16 Must-Do Experiences on South Africa’s Garden Route

After falling for South Africa’s wild, untamed beauty, soaking up the vibrant culture of Johannesburg, and getting our first-ever safari fix in Kruger National Park, we couldn’t resist coming back. But this time to the Western Cape. Everyone kept raving about the Garden Route, so naturally, we had to find out what the hype was about. Turns out our journey along the Garden Route delivered exactly what we’d hoped for: scenery, adventure, and plenty of highlights! From watching penguins at Stony Point to hiking the trails of Robberg Nature Reserve, each stop offered something truly unique. We spotted whales in Knysna, tasted gin at boutique distilleries, and enjoyed fresh seafood at Enrico’s on the beach.

Whether you love outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, or relaxed coastal towns with charming boutique stays, the Garden Route has something for everyone. After spending over two weeks exploring this scenic stretch, we’ve put together this guide to highlight the 16 must-do experiences on South Africa’s Garden Route.

Where does the Garden Route start and end?

The Garden Route officially starts from Mossel Bay and ends in Storms River near Tsitsikamma National Park, following South Africa’s stunning south-western coastline. It spans roughly 372 km, sitting between the major city hubs of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and can be driven in either direction.

Most travellers will land at Cape Town’s International Airport and then drive East towards Port Elizabeth, where they can either take a flight back to Cape Town or drive the entire way back. 

We, on the other hand, started off our trip in Port Elizabeth where we explored some Private Game Reserves and made our way west to Cape Town, where we caught our flight onwards to Uganda. 

Because the best road trips are about more than the main route, we’ve also included a few extra stops just outside the Garden Route that are totally worth it.

Is the Garden Route Worth Visiting and what to expect?

Short answer? Yes… but also maybe, it depends. It really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after. 

If your dream South Africa adventure involves golden beaches, dramatic coastal drives, jaw-dropping forested national parks, and a steady stream of charming restaurants and stylish boutique hotels, the Garden Route makes for that perfect road trip. It’s also a great first step into exploring South Africa for those who want a gentler introduction into the African continent.

But if what you’re craving is a raw, deep dive into South Africa’s indigenous cultures, connecting with Zulu and Xhosa traditions, and being surrounded by landscapes and wildlife that feel truly untamed, then you might prefer the Eastern Cape, or head inland to the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. That’s where we felt completely immersed, with wild animals around every corner, and scenery and culture that echoes the very origins of humankind. 

On the Garden Route, think road trip in comfort and refinement, with plenty of boutique stays and Vineyards. This stretch of the Western cape carries strong European influences from South Africa’s colonial past, which can be seen in its language, cuisine, and culture. It’s a different side of the country’s history, but no less worth exploring. 

16 Best Things to do on the Garden Route

The Garden Route is jam-packed with incredible outdoor activities, stunning golden beaches, world-class vineyards, charming boutique hotels perfect to unwind, and it’s fair share of incredible wildlife.

Having spent close to 2 weeks discovering all the best the Garden Route has to offer, here are our top 16 must-do experiences on the Garden Route. To make planning easier, we have organized them in order from East to West, starting from Port Elizabeth and ending in Cape Town. 

1) Visit South Africa’s Private Game Reserves to spot the Big 5

You simply can’t visit South Africa without experiencing a Private Game Reserves and exploring the Big Five from up close.

On our first trip, we stayed at Kruger National Park’s Umkumbe Game Lodge in Sabi Sands—one of the most unforgettable experiences of all our travels. While the game viewing along the Garden Route can’t quite match Kruger’s vast scale, it’s still absolutely worth including in your itinerary. 

We stayed at Amakhala Game Reserve’s Safari Lodge near Port Elizabeth and it was stunning—each room came with a private balcony and plunge pool overlooking the watering hole. One afternoon, we even had warthogs and a kudu stroll right past our room. Amakhala Game Reserve has over 8 different lodges, each satisfying a different game experience and budget.

🛖 You can check out the 8 different Amkhala Lodges here.  

If you’re looking for alternatives, Addo Elephant Lodge focuses (unsurprisingly) on elephants, while Shamwari Long Lee Manor—right next to Amakhala—offers another incredible and luxurious safari option.

