Driving the Garden Route: 5 Must-See Stops Along The Way

The Garden Route is described by many as the most beautiful region in South African. Here are five must-see stops for travellers beginning their journey at Port Elizabeth and heading towards Cape Town.

1. Jeffreys Bay

Jeffreys Bay is a little town that hugs the coastline on the Eastern Cape. It’s not uncommon to see surfers battling the beautiful blue waves that lap against the shore. Stop off to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sand before having a quick bite to eat at Die Walskipper. Situated between Jeffrey’s Bay and Anston Bay, this lovely restaurant offers a delectable selection of seafood along with some more traditional South African fare.

2. Tsitsikamma National Park

Situated near the Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park is a world of luscious forestland, rocky hilltops and sparkling seafronts. The park is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including the adorable Knysna Golden Mole and the elusive Cape wild cat. Stop off to stretch your legs and soak up that wonderful pure air before you re-start your journey.

Driving the Garden Route: Overlooking Knysna.                        Photo: exfordy

3. Knysna

The gorgeous port town of Knysna is the perfect place to grab an afternoon snack. Make your way to Il de Pain, a favourite amongst the locals, for a sweet treat or a delicious slice of home-made bread. If you’re lucky, you might catch the local food and design market which showcases the beautiful handiwork of local designers. When it’s time to settle down for the night, grab a couple of drinks at the swanky and sophisticated Cornuti cocktail bar at Knysna Heads. Situated right on the seafront, the restaurant offers stunning views across the bay.

4. Stilbaai

Plettenberg Bay and Knysna attract a lot of tourists travelling along the Garden Route, so if you’re looking for a more peaceful destination you might want to check out the little town of Stilbaai. Often referred to as the Bay of Sleeping Beauty, this lovely town is the perfect place to come and dream a couple of hours away. Take some time out to relax on the beach or enjoy a round of golf on a nearby course.

5. Oudtshoorn

When driving the Garden Route you will find Oudtshoorn nestled between the Swartberg and the Outeniqua mountains in the Klein Karoo, this town is the perfect pit-stop for animal lovers. Oudtshoorn is home to a huge number of ostrich farms as well as the famous Cango Wildlife Ranch, where you can cuddle up with some cute baby tigers or stroke a beautiful full-grown cheetah. If you’re feeling brave, you can even get up close and personal with some crocodiles!

About the writer: Becky is a passionate traveller who blogs about her travel adventures and the hidden gems she finds along the way. She currently writes for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, which showcases unique, unusual and the truly special bed and breakfasts and guest houses from across the world.