Garden Route 
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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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.
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.
Related Attractions
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Big Tree
1km/.75mi east of Storms River a signpost on N 2 points the way (500m/550yd) to the Big Tree (Groot Boom), a gigantic yellowwood tree which is said to be 800 years old, making it South Africa's oldest as well as its largest tree. Its crown has a circumference of 33m/108ft and it takes eight people to encircle its trunk.
Goukamma Nature Reserve
A few km/mi east of the Wilderness National Park, straddling the estuary of the Goukamma River, is the Goukamma Nature Reserve established to protect this region of dunes with its distinctive bird life. It is reached from the road to Buffel's Bay; the reserve must then be explored on foot.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Garden of Eden
15km/9mi east of Knysna is a popular picnic spot known as the Garden of Eden, with a forest nature trail.
Glentana (Herold's Bay)
Beyond the coastal resort of Great Brak River N 2 and R 102 run rather farther inland, but the scenery is still magnificent, with beautiful views of the Outeniqua Mountains. Side roads run south to the quiet little resorts of Glentana and Herold's Bay, both of which have beautiful beaches and consist mainly of holiday bungalows.
Paul Sauer Bridge
At the east end of the Garden Route (3km/2mi east of the Big Tree) is the Paul Sauer Bridge. The bridge, 190m/210yd long, spans the Storms River at a height of 130m/425ft (restaurant, picnic spots).
Timberlake Organic Village
Timberlake Village features organic products including vegetables and herbs that are harvested daily. There is a play area for children, and a Fantasy Garden with interesting characters including the Giant Dragon Guardian. The Timberlake Barn hosts demonstrations and lectures as well as a local art gallery.
Tsitsikamma State Forest
From a viewpoint to the west of the bridge there is a fine prospect of the Tsitsikamma State Forest, on the north side of N 2. This expanse of natural rain forest contains many giant trees rising to heights of 50m/165ft or more, some of them with long trailing "beards" of lichen. Mushrooms, toadstools and mosses flourish in the damp conditions. From the Paul Sauer Bridge there is a 4km/2.5mi mile long hiking trail to the Big Tree.
Wilderness
At the holiday resort of Wilderness there are hotels, restaurants and shops, and of course beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. Wilderness is also a good base from which to explore Wilderness National Park.
