Garden Route

The Whale Coast is a rugged stretch of South African coastline, snaking along the Atlantic Ocean and encompassing the towns of Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford, and Gansbaai. The route is backed by fynbos-covered mountains and includes farms, rivers, caves, and valleys. Between June and October, and especially over August, September, and October, the humpback or southern right whales that come here to mate and give birth can be seen frolicking offshore. The Whale Festival, held annually in September in Hermanus, is a special event featuring live music, markets, and much more. Throughout the year, explore the historic villages, and enjoy bird watching, wine tasting, paragliding, fat bike rides, river rafting, game viewing, mountain biking, and golfing. Don’t miss a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai.

Located in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape, Oudtshoorn is a charming rural town renowned as the ostrich capital of South Africa. Surrounded by rugged mountains, open plains and striking semi-arid landscapes, it offers a fascinating blend of nature, adventure and heritage. Visitors can explore working ostrich farms, learn about the region's feather farming history, or venture into the spectacular Cango Caves, a vast underground network of limestone chambers. Nearby attractions include the scenic Swartberg Pass, wildlife encounters and opportunities to sample local Karoo cuisine. With its warm climate, dramatic scenery and distinctive character, Oudtshoorn offers an authentic taste of the Klein Karoo.

Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.

Situated along South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, just 2.5 hours west of Gqeberha, Plettenberg Bay is one of the country’s most sought-after coastal destinations. Named the ‘Beautiful Bay’ by early Portuguese explorers, this charming seaside town is renowned for its pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clear rivers, indigenous forests and dramatic rocky headlands overlooking the Indian Ocean. The area offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and laid-back sophistication, with elegant beachfront homes, excellent restaurants, golf courses and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, whale and dolphin watching, kayaking and exploring nearby nature reserves. For those seeking adventure, the famous Bloukrans Bridge, located just 30 minutes away, offers one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps. Combining spectacular scenery with endless recreational opportunities, Plettenberg Bay remains one of South Africa’s most beloved holiday destinations.