• Need a quote?
  • Chat now
  • 011 770 7677
  • PAY ONLINE
    VISA MASTERCARD mobicred-icon-logo MOBICRED
  • Home
  • Deals
  • Destinations
    All Destinations Africa Europe Far East Middle East North America South America Bali Egypt India Maldives Mauritius Mediterranean Mozambique Reunion Rodrigues Seychelles Sri Lanka Thailand Turkey Victoria Falls Zanzibar
  • Local Destinations
    South Africa Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Western Cape Cape Town Cape Winelands Drakensberg Durban Garden Route Kruger National Park Sun City
  • Themed Holidays
    All Holidays Adventure All Inclusive Beach Holidays Boutique Hotels Bush Getaways Cruising Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoon Island Holidays Luxury Holidays Multi-Destination Holidays Romantic Getaways Pet-Friendly Holidays School Holidays Self-catering Self-drives Spa Getaways Sports Travel Train Trips Weekend Getaways
  • Blog
  • About Thompsons
    About Us Why travel with us Pay with Mobicred Social Responsibility News & Media Client Testimonials Careers
  • Brochures
  • Contact Us

  • Please double check your form and complete the Recaptcha to prove you are not a robot.

    ×
    Home
    Deals

    All Destinations Africa Europe Far East Middle East North America South America Bali Egypt India Maldives Mauritius Mediterranean Mozambique Reunion Rodrigues Seychelles Sri Lanka Thailand Turkey Victoria Falls Zanzibar

    South Africa Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Western Cape Cape Town Cape Winelands Drakensberg Durban Garden Route Kruger National Park Sun City

    All Holidays Adventure All Inclusive Beach Holidays Boutique Hotels Bush Getaways Cruising Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoon Island Holidays Luxury Holidays Multi-Destination Holidays Romantic Getaways Pet-Friendly Holidays School Holidays Self-catering Self-drives Spa Getaways Sports Travel Train Trips Weekend Getaways
    Blog

    About Us Why travel with us Pay with Mobicred Social Responsibility News & Media Client Testimonials Careers
    Brochures
    Contact Us
    6189
    DESTINATIONS south africa garden route
    Garden Route
    OVERVIEW THINGS TO DO FAST FACTS TRAVEL TIPS

    Garden Route Holidays

    The Garden Route is a scenic coastal region that stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the east. It’s a holiday paradise known for its glorious natural beauty, challenging golf courses, ancient forests, superb beaches and picturesque lagoons. Let’s not forget the spectacular mountain ranges of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma which divide the Garden Route from the arid Little Karoo.  

    Lose yourself in lush forests or explore numerous beaches – each one more beautiful than the last. Visit charming seaside towns or go on safari. You can do it all in the Garden Route, which is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the country. 

    Why we love Garden Route holidays 

    • This part of South Africa is full of spectacular natural beauty.  
    • It’s an adventure lover’s playground.  
    • It’s home to a diverse selection of wildlife, from elephants and monkeys to whales and dolphins.  
    • To explore a variety of pretty, charming seaside towns including Wilderness, Sedgefield, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.  
    • There are several championship golf courses to choose from.  
    • The beaches are incomparable.  
    • There is so much to see and so many places to visit in the Garden Route.  

    This destination is ideal for a family holiday, a romantic getaway far from the madding crowd or chasing adrenaline-fueled thrills with your friends. Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, you are sure to find it in the breathtaking Garden Route with an array of holiday options ranging from luxury accommodation to more affordable packages. 

     

    Things to do in the Garden Route

    Sun-soaked year-round, the Garden Route is a paradise for holidaymakers with its sparkling lagoons, coastal forests, panoramic mountain passes and varied attractions. With around 300km of natural beauty to explore, the Garden Route is the ideal holiday destination for families, friends and couples alike.  

    Take the plunge from the highest bungee jump in Africa, the Bloukrans Bridge, enjoy an elephant encounter at Knysna Elephant Park, where orphaned elephants are looked after, see the world from a bird’s eye view on a canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest and discover thousands of different types of birds at Birds of Eden just outside of Plettenberg Bay. That’s just a tiny sample of things you can do on a trip to the Garden Route.   

    Things to do on a Garden Route trip 

    • Cruise on Knysna Lagoon past the iconic Knysna Heads.  
    • Visit the Cango Caves to see gigantic limestone formations.  
    • Follow the famous Otter Trail on a multi-day hike.  
    • Explore the Tsitsikamma National Park.  
    • Go canoeing or tubing on the Storms River.  
    • Enjoy fantastic dining in Knysna. 
    • Track the Big Five in Gondwana Private Game Reserve.  
    • Take the walking trail through Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay.  
    • See ostriches up close in Oudtshoorn.  
    • Drive along the adventurous gravel Swartberg Pass with its breathtaking views.  
    • Explore the Bartolomeu Dias museum complex in Mossel Bay.  

    Whatever type of activity you’re looking for, whether it’s taking the ferry boat to the incredible Featherbed Nature Reserve, abseiling in Kaaimans Gorge or experiencing the Knysna Oyster Festival, it’s all waiting for you in the Garden Route. 

