Beach & Coast in South Africa
Forest, lagoon and beach
The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre stretch of South Africa's southern coast, from Mossel Bay to Storms River, where forests, lagoons, mountains and beaches line the Indian Ocean. It is one of the country's best-loved road trips, with whale watching, hiking, kayaking and fine seafood on the way.
Highlights include Knysna and its lagoon, Plettenberg Bay and its golden beaches, Wilderness and its lakes, and Tsitsikamma National Park with its cliffs, forests and suspension bridge. Elephants and monkeys live in the forests, and the Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Knysna Elephant Park are popular stops. Beyond Tsitsikamma lies Addo Elephant National Park.
We usually suggest four or five nights, driving or flying into George or Port Elizabeth.
The forests have Knysna lourie and small antelope, with a few elusive Knysna elephants. The coast is good for southern right whales (June to November), Bryde’s whales, dolphins and Cape fur seals. Birds of Eden and Monkeyland are sanctuaries for rescued birds and monkeys.
Look out for
Indigenous forest, wide lagoons, rocky headlands and long white beaches, with the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains behind.
Activities here
The Garden Route has a mild, oceanic climate, with warm summers (days of 25°C to 28°C) and mild winters (days of 18°C to 20°C). Rain falls all year, with a little more in spring and autumn.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 16 | 60 |
| Feb | 26 | 17 | 50 |
| Mar | 25 | 16 | 70 |
| Apr | 23 | 13 | 60 |
| May | 21 | 10 | 60 |
| Jun | 20 | 8 | 50 |
| Jul | 19 | 8 | 45 |
| Aug | 20 | 9 | 55 |
| Sep | 20 | 11 | 55 |
| Oct | 22 | 12 | 70 |
| Nov | 23 | 14 | 70 |
| Dec | 25 | 15 | 60 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
December to March is the warmest time, with the best beach weather. It is also the busiest time, with South African holidays in December and January.
Rain can fall at any time, and winter is cooler with misty mornings, though there are many fine days. The forests are lush and the coast is quiet.
February to April is warm and calm, with fewer crowds. June to November is the whale season. Summer holidays are crowded and expensive.
Best time to visit Dec to Mar
George Airport, in the middle of the route, has flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. The drive from Cape Town to Mossel Bay takes about four hours, and Plettenberg Bay is about six hours. Port Elizabeth is at the eastern end.
Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Park fees for Tsitsikamma are included in our itineraries. Please check the rules for your passport.
The Garden Route is malaria-free. The sun is strong at the coast, and the sea can have strong currents, so swim only at patrolled beaches.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
Give the Garden Route at least three nights, and pair it with Cape Town or Addo for a full trip.
Safaris from
US$4,136 per person
Plan your time in Garden Route
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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