Garden Route
South Africa, africa
300 km
250 m
easy
Year-round (October to April warmest)
The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch of the southern coast of South Africa between Mossel Bay and Storms River along the N2 highway. Named for the diverse vegetation and numerous lagoons, lakes, and rivers found along the coast, it is one of the most popular road trip routes in Africa and arguably the most scenic coastal drive on the continent. The route hugs the Indian Ocean coastline with indigenous forests, dramatic sea cliffs, and golden beaches.
Key highlights include the town of Knysna with its famous lagoon and Knysna Heads sandstone cliffs, the Tsitsikamma National Park with its ancient Afromontane forests and dramatic Storms River Mouth suspension bridge, Plettenberg Bay's pristine beaches and whale watching, and the Wilderness section with its chain of coastal lakes. The region's temperate maritime climate supports a unique fynbos ecosystem alongside lush forests of yellowwood and stinkwood trees, and the coast is a calving ground for southern right whales from June to November.
Where is it?
Garden Route is located in Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -33.9500, 23.3500
Driving Tips
Allow 3-5 days minimum to enjoy the route properly. Walk the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Take the Knysna Heads viewpoint for lagoon panoramas. Visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden sanctuaries near Plettenberg Bay. The Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump (216m) is the world's highest commercial bridge bungee. Book accommodation well in advance during December-January peak season.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Western and Eastern Cape
- Length
- 300 km
- Max Elevation
- 250 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- Year-round (October to April warmest)
- Coordinates
- -33.9500, 23.3500
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