RegionGarden Route
Nestled between mountains and ocean, this is South Africa's most beautiful wild garden
The Garden Route is a 300 km stretch found along the Indian Ocean on the southeastern coast of South Africa. This scenic route extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape with breathtaking lagoons, forests, beaches, caves, and more to witness in between. You will also find various charming towns with their own remarkable sights and activities to enjoy. Escape to diverse vegetation and wildlife with no shortage of outdoor recreation, local markets, thrilling safari experiences, and luxurious accommodation surrounded by nature.
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
14 nights- •
0.270t CO₂
Garden Route Glamping: 15 Days of Wine, Wave and Whale Eco-Adventures
From $664 /person
- 13 nights
The Ultimate Western Cape Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Addo National Park
From $805 /person
- 7 nights
A Wine Lovers Dream: Cape Town and a Tour Along South Africa's Best Wine Regions
From $1,556 /person
- 13 nights
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- 0.522t CO₂
14 Days of South Africa’s Whale Coast and a Big 5 Malaria-Free Safari
From $9,072 /person
- 17 nights
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- 0.600t CO₂
The Kruger & Cape Collection: 18 Days of Safari, Coastlines & Mountains
From $1,083 /person
- 15 nights
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- 0.554t CO₂
Garden Route and Zululand Magic: Coastlines and Culture on a Budget
From $856 /person
- 15 nights
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- 0.628t CO₂
Bargain Beach to Bush: South Africa’s Garden Route & Kruger
From $1,396 /person
- 17 nights
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- 0.636t CO₂
South Africa’s Dream List: 18-Day Extensive Sun, Sea & Safari
From $3,566 /person
- 17 nights
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- 0.263t CO₂
Family-Friendly South Africa: 18 Days of Wholesome Wild Wonders & Malaria-Free Safari
From $843 /person
- 15 nights
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- 0.397t CO₂
Garden Route Gallivanting: 16 Days of Budget-friendly Beach & Safari
From $834 /person
- 11 nights
- •
- 0.273t CO₂
Spectacular South Africa: 12 Days of Safari, Mountains, and Atlantic Shores
From $3,458 /person
- 18 nights
- •
- 0.249t CO₂
The Perfect Garden Route Roadtrip: Wilderness, Winelands and Sensational Wildlife
From $6,372 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The best time to visit this region is in the warmer months of September to April. The Garden Route is rainy throughout the year and is a popular summer destination that can get busy over the Christmas holidays. You will soon understand why, as you feel the warm rays while kloofing, abseiling and paragliding or simply taking a dip in the azure Indian Ocean. The months of May to August are colder but will provide opportunities for whale watching (peaking in September) with more windless days to enjoy.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
138 Marine Guesthouse
Where Ocean Views, Beach Bliss, and Wellness Unite for Your Ultimate Escape
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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65onCliff
Luxury sea-view boutique guesthouse, prime whale watching location, ultimate relaxation
From $117 /person
- South Africa
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Abalone Lodge
Luxury accommodation on the magnificent oceanfront of Hermanus
From $139 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Kam'Bati
Boutique glamping tents based in the wide-ranging landscapes of Kam’Bati River Resort
From $44 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Oakhurst
Glamping on a dairy farm in the heart of the Garden Route
From $39 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
Boutique glamping tents nestled in the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve
From $40 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Stanford Hills
Spectacular glamping experience nestled between the grassy slopes of the Klein River Mountains
From $44 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps Ingwe
Boutique glamping tents in a forest hideaway surrounded by the valleys of Plettenberg Bay
From $39 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps Klein Karoo
Boutique glamping tents on a working ostrich farm in the magnificent Karoo
From $40 /person
- South Africa
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Agulhas Country Lodge
Classic and comfortable hospitality where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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Aire Del Mar Guest House
Discover tranquil seaside bliss in Kleinbaai, near Cape Town, with renowned shark sightings and whale watching from June to November.
From $51 /person
- South Africa
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Alkira Lodge
Hover above the clouds and beautiful Knysna scenery at this stunning lodge
From $179 /person
- South Africa
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Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
A luxurious B&B located on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon
From $84 /person
- South Africa
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At the Woods Guest House
Discover tranquility in Tsitsikamma's heart: Your retreat in nature awaits
From $44 /person
- South Africa
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Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa
Provençal style boutique hotel in central Hermanus
From $69 /person
- South Africa
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Barrington's
An enchanting Plettenberg Bay haven, embracing authenticity, artisanal experiences, and tranquil retreats
From $98 /person
- South Africa
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Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House in Hermanus offers luxury accommodation, stunning ocean views, and excellent whale watching opportunities.
- South Africa
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Boardwalk Lodge - B&B
Premier guest lodge in tranquil Wilderness located along the Garden Route
From $71 /person
