6 Fun Facts about South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa is home to some of the world's most beautiful regions - and the Garden Route is one of them.

This lush, green, scenic stretch along the southeastern coast of the country is not only special to look at, but is home to a plethora of wildlife, some exciting activities, and sea-side holiday towns which will give you the chance to truly escape the craziness of life.

Here are 6 fun facts you need to know about the Garden Route:

1 - 300km of scenic delight

The Garden Route officially starts at Mossel Bay in the Western Cape (some say it's actually Swellendam) and ends at the Eastern Cape's Tsitsikamma forests. This 300km stretch along the N2 is filled with glorious landscapes of mountains, forests, ocean, white sand beaches, and rivers.

2 - The world's second mildest climate

Thanks to its warm summers and wet winters, the Garden Route is considered to be the second mildest climate in the world behind the island of Hawaii in the United States. The best time of year to visit the region is between September and April, with marine life sightings - whales and their friends - best around September/October.

BOOK NOW: Garden Route adventures for you to discover

3 - A haven for wildlife

The Garden Route is said to be home to over 300 bird species (look out for the Knysna Loerie) and a number of land animals such as bushpigs, baboons, leopards, caracals, bushbuck, and vervet monkeys. A lone female elephant named Strangefoot is the last known Knysna elephant in the wilds of the Garden Route National Park (the park includes the Tsitsikamma, Wilderness, and Knysna areas), but you can see elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park, which was established in 1994 as a way to preserve the legacy of the region's long history of being home to these magnificent beasts.

4 - Home to a record-breaking bungee jump

The Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, where adrenaline junkies can dive off the bridge a full 216 metres above the ground (not for me, thanks). You can book your bungee jump here.

5 - A UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve

Designated in 2017, the Garden Route National Park, as well as the protected marine areas (Tsitsikamma being one) and wetlands of the region, all fall under the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves banner. This designation ensures conservation, sustainable development, and research all play a part in protecting and enhancing this special part of South Africa.

6 - Sea-side charm to help you relax

It really is a case of take your pick when it comes to choosing a place to rest your head along the Garden Route. Every little town dotted along the route has its own special charm. Knysna, Mossel Bay, and George are the main towns, while places like Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Plettenberg Bay provide that sea-side charm you've been dreaming about visiting.

BOOK NOW: Garden Route accommodation for every budget

Time Out South Africa Recommends:

📍 The best things to do in Cape Town
📍 The best things to do in Durban
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg