The Garden Route

The mouth of Storms River, where the waterway meets the Indian Ocean, is generally considered the start (or end) of the Garden Route. See the ocean break across the rocky shore whilst staying in a chalet overlooking the coastline. The area is a great place for bird enthusiasts with a variety of sea, forest and fynbos (scrubland) species present. Other resident animals include vervet monkeys, chacma baboons and clawless otters. 

Getting its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water’ and encompassing land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, epic canyons and magnificent coastal views. One of the most challenging hikes is the Otter Trail, a well-marked hike with some small ladders and boulder hopping. This is the only walk that has rocky shoreline sections to it, taking us through the forest, past the Strandloper Cave and ending at a waterfall dropping into the ocean.  

One of the most picturesque sights on the Garden Route is Knysna Heads – a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a channel separating the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Also worth a visit is Mossel Bay, a quaint coastal town home to The Post Office Tree, a landmark where seafarers once left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. 

The Little Karoo is a dry, hot region, located inland but still considered a great stop as part of the classic Garden Route. Oudtshoorn itself became renowned for its trade in ostrich feathers and is still regarded as the ostrich capital of the world. The Cango Caves are an extensive complex of caverns with stalactites and stalagmites. Discover these fascinating limestone caves with a local guide who will take you on a journey through the ages.

Travel to Hermanus between June and November for a chance to spot migratory southern right whales as you stand on the shore. Whales visit the area each year to mate and calf in the secluded waters and can be seen frolicking in Walker Bay. A whale crier will sound his kelp horn when he spots whales off the coast. As well as land-based whale watching you can join a boat trip or visit the Whale Museum to discover more.