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.
Karmosyn self catering apartment accommodation is a picturesque holiday setting in Vleesbaai in the Western Cape, just 20km south of Mossel Bay. It is a place where you can just relax and unwind all year round. The self catering apartments are within walk
Meurant Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Riversdale in the Western Cape's Garden Route. This stylish and spacious self catering cottage (sleeps 6) but also can accommodate an extra guest if required. Conveniently located just 1km from the N2
Sea Cottage 21 provides self catering accommodation in Diaz beach in Mossel Bay, Garden Route in the Western Cape. This three bedroom duplex unit is in a security complex on the Diaz Beach beachfront between Hartenbos and Mossel Bay on the Garden Route. T
Elfranse Beach Cottage provides self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Situated on the front row of Myoli Beach, 150m from the main swimming area and whale-watching platform. This 90 square meter two-bedroom Sedgefield cottage is fully f
Bella Manga offers comfortable, clean, well-equipped accommodation in a unique country setting. All our rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, heaters & fans, a fridge and coffee & tea facilities. On-site entertainment includes two swimming pools, a guest lou
Sinfonie comprises 2 self catering holiday apartments located in Tergniet on the Garden Route
Witsand Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Witsand in the Garden Route. This gracious 3-bedroomed home (sleeps 6) is situated on the Northern bank of the Breede River at Port Beaufort. It is 1km upstream from the mouth at Witsand. The Breede Ri
Knot 4 Sail sef catering cottage in Buffelsbaai is ideally positioned to enjoy the waves crashing on the rocks while heavenly sunsets are enjoyed from the deck.
Serendipity Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Situated on the banks of the Touw River and borders on to the Wilderness National Park, a UNESCO proclaimed water bird conservancy. We have four en-suite bedroom
Kiewietjie Cottage offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Sedgefield and offers guests three comfortable furnished self-catering units. The 2 bedroom units have a view on th
Seaside House offers "absolute beachfront" self catering accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route. Situated right on the beach in Wilderness, with breathtaking views of breaking waves. Let the sounds of the sea lull you to sleep. Self catering accommodat
There are five individually decorated bedrooms all of which have there own private entrance. All have ensuite bathrooms with fridge, tea and real coffee, TV, a safe, fans for the summer and heating for the winter. Breakfast is served on the ...
Oceanside Guesthouse provides self catering apartment accommodation in Great Brak River (Groot Brak Rivier) in the Garden Route. Looking for a romantic weekend away, a family holiday with lots to see and to do, or on a business/golfing trip, Oceanside's s
22 Seemeeuvlug offers self catering apartment accommodation in the seaside town of Hartenbos in the Garden Route, Western Cape. Come and enjoy your self catering getaway in Hartenbos with this lock-up-and-go duplex townhouse in secure complex. This self c
Harties@Sea provides self catering accommodation in Hartenbos in the Garden Route, Western Cape. This beautiful cottage is situated in Hartenbos, home of ATKV, which is situated in the Mossel Bay Local Municipality, has its own entrance and private access
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.
Outeniqua On C offers self catering apartment accommodation in Glentana in the Great Brak River area near George, Garden Route. Our accommodation sleeps a maximum 2 adults and 2 children (under 12); minimum 2 guests. If you want a relaxed holiday in peace
We offer a beautiful, private and fully equipped luxury apartment with an open plan lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. All with a spectacular view. The lounge leads onto a covered wooden deck with gasbraai facilities, pool table and a ...
Vista Bonita 52 is a self catering apartment in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay, in the Garden Route, Western Cape. Located on the 10th floor it offers spectacular views over Mossel Bay and the swimming beach at Diaz Beach from the balcony. Accommodation comprises
The White House offers beachfront self catering accommodation in Hartenbos in the Garden Route, Western Cape. At this charming self-catering cottage it is all about the view. It's beach front location presents a spectacular 180° unobstructed ocean vi