The Coastal Route stretches from Mossel Bay to Tsitsikamma and makes up a large stretch of the world famous Garden Route of South Africa. Although the route’s many pristine beaches and idyllic scenery are attractions in themselves, the route offers access to so much more than stunning backdrops. The route can include various meanders inland, each with their own exciting activities and attractions. Any trip on the Coastal Route can be extended to include the many attractions of both Cape town, Port Elizabeth and their surrounds.
With its indigenous forests, deep river gorges, waterfalls and mountains, Tsitsikamma is truly a nature-lover’s paradise. But it is what these beautiful landscapes hold for their visitors that establishes the area as one of South Africa’s most popular destinations. Adventure activities such as forest canopy tours and the world’s highest bungee jump combined with nature trails and Segway tours make Tsitsikamma not only the Garden of the Garden Route, but its playground as well. There is also a wide selection of accommodations to choose from, each one bringing comfortable lodgings and mouth-watering cuisine to the area’s beautiful scenery.
Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa’s favourite holiday destinations and it’s not hard to see why when you look out on one of its beautiful beaches. But Plett is so much more than just its paradise-like beaches. The idyllic coastal town is built on a hillside, giving many of its holiday accommodations a breath-taking view of the bay. A short walk around town will expose you to Plett’s culture and cuisine; a short drive out of town will reveal some of the area’s best kept secrets. Plett’s stretch of the Coastal Route promises many a stop-off, be it for quad-biking, a puzzle park, wolf sanctuary or just a home-baked pie for lunch. Whether you’re looking for an exciting stop-off during summer or just the right mix of great accommodation, cuisine and seaside scenery during its off-season, Plettenberg Bay has something for everybody throughout the year.
Knysna blends the best of Tsitsikamma’s forests and Plettenberg Bay’s idyllic coast, with a beautiful lagoon thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer to take things at a slower pace, Knysna – and its temperate climate – has something for you. The lagoon is open for fishing, kayaking, and boating, and a lagoon ferry cruise departing from the town’s waterfront is on offer. There are plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails on Knysna’s outskirts for those who aren’t persuaded by the many stalls, boutiques and restaurants that line its streets. The town is also famous for its oysters which can be enjoyed at a number of restaurants in and around its quays. Located at the heart of both the Coastal Route and Garden Route, Knysna has something for everybody, no matter the time of the year.
Wilderness is a small coastal town on the outskirts of George and offers a peaceful beach retreat for travellers who wish for blue skies, warm seas and uninterrupted relaxation. There are also plenty of nearby lakes and rivers for water-based activities. A short drive will take you to Mossel Bay, the unofficial end (or beginning) of the Coastal Route. The quaint seaside town is famous for its seafood, its lovely range of accommodations as well as its reputation for being one of the best whale-watching destinations in South Africa. Guests can book a whale watching boat tour or even enjoy a spot of deep-sea fishing.
The road less travelled is often the most exciting part of any journey and the Coastal Route offers plenty of fun-filled detours. Coastal resort towns like Nature’s Valley near Tsitsikamma and Groot Brak outside of Mossel Bay offer their visitors a secluded beach paradise with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing or just relaxing by the sea-side. Travellers can also enjoy an inland meander through Route 62 – the world-renowned wine route of South Africa’s Western Cape. Beginning in Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world, Route 62 features a host of picturesque towns. From Calitzdorp and its port production, to Robertson, the heart of the wine route, its many attractions will persuade you to extend your journey on the Coastal Route by a day (or week!)
We at East Cape Tours pride ourselves on being the experts on the Coastal Route. Let us help you plan a relaxing and unforgettable getaway through one of South Africa’s most popular holiday routes! Book your trip today!
Coastal Route Destinations