2) Kayak and Lilo at Storms River (untouched adventures)

Hands down one of our absolute favourite experiences on the Garden Route was kayaking into Storms river. Tucked inside Tsitsikamma National Park at the eastern end of the Garden route, Storms River Mouth is a dramatic mix of rugged coastline, suspension bridges, and a breathtaking river gorge where sheer rock walls tower more than 100 feet high. The park is packed with adventure, ranging from hiking, zip lining, even bungee jumping, but if you ask us, the must-do activity is the Kayak and Lilo trip into the gorge.

Kayak and Lilo Experience

Your journey begins at the head office of Untouched Adventures where you’ll paddle across the open ocean straight into the mouth of Storms River. From there, you’ll spend around an hour gliding through the deep gorge, surrounded by the towering cliffs and indigenous caves. Apparently, on a bright day with clear water conditions, you can sometimes even see sharks swimming beneath your kayak. 

Once you’ve reached the halfway point, you’ll swap your kayak for a Lilos—basically an inflatable mattress—and float deeper into a narrow section of the gorge. This is where you can try cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave. We went in the South African winter when the water was icy, so we passed, but in summer it’s apparently a blast!

The whole experience lasts around 3 hours, after which you can enjoy an amazing sunset on the rugged coastline where you’ll have a chance of spotting some whales!

Reflecting on our many kayaking experiences across the world, including paddling down the Colorado River in Arizona and antelope canyon, kayaking through Storms River Gorge remains one of our favourite kayaking experience. 

3) Hike in Tsitsikamma National Park and visit the suspension bridges

To pack in more adventure while in Tsitsikamma National Park, and make the most of your one-day park pass, we recommend adding the Suspension Bridge hike to your itinerary. You can choose from a short 20 minutes hike to see the Suspension bridges, a 1.5-2 hour route, or tackle the full 4 hour trail which takes you to the waterfall, across the suspension bridges, and high up along the coastal cliffs. 

The path is well maintained, with most sections made up of wooden boardwalks and stairs, making it accessible to most visitors. That said, if you choose to continue up to the top of the gorge after the bridges, be prepared for a rugged, steep climb.

We ended up combining the 2 hour hike and the Kayak and Lilo experience and it made for the perfect day trip on the Garden Route. This also allowed us to make the most of the pretty expensive entrance ticket to Tsitsikamma Storms River Mouth, which costs 326 ZAR for adults and 163 ZAR for children. 

4) Bungee jump at Blookrans Bridge

The Garden Route isn’t all boutique stays, wine tastings, and fancy seafood platters (though we’re not complaining about those). If you’re craving a boost of adrenaline, then make sure to visit the Bloukrans Bridge where you’ll find the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world. 

At a staggering 709 feet high above the Bloukrans River Gorge, the only other bungee jump that is greater is off the Macau Tower! Even the lead-up is an adventure: you’ll zipline your way out to the platform before taking the ultimate plunge. We had wanted to do it, but the bridge was closed on the day we passed by on our Garden route Itinerary. 

5) Visit one of the many animal sanctuaries on the Garden Route

If a safari in Kruger isn’t in the cards, the Garden Route still offers plenty of wildlife encounters through its excellent sanctuaries, each specializing in a different species.

Below are some of the most interesting animal sanctuaries:

• Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary
• Monkeyland (you can probably guess the theme)
• Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary where you might spot a rare albino lion
• the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary for reptile lovers
• and the Knysna Elephant Park just to name a few.

A visit to one or several of the parks (they have combined tickets too, for example This Combined ticket including Monkeyland and Birds of Eden) can make for a perfect day trip from Plettenberg Bay for families with kids or those simply passionate about animals. 

We had wanted to visit some of the sanctuaries but since we’d already had some incredible game sightings in Kruger, and wanted to dedicate more time to exploring Robberg Nature Reserve, one of our absolute favourite experiences on the Garden Route. 

6) Hike in Robberg Nature Reserve

Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve completely blew us away. Within a short 5km hike around the stunning protected Peninsula, we were treated to sweeping coastal views, golden beaches, colonies of seals, and even several pods of dolphins surfing the coastal waves. The trail kept surprising us around every corner. one moment we were high up with panoramic views of the rugged coastline, the next we were down by the crashing waves, and then came our favourite section: The Island. 

With it’s dramatic rock formations, it offered the perfect vantage point, giving you front-row seats to dolphins and even passing whales. Honestly, we could’ve literally sat there all day just soaking in the beautiful views, listening to the ocean, and spotting the wildlife. 

