Garden Route National Park Overview
Garden Route National Park Flora & Fauna
The Garden Route National Park includes the finest diversity of plant life in the Cape Province.The Knysna Estuary, a prominent topographical feature of the region is also one of conservation centres in the country. It is surrounded by the greatest indigenous forest in the nation, featuring lichens, fungi, ferns, and herbs.
The Park contains an incredible range of habitats, including a temperate forest, several kinds of vines, and unusual fynbos. However, the indigenous forest is spread across the region, through the mountains, and along the shore, there are some spots with plantations of exotic timber species. The beautiful mountainous scenery, lush green forests, pristine oceans, rugged terrains, and cliffs all constitute some stunning trees, plantations like Cape chestnut, yellowwood, white alder, stinkwood, ironwood, and stinkwood, which together form an almost impenetrable canopy over the reserve.
The Garden Route National Park is home to about 85 different species of mammals, such as Bushbuck, Blue Duikers, Common Eland, Common Duiker, Savanna Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and Rock Hyrax. One of the most popular attractions in the reserve is the Knysna Elephant Park, which offers unforgettable encounters with African elephants to visitors.
There are 371 different types of birds, including the Tambourine Dove, Cape Shoveler, African Cuckoohawk, Crowned Eagle, Red-necked Spurfowl, and Yellow-billed Duck. The natural reserve also has 25 distinct kinds of snakes, so you need to be careful while hiking. It also has 26 different fish species, including over 15 different types of whales and dolphins, making it one of the best spots to go whale and dolphin spotting.
Things to Do at Garden Route National Park
Seeing 3500 birds from 220 different species at Birds of Eden, the world's first free-flying bird sanctuary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all bird fans. Walking behind the waterfall, traversing the 128-metre hanging bridge, and exploring the surrounding jungle are all wonderful experiences you may have here.
Location: Askop Road, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape 6602
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: USD 15 to 25
Visit the Knysna Elephant Park to get up close and personal with the gentle giants and gain detailed knowledge about the African elephant and its situation across the continent. You will be able to meet, feed, and interact with elephants while allowing them to enjoy themselves naturally.
Location: Farm 428, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: USD 10 to 20
Choose from trips in boats, kayaks, and aeroplanes at Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Knysna lagoon in the Garden Route National Park to spot some whales and dolphins. Boats are spacious, comfortable, and wheelchair friendly. However, if you're searching for a trip with more adventure, you can set out in a sea kayak and wait for whales or dolphins to surface close to you or take a helicopter flight.
Location: Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Knysna lagoon
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: USD 50 to 100
Experience some breathtaking scenery while taking in the magnificence of nature by hiking through the Robberg Nature Reserve, the most popular hiking destination in the area. Situated along the peninsula, about 8 km from Plettenberg Bay, it features three circular routes that take around 4 hours to complete along the coast. If you're lucky, you might also get the opportunity to see some whales and dolphins.
Location: 8 Plettenberg Street Plettenberg Bay 6600
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George to see 13 different steam locomotives, including Emil Kessler, Johannesburg’s first steam locomotive, the GL Garrett, and Paul Kruger’s coach. You can also witness a unique collection of vintage cars, road motor vehicles, and South Africa's last remaining steam train here.
Location: George, Western Cape 6530, South Africa
Timings: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Enjoy a bungee jump at Face Adrenalin, which provides a 216-metre free fall from the top of the arch of Africa's largest bridge. You will first enjoy a zipline from the bank to the arch before beginning your incredible adventure from the world's highest commercial bungy bridge.
Location: Bloukrans River Bridge Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay 6600
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: USD 75 to 90
Garden Route National Park Tour Packages
The Tsitsikamma National Park's 3-day hike will take you through a range of landscapes and stunning vistas. Starting in the Groot River Lagoon, the hiking track ascends through historic woods, multiple streams, and coastal plains covered in fynbos. You'll have multiple unforgettable moments while passing by beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints like the Salt River Estuary and Natures Valley Beach.
Inclusion:
- 2 night's accommodation in trail huts
- National park fees
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Crystal clear water for swimming
Price: USD 580 to 620
During this 10-day adventure, you will travel to explore the most beautiful attractions from safaris and bungee jumping to relaxing on the beach, you will experience everything. You will get to explore Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, the Storms River Village, Knysna, the Garden of Eden, Plettenberg Bay, the Bird of Eden, and many more sights.
