One of the most beautiful, diverse and awe-inspiring regions in the country, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo is also one of the most-loved road trips to embark on. Stretching from Witsand to Plettenberg Bay, right around to Oudtshoorn as well as Calitzdorp and Ladismith on the world-renowned Route 62, this is a place where adventure lies around every corner. Explore the Knysna Heads, play on world class golf courses and eat at award-winning restaurants in one of the country’s most beautiful regions
Discover the Point of Human Origins at the Pinnacle Point Caves with Dr Peter Nilssen. Providing the earliest evidence for modern human behavior, this is an experience not to be missed. Want to spot some game? Spot the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Black Harrier as they roam freely with Big Five game. Situated just 25kms outside Mossel Bay, Gondwana offers an authentic African game experience.
Driving from Cape Town, it's about a 400km drive to Mossel Bay, the official start of the Garden Route. From here you have a 300km stretch of pristine coastline and nature to explore. If a long road trip isn't quite what you have in mind, many domestic airlines fly to George Airport. George is located in the heart of the Garden Route and a great place to start your adventure. You can either hire a car from here, or join a tour group if arranged.
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo is home breathtaking natural sights be it dramatic oceanside cliffs, ancient forests or semi arid deserts. Take advantage to see as much as possible by visiting a few of the many nature reserves in the region. Stay over, embark on an epic hike, or simply pop in for a quick visit to take in the scenery.
Garden Route and Klein Karoo Towns
Knysna
The beautiful town of Knysna, situated 73kms from the George airport, is within 157 000 hectares of the proclaimed Garden Route National Park. It is nestled between the shores of the pristine Knysna estuary, Indian Ocean and thousands of hectares of beautiful indigenous forest, home to a myriad of w...
George
Situated approximately 430 kilometres out of Cape Town, George is widely regarded as the hub of the Garden Route, and an ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.
Stilbaai
Situated on the estuary of the Gouka River that spills into the warm Indian Ocean, and one of the most popular and lively resorts in the region of the renowned Garden Route and Klein Karoo is the sleepy town of Stilbaai.
Oudtshoorn
Touch a cheetah and dive with a crocodile, ride an ostrich, experience the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (Arts Festival) and the Cango Caves - one of the world’s greatest natural wonders sculpted by nature over millions of years! Welcome to Oudtshoorn.
Garden Route and Klein Karoo Itineraries
4 Days in the Garden Route
Discover the Garden Route with this activity and adventure-filled itinerary over 4 days.
Hiking, Bird-watching and Wide Open Spaces Itinerary
From exploring Bird Island on the Cape West Coast to the majestic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in the Cape Winelands, it’s time to start planning your return to the wide open spaces of Cape Town and the Western Cape with this incredible 6-day itinerary.
Experience the best of Oudtshoorn in one day
Garden Route and Klein Karoo Blogs
Surf the Garden Route!
Heading up the Garden Route? Pack a surfboard, SUP or body board - experience the waves of the Western Cape!
Beaches of the Garden Route
The Garden Route has 17 Blue Flag beaches, more than any other region in South Africa. Discover this beautiful coast of the Western Cape.
Hikes in the Garden Route
Reach new heights and gain a renewed perspective on the Garden Route by exploring the region through trails and hikes.Top attractions in Garden Route and Klein Karoo
Fancourt
Widely regarded as one of the country’s top golf estates, Fancourt is that and so much more with some surprisingly friendly options for families looking to take advantage of the luxury estate.
Outeniqua Power Van
Perfect for the whole family, both the little kids and the big kids – we’re looking at you moms and dads - will get to experience the beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains on this unique railway journey.
Gondwana Game Reserve
The 11 000-hectare game reserve provides guests with the opportunity to view free-roaming animals, including the Big 5 – lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino – in a majestic landscape flanked on all sides by the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountain ranges.
