From time to time one is seized by the wanderlust. This feeling awakens dreams of unknown places, foreign cultures and culinary highlights.  An inner restlessness rises and makes it almost impossible to concentrate on everyday life. The only way out is to book the next travel destination and impatiently wait for the days until day X. 

Among the most popular holiday spots are still France, Spain and Italy, but if you are fed up with Europe and want to discover a new continent, you should turn your eyes to South Africa. The country is characterized by white sandy beaches, diverse vineyards and a rich flora and fauna. Particularly noteworthy is the Garden Route. If you decide to take a road trip along this notorious road, you will take numerous hotspots and truly get the best out of your South Africa holiday. In the following article, we will introduce you to this special road in detail and show you which stops are particularly worthwhile.

Where does the Garden Route start and finish?

The 300 km long Garden Route is considered to be the most beautiful spot in South Africa. Its starting point is in Mossel Bay and the famous road winds along the coast to Storms River in the east. During the road trip you have spectacular views of the sea and the Tsitsikamma Mountains and can enjoy the countless vegetation, national parks and attractions.

Highlights along the Garden Route

The region is particularly popular for its unparalleled beauty and wealth of attractions and hotspots.

Storms River

Storms River is a village with many surprises. It is located in proximity to the Tsitsikamma National Park and thus acts as a starting point for adventurers. From the impressive bridge that spans the entire village, a phenomenal view of the Indian Ocean is possible. Daring tourists and residents also use the bridge for bungee jumping. Those who like it less daring can go on a hiking tour in the adjacent national park or take a canoe tour.

Plettenberg Bay 

Another must-see stop is Plettenberg Bay. The city of the Western Cape province is located directly on the sea and is therefore perfect for water sports enthusiasts and water lovers. If you’ve had enough of the beach and sea, you can head to the Robberg Nature Reserve peninsula and follow the tracks of exotic animals. The elephant sanctuary and Birds of Eden – a forest with an incredible variety of birds – also invite you to visit. Besides the numerous leisure activities, there are also appealing hotels with great suites in Plettenberg Bay. In a beautiful ambience, the flair of South Africa can be enjoyed and the culture of the inhabitants can be felt.

Wilderness National Park

Nature lovers can’t miss Wilderness National Park. Besides bird watching, hiking and biking tours, it is also possible to try paragliding or put your fishing skills to the test. The park extended from the mouth of the Touw River in Wilderness to beyond Swartvlei.

Knysna

Besides Plettenberg Bay, Knysna is one of the most visited places to stay on the Garden Route. The town, famous for its proximity to a beautiful lagoon, is considered a paradise for vacationers. Because here boat trips to the sea are organized, you can go exploring in the Knysna Forest or plunge into risky adventures on a quad or speedboat.

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is the official starting point of the Garden Route in South Africa. In the resort, vacationers can choose between two options: Either they head north to Oudtshoorn – the Mecca of ostrich farming – or they continue into the southern reaches of the Garden Route.