreds of bird species to it's wetlands.
In the extreme West of the Garden Route where the Breede River flows into the Indian Ocean is St Sebastion Bay, an annual breeding place for the Southern Right Whale, which can be seen between June and September from Whitesands. In 2005 more than 130 whales were seen in the nursery including more than 50 pairs of cows and their calfs.
The town of Riversdale lies on the N2 and has become known as the Floral Paradise of the Garden Route. The town is a mecca for nature lovers of all ages and especially for fynbos enthusiasts. From here you can hike, bike or take a horse trail. To the North of the town is the famous Sleeping Beauty Peak in the Langeberg, and a mountain pass leads you to the Klein Karoo. A little to the East of Riversdale is the small town of Albertinia named after a local preacher. The town is situated in a major sheep and wheat region and is well known as being South Africa's main producer of red and yellow ochre and of kaolin. There are two factories that process gel from the aloe based here.
Mossel Bay has a history dating back to the 15th Century and derives its name from the abundance of mussels found here. The town lies on a sunny peninsular just off the N2 and is half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It was at Mossel Bay that the Portuguese navigator Bartomoleu Dias landed in 1488 to replenish his water supplies. History lovers can also see several block houses built by the British in the Outeniqua mountains during the Anglo-Boer War.
The Garden Route's next town is George which is harbours a wonderful museum which is mostly dedicated to wooden artifacts. There is a reconstructed woodcutter's cottage as well as wagons and carts and even old gramaphones. Herold's Bay is George's own beach resort and is just outside the town. Here there are good vantage points for whale and dolphin watching. A mountain pass leads from George into the Klein Karoo.
The Knysna National Lake Area, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route, there is a large lagoon bounded at its entrance by two sandstone heads and with a background of the mountains of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve. The lagoon is home to the famous Knysna Seahorse and the Pansy Shell. This beautiful town offers the visitor anything from fine shops and restaurants to hiking trails, and there are even three golf courses. The Knysna Elephant Park offers a unique chance to get see these magnificent animals that once lived in these forests.
Just along the coast from Knysna lies the popular resort town of Plettenberg Bay, known affectionately by many a visitor as 'Plett'. Standing out on the beach here is Beacon Island with its hotel. In the bay itself you can witness schools of common dolphin playing, as well as Bottlenosed and Humpback dolphins.
Several species of whale can be seen here - the Southern Right, the Humpback and Bryde's whales as well as Orca, the killer whale. This is the only place on Earth where the rare Beaked whale has been filmed. Boat based whale watching tours are available here. To the south of Plettenberg Bay lies the Robberg Nature Reserve, which has many short hikes through the coastal fynbos that dominates this peninsula.
At the Eastern end of the Garden Route you will find the Tsitsikamma National Park, a pristine indigenous forest that is home to Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Ironwood and many other tree species that are protected in this forest. The coastline here is quite spectacular with its natural gorges formed over millions of years. The 5 day Otter Trail that runs along this coast. Hikers are advised to book well in advance.
This stylish, contemporary holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads is perfectly appointed for those wishing for a beautiful venue from which to explore Knysna.
Rosedene is a beautiful holiday home that offers a relaxed getaway as well as both privacy and convenience. It is spacious and tastefully decorated with a home from home feel. A large lounge opens onto a covered veranda that overlooks the garden.
Relax and enjoy your holiday in this comfortable and well-appointed self-catering cottage on the Island in Sedgefield.
This luxury loft apartment (2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) is situated at the 4 Star Dunes Resort on the Garden Route less than 10km from Plettenberg Bay town centre.
Outeniqua View is located 2.5km from the very popular Hartenbos main beach, with a beautiful view over the Outeniqua mountains from the braai area. Suitable for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children).
Lollypop is a delightful self catering cottage situated in the heart of the Garden Route town of George It is a cottage situated in a huge lush garden, free standing from the main colonial style house It is tucked away in a tree-lined suburb...
Koensrust Sea Farm is a beautiful seaside private getaway rich in wildlife and scenery along the south cape coast just 3,5 hours from Cape Town. It offers accommodation in 4 rustic self-catering options spread across the farm, each with its own...
Sleeps 6 persons, 2 rooms with double beds each and one room with two single beds. Is fully equipped with washing machine, tumble dryer and extra deep freeze.
The apartment has double, shaded parking on street level, a living area in the middle and 3 bedrooms on the lower level which can accommodate 8 people. The two double bedrooms open directly onto a small patio and grass and then the whole ocean ...
Plett Beachfront Accommodation offers comfortable, tastefully decorated en-suite accommodation, right on Plettenberg Bay's Central Beach, the safest of the town's swimming beaches.
Situated in the spectacular Garden Route of South Africa, Burrough Place is a Guesthouse that is on the main road when entering George from the Outeniqua Pass (N9) side. Loved equally by all the business travellers, golf enthusiasts, cyclists and tourists
Nestled in the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, Cashel Cottage is the perfect place to relax and explore the many delights of The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley and the Garden Route.
We have 4 self-catering suites. All are open-plan with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes,TV with M-Net and selected DStv channels. They are ideal for couples, however 2 suites are able to accommodate up to 4 people sharing...
A beautiful farm guesthouse overlooking the Outeniqua Mountains in the middle of the Garden Route. We can accommodate up to 40 people on a sharing basis, where you can select one of the following 9 rooms/cottages to suit your requirements...
Kostaplenti is situated in Nature's Valley which is surrounded by indigenous forest, mountains, lagoon and the sea. It comprises of 2 units which can be rented separately. Kostaplenti is uniquely placed 30 meters from the beach.
Comfortable, private, affordable and peaceful. A real 'home away from home' experience! Self-catering accommodation in Knysna for one to three guests, children are welcome and can be accommodated...
Safe, peaceful, stunning views, great affordability. Peace and tranquillity like you've never experienced before.
Our top deck beach cottage is in Spreeu Street and is roughly 800m walk to the beach. You can see beautiful views over Sedgefield including the sea and the Qutwaniqa mountains from the large spacious deck. The cottage sleeps a maximum of 6 people
Palm Beach Flatlets in Victoria Bay offers 3 self catering flatlets with breathtaking view of the ocean.
In the heart of The Crags, 10 minutes from Plettenberg Bay... 1000 miles from reality.