Hiking Trail Options in Robberg Nature Reserve

You have the choice of a quick 2km hike just to reach the junction and see some of the sweeping views, the 5km loop (called the Witsand Circuit) like we did that includes the island, or a 10km hike (called the Point circuit) that goes all the way to the tip of the peninsula and back.

Even though we normally gravitate towards long hikes, we would recommend doing the Witsand 5km loop here. It lets you take things at a relaxed pace, explore both the Eastern and Western sides of the peninsula, and still have plenty of time to soak in the nature and visit “the island”.

7) Dine at one of the best beachside Italian Restaurants – Enrico’s

South Africa has some of the most amazing food we’ve experienced in our travels. The mix of incredibly fresh ingredients, with the fusion of all the cultures that have influenced South Africa makes for one of the most elevated and exquisite cuisines. 

Although we first fell in love with the South African cooking in Johannesburg, you will be treated to incredible seafood along the Garden Route. Several towns along the route feature fresh oysters and shrimps, but one place you must stop at is Enrico’s.

Located just a 15 minutes drive East of Plettenberg Bay, Enrico’s serves delicious Italian Cuisine right on the beachfront. They even have a huge outdoor terrace overlooking the golden sand and ocean waves. 

We feasted on spaghetti alle vongole, perfectly grilled fish, juicy prawns, crispy calamari, and of course the local South African wines. Everything was so delicious we ended up coming back two nights in a row. Out of our entire Garden Route road trip, Enrico’s easily became the restaurant we’ll never forget.

8) Visit the East Head Knysna Viewpoint at sunset

The cute coastal town of Knysna is known as the midpoint of the Garden Route. What makes this area so special are the two towering cliffs separated by the Knysna estuary that rise up high above the South African Coast, giving the area an almost Jurassic Park vibe. 

One of the best places to take it all in is the East Head Knysna Viewpoint. We went up at sunset and were rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas we saw along the route. They have a viewpoint that looks inwards into the estuary towards the town, but make sure to also continue walking where they have a wooden balcony that looks outwards towards the endless ocean.

The combination of waves pounding against the cliffs, sea mist catching the last light of the day, and the layers of color across the landscape felt nothing short of surreal.

🚘🛣️ If you love road trips, some of our other favourite road trips were through the stunning National Parks of Utah, Safari Camping through Namibia, cruising through the breathtaking mountains of the Dolomites, and discovering the ancient civilizations in Turkey! Check them out for new inspiration!

9) Whale Watching Adventure in Knysna

When we first started researching for our Garden Route road trip, we had no idea that whale watching was even a thing there. Turns out though that every year, over half the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate up the South African coast towards warmer waters in East Africa to breed.

This also coincides with the famous Sardine run, one of the most impressive spectacles of ocean life converging (something we would love to do one day!).

Why Whale watching in South Africa is a must-do

Coming from Quebec, we have done our fair share of whale watching, so we weren’t sure if it would be worth doing again in South Africa. But wow—are we ever glad we did because it far exceeded our expectations! 

We went with Ocean Odyssey, and unlike the big ships where you’re stuck peering from a distance (or miss the action completely if you’re on the wrong side), here you head out on a small boat that gets you right up close and interacting with them.

In addition to whales, you’ll also have the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds!  And then there’s the backdrop of the dramatic South African coastline which makes the whole experience even more unforgettable.

If you’ve been researching whale watching on the Garden Route, you’ve probably seen Hermanus pop up again and again. Sure, it’s the most famous spot. But hear me out—there’s an even better option: whale watching in Knysna.

Why you should do Whale watching in Knysna instead of Hermanus

We did our whale watching experience in Knysna with Ocean Odyssey and it turned out to be the best decision ever. Here are several reasons why we believe the experience in Knysna is better than in Hermanus.

Variety of Whales

First, the region of Knysna has the advantage of variety. They commonly host both the humpback whale as well as the Southern Right Whale, whereas Hermanus has mostly just Southern Right Whales. Those videos you usually see online with the whale launching themselves out of the water, and using their tail to smack the water surface? Well, those are humpback whales which tend to be a lot more playful and expressive as compared to the more reserved Southern Right Whales. 