     

    Know before you go...

    Best time to visit the Garden Route

    • The Garden Route is a year-round destination with a mild sub-tropical climate.  
    • The region is busiest in spring (August and September) and summer (December and January).  

    Getting there

    • The Garden Route is a fantastic self-drive route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (or vice versa).  
    • Alternatively, you can fly to George Airport and hire a car from there. Flight duration from Johannesburg to George: 1 hour, 50 minutes. From Cape Town: 50 minutes.  
    • Non-stop drive duration from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 8 hours (750km) via N2.

    What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

    • Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.   
    • Avoid single-use plastic; instead, take fabric shopping bags with you. 

    Safety Tips

    • If self-driving, obey the rules of the road and stick to the speed limit. 
    • Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables.    
    • If valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.   
    • Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist. 

    What to pack?

    • With hot summers and mild winters, packing warm clothing for the evenings and a windproof jacket should definitely be included.
    • With fantastic beaches you'll definitely be spending some time in the ocean - so bring your swimming costume, boardshorts, hats and beach towels.
    • Comfortable clothing and shoes are essential – if you’re considering hiking throw in some hiking boots too.
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat can be used throughout the year in the Garden Route.
    • The Garden Route is quite casual, simple sundresses and cotton shirts, shorts and sandals will blend in well during the warmer months.
    • Binoculars

    What do I do in an emergency?

    • Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist in any travel related emergency.

    Downloads

    Top Offers

    remote display image
    remote display image
    South Africa Deals
    4* Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort - Knysna Package (2 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH221556
    From R3,056pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 64132
    prmo01 64132
    South Africa Deals
    4* Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays - Package (3 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH213402
    From R3,279pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 71526
    prmo01 71526
    South Africa Deals
    5* St James of Knysna - Knysna Package (2 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH220783
    From R3,525pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 76520
    prmo01 76520
    Garden Route Deals
    5* The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa - Knysna Package (2 nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH220718
    From R4,444pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    LOAD MORE
    SHOW LESS
    SEE ALL DEALS

    Most Popular Garden Route Packages

    Self Drive
    Self Drive
    featured
    HotDeals
    prmo01 63603 1
    prmo01 63603 1
    Red Carnation Hotels
    Hot Deals
    5* The Oyster Box - Royal Affair Package (3 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH187724
    From R10,348pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 63605
    prmo01 63605
    Red Carnation Hotels
    5* The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Package (2 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH209598
    From R11,909pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 63604
    prmo01 63604
    Red Carnation Hotels
    Hot Deals
    5* Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve - Cederberg House Package (3 Nigh…
    REFERENCE: PP-TH224701
    From R16,356pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    Weekend Getaways
    Weekend Getaways
    featured
    HotDeals
    prmo01 62747 1
    prmo01 62747 1
    South Africa Deals
    5* Fancourt Hotel - George Package (2 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH255089
    From R4,514pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 63603 1
    prmo01 63603 1
    Red Carnation Hotels
    Hot Deals
    5* The Oyster Box - Royal Affair Package (3 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH187724
    From R10,348pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 63605
    prmo01 63605
    Red Carnation Hotels
    5* The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Package (2 Nights)
    REFERENCE: PP-TH209598
    From R11,909pp
    featured
    Hot Deals
    prmo01 63604
    prmo01 63604
    Red Carnation Hotels
    Hot Deals
    5* Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve - Cederberg House Package (3 Nigh…
    REFERENCE: PP-TH224701
    From R16,356pp
    featured
    Hot Deals

    About ThompsonS

    • About Us
    • Why Travel With us
    • Social Responsibility
    • News & Media
    • Brochure
    • Careers
    • Client Testimonials

    Top Destinations

    • Mauritius
    • Maldives
    • Zanzibar
    • Europe
    • Thailand
    • Seychelles
    • South Africa
    • Greece
    • Middle East
    • Bali
    • Africa

    Top Holiday Themes

    • Adventure
    • All Inclusive
    • Beach Holidays
    • Bush Getaways
    • City Breaks
    • Cruise Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Honeymoons
    • Romantic Getaways
    • School Holidays
    • Spa Holidays
    • Train Trips
    • Weekend Getaways

    Blog

    Best Places to go Calendar

    Your Guide To Travel Restrictions

    PAY WITH MOBICRED

    CHILD TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

     

     

    Terms & Conditions

    Privacy Policy

     

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR TRAVEL DEALS

     

    Purchase Travel Insurance

     

    CAR RENTAL IN SOUTH AFRICA

     

    Contact

    Telephone
    Tel: +27 11 770 7677
    Email: travel@thompsons.co.za

    Travel Trade
    Tel: +27 11 770 7700
    Email: info@thompsons.co.za

    IATA

    ASATA
    SATSA

    Get in touch

    travel@thompsons.co.za

    Agents

    info@thompsons.co.za

    Agent login


    © Copyright to Thompsons Holidays
    SECURE ONLINE PAYMENTS
    Disclaimer Terms of use

    Please update your browser. You are currently using an outdated browser which could lead to functionality and security risks. For the best and most secure experience on our website, please download and install Google Chrome.

    GET CHROME