- Inclusions:
- 4 Star luxury lodging
- Tour guide and driver personally
- Visit to table Mountain, Cape Point, Cango Caves, Knysna Heads
- Price: USD 3,400 to 3,600
For those who enjoy adventure and the outdoors, this quick 2 day trip to Garden Route National Park is the best bet. It offers refreshing views and a tranquil boat trip in addition to the exhilarating experiences of a canopy tour and bungee jumping. The tour gives you access to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Nature's Valle, the Storms River Bridge, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park.
Inclusions:
- Guide, vehicle, fuel
- 1-night accommodation
- Entrance/conservation fees of Tsitsikamma National Park, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland
- Canopy Tour
- Marine Tour
- Bottled water in the tour vehicle
Price: USD 400 to 430
This Garden Route National Park package comprises a visit to Hermanus, Agulhas National Park, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Cango Caves, and Breede River Valley. During this excursion, you will get the chance to experience Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans, go whale watching, see wildlife, and feel rejuvenated in nature’s lap, making it a great escape from the city's hectic life.
Inclusions:
- Accommodations for four nights
- Guide
- Transportation
- Breakfast
- Complimentary bottled water
Price: USD 760 to 790
With this 5-day Garden Route tour, you may see Big Tree, a 36+ m tall, 800-year-old Yellowwood tree), take a ferry across the Knysna Lagoon, take a quick tour of the Cape Winelands and Mossel Bay, and travel to Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, and the Cape of Good Hope. You will also explore the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, Mossel Bay, the Diaz Museum, Struisbaai, and Cape Town.
Inclusions:
- Guide
- Transportation
- Bed & Breakfast
- Complimentary bottled water
Price: USD 950 to 1000
This 6 day luxury safari tour is one of the best ways to experience both fun and thrills with family and friends. The tour includes visit to Bloukrans Bridge, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Knysna Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, Knysna & Featherbed Nature Reserve, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, and many more attractions along the Garden Route.
Inclusions:
- Bed & Breakfast for 5 nights
- Transportation
- Guide
- Complimentary Bottled Water
Price: USD 2040 to 2070
Lodges and Camps in Garden Route National Park
This four-star chalet offers two double rooms, each with its own bathroom, and comfortably sleeping for four people. It is nestled at the head of a large valley in the Harkerville forest. The location is perfect for birdwatchers as well as adventure enthusiasts as it is close to various walking and mountain bike trails.
Location: Knysna Lakes Section of Garden Route National Park
Amenities: Attached bathroom, dishwasher, washing machine, TV, telephone, alarm system, and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces
Price: USD 150 to 180 per unit
Diepwalle Forest Camp located in the Knysna Lakes Section of Garden Route National Park lets you enjoy a peaceful staycation amidst lovely forest surroundings. The campsite is an ideal location for those who are looking for a true forest experience, or who wants to relish amidst wildlife, nature and the trails.
Location: Knysna Lakes Section of Garden Route National Park
Amenities: Common washroom with hot shower facility, two beds with simple mattress, and firewood on demand
Price: USD 13 to 20 per unit
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp in Tsitsikamma National Park has many accommodation options including Forest Huts, Forest Cabins, Chalets, Oceanettes, Cottages, Family Cottages, as well as Honeymoon Cottages. It is the perfect place to enjoy a nature retreat away from the city’s humdrums amidst serene surroundings. The views of the sea and mountains and the refreshing breeze will make you fall in love with the place.
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park
Amenities: Beds/bunk beds/bed in lounge/double sleeper couch, bedding, communal kitchen, shared bathroom
Price: USD 24 to 100 per unit
On the banks of the Groot River, Nature's Valley Rest Camp offers Forest Huts for two, camps for 6 and chalets for three people. A haven for birdwatchers, it also offers hiking routes through lovely fynbos and magnificent cliffs. Besides the natural scenery, the serenity and ambience of the place add to the memorable experiences.
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park Natures Valley 6308
Amenities: Beds, bunk beds, bed in lounge or double sleeper couch, Bedding, communal kitchen, bathroom, charging points, etc.
