Garden Route, South Africa
Paradise path: the 5 best nature hikes along the Garden Route
The best Garden Route hikes to inspire your next outdoor adventure
The Garden Route is where the wild and wonderful meet. A paradise for hikers, this stretch of coastline offers more than just incredible scenery – it’s a playground for discovery. Picture yourself walking beneath ancient forests, the scent of earth and foliage in the air. Or navigating paths carved along towering cliffs, with the sound of waves reminding you just how alive the landscape is. This is the kind of place where nature puts on its best show. Join us as we delve into our favourite hikes that showcase the Garden Route’s natural beauty.
01
Otter Trail
The Otter Trail is where adventure meets South Africa’s untamed coastline. Stretching 45 kilometres over five days, this iconic hike starts at Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park and winds its way through pristine forests, dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches before ending in Nature’s Valley. Each step offers stunning views of the rugged seascape and lush indigenous forests. You need to be prepared for a physical challenge. The route involves steep climbs, river crossings and even a tidal schedule to tackle the formidable Bloukrans River. Timing low tide at Bloukrans is vital and the crossing can be tricky, so a sense of adventure – and a good plan – is a must. The trail is marked by overnight stays in basic, rustic huts that sleep up to twelve hikers each.
Otter Trail
Tsitsikamma National Park
Storms River
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ker Downey Africa
02
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
Hiking the St. Blaize Hiking Trail brings coastal beauty and historical intrigue, making it a must-experience trek along the Garden Route. This 13.5-kilometer path hugs the cliff edges from the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse in Mossel Bay to Dana Bay. You can hike the trail in either direction and there’s parking available at both starting points, which is handy for logistics. The route is moderately challenging, so it’s perfect if you have a decent fitness level and don’t mind a few uphill sections. Along the way, expect jaw-dropping ocean views, where the sound of crashing waves accompanies you. Keep an eye out too – dolphins are often spotted in the waters below and dassies might scuttle across your path. If you are into history, the Cape St. Blaize Cave, located beneath the lighthouse, offers a fascinating glimpse into human habitation that dates back over 80,000 years.
St. Blaize Hiking Trail
Mossel Bay
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ostrich Trails
03
Kranshoek Coastal Trail
The Kranshoek Coastal Trail is not your average hike – this 9-kilometre loop is designed for adventurers who don’t mind working up a sweat in exchange for extraordinary views. The hike begins with a steep descent into a forested gorge, following the sound of a stream that leads you towards the coastline. Once you reach the rocky shoreline, the scenery is breathtaking. Rugged cliffs, crashing waves and panoramic ocean views accompany you as you traverse this wild stretch. This part of the hike is not for the faint-hearted, with loose rocks and uneven terrain requiring careful footing. Bring along sturdy shoes and water – hydration is key for this challenging trail. The climb back up is steep but rewarding. You’ll gain elevation and arrive at a plateau offering views of the coastline and the surrounding fynbos-covered hills.
Kranshoek Coastal Trail
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
04
Robberg Hiking Trail
Stretching across the striking Robberg Peninsula, the Robberg Hiking Trail near Plettenberg Bay offers three route options to suit different abilities, with distances starting at 2 kilometres, up to the full 9 kilometre loop, which takes roughly 4 hours to complete. Starting at the CapeNature gate, the trail carries you through a natural playground of cliffs, golden beaches and ancient stone formations. One of the highlights we loved was the seal colony – a sight to behold as the Cape fur seals lounge and bark along the rocky shores. The dramatic views don’t stop there. The Point section rewards you with sightings of seabirds like gannets and cormorants and during the right season (June to November), Southern right whales might even make an appearance. The geological history is just as fascinating. Rocks here are relics of ancient Gondwanaland, their layers telling stories from over 100 million years ago.
Robberg Hiking Trail
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
05
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is a serene escape into the lush beauty of the Wilderness National Park. This 7.2-kilometre trail, which takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete, begins near the Touw River’s west bank, close to the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp. From the start, it immerses you in shady forests filled with towering yellowwoods and if you’re lucky, you might catch a flash of the Knysna Loerie or hear a Fish Eagle’s distant call. One of the trail’s standout features is the river crossing via either stepping stones or a hand-operated pontoon. Once across, a well-maintained boardwalk takes you deeper into the forest, offering elevated views and a front-row seat to birds darting through the treetops. The trail culminates at a beautiful waterfall, where you can dip in the natural pools surrounded by greenery. It’s an ideal spot to pause with a picnic.
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
Waterside Rd
Hoekwil
Wilderness
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ostrich Trails
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