The Top 3 Destinations on South Africa’s Garden Route

South Africa's Garden Route spans several hundred kilometers and is one of the country's biggest tourism attractions. We highlight the top 3 destinations to stop at on your holiday

South Africa’s Garden Route is undeniably a land of milk and honey. The picture perfect tourist gem stretches along the Indian Ocean coastline and is a fine blend of impenetrable indigenous forests, silent estuaries, towering mountain peaks, unpolluted rivers and glistening lakes.

All along this rare and beautiful natural paradise are quaint seaside resorts and beach hideaways. Some are secluded and remote whilst others are hip and happening offering high end nightlife, outstanding local cuisine and action activities aplenty.

We’ve chosen three of best Garden Route destinations that offer a consummate array of attractions, affordable accommodation and outstanding weather all year round.

1. Knysna

A view of the Knysna lagoon and Knysna heads.

Robert Sharp

Once a remote port and ship building centre of the early Cape colony, Knysna is a bustling village favoured by retirees and tourists alike. The picturesque little hamlet is constructed around a lagoon with a spectacular natural gateway to the Indian Ocean.

Backed by the Outeniqua Mountains and with large tracts of closed canopy forest right on its door step, Knysna is a popular activity destination offering both sea borne and mountain based adventures. The last descendants of vast herds of forest elephant still tip toe amongst the impenetrable pockets of hard wood trees and if you’re patient you may well spot a kaleidoscope coloured Knysna Loerie or Narina Trogon on the wing.

Oysters cultivated in the estuary are served together with fresh seafood harvested from the Indian Ocean in countless fine dining establishments and if you’re looking for vibey nightlife, head to the harbour where pubs, bistros and clubs will keep you well entertained. (Insider’s tip: for stunning but affordable Knysna accommodation try Zauberberg Cottage).

Knysna Tourism Video

2. Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay

Slack12

With sweeping golden beaches occasionally interrupted by estuaries, river mouths and a rocky peninsula, Plettenberg Bay is the preferred destination of the rich and famous. The lovely sheltered inlet has attracted legions of fans over the years including intrepid Portuguese explorers who first christened Plett Bahia Formosa or beautiful bay.

Renowned for its exciting and varied night life, Plett offers superb swimming at three pristine beaches, excellent fishing, polo and a wide variety of adventure activities including whale and dolphin watching, charter cruises, kayaking and paragliding. (Insider's Tip: An excellent company to go whale watching with in Plett is Ocean Adventures)

Plettenberg Bay Tourism Video

3. Wilderness

Wilderness Beach

Sa-Venues

Flanked on all sides by mesmerising natural beauty, the Wilderness is one of the most scenic destinations on earth. The charming holiday resort straddles the rolling foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains that tumble unchallenged into the indigo blue Indian Ocean.

The vast stretches of soft golden sand offer lazy days in the sun coupled with safe swimming areas that are constantly patrolled and monitored by vigilant life guards over the long summer season. Quiet, unspoilt and splendid to behold, Wilderness is the ideal destination for those intent on escaping the hustle and bustle of big city living. (Insider's Tip: go check out the hike's in the Garden Route National Park, there are some great ones in the Wilderness section of the park)