Established in March 2009, the Garden Route National Park covers about 1210
km2 of land - 605 km2 of this is indigenous forest. The park forms part of both
the Western and Eastern Cape and is a popular tourist destination.
It
would take you a lifetime to explore the entire park, so boredom is not
something you need worry about whilst visiting. There are plenty of exciting
hiking options to choose from which provide some of the most breathtaking
scenery South Africa has to offer. If you're not keen on working up a sweat, you
can choose to lounge on the beach while you listen to the waves crashing on the
shore.
The Garden Route National Park is a birding paradise with 371
species of birds for you to spot. Of these birds, 45 species are vagrants and
are not seen very often - but maybe you'll be one of the lucky few? 22 species
of raptors have been spotted here, including the Crowned Eagle and the African
Cuckoohawk. The KnysnaTuraco and the Narina Trogon are two of the most sought
after species for bird watchers and can be easily heard and sometimes seen here.
The forest is also home to Bushbuck, Blue Duikers, Common Eland, Vervet
Monkeys, Savanna Baboons, Cape Clawless Otters and Dassies. The park is also one
of the best locations for whale watching, with no fewer than 15 species of
whales and dolphins to be found.
Contact:
SA National Parks
Reservations: +27(0)12 428 9111
Garden Route National Park: +27 (0)44 302
5600
Address:
Dumbleton road, Wilderness, 6560
Most people drive
along the N2 highway north from Cape Town or south from Port Elizabeth. Another
option is to fly to the town of George and hire a car.
When to visit:
Any time of the year is spectacular, but September is when the flowers start
blooming and it is particularly pretty. Remember to take a raincoat with you, as
the Garden Route experience rain all year round.
Wishbone Waters is located in the rural farming area of The Crags, 3km from the N2. Accommodation in the Little Wish self catering cottage will sleep 4 in 2 bedrooms. Local attractions within The Crags (5-7km) include: Birds of Eden, Tenikwa, Monkeyland …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Enjoy a farm stay on a working dairy farm - a great escape for a family! Milk the cows, enjoy the animals, explore our natural forest - a birding paradise! We have 3 cottages, a Farmhouse & an exclusive Campsite. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek offers a selection of self catering cabins in The Crags, just 10 minutes from Plettenberg Bay, 1000 miles from reality, in the very Heart of The Garden Route and close to all it's attractions. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Self catering accommodation available in Keurboomstrand on the scenic Garden Route. Accommodates up to 10 people (5 bedrooms). Also, it includes the following unique facilities and features: patio with built-in braai, lock-up garage, DStv... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Walk approx 70m to the private access Keurbooms beach. Here you will find a large wooden deck from where you can savour the spectacular panoramic sea view, whales breaching and dolphins dancing across the waves. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Alkantmooi Self Catering provides 5 luxury self catering apartments for visitors to Keurboomstrand.We offer a beautiful, private and fully equipped luxury apartments with an open plan lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. All with a spectacular... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
"Lazydays" self catering house and flatlet is situated in the idyllic, coastal village of Nature's Valley and is surrounded by the Tsistikamma National Park and the warm Indian Ocean. Solar panels and an inverter system. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bella Manga offers self catering and bed and breakfast accommodation in Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route. Comfortable, clean, well-equipped in a unique country setting. All our rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, heaters & fans, a fridge and coffee & tea... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Strandmeer is a self catering cottage which lies in the beautiful Tsitsikamma coastline, Plettenberg Bay, on the banks of the Keurboomsriver, 200m from the beach. The cottage sleeps 8 (2 double beds and 4 single beds). Fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.