Describing the Garden Route to someone who doesn't come from the Western Cape is often difficult. Essentially it is a long stretch of the southern coast that is between the Outenique and Tsitsikamma mountains, and the Indian Ocean. It includes several scenic towns and ten nature reserves that are a must see for anyone wishing to tour the Western Cape. The word is tranquility, and everywhere you go along the Garden Route you will find yourself in a relaxing atmosphere.
If you are starting out from Cape Town, your first stop on the Garden Route should definitely be Hermanus. This is the kind of town you can stop off in for a few hours, or stay for a week. There is luxury accommodation to be found anywhere in the town, but make sure you book well in advance if you plan on being there for the Whale Festival, which generally occurs late in September. This is a brief window when there are guaranteed to be southern right whales in the bay, and the town is filled with festivities and craft markets.
If you are in a hurry, consider giving Mossel Bay a miss and head straight on to Wilderness and George. Wilderness embodies the coastal mountain town trope of the Garden Route, and there seems to be more greenery than houses. Lush, verdant forests and stunning homes sit on the edge of a silver beach that stretches for kilometers, making this a wonderful place to spend the day or a weekend.
George has grown to be one of the Western Cape Garden Route's number one cities. It is the travel center for the Garden Route, as it was the first town on the route to have its own airport. This city is large enough to have an abundance of luxury accommodation and fine restaurants, shops and facilities, as well as beautiful beaches and a vibrant night life. It is only an hour and half's drive away from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, two prime Garden Route Destinations.
Knysna is home to the stunning Knysna Lagoon, the Knysna Heads beach area and the ancient Knysna forest, as well as many unique restaurants and curio shops. It is half an hour's drive away from Plettenberg Bay, a curious mixture of rustic seaside town and a playground for the wealthy. Plettenberg Bay is home to some of the finest beaches and accommodation on the Garden Route, and is not to be missed.
On your way back, take the scenic route and visit Oudtsoorn. This town is home to a famous ostrich and crocodile farm, as well as the massive Cango Caves. You can take a tour into the stalactite-studded caves, and there are various tour options. Which one you choose depends on your bravery, because the full tour involves climbing through a foot-wide chimney to see the most stunning cave interior in Africa.
The Garden Route is a source of endless vacation destinations if you enjoy the ride, and want to see everything that the Western Cape has to offer.
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