Boat adventure with the Incredible Coastal Backdrop

Secondly, the landscape of the Knysna coast is just so much more dramatic and impressive than in Hermanus. Remember how I mentioned that the East Head Knysna coast felt almost like Jurassic Park with cliffs towering over the crashing waves?

Well, on the boat trip you weave in and out of rugged rock formations, ride the swells, and all the while the raw South African coastline looms in the background. This made the whole experience feel less like a passive whale watching outing and more like a full-blown adventure!

This aspect, which I hadn’t previously considered, turned out to be a huge plus to our enjoyment on our Whale watching trip. 

Getting closer to the Whales

Thirdly, Ocean Odyssey in Knysna is one of the few licensed whale-watching operators authorized by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs to approach whales as close as 50 meters—a much closer, more immersive experience compared to the standard 300-meter distance required for non-special-permitted vessels.

That extra family-touch

Finally, Ocean Odyssey in Knysna really provided us with the complete experience. Arriving at their location, where I expected to find just a small kiosk to register, they have an entire lounge area and cafe where you can unwind both before and after your excursions.

After the rush of chasing whales through the waves, we were glad to be able to relax on their terrace and enjoy some of their delicious home-made coffees and Tiramisu dessert.

As a small, family-run business, Ocean Odyssey radiates that extra warmth and hospitality. You don’t just feel like a customer, you feel like a welcomed guest. Their passion for whales and personal touch turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.

10) Gin Tasting in Knysna

While in Knysna, don’t miss a stop at the Knysna Gin Distillery for a truly memorable tasting experience. This makes for the perfect activity on a rainy day or a chill way to enjoy the sunset before dinner. They serve a gin tasting platter which includes a tasting of 4 different gins, accompanies by tonic water, plus two of their house specialties—a refreshing limoncello and a smooth vermouth. 

But what really makes it special is the atmosphere. You can grab a seat at the bar and chat with the owner who distills the gin himself, or kick back in their open lounge area complete with mini putt, pool tables, and retro tunes that set the vibe. And if you get hungry? No problem. There’s an authentic pizza spot right next door, and they’ll deliver your pie straight to your tasting table.

If we didn’t already have dinner plans, we could’ve easily spent several hours there sipping on expertly crafted gin cocktails and ordering several puffy wood oven pizzas! 

Alternatively, if you want to take it a step up with the Gin experience, you can head over to Cape Saint Blaize Artisinal Distillery (in Mossel Bay) where you can even craft your own gin!

11) Cango Caves

We were recommended to go visit Cango caves by many of the locals that we met along the Garden Route. Unfortunately, we already had so much to see and had already set our itinerary, including where we were staying for the nights.

The Cango Caves, located just outside Oudtshoorn on the Garden Route, are one of South Africa’s most impressive natural wonders. This vast underground system stretches for more than 4 kilometers, filled with dramatic limestone chambers, towering stalactites, and intricate rock formations. 

You can take the easy Heritage Tour to see the huge chambers, or, if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the Adventure Tour where you’ll crawl and squeeze through narrow tunnels (not for the claustrophobic!).

We’re big cave nerds (we once did a 4-day expedition in Vietnam crawling through some of the world’s largest cave systems), but sadly we didn’t have the time to squeeze this one in. If you do though, definitely go for it

12) Enjoy One of the Many Beaches along the Garden Route

Beyond the boutique hotels, vineyards, and all the adventure activities, the Garden Route also spoils you with golden sandy beaches.

Since we visited in the South African winter (prime whale-watching season!), we didn’t really get to take advantage of enjoying the beaches. But if you’re there in the summer, definitely carve out some time to hit the coast. Here are a few of the most popular and highly recommended beaches along the Garden Route:

• Nature’s Valley Beach
• Noetzie Beach
• Cola Beach in Sedgefield
• Wilderness beach

13) Cliff Walk in Hermanus to spot Whales

Remember how I mentioned Hermanus is famous for Whale Watching? Well, beyond doing the whale watching boat excursions, one of the best ways to try at spotting these gentle giants is by taking the gorgeous coastal walk.

This trail stretches for over 10 km along the shoreline, giving you front-row views of the ocean. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a whale breaching out of the water. We only did a shorter section of the coastal walk and didn’t see any whales but did enjoy the breathtaking views! 

