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Garden Route, South Africa

5 nature-filled things to see and do along the Garden Route

Exploring the best of South Africa’s Garden Route

The Garden Route journeys through some of South Africa’s most captivating landscapes. Stretching between Mossel Bay and Storms River, this iconic route is a paradise if you love nature and adventure and crave a connection to the great outdoors. On this stretch of heaven on earth, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the scenery. Here you will find towering forests, dramatic coastlines and serene lagoons, all waiting to be explored. We’ve handpicked the must-see spots and experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the region, with just a touch of adventure to keep things exciting.

Storms River Western Cape South Africa

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Storms River

Tubing or kayaking on the Storms River is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the heart of Tsitsikamma National Park. The adventure begins at the river’s mouth, where you paddle through dark waters flanked by towering cliffs covered in vegetation. The river’s natural beauty captures your attention immediately, with the steep canyon walls and overhanging trees creating a calm atmosphere. As you glide deeper into the gorge, the waters give way to hidden caves and a sense of untamed wilderness. Many guided tours also include an opportunity to switch from kayaks to inflatable lilos, allowing you to explore narrower sections of the gorge.

Storms River
Tsitsikamma
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Untouched Adventures

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Storms River Mouth Bridge Storm River Eastern Cape South Africa

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Storms River Mouth Bridge

The Storms River Mouth Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning 77 metres, is one of the must-visit landmarks in Tsitsikamma National Park. Located where the Storms River meets the ocean, the bridge offers you breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the churning waters below. Getting to the bridge involves a relatively easy hike through the park’s coastal forest, where you’ll pass through Indigenous vegetation and might even spot wildlife like dassies or colourful birds. Once on the bridge, the experience is exhilarating – it sways slightly with the motion of your steps, adding a bit of adventure to your walk. The viewpoint just beyond the bridge is the perfect spot for photos, with panoramic views of the river gorge and the Indian Ocean.

Storms River
Tsitsikamma
South Africa

Book now through The African Voyager

Point of Human Origins Mossel Bay Western Cape South Africa

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The Point of Human Origins

When you stand at the Point of Human Origins in Mossel Bay, it’s hard not to feel the weight of history beneath your feet. This remarkable archaeological site has revealed evidence of early modern human behaviour that dates back an astonishing 160,000 years – placing it among the most significant heritage sites in the world. Researchers have uncovered tools, pigments and remains that tell the story of how our early ancestors hunted, gathered and even used fire with ingenuity. What fascinates us most is how these early humans thrived, especially their groundbreaking use of coastal resources. Archaeologists believe this is one of the first places where people turned to the oceans for survival, feasting on shellfish and other marine life to sustain themselves through climate changes. The surrounding area also offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, making it a visually stunning and intellectually enriching experience.

The Point of Human Origins
Pinnacle Point
Mossel Bay
South Africa

Cango Caves Oudtshoorn Western Cape South Africa

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Cango Caves

Few places make you feel as small and as awestruck as the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Discovered in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus van Zyl, these limestone caves have become one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. Stretching into the depths of the Swartberg Mountains, this 20-million-year-old geological wonder offers a glimpse into a world shaped by time, water and mineral artistry. The caves are renowned for their dramatic dripstone formations. You have to see the towering Cleopatra’s Needle, a 150,000-year-old stalactite. If you are brave and adventurous you can visit the Devil’s Chimney, where you need to crawl and climb through tight passageways – it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Cango Caves
Cango Caves Rd
Oudtshoorn
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Cango Caves

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Touw River Kayak Wilderness Western Cape South Africa
Touw River Kayak Wilderness Western Cape South Africa

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Touw River

The Touw River, flowing through the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, offers a kayaking experience that combines serenity with scenic beauty. This gentle river winds through forests, wetlands and reed-lined banks. Kayaking here is a relaxing escape, where you will spot birds such as kingfishers and cormorants and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of otters. Many tours include stops to explore the forested trails or swim in natural pools along the way. We highly recommend a swim in these beautiful rock pools, it’s refreshing and you get a chance to really take in the beauty around you!

Touw River
Wilderness
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Beach House Backpackers

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