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The best-kept secrets of
things to do in the Garden Route.

Discover the best Garden Route outdoor activities for families, including the most popular, AND our best-kept secrets. Everything from the Cango Caves and Robberg Nature Reserve to places you have never heard of.

Discover the best Garden Route outdoor activities for families, including the most popular, AND our best-kept secrets. Everything from the Cango Caves and Robberg Nature Reserve to places you have never heard of.

The Garden Route is a breathtaking coastal stretch in South Africa.

The Garden Route is a breathtaking coastal stretch in South Africa.

Located approximately 4 hours from Cape Town, the Garden Route is a breathtaking coastal stretch in South Africa that spans over 300 kilometres between Mossel Bay and Storms River. This haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers offers diverse activities and attractions, making it a popular destination for travellers worldwide. From stunning landscapes and pristine Blue Flag beaches to wildlife reserves and various outdoor activities, the Garden Route has something for everyone to enjoy.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with toodoo.co.za – your ultimate guide to discovering the Garden Route! 

With its stunning landscapes, pristine Blue Flag beaches, wildlife reserves, and a variety of outdoor activities, the Garden Route has something for everyone to enjoy.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with toodoo.co.za – your ultimate guide to discovering the Garden Route! 

Recently Added

10 Best FREE Things to Do in the Garden Route

Discover 10 free and unforgettable things to do on the Garden Route, perfect for locals and travelers looking for adventure!

10 Best FREE Things to Do in the Garden Route

Discover 10 free and unforgettable things to do on the Garden Route, perfect for locals and travelers looking for adventure!
Bright yellow Elvis Brew sign with "Elvis Blue" logo, established during lockdown.

Coffee at Elvis Brew and Plant Shopping Near George Airport

Start your Saturday with a great cup of coffee at Elvis Brew near George Airport, then browse plants at Bargain Nursery.
Bright yellow Elvis Brew sign with "Elvis Blue" logo, established during lockdown.

Coffee at Elvis Brew and Plant Shopping Near George Airport

Start your Saturday with a great cup of coffee at Elvis Brew near George Airport, then browse plants at Bargain Nursery.

Activities

Green mamba snake coiled on a tree branch

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary: Reptile Adventures

Discover snakes, lizards, and more at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary near Plettenberg Bay. An educational adventure for all ages.
Green mamba snake coiled on a tree branch

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary: Reptile Adventures

Discover snakes, lizards, and more at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary near Plettenberg Bay. An educational adventure for all ages.
Player running for cover at Jesters of War Airsoft field.

Battle it Out at Jesters of War Airsoft in George

Get your adrenaline pumping at Jesters of War in George. Perfect for team events, birthday parties, and weekend skirmishes with all gear provided.
Player running for cover at Jesters of War Airsoft field.

Battle it Out at Jesters of War Airsoft in George

Get your adrenaline pumping at Jesters of War in George. Perfect for team events, birthday parties, and weekend skirmishes with all gear provided.

Secret Garden: Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail

Embark on a journey through the serene beauty of the Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail, a hidden gem.

Secret Garden: Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail

Embark on a journey through the serene beauty of the Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail, a hidden gem.

Events

Crowd mingling and shopping at the busy Wild Oats Farmers Market.
Saturday, November 16, 2024

Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market

Experience farm-to-table at its best with fresh produce and vibrant community spirit.
Crowd mingling and shopping at the busy Wild Oats Farmers Market.
Saturday, November 16, 2024

Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market

Experience farm-to-table at its best with fresh produce and vibrant community spirit.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Play Chess at Fairy Knowe Backpackers Chess Club

Join the chess club at Fairy Knowe Backpackers for fast-paced games every Tuesday night.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Play Chess at Fairy Knowe Backpackers Chess Club

Join the chess club at Fairy Knowe Backpackers for fast-paced games every Tuesday night.
Saturday, November 16, 2024

Experience the Sedgefield Mosaic Market

Discover a colorful Saturday market with crafts, food, music, and family fun.
Saturday, November 16, 2024

Experience the Sedgefield Mosaic Market

Discover a colorful Saturday market with crafts, food, music, and family fun.

Camping

Boat-camp-fish at Island Lake Holiday Resort in Wilderness

Experience the Perfect Blend of Boating and Camping in Garden Route.

Boat-camp-fish at Island Lake Holiday Resort in Wilderness

Experience the Perfect Blend of Boating and Camping in Garden Route.

Afri Eco Resort near Wilderness

The very definition of “glamping”. You will love getting spoiled at the Afri Eco campsite near Wilderness with campsites AND fully catered tented sites. Great sunsets, lots to do and plenty of luxury to go around.

Afri Eco Resort near Wilderness

The very definition of “glamping”. You will love getting spoiled at the Afri Eco campsite near Wilderness with campsites AND fully catered tented sites. Great sunsets, lots to do and plenty of luxury to go around.

