Garden Route

城市概覽

The Garden Route is the name given to the 170 km Mossel Bay to Storms River section of the 700 km route between Cape Town and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). This route, which runs roughly east-west, lies between the Indian Ocean to the south and the Langeberg-Outeniqua mountain range to the north. The mountain range is between 10 and 30 km from the sea. On average, the area receives 700 mm rain per annum with average summer high of 25°C and, at sea level, an average winter low of 7°C, though snow is often seen on the mountains during the winter months (July-August). The sea, which is fed by the warm Mozambique current has a typical temperature of 21°C. The Garden Route District Municipality also includes the area commonly known as the Little Karoo (Afrikaans: Klein Karoo) and includes the town of Oudtshoorn as well as the Hessequa region around Ladismith and Calitzdorp. This semi-arid region is known for farming, including ostrich- and sheep-farming, and is home to award-winning wine- and olive farms too. Since there are no easy routes inland from this section of coastline, the area has not attracted much industry other than forestry. With the development of good roads during the last 50 years it become one of South Africa's popular tourist areas.

如何抵達

By plane There are regular domestic flights to George and Port Elizabeth. The nearest international airport is in Cape Town.

By car The Garden Route is part of the N2 (highway linking Cape Town to Durban and beyond). It is easily reached from

Cape Town: Follow the N2 highway eastwards for 350 km to arrive at Mossel Bay. Durban, Port Elizabeth: Follow the N2 highway westwards (150 km from Port Elizabeth) to arrive at Storms River. Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein: Follow the N1 southwards as far as Colesburg, then follow the N9 (in total about 600 km from Bloemfontein). Either take the R339 at Uniondale for Knysna (70 km) or, when the N9 terminates, take the N12 for George (20 km) Kimberley: Follow the N12 southwards for about 620 km for George.

By bus The main companies (see South Africa#By bus) offer regular services along the Garden Route from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Some local companies like Potgieter Bussie, Langeberg or Gecko Tours operates in the area. The region is also on the Baz Bus route.

當地交通

The best way to tour the Route is by car. You can hire a car all the major towns along the Garden Route, but be aware of one-way fees for rental cars. The Choo-Tjoe is a 67 km narrow-guage steam railway that ran from George to Knysna. It provided freight and passenger services, and was a tourist attraction. It ceased operation in 2006 following a devastating flood. On 24 March 2025 a local newspaper reported that contracts for the rebuilding of the line had been awarded and that details between the contractor and the local municipality were in progress.

體驗活動

AfriCanyon, The Mill, The Crags, outside Plettenberg Bay, ☏ +27 44 53 8055, [email protected]. Canyoning experiences—locally known as "kloofing" — that include abseiling around waterfalls, swimming through natural rock pools, and optional cliff jumps. The Standard Full Monty trip features a unique rock pool zip-line and is suitable for adventurers aged 8 and up, with no prior experience required. Professionally trained guides ensure safety throughout the journey, making it an adventure for novices and seasoned thrill-seekers. Advance booking is usually necessary. Otter Trail, Storms River, ☏ +27 12 428-9111, [email protected]. The Otter Trail is a hiking trail along the Garden Route coast and is named for the Cape Clawless Otter which occurs in this region. This trail is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world and stretches from Storms River Mouth in the east to Nature's Valley in the west, is 26 km long as the crow flies and 41 km as the hiker walks. Walking the trail takes 5 days, and the 4 nights are spent in comfortable huts with superb views. Booking is necessary months in advance. Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail, Nature's Valley, ☏ +27 42 281-1712, [email protected]. The Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail journeys through lush forests and mountain fynbos. Ancient river gorges and abundant rivers and streams provide plentiful swimming opportunities. Beginning in Nature’s Valley and ending 60-km further at either the Storms River Bridge or Village, this six day, unidirectional trail takes hikers through the heart of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Shorter variations (2, 3, 4 or 5 days) are possible as each of the five overnight huts has its own unique access route. Advance booking is usually necessary. Outeniqua Trail, Beervlei, ☏ +27 42 281-1712, [email protected]. This spectacular trail can be conquered as a series of day walks or over a full seven day period, starting at Beervlei in the upper reaches of the Park and ending at Harkervil

購物

Timberlake, Halfway between Wilderness & Sedgefield (look out for wooden cabins on left if coming from George direction). Daily 09:00-17:00. Specialist retail cabins including: Confectionary, Cheese, Wine, 100% organic Health Shop, Fairy Gem, Eden Nursery with four fantastic eateries: Cafe d'Afrique coffee shop, Zucchini restaurant, Oyster Shack and Country Deli. La Carla mask atelier, [email protected] (between plett & knysna, on N2, 6km outside plett), ☏ +27 82 499-6295. Daily 09:00-17:00. The studio specializes in creating Unique Handcrafted Venetian Carnival Masks, next door to the Hot Chocolate Cafe. studio and shop open to public R125-1500.

美食

As a main tourist destination there are many restaurants for every taste. Enjoy superb fish from the ocean; Knysna is the place to taste some oysters.

Hot Chocolate Cafe, HH 32 Holt Hill Plettenbergbay (between Plettenbergbay & Knysna), ☏ +27 760544945. Daily 09:00-17:00. delectable Belgian chocolate products handmade on premises. R25.

住宿

There is no shortage of all kinds of accommodation but book ahead on weekends / holiday. Especially during the summer the Garden Route is a popular holiday destination, not only for foreign tourists but also for South Africans. If you are backpacking, the area has numerous hostels. Campers will find excellent facilities at sites like the Ebb and Flow campsite in Wilderness, [1] . The Tsitsikamma sites at Storms's River mouth and Nature's Valley are also places of scenic beauty, and out of season can be havens of peace where otters appear on the beach [2] . If its elephants that you're after then the best place to stay in is the Main Camp [3] located in the Addo Elephant National Park.

順遊推薦

Go ahead for Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. Jeffreys Bay is well-known for its surfing beaches. Visit an ostrich farm at Oudtshoorn (50 km north of George). Visit the Little Karoo - a valley 40 km north of the Garden Route demarcated by the Outeniqua Mountain range.