Garden Route National Park Travel Guide

The astonishingly beautiful Garden Route National Park is one of South Africa's glittering gems. Offering exquisite coastal and mountainous vistas, abundant wildlife and exciting activities, it is one of the top ‘must-see' destinations to visit while exploring South Africa.

A Travel Guide to the Garden Route National Park

Access

The Garden Route National Park is situated along the Western Cape and Eastern Cape's coastline on the N2 national road.

Airport

Visitors can fly in to Cape Town or Johannesburg O. R Tambo international airports and then catch a connecting flight to nearby George or Port Elizabeth domestic airports.

Highlights

Breath-taking scenery, magnificent mountainous landscapes, abundant activities and quaint, welcoming coastal towns wait to welcome you when you plan a visit to the Garden Route. Rich and diverse wildlife and beautiful flowers - visitors to the Garden Route National Park will be able to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of these beautiful surroundings.

Activities

The Garden Route National Park is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of activities varying from location to location.

Accommodation

This premier tourist destination offers a wide range of accommodation options from Bed and Breakfasts to campgrounds and luxury lodges. Some of the main towns in the area include Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River and Tsitsikamma.

The Experience

The Garden Route National Park is a natural paradise where the beauty of land and sea come together in a spectacular display of power of Mother Nature. The area is made up of a many destinations that are tourist attractions in their own right.

Tourists wanting to explore the nature park should set aside a number of days and aim to move either up or down the coast as they explore. Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness and Storms River Mouth are a few of the small to medium sized coastal towns along the route, and each offers abundant accommodation and varied activities.

Whether you are passionate about water sports, hiking, food and wine experiences or adventure sports, the Garden Route National Park has something for you. Spend time lazily walking along central beach in Pletteberg Bay or go bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, enjoy some bird watching in the Tsitsikamma Forest or watch the Whales and Dolphins playing in the waves. Whether you are spending a weekend or two weeks in the area you are guaranteed to fall in love and want to return.

Climate

The Garden Route National Park is located in a yearly rainfall region and due to the size of the national park temperatures can vary quite drastically from one area to another. Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F - 86°F) and the coastlines temperatures are mild throughout the year. Snow occasionally falls in winter in the mountainous areas nearby which can lower the temperatures drastically.

Useful Information

The weather is known to change suddenly and hikers should be prepared, especially when hiking in higher mountain reaches. The currents and large waves can be dangerous and visitors are advised to stay close to the shore and not to venture out too far when swimming.

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South Africa Nature Reserves : Game Reserves and National Parks