The Most Scenic Spots Along The Garden Route South Africa

South Africa’s Garden Route is a coastal stretch of paradise and the direct route on the N2 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth offers awe-inspiring scenery unmatched anywhere else on earth. If you are driving the famous route make sure you take time out to visit these scenic spots.

Riversdale

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.

Complete the 13km Sleeping Beauty hiking trail for amazing views

Swellendam

Make sure to visit the Drostdy Museum, built in 1747

Outeniqua Pass

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.

Some of the view points include picnic sites – so pack a lunch

Wilderness

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

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.

Knysna Heads

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.

Book a lunchtime boat cruise on South Africa’s only paddle-driven vessel

Robberg Nature Reserve

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.

Keep an eye out for the county’s smallest antelope, the rare blue duiker amongst the beautiful scenery

Nature’s Valley

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.

Stormsriver Mouth

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.

The park is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world

Herolds Bay

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.