Price: USD 75 to 100 per unit
This 4-star guest property provides bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodations in studio suites, lavish apartments, and cosy self-catering timber chalets. Located on the slopes above Wilderness Village, this property offers fantastic views of the magnificent Indian Ocean. In the picturesque surroundings of Wilderness and the Garden Route, the resort is the ideal location to relax and rejuvenate.
Location: Constantia Kloof Road 1 Young Terrace Wilderness 6560
Amenities: Amenities: Attached bathrooms, private decks, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
Price: USD 80 to 200 per unit
Ebb and Flow Rest Camp offers a range of accommodations, including family cottages, stilted log cabins, rondavels, and forest cabins. Situated along the shores of the pristine Touw River, this camp offers spectacular views of verdant surroundings. Its laid-back vibes and wilderness make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Location: Dumbleton Rd, Wilderness National Park
Amenities: Beds, bunk beds, bedding, communal kitchen, shared bathroom
Price: USD 30 to 130 per unit
Plan Your Visit to Garden Route National Park
How to Reach
- By Road: The Wilderness Section is near the N2 highway, about 15 km from George and 2 km from the Wilderness village. The Knysna Lakes Section is approx. 70 km from Knysna, whereas, the Tsitsikamma Section is situated 68 km from Plettenberg Bay. You can rent a car or take a private taxi from there.
- By Air: George International Airport is 70 km from Knysna, while Plettenberg Bay Airport is also approx 75 km to the Tsitsikamma. You can easily get a vehicle rental or taxi to the national park.
Best Time to Visit
Garden Route National Park is a year-round destination since it experiences mild weather for the majority of the year. The ideal times are, however, the Autumn (Mid-February to April) and Spring (August to Mid-October) seasons because of the weather, Easter celebrations in April/May, and whale sightings in September and October.
Hiking boots, casual shoes, flips flops
Rain jacket/poncho
Binoculars
Refillable water bottles
Sunscreen, sunglasses, scarf/hat, and insect repellent
Dry Bag
Layers
Swimsuit
Travel Insurance (covers car rental + medical)
ID and Passport
Keep yourself hydrated throughout your trip. Keep refillable water bottles with you as tap water is drinkable.
The park is open all year, but visitors should pack layers because the weather can change suddenly.
Cover yourself and use bug repellent in the evening (DEET are most effective). Even if there is no malaria in the park, you should stay away from insects.
Since there isn't much external illumination in the camps, using a torch or headlamp at night is necessary.
Carry your personal medication kit as medical/hospital and pharmaceutical facilities are distant.
FAQ’s of Garden Route National Park
What activities can we do at Garden Route National Park camps?
- Hiking and Nature Walks
- Forest Excursions
- Birding
- Mountain Biking
- River Tubing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
- Boat Cruises
- Camping
How many days do you need in Garden Route National Park?
If you spend one day in each of the three notable regions of the Garden Route National Park—Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and Wilderness—you'll need at least three days. However, with so much to see and experience here, one week will also seem inadequate. You can also extend the days if you plan to visit the Winelands and whales.
What is the best time of year to visit the Garden Route National Park?
The best time to visit the Garden Route National Park is from September through early April for long days, warm weather, and fewer chances of rain. Seeing Fynbos in blossom in the spring and watching whales from September to October are other highlights that you won't want to miss.
What facilities will I get in Garden Route National Park camps?
- Activities (Hiking and Nature Walks, Forest Excursions, Birding, Mountain Biking, and Water Sports)
- Restaurants
- Curio shops
- Galleries/Art & Craft
- Well-equipped lodges and chalets and self-catering units
- Camping facility
- Fuel Stations
Which are the best places to visit in Garden Route National Park?
Otter Trail: Located inside the Tsitsikamma National Park, it is the country's first-ever designated trekking route.
Dolphin Trail: It is an upscale, less strenuous variation of the Otter Trail.
Garden of Eden: Located between the Knysna Section and Plettenberg Bay, it is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Storms River Gorge: Accessible by boat ride, here you will be amazed to see the massive caverns on either side.
Knysna Elephant Park: A perfect place to get up close and personal with orphaned African elephants, discover how the park takes care of them, or go on an elephant-guided tour of the park.