From the iconic Otter Trail to the Knysna Forest Marathon – a hybrid of road and trail running – the Garden Route and Klein Karoo has some of the best trail in the country, let alone the province and is widely regarded as the adventure capital of South Africa. Whether you are in destination for a race or simply looking to explore the great outdoors of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, this four-day itinerary - starting off in the Cape Oveberg before heading down the GRKK - is perfect for you.
Day 1
Grabouw
Experience: Hiking at Hottentots holland nature reserve
Enjoy the stunning scenery and variety of fynbos as you wind your way across the undulating Hottentots Holland Mountains. Birders should be on the lookout for the 110 species in the area. Hikes range from day excursions to overnight experiences on the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.
www.capenature.co.za/reserves/hottentots-holland-nature-reserve
Eat: The orchard farmstall
Facing out over the shaded parking lot, its pathways strewn with climbing roses, is the farm stall, clean country-style restrooms, a coffee shop/restaurant, a bike & car wash and a charming gift shop. There is a lovely indoor and outdoor playground, a jumping castle and a kiddies train for the little ones. The grassy surrounds of the farm stall make a perfect spot to sit and picnic if you're so inclined.
Stay: Houw hoek hotel
The child-friendly Houw Hoek Hotel is situated in the heart of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, a leisurely 80 km from Cape Town, just off the N2 freeway. We are peacefully positioned in an exquisite location, between majestic mountains and beautiful ponds, making this the perfect place to relax and unwind. Many of our rooms have fireplaces for those cosy winter evenings and private balconies with magnificent views
Day 2
Swellendam
Experience: Duiwelsbos hike at Marloth nature reserve
A nice easy walk alongside the river that flows calmly down a crack in the mountainside, this hike is perfect for those looking for a short, relatively easy afternoon ramble to tackle while they’re in the Swellendam area.
www.capenature.co.za/duiwelsbos-devilishly-delightful-hike
Experience: Two Feathers horse trails
Horse Riding in the Marloth Nature Reserve with Two Feathers Horse Trails in Swellendam is an experience not to be missed. Beautiful scenic trails on relaxed horses. Riding at its best. Walk, Trot and Canter your way to exhilaration.
https://two-feathers-horse-trails.business.site
Eat: Drostdy restaurant
This restaurant is situated across the Drostdy in the historic Zanddrift building, serving traditional and contemporary dishes with french flair. When dining here you will have a magnificent view of the Langeberg.
www.visitswellendam.co.za/drostdy-restaurant
Stay: Bergview
Showcasing a year-round outdoor pool and views of the mountains, Bergview is located in Swellendam, just 219 yards from Swellendam Tourism Information Office. The bed and breakfast also provides free use of bicycles.
Day 3
Mossel Bay
Experience: St Blaize hiking trail
Right at the start of the Garden Route in Mossel Bay lays a little gem, the St. Blaize Trail. The St. Blaize Trail is a popular 13.5 km trail that follows the 30 metre contour along the cliffs westwards from the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and ends at Dana Bay.
www.thetrailshop.co.za/st-blaize-trail-mosselbay-dana-bay
Experience: Sandboarding
Welcome to the world-famous 'Dragon Dune' – the biggest and longest sandboard ride in South Africa. Situated on private land, this 'beast' provides the ultimate ride on sand, similar to snowboarding.
Eat: Café Gannet
A charming and sophisticated award-winning seafood restaurant in Mossel Bay. Acclaimed for vibrant local seafood specialties and signature sushi, a varied A’ la Carte menu also caters for vegetarians, meat lovers, pizza aficionados and gelato devotees. The menu is easily paired with the finest selection of over 50 South African wines as well as a variety of cocktails, aperitifs, liqueurs and craft gins.
Stay: Eden guesthouse b&b
Eden Guesthouse is a modern double story Bed & Breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean and Outeniqua Mountains . Eden derived from the Hebrew word for “The Garden of Eden” signifies pure “delight” as it is situated in a Nature Conservancy hosting examples of coastal and limestone varieties of fynbos and supporting one of the highest numbers of endemic species.
Day 4
Plettenberg Bay
Experience: Robberg nature reserve hike
Robberg Nature Reserve has three circular routes on offer that vary in terms of distance and difficulty. The three trails on offer range in time from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of the birds of the peninsula.
www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
Eat: Nineteen 89
Nineteen89 is a family owner run gastro restaurant in the heart of beautiful Plettenberg Bay. The restaurant takes great pride in providing tasty artful food prepared with passion and the best locally sourced produce. Diners are offered a unique dining experience for breakfast, lunch & Dinner in a spacious restaurant with pop culture art from the year 1989 and local artists’ pieces.
Stay: The dunes hotel & resort
Situated in Plettenberg Bay, 2.3 km from Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, The Dunes Resort & Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool. The Dunes Resort & Hotel offers a children's playground. Cycling and hiking are among the activities that guests of the resort can find nearby.
