The Garden Route is nestled between the Indian Ocean (south) and the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains (north). It is a lush region with indigenous forests, mountain ranges, rivers, lagoons, rugged coastlines, beaches and marine protected areas. Ideal for outdoor activities like sandboarding, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area is a true hikers paradise, located in the Langeberg Mountains, to the north of Heidelberg. Over 60km of marked paths and some overnight campsite offer an excellent nature experience. Picture 14.000ha of dramatic mountainous terrain with lush Fynbos and fragments of indigenous forests. Giving daily access to a limited number of people, Boosmansbos really gives you that feeling of being isolated from the outside world.

The Garden Route National Park consists of several sections. The Tsitsikamma section has dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers and lush forests. The Knysna section has a tidal lagoon and open estuary. The Wilderness section has rivers, lakes, estuaries and beaches. The diversity in vegetation, wildlife and activities here is enormous. Excellent for whale watching, snorkeling, diving, birding and hiking on some of the many hiking trails through the forests and along the coastline.

The Gondwana Private Game Reserve is located to the north-west of Mossel Bay and offers a unique safari experience. Here you can see the Big 5, over 15 species of antelope and 17 species of carnivore. Gondwana is also home to the endangered Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and the Sable antelope. You can take game drives and guided bush walks through these rolling hills, covered in Fynbos. Beautiful valleys and a stunning mountainous backdrop will provide lasting memories.

The Goukamma Nature Reserve is located along the coast, between Sedgefield and Knysna. The reserve has a couple of different habitats like dense forests, coastal dunes covered with Fynbos, a long sandy beach with sandstone cliffs, lakes, rivers and estuaries. It boasts over 220 bird species and some small mammal species. You can even spot some whales and dolphins out at sea. Flora and fauna are best experienced via the 4 hiking trails, ranging between 2h and 6h, or canoeing up and down the river.

The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is a small (250ha) reserve located to the north-east of Heidelberg. It is one of the largest remaining indigenous forest in the Langeberg region. Dozens of tree species grow here including Stinkwood, Yellowwood, Red Alder and Ironwood. Some of the trees have grown very old and large, giving visitors a magical and fairytale like feeling. 2 hiking trails meander through these forests.

The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve lies north of Plettenberg Bay, alongside the Keurbooms River. This beautiful reserve is covered by forest, with trees such as Cape Beech, Giant Stinkwoods, Yellowwoods and of course Keurboom trees. There are no hiking trails through this reserve, so getting around is done by river. There is an overnight canoe-trail (7km) up to Whiskey Creek Cabin. The further up the river you go, the more you fall under Keurbooms’ spell.

The Robberg Nature Reserve is located to the south of Plettenberg Bay and is one of the highlights of the Garden Route. The peninsula is home to rugged cliffs, caves and sandy beaches. Most of the reserve is covered in Fynbos. There are 3 hiking trails that range between 1,5 and 9km in length. These will give you fantastic views across the bay and the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background. Along the coastline you can spot seal colonies, whales and dolphins further out and a variety of sea birds.