ATKV Hartenbos Caravan Park

Come and enjoy what is great about Afrikaans culture along with the beautiful views of the ocean. Plenty to do for young and old at this iconic ATKV resort from heated pools to mini golf, restaurants, a waterpark and much more.

ATKV Hartenbos Caravan Park

Come and enjoy what is great about Afrikaans culture along with the beautiful views of the ocean. Plenty to do for young and old at this iconic ATKV resort from heated pools to mini golf, restaurants, a waterpark and much more.

Sightseeing

Plate of oysters and wine at Oysters R Us near Timberlake

Best Fresh Oysters at Oysters R Us

Enjoy the best fresh oysters and charming views at Oysters Are Us near Timberlake.
Plate of oysters and wine at Oysters R Us near Timberlake

Best Fresh Oysters at Oysters R Us

Enjoy the best fresh oysters and charming views at Oysters Are Us near Timberlake.
Moonlight Meander

Discovering the Nighttime Marvels

Starting a Moonlight Meander feels like entering a different realm, lit not by sunlight but by the gentle glow of the moon.
Moonlight Meander

Discovering the Nighttime Marvels

Starting a Moonlight Meander feels like entering a different realm, lit not by sunlight but by the gentle glow of the moon.
Bright yellow Elvis Brew sign with "Elvis Blue" logo, established during lockdown.

Coffee at Elvis Brew and Plant Shopping Near George Airport

Start your Saturday with a great cup of coffee at Elvis Brew near George Airport, then browse plants at Bargain Nursery.
Bright yellow Elvis Brew sign with "Elvis Blue" logo, established during lockdown.

Coffee at Elvis Brew and Plant Shopping Near George Airport

Start your Saturday with a great cup of coffee at Elvis Brew near George Airport, then browse plants at Bargain Nursery.

Looking for something to do on a cloudy windy rainy sunny day, with two small kids and a dog?

Looking for something to do but not sure where to start and don’t want to end up being stuck at the mall? Let us make a few suggestions based on your needs and budget requirements. 

Looking for something to
do on a day?

Looking for something to do but not sure where to start? Let us make a few suggestions based on your needs. 

What is the Garden Route?

The Garden Route is a beautiful and popular stretch of coastline in South Africa, known for its lush indigenous forests, sandy Blue Flag beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. The region is home to many towns, each with its own unique charm and attractions.

The Garden Route spans 200 kilometers from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape.

Knysna Lagoon

Which towns are in the Garden Route

Along this stretch of coastline, several towns attract tourists from all over the world. In total, there are around 20 towns in the Garden Route, each with its own distinct character.

Starting from the western end of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay is the first town that you will encounter. This historic town has a rich maritime history and is home to several museums and cultural attractions. It is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and has several beaches and surfing spots.

As you continue along the coast, you will come across the towns of George and Wilderness. George, the largest town in the Garden Route, is renowned for its natural beauty and boasts several top-rated golf courses, including the world-renowned Fancourt Links Golf Course. Designed by Gary Player and opened in 2000, this course has gained international acclaim.

Wilderness, on the other hand, is a quieter town that is popular among nature lovers and birdwatchers. The town has several hiking trails and nature reserves where you can see a variety of wildlife and plant species.

As you continue eastwards, you will come across the towns of Sedgefield, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. Sedgefield is a small, sleepy town that is known for its weekly markets and tranquil lagoon. Knysna is a bustling town that is famous for its oysters and scenic beauty. It is also home to several attractions such as the Knysna Heads and the Knysna Elephant Park.

Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as it is commonly known, is a popular holiday destination with several beaches, nature reserves, and adventure activities.

Finally, at the eastern end of the Garden Route, you will find Storms River village(Storms Rivier as it is known to locals). Storms River is situated in the Tsitsikamma National Park and is known for its rugged beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and bungee jumping.

Whether you are looking for a bustling holiday destination or a quiet town to relax and unwind, there is something for everyone in the Garden Route. So why not plan a trip and explore this beautiful part of South Africa for yourself?

What are the names of the other towns in the Garden Route?

The Garden Route encompasses a total of 20 towns, stretching from west to east; these towns include Mossel Bay, Hartenbos, Little Brak River, Great Brak River, Glentana, Herolds Bay, George, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Rheenendal, Brenton, Barrington, Plettenberg Bay, Keurboomstrand, Nature’s Valley, The Crags, Kurland, and Storms River. While the list covers all significant towns along the route, there are also several smaller villages and settlements located within the area.

If you want to tag any of these posts in your social media posts you could use one of their existing tags, they include #plettitsafeeling #iconicmosselbay #wilderness #Sedgefield #knysna

Where does the name Knysna come from?

The name Knysna is derived from the Khoisan word “Xthuys Xna“, which means “place of wood” or “fern leaves“.

The Khoisan were the indigenous people who lived in the area before the arrival of Europeans. They named the area after the Knysna River, which flows into the Knysna Lagoon and out to the Indian Ocean.

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