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Garden Route & Beyond

South Africa’s famed Garden Route will fulfill all your notions of discovery and adventure on Africa’s southern coast. Dramatic coastal scenery, strange and beautiful wild flowers, close encounters with exotic wildlife and some of the finest cuisine in the world. Spend time in Hermanus where seasonal whale watching is the big draw but you can also enjoy carefree coastal walks and horse riding on Pearly Beach. Inland is Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farming, while along the coast you will find quaint towns and gorgeous boutique hotels in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Finish your journey in Port Elizabeth from where you can easily add on a safari to complete your African adventure.

 

What you’ll love most about the Garden Route

  • Visit the charming town of Knysna, located on the shores of a lagoon, to enjoy its beaches, forests, and lively waterfront area
  • Hike through the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park, located at the eastern end of the Garden Route, to see its rugged coastline, forests, and waterfalls
  • Relax on the pristine beaches of the popular seaside resort town of Plettenberg Bay and explore its nature reserves and animal sanctuaries
  • Learn about the maritime history of South Africa at Mossel Bay’s museums and explore its beaches and nature reserves
  • Drive along Outeniqua Pass, a scenic mountain pass located between George and Oudtshoorn, to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape

Where to Book

  • Enjoying a beach stroll on Mossel Bay in South Africa's Garden Route region

  • Spotting whales in Hermanus

  • Exploring Ruitersbos Nature Reserve by road

  • Nature's Valley beach viewed from Pig's Head on the Garden Route

  • Hiking in Witfontein Nature Reserve, Garden Route

  • Robberg Peninsula near Plettenberg Bay

  • Couple watching the waves at Coney Glen in Knysna - South African Tourism

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 25℃
  • 23℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 22℃
  • 24℃
  • 25℃
  • 27℃
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 6
  • 5
  • 6
  • 6
  • 6

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


East Cape Tours create unforgettable holidays, tailored just for you. Explore, experience, and make priceless memories like never before. As tour operator and ground handlers, they’ve been curating dream holidays for 25 years. Tailor-made specialists that you can trust, they’re passionate about Southern Africa with first-hand experience in the destinations they offer.

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Encounters Travel is a UK based adventure tour operator with a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, all designed to help you get the most out of the country you’re visiting. They range from small group tours to shoestring, overland, family, escorted and tailor-made holidays.

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Explore is a global adventure travel company with 40 years’ experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 350 trips in around 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensure unforgettable travel experiences in extraordinary destinations.

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“At Just You, we’ve been crafting worldwide touring holidays specifically for solo travellers for over 20 years. There’s so much included in our tours: flights, accommodation (own rooms are guaranteed) and all breakfasts. We pack in amazing experiences, as well as free time to relax and explore. With expert Holiday Directors, we’re there for you throughout your trip.”

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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Visions of Africa will guide you through discovering your dream holiday. The team have vast experience in creating the most perfect safaris and self drive trips tailored to your specific requirements. Speak with their experts about beginning your journey to this amazingly diverse continent.

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“We’re not your ordinary travel agency. We’re a community of travellers.
WeRoad was born to connect people, cultures and stories through that magical activity that we call ‘travelling’. We group people together and send them to live incredible adventures around the globe.”

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Hotels

  • Best of the Best
  • Life of Luxury
  • Unique & Fabulous
  • Creature Comforts
  • Basics covered

5* Fancourt

Fancourt, South Africa’s premier lifestyle resort, is nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route in George. The resort lies on 613 hectares of pristine countryside sheltered by the Outeniqua Mountains, offering luxurious rooms and suites for those looking a warm relaxed and entertaining Garden Route Retreat.
For keen golfers, Fancourt needs no introduction. There are three Gary Player designed golf courses as well as a Golf Academy. Discover Fancourt’s many leisure activities including The Spa with an indoor heated Roman Bath and world class wellness treatments. The Leisure Centre offers an array of facilities and activities to keep guests of all ages and interests entertained. The Centre houses the popular Kidz Club, teen lounge, gymnasium, cinema, indoor heated and outdoor swimming pool. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy tennis, running and walking trails, bird watching and fishing. Four top restaurants each offer a distinctive dining experience to appeal to every palate.

Our Rating: Life of Luxury

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5* Hunter's Country House, Garden Route

Hunters Country House combines gracious elegance with sheer comfort and impeccable service with warm hospitality. Far from the madding crowd, yet conveniently close to a wide variety of leisure activities.
Ideally situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Hunter’s Country House is a wonderful location from which to explore the beauty of the celebrated Garden Route, or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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5* The Manor House at Fancourt

With the elegance of yesteryear and the exclusivity of a serene country retreat, The Manor House at Fancourt epitomises understated sophistication and a tradition that spans over a century.
As the former home of Henry Fancourt White, built in the 1850s by the British engineer in the style of a Cotswold mansion, this exquisite boutique country hotel retains all its stately charm, with original features and an air of historic importance and modern comfort that leaves guests relaxed and pampered throughout their stay.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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5* The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. The intuitive architecture pays homage to the old power station it once was. The Turbine Spa has a wide range of treatments for hotel guests and the hotel’s very own adventure centre – the Turbine Water Club – arranges a variety of water and land-based activities such as lagoon cruises, forest walks and bicycle hire.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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5* Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route

Tsala exudes a mysticism that makes it a destination people wish to explore and experience – it is like no other found in Africa. It has a legendary rhythm and ambience that emulates from its spectacular architecture and history. Ideally situated to explore the beautiful Garden Route or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.

Our Rating: Unique & Fabulous

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Top Holiday Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Holiday Offers page.

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