Don't get it wrong, honey… In the South African travel scene, we live for the Kruger National Park and Cape Town, but it's time for the legendary Garden Route to have her ballroom moment. Competing in the natural beauty, outdoor entertainment, delicious seafood, and game viewing categories, this unique region best serves paradise realness. Here's the tea on some of our gagworthy reasons to visit this ultimate South African destination.
Imagine calling this home, Image Credit: Tsala Treetop Lodge
Where is The Garden Route?
As the ultimate self-drive destination, the Garden Route starts in Cape Town, winding along South Africa's southern border and taking you through ocean, safari, and forest sightseeing all the way to the heart of the Eastern Cape.
This famous route covers 300 kilometres (190 miles) of bold beauty that will make you want to pull over the car for many, many pitstops! The fun is in the journey as much as it is in the destination!
Pool with a view, Image Credit: Plettenberg Hotel
Beesh, Please!
The Garden Route coastline is home to some of South Africa's best beaches, so be sure to pack your "itsy bitsy teeny weenie", Miss Thing. Whether you're a sun-tan girlie, a wave-chaser or after long walks with your romantic counterpart, these sunny shores will give you life.
Make this an eleganza extravaganza experience by setting sail to witness the stunning Knysna Heads up close before moving into deeper waters in search of dolphins, whales and other sea creatures who choose to make an appearance.
The famous Knysna Heads
I Like The Big 5 And I Cannot Lie
The private game reserves, exclusive lodges and sensational wildlife sightings will have you feeling the fantasy! As expert guides lead the way, you'll have an intimate and undisturbed game-viewing experience, unlike those of more popular game reserves.
Plus, as the Garden Route is a malaria-free area, you can have peace of mind that travelling with your elderly, pregnant or mini family members are safe.
A safari to remember
Succulent Seafood
Every July, Knysna hosts the Oyster Festival, which brings this quaint town to life, so don't miss out should the stars align. Beyond this, there are plenty of dining opportunities for you and your fabulous friends to delight in.
Taste the local specialities, sinking your teeth into juicy meats, fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables – there are culinary pleasures for every body-ody-ody.
Oysters are an aphrodisiac after all...
Let Loose in the Great Outdoors
With a list of activities as long as Ru Paul's heels are tall, expect to get hot and sweaty multiple times a day – and still be begging for more. For the adrenaline junkies, get your heart racing as you take on the Bloukrans Bridge, the world's highest bungee jump or the world's longest over-ocean zipline in Mossel Bay.
Alternatively, spend some time on a kayak or stand-up paddling (SUP) adventure or hitting the water in Jefferys Bay, known to be one of the best point breaks in the world. For those who like it rough, the Garden Route has a selection of 12 championship golf courses for you to "werk it".
Even if you're more likely to miss when you swing, this region gives O-P-U-L-E-N-C-E, with its three courses designed by golfing legend Gary Player.
A golfer's dream come true, Image Credit: Fancourt Golf Course
This Scenery is Fierce Boots the House Down
The Garden Route isn't just serving looks – it's giving you a masterclass in natural glam. It serves up breathtaking vistas like nobody's business with every twist and turn.
From lush forests that'll make you want to frolic like a woodland nymph to rock formations so fierce, they'll have you seeing stars of awe. And those ocean views? To die for, darling.
Now that's a view worth writing home about, Image Credit: Tsala Treetop Lodge
Judge The Garden Route for Yourself
Honey, it's time to serve up some verdicts! Speak to one of our fabulous Travel Experts and make sure to pencil in this flawless 10 out of 10 experience on your South African safari itinerary. Trust us, you won't regret it.
Reach out today, and let's start planning your gay-friendly Garden Route adventure!
