Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

14 March 2026

3-minute read

The Garden Route is a 300km scenic coastal stretch along South Africa’s southeastern coast, running along the N2 highway. Renowned for its lush forests, lakes, and beaches, beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and diverse wildlife, it offers hiking, whale watching, and, for a unique experience, visits to wildlife sanctuaries. This region offers a unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring South Africa.

Kauthar, coordinator of Optimum Travel and Tours based in Cape Town, says that the Garden Route extends from Storms River in East London all the way down to Mossel Bay with a detour through Oudtshoorn on Route 62. From Johannesburg, travellers can access it from Port Elizabeth via Jeffreys Bay and exploring all the main areas along the route which include Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Wilderness and Mossel Bay.

The best time of the year to take this trip is in the summer months, and ideally, one should set aside a minimum of 7 days to explore the area thoroughly and get the most out of it.

Kauthar suggests staying somewhere central like Knysna, Wilderness or Sedgefield as a base. An itinerary with key places to see would include a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park in Gqeberha for animal lovers, a walk across the Bloukrans Bridge, or a stayover at the Tsitsikamma National Park that offers both chalets and a caravan park. In the region, Nature’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna Heads all showcase stunning scenery.

Sister Kauthar recommends carrying padkos and some food along if you’re travelling with a family. Along the Garden Route, there are many garage shops for staple supplies if you’re staying at a self-catering apartment, chalet or Airbnb. An abundance of halal restaurants, fast-food franchises and eating places are found in the bigger cities like George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Knysna. The Wilderness Hotel is also fully halal.

The Garden Route is an “out of city but in town experience,” says Kauthar. For adventure lovers, shark-cage diving is popular in Mossel Bay, and ziplining through the Tsitsikamma Forest or over the ocean in the Wilderness are both breathtaking experiences. Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge is an adventure for the courageous, while family activities like sandboarding and tubing at Storms River are on offer. You can also go kayaking on the Caymans River between Wilderness and Sedgefield. In Knysna, you can try waterboarding or waterskiing, while Jefffreys Bay is the place for surfing. For those who don’t have their sea legs, you could try a forest tour on a quad bike.

Kauthar’s personal favourite is Sedgefield, also known as the “slow town” between Knysna and Wilderness. Set between the beach and the mountain and extending all the way to the Outeniqua Pass, this tranquil town is the ideal spot to kick back and relax, although it does offer a variety of activities for those who can’t sit still.

So if you’re in the mood for a local holiday that feels like an overseas experience, take a tour through the Garden Route – a trip that should be on every traveller’s bucket list!

Listen to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Kauthar here.