The Most Scenic Spots Along the Garden Route, South Africa

Riversdale, a small town in the foothills of the Sleeping Beauty Mountain peak, is a great reason to deviate from the main road. From pottery studios, a restaurant serving traditional meals, historic sites and farmer’s markets, there’s much to explore.

Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa, which is reason enough to visit. Liqueur tasting, horse riding, fantastic hiking routes and more await. There’s also a quaint honey store, selling locally sourced products.

Built in 1951, the Outeniqua Pass connects the coastal town of George with Oudtshoorn and the Little Karoo. The pass offers unmatched sweeping, panoramic views and has regular sites to stop and take it all in.

Wilderness is a popular spot for water sports and is great for birding as many water birds breed here. Make sure to stop at The Map of Africa lookout point, where the bends of the Kaaimans River imitate the African continent.

Sedgefield is one of 140 Slow Towns in the world, registered under the Cittaslow movement. This means that it’s recognised as being laid-back with plenty of community interaction and a respect for cultural events.

The famous Knysna Heads protrude from the sea to create a passageway of turquoise waters separating the lagoon and ocean. Enjoy the view from a range of restaurants and boat cruises or simply take it all in from the high-up viewpoint.

Robberg Nature Reserve is also a national monument and World Heritage Site. Evidence of Stone Age settlements have been found in caves along the reserve and rocks from the region date back 120 million years.

Nature’s Valley, although a popular destination for holidaymakers, has remained relatively untouched. Situated in the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest, this beautiful area is defined by its clean lagoon and lush vegetation.

The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park encompasses over 80 kilometres (50 miles) of stunning coastline. The famous Storms River Suspension Bridge is a major attraction and the most popular walking route within the park.

This little village, approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from George, has no more than 100 homes, allowing it to maintain its quaint feel. The picturesque bay is a quiet spot, popular among surfers, fishermen and beach-goers.