Garden Route

Provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape

The Garden Route (in Afrikaans, Tuinroete) is the name given to a 200km/125mi long stretch of National Highway 2 (N 2), which runs for a total distance of 2,000km/1,250mi, close to the coast of the Indian Ocean for most of the way, between Cape Town and Swaziland. The stretch of coast between Mossel Bay in the west and the mouth of the Storms River in the east is one of the classic South African tourist attractions, perhaps the most famous tourist route in the country. It is particularly busy in December and January.

The Garden Route runs along a narrow coastal terrace some 200m/650ft above sea level, with the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains rising to 1,875m/6,150ft as a backdrop. It passes through luxuriant tropical and planted pine forests, often reaching down to the coast, and every now and then crosses wild rivers flowing down from the mountains, cutting deep gorges through the basement rocks and in flatter areas (as in Nature's Valley) forming beautiful lagoons. There is a continual alternation between stretches of steep cliffs and gently sloping, empty beaches. Along the coast are many holiday resorts which attract visitors throughout the year. The climate is generally mild, and water temperatures average around 17°C/63°F. In contrast to the arid steppe-like hinterland, the coastal region has regular rainfall, fostering a wide range of vegetation. In the past the forests were much reduced by felling for timber, slash-and-burn cultivation and overgrazing, but in line with modern ecological thinking nature reserves have been established all along the route. There are now tree and flower reserves, state forests and bird parks, as well as one marine reserve.

The Garden Route follows N 2 all the way; but visitors should make a point of turning off the main road into smaller side roads and tracks leading to hidden beauties.