And while you’re in town, don’t miss Bientang’s Cave restaurant, tucked right into the coastal rocks just outside downtown. It is one of the prime spots to enjoy a meal while gazing out to spot whales in the ocean. Add in the fact that the food is delicious, and you’ve got yourself a must-visit in Hermanus!

How to do the Coastal Walk in Hermanus

To embark on the Hermanus Coastal Walk, we recommend starting from the Hermanus Whale Watching Viewpoint (where they have an abundance of secure parking) and then either head East or West from there.

Walking East, you’ll be crossing through downtown Hermanus and Bientangs restaurant, before heading to the more remote part of the trail. We explored both sides and overall preferred the Eastern route since the landscape was more impressive. 

14) Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay

This location is technically beyond the official Garden Route but it is too good not to mention. At Stony Point, you’ll find one of the best penguin colonies in South Africa — and you can see these little tuxedoed cuties right up close. 

During your visit, you’ll get to walk along the wooden boardwalks which winds through their nesting spots. We literally stood there for over an hour watching these cute little penguins waddle around and clumsily jump over rocks. If you follow the boardwalk to the end, you’ll also get sweeping views of the ocean’s raw power, plus the chance to spot other seabirds like cormorants.

The best part of all this? the entrance fee is only 40 ZAR! That’s a total steal compared to Boulder’s Beach near Cape Town, which charges 215 ZAR per person. Honestly, Stony Point wins hands down.

15) Best Coastal drive along Clarence Dr.

When we first started planning the Garden Route, everyone kept saying it’s one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa. And sure, the stretch from Tsitsikamma National Park to Mossel Bay was pretty, but honestly, it didn’t blow us away. That is, until we hit Clarence Drive. 

Again, technically beyond the official Garden Route, but the views here are absolutely jaw-dropping. It is only a short section of about 15 minutes drive, but here you’ll be winding along the towering cliffs of the coast. The road hugs sheer coastal cliffs, with rugged red-soiled mountains and lush green patches creating this wild, raw scenery. And the best part? There are tons of pull-off points where you can park, hop out, and just soak in the views.

In fact, we found Clarence Drive way more impressive than Cape Town’s famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Plus, it’s free (unlike the 66 ZAR toll at Chapman’s Peak). 

16) Enjoy a stay at one of the many Boutique Hotels along the Garden Route

Remember how I kept mentioning that the Garden Route is famous for charming boutique hotel stays? Our final recommended experience is to soak in the best of the Garden Route from one of these luxurious hotels. There are countless options but here are some that we would highly recommend checking out:

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Emily Moon (Plettenberg Bay)

A bohemian, art-filled riverside retreat perched on the southern bank of the Bitou River. It blends chic African-contemporary décor with sweeping river, wetland, and mountain views. There you can enjoy their private decks overlooking the wetlands, fireplace at night, open-air showers, two pools, and a restaurant famous for their wood-oven pizzas and elevated lunches. Finally, as a guest, you can enjoy canoeing along the Bitou River, mountain biking, whale watching, and golfing at Goose Valley Golf!

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Tsala Treetop Lodge (between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay)

Imagine waking up in your own private treetop hideaway, enjoying the forest views from above the canopy! At Tsala Treetop Lodge, each suite floats among forest canopies, complete with glass walls and private plunge pools. Elevated walkways connect this entire lodge estate, while the award-winning Zinzi restaurant serves unforgettable meals.

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Head over Hills (Knysna)

If Knysna’s East Head viewpoint blew you away (like it did for us!), imagine waking up to those same coastal panoramas without even leaving bed. That’s exactly what you get at Head over Hills, a boutique cliffside stay where every detail is designed for indulgence: from world-class Swedish Hästens mattresses to private balconies, fireplaces, and a seriously impressive wine cellar showcasing some of South Africa’s best!

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This post is part of our series about South Africa. If you want to learn more about South Africa, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

Kruger & Panorama Route, South Africa: Ultimate Self-Drive Itinerary

How Many Days for the Garden Route

We recommend setting aside at least 5 days, though a full week is ideal to really enjoy the Garden Route. We spent 8 days and found it to be the perfect amount of time.

Remember, the drive from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town spans over 750 km, so giving yourself enough time to drive and explore at a relaxed pace makes for a much more enjoyable trip. The Official Garden Route is only a section between these two major cities, but since you’ll need to travel from one end to the other for your international flight, it’s important to factor in the total distance when planning your trip.

