South Africa’s Garden Route is perhaps one of the most spectacular 300Km stretches the world over. This explains why it is high on the list of must see places for most visitors to South Africa. Starting from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to Storms River, in the Eastern Cape, The Garden Route has vegetation, wildlife, topography and activities guaranteed to make your visit more memorable than anything you’ve ever experienced. I want you to think of it as a mix of modern malls, ancient forests, modern golf courses, mountain hideaways, craft centers, beach holidays, retirement estates, and secluded artists’ communities all in one!

In case you have not figured it out yet, it has absolutely nothing to do with manicured gardens! Rather, it is called so due to the heady natural beauty, that combines old indigenous forests, a generous sprinkle of little town and mountains that brood over a shoreline littered with bays and sandy beaches!

And while scenery is enough to make you want to stop and stare at the magnificence, there is more than meets the eye, as there are hidden gems, which you will find on the sides of the roads, which spell the real allure of the Garden Route.

So what’s so outstanding about The Garden Route that makes it worth your visit in Kruger National Park at krugerparktravel.com?

Here are some top places to visit:

Bloukrans Bungy

If you love adventure and the adrenaline rush that comes with trying things that push you out of your comfort zone, then Bloukrans Bungy could be the one thing you don’t want to miss. All this happens at the Bloukrans Bridge near Plettenberg Bay, the 3rd highest bridge in the world and the highest bridge in Africa. Proudly considered the world’s highest bungy jump, the 216 meter high bungie jumping experience will be one you will never forget for the rest of your life. But if you cannot stand the height, you can try the 200m Flying fox cable. The views here are spectacular.

The Keurbooms River Cruise

This 12km river cruise is like no other, as you get to see a rich diversity of wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking sceneries along the river. There is also a beach along the river where you stop and explore the forest.

Knysna

This charming holiday town (South Africa’s favorite holiday town) located right at the heart of the Garden Route sits on the shore of a shallow lagoon. The town is beautiful and has a relaxed feel to it. There is a lot to do here; you can stroll along the clip-top paths, take a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, walk on one of the trails of the Knysna Forest or go on a boat cruise to ‘The Heads’. Make sure to visit the Knysna Elephant Park, if you love wildlife!

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is home to a wide array of beaches that have warm child friendly foamy waves. And if you are tired of the beach, you can head to the nearby numerous nature reserves, hiking trails and golf courses to unwind.

Storms River Village

Surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park, the Storm River Village is popular for a wide array of forest canopy tours, waterfalls and hikes (that could last anywhere between a few hours to up to five days including walking on a suspension bridge).

The list of places to visit and things to see along The Garden Route is undoubtedly endless. Other notable places you shouldn’t miss out include:

George: Known to be a top destination for biking, hiking, swimming and golfing.
Mossel Bay: This one is known for its many beautiful sandy beaches.
Oudtshoorn: This is popular for its ostrich farms (which have some of the world’s largest ostriches) and the Cango Caves.

St Francis Bay: This one is known for its beautiful coastline and water sporting activities.
Tip: Whenever you are along the coastline, make sure to check the sea; you could spot some dolphins, whales and seals.