Top Things to do in Garden Route
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10 Things to do Good for Couples in Garden Route That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Garden Route, South Africa including Robberg Nature Reserve, Otter Trail, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna Elephant Park, Storms River Suspension Bridge, The Cango Caves, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Safari Ostrich Show Farm, Wilderness National Park, Knysna Lagoon.
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1. Robberg Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,524 reviews
Reviewed By FoodorArt - Polokwane, South Africa
Wow Wow Wow loved my little hike to the gap and sitting on the rocks looking out over Plettenberg Bay... Amazing!
2. Otter Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa
Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!
3. Featherbed Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 reviews
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides.
Reviewed By pierrek100 - Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is a highly recommended tour. After receiving a friendly welcome at the Featherbed Co ticket office and with our ticket and boarding pass issued, we made our way onto the ferry and a scenic cruise over the Knysna Estuary. We learned quite a bit about the history of the area from the tour guide as we cruised under a beautiful blue sky, with the Knysna Yacht Club, Waterfront and Thesen's Island on the north bank and the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the south bank. Interesting craft, from sailboats to houseboats, floating on the glassy surface of the estuary, added to kick off a day with many photo opportunities. When we landed at Featherbed there was a quick rest opportunity. Then we headed to the brand new 30 seater viewing vehicle that would transport us to the top of the reserve. The reserve had endured a devastating fire in 2017, but soon it was clear how nature and the owners responded as all about us it was green and beautiful and we could already begin to experience the great views over the estuary. Once we reached the top we disembarked for our 2,2km scenic walk through the beauty of the reserve with its indigenous plants and trees down towards the southern rocky edge of the port entry. One of the most dangerous port entries in Africa due to all the sharp rocks on both the northern and southern side. From the outset, it was clear that we would have many views of the spectacular meeting of the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. We made our way down all the way to the sea caves where ages of pounding waves bored huge openings in the rock creating 10m high caves. Spectacular pictures were taken. We walked to the Featherbeds Milkwood restaurant along the side of the water on a wooden path. The view across the estuary showed off the beautiful waterscapes and the mansions built among the trees on the northern head. The water in the estuary lay calm beside the path, here and there making small white beaches. The sailors who slept there in their seagoing vessels in times gone by used to say that the calm waters in the estuary made it feel like they slept in a featherbed. It became known as Featherbed Bay. When we reached the Milkwood restaurant a wonderful buffet-style meal of traditional South African fare was waiting for us. We could sit down in a beautiful setting under indigenous Milkwood trees at a beautiful indigenous Yellowwood tabletop and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Walking through the various areas of the large newly rebuilt restaurant I was impressed by its understated style and how such a large structure melts into the hillside in such an environmentally sensitive way. On the way back to the dock at the Cruise Cafe, I reflected that this tour should e a must on any visitors itinerary whether local or international. Don't miss this.
4. Knysna Elephant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,837 reviews
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Reviewed By carriannb2018
One for the bucket list, offers a intimate experience with these gentle giants where you can personally feed them and walk around with them and your personal guide. Will be back.
5. Storms River Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,022 reviews
This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.
Reviewed By west0909 - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States
There is an entrance fee to the park, but IMHO it's worth every penny--the park is just another one of the amazing landscapes South Africa has to offer, but is so unlike the rest. The walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge is lovely, the type of walk you want to have your camera at the ready throughout b/c every turn is more beautiful than the next. The walk to the bridge was 20-30 minutes each way, leisurely, and was quite accessible (it wouldn't be doable with wheels, there are too many stairs, but it is a board-path that makes for pretty easy walking. There are several suspension bridges (the one in all the pictures at the mouth of the river, then a few others right nearby). We only had time to walk tot he bridge and back, but you can continue onto other paths to make the journey as long as you'd like. If the weather is cooperating, the views alone are worth the walk, but the walk itself is a great experience, too.
6. The Cango Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,151 reviews
Though damaged through shortsighted tourism schemes in the 1960s, these caves are still worth a visit for their eerie dark tunnels and stunning limestone formations.
Reviewed By magsboy - North Vancouver, Canada
The Cango Caves are well worth the visit to see to large underground caverns and the awesome geologic formations (we only did the Heritage Tour) and you can get some spectacular photos - we took the earliest available tour and glad we did because the tour buses were rolling up when we left and hordes of people were arriving - I do think they need to limit the numbers - and also enforce their requests for visitors not to sit and touch where they are asked not to!
7. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 966 reviews
It's true. Highgate is the world's oldest ostrich show farm. But it is a working farm too. So we don't do things for show. We give you the real African farm experience. Our guided tour takes approx. 75 minutes & an expert guide will show you our modern breeding methods, how the largest eggs of any living bird species are incubated, and see the hatching room. Experience the opportunity of hand feeding an Ostrich. Enjoy our Pepper Tree Restaurant! We take advantage ofour magnificent all-year round climate to set the tables under our ancient Peruvian pepper tree so the whole family dines al fresco-style while enjoying the great outdoors. Catch your breath and visit our shop selling only genuine, South African-made products, many of which are produced by our skilled staff on the farm using our own resources. From beautiful decoupage ostrich eggs to delicate ostrich leather products. We are situated 10km outside Oudtshoorn on the R328 road to Mossel Bay.
Reviewed By RichardHugen - Roosendaal, The Netherlands
12 years ago we visited this farm also. This time we wanted to show Highgate to friends. Although it was our second time we enjoyed it as much. The four of us had a “private” tour that made it extra enjoyable. Our guide gave extensive explanations and responded to our points of interest. The one hour- tour was more than worthwhile.
8. Safari Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Safari Ostrich Farm, established in 1956, welcomes you to the ostrich capital of the world. Come and enjoy the worlds only Tractor tour through a working ostrich farm. Get up close and personal with the worlds largest bird. Take awesome photographs, get to see chicks, feed an ostrich, hold a huge 2,5kg ostrich egg. Get to see different species of ostrich - Kenyan, Zimbabwean, South African and rare white ostriches. Learn about the industry, leather, feathers and carving eggs. A full hour of interesting stuff to see and do. Enjoy our cafe or restaurant for set menu or ala carte options
Reviewed By tobiel2017 - Centurion, South Africa
Fun and interactive tractor tour of the ostrich farm. Educational and interesting. Friendly staff. Exquisite ostrich egg, feather and leather art products at the curio shop. Restaurant serves delicious ostrich burgers and cake! Play area for the kids.
9. Wilderness National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Reviewed By Cairokid - Maidenhead, United Kingdom
This is part of the Garden Route and is lovely. The beach is awesome with dramatic waves and a large sandy beach.
10. Knysna Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By brinylobster - Auchterarder, United Kingdom
We’ve come to Knysna a few times now and love the lagoon. We have stayed at Leisure Isle, up high overlooking the lagoon, the Waterfront and Laguna Grove. Watching the tides come and go as well as the associated wildlife, boats coming and going etc is a delight and a great way to relax. The Heads are spectacular, visit the viewpoints up high to get great views as well as the rocky bits at the lagoon entrance. Eat at one of the many restaurants at Knysna or Thesen which overlook the lagoon for sunset views too.