Top cities/stops along the Garden Route

When researching the Garden Route, it can be overwhelming to decide exactly which towns you should stop at, which to base yourself from, and which are truly worth visiting. There are over 12 towns along that section, plus plenty of smaller villages, but below we’ll recommend our most notable ones:

Tsitsikamma National Park

One of our favourite stops for adventure activities, Kayak and Lilo, and Hiking! some people will base themselves in Storms River Town to do several days of activities, but we decided to base ourself in Plettenberg Bay.

Plettenberg Bay

Perfect base town to explore Tsitsikamma National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, Enrico’s Italian restaurant, the animal sanctuaries, and much more! 

Knysna

Easily one of our favourite stops (and a great base) along the Garden Route. The town has this cozy, small-town feel with plenty of boutique cafés, restaurants, and even gin tasting spots to keep you busy. It’s also framed by the dramatic Knysna Heads, those towering cliffs that guard the lagoon. And if you’re here during whale season, don’t miss a tour with Ocean Odyssey — it’s hands down one of the best whale watching experiences in South Africa.

Mossel Bay

This town is famous for their oysters and you can embark on the famous Cape Saint Blaize coastal hike. There is also a very interesting Gin Distillery workshop there where you can craft your own bottle of gin to take home! We unfortunately didn’t get to visit Mossel Bay during our road trip but it came highly recommended by locals!

Hermanus

Famous for whale watching, Hermanus is definitely on many travelers’ radar, though we actually preferred spotting whales in Knysna. We used Hermanus as our base to visit the Stony Point penguin colony and explore the coastal walk. To be honest, it wasn’t our favourite town along the Garden Route, and we loved the towns further east a lot more, but plenty of fellow travelers had amazing experiences here, so it’s worth a stop if you’re passing through.

FAQ

Can you self-drive the Garden route?

Definitely! In fact, self-driving the Garden Route is one of the best ways of exploring this region! By doing a road trip, you’ll get to pick your favourite stops along the way, from Kayaking in Storms River, to spotting penguins in Stony Point, and have the full freedom of going at your own pace. 

🚘 We recommend booking your car with DiscoverCars! we’ve used them countless times and have never had a bad experience!

Are there Garden Route Tours available?

We definitely recommend doing a self-drive Garden Route adventure but if you are less comfortable driving in South Africa (especially since they drive on the left side), there are a couple of guided tours available. This 5 day Best of Garden Route Guided tour from Cape Town includes some of our favourite stops, including Cango Caves, Addo elephant park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Games drives, wine tasting, and more! 

Alternatively, for a slightly longer Garden Route tour, check out this 6 day Garden Route + Addo South African Adventure Tour!

Is the Garden Route safe?

Overall, we found the Garden Route to be quite safe, especially compared to Cape Town or Johannesburg. During the day, you can explore the tourist areas without worry, but like anywhere, it’s smart to be cautious at night. Locals recommended sticking to driving after dark rather than walking the streets. 

Why is it called the Garden Route?

Because of its rich vegetation, diverse ecosystems, and garden-like scenery filled with forests, lagoons, and wildflowers.

Can you see wildlife along the Garden Route?

We were absolutely amazed by the wildlife along the Garden Route. From elephants and lions in the private reserves near Port Elizabeth, to the adorable penguins at Stony Point, and even whale watching in Knysna, the variety and sheer number of animals we spotted completely blew us away!

Is the Garden Route expensive to visit?

As compared to European standards, the Garden Route is pretty affordable. But as compared to South African local standards, we felt the Garden Route was fairly pricey. This makes sense though, since the area is designed for a more luxurious experience, filled with boutique hotels, fine dining, and curated adventure activities, all adding up to a higher-end travel experience.

Using WISE card in South Africa

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Summary: 16 Must-Do Experiences on South Africa’s Garden Route

The Garden Route may not have been our absolute favourite trip in South Africa, but it proved to be a truly enjoyable and varied journey. From stunning coastal hikes and wildlife encounters to charming towns and delicious local cuisine, there’s plenty to see and do for every type of traveler. Overall, we loved the raw, untamed nature of South Africa’s eastern regions—from Johannesburg’s vibrant culture to Kruger’s incredible wildlife—but the Garden Route still offered a mix of adventure and elegance, making it a perfect stretch for a more relaxed and easy introduction to the continent of Africa.

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