The Garden Route is the lush coastal area between Cape Town in the Western Cape province and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province, but more specifically between Mossel Bay in the west and the Tsitsikamma Forest region in the east, lying on the coastal plain between the Indian Ocean and the series of mountain ranges running parallel to it.

The beautiful landscape includes the Indian Ocean coast (rocky shoreline as well as many beautiful beaches), rivers, lakes and mountains. Several attractive towns can be used as bases from which to explore the surrounding areas.

1. a visit to Hermanus and the Whale Coast in the south;
2. a visit to Oudtshoorn in the semi-arid Little Karoo, north of the coastal mountain ranges, with its red rocky mountains and fertile valleys, Cango Caves and ostrich farms (included in most Garden Route tours); and
3. an extension beyond Port Elizabeth (to the north-east) to include an authentic game reserve experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province

The shortest time required for a Garden Route tour without rushing is about 4 days, but if a game reserve is included it should be for longer. It could be planned in one of these ways:

1. Travel from Cape Town eastwards via the Little Karoo (R62 inland route), including Oudtshoorn, down to the coast and then as far east as somewhere around Knysna / Plettenberg Bay / the Tsitsikamma Forest region, and then turn back to return to Cape Town via the Garden Route (N2 coastal route), or vice versa.
2. Travel from Cape Town eastwards all the way to Port Elizabeth (770 km / 480 miles), or vice versa, with or without returning to the start.
3. You could also fly one way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and drive in the other direction, while the region’s commercial centre of George, in the heart of the Garden Route approximately halfway between the two bigger cities, also has an airport.

Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are the most popular overnight options but there are many smaller places in between.

Accommodation options cover the full spectrum from budget to luxury 5-star hotels and resorts comparable with the best anywhere in the world.

It is a wonderful region for exploring nature and the outdoors, including walking and hiking, but many tourist sites with a nature and/or conservation theme do not require any particular fitness level. Some of these are commercial attractions, mostly developed and run in a way that is sensitive to their beautiful natural enviroment, in an ethical and sustainable way.

There are many places that can be explored independently simply by driving or walking. Other outdoor activities and adventures abound.

Price: R5 900 (South African Rand) for up to 3 passengers, and R6 450 for 4 to 7 passengers, per day, for guiding services, vehicle and fuel, excluding accommodation, activities and meals.

If you are interested in doing this tour, let me know, we can then discuss your accommodation and activity preferences, and I will work out the full price.

To inquire about or book this or any other tours, please click here.