Few road journeys offer as many changes of scenery as a drive through South Africa’s southern coast.
The Garden Route brings together beaches, forests, lagoons, mountains and small coastal towns along a journey that can be explored at a relaxed pace. The route generally runs between Mossel Bay and Storms River, with places such as Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay providing popular stops.
The beauty of the journey is that there is no single way to experience it.
In one town, travellers can walk along the beach. In another, they can explore indigenous forest, kayak across a lagoon or hike along dramatic coastal paths.
Knysna offers a mix of waterfront scenery and forests, while Plettenberg Bay provides beaches and outdoor activities. Further east, Tsitsikamma brings dense forest and rugged coastline.
For the adventurous, there are opportunities for hiking and, around the Garden Route, activities such as bungee jumping and water-based adventures.
Food is another reason to take the journey slowly. Coastal restaurants, farm stalls and wine estates provide opportunities to experience the flavours of the region rather than simply passing through.
And the road trip does not have to end at Storms River.
Travellers with more time can continue towards Gqeberha and combine the coastal journey with a safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Alternatively, the journey can form part of a wider trip beginning in Cape Town and extending through the Winelands and along the coast.
That versatility is what makes the Garden Route special.
It is a journey for people who want adventure, but equally for those who simply want to drive slowly, stop often and watch the landscape change.
In South Africa, sometimes the road itself is the destination.
