Garden Route mountains and landscape

Garden Route Guide

Explore the Garden Route

From championship golf courses to pristine beaches, ancient forests to whale watching — discover the best activities and attractions near your Kingsgate Houses stay.

Wilderness Beach & National Park
nature 20 min drive

Wilderness Beach & National Park

Wilderness

Pristine beach backed by indigenous forest, lakes, and hiking trails

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The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park encompasses a vast system of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and estuary connected to a magnificent stretch of beach. Activities include canoeing on the Touw River, the famous Kingfisher trail, bird watching with over 250 species, and simply enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches.

Insider Tips

The Touw River canoe trail is a must-do. Start early for hiking trails. Take binoculars for exceptional birding.

Tsitsikamma National Park
nature 2 hour drive

Tsitsikamma National Park

Storms River

Ancient forest, dramatic Storms River Mouth, and the famous suspension bridge

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Tsitsikamma is the crown jewel of the Garden Route National Park, featuring ancient Yellowwood forests, a rugged coastline, and the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge.

Insider Tips

The suspension bridge walk rewards with incredible views. Book the Otter Trail 6-12 months in advance.

Robberg Nature Reserve
nature 1 hour drive

Robberg Nature Reserve

Plettenberg Bay

Peninsula hiking trail with seal colonies, dolphins, and whale watching

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Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering spectacular circular hiking trails around a dramatic rocky peninsula.

Insider Tips

Take the full circuit trail for the best experience. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Hermanus Whale Watching
nature 4 hour drive

Hermanus Whale Watching

Hermanus

The best land-based whale watching in the world from June to November

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Hermanus is globally renowned as one of the best land-based whale watching destinations. Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay from June to November to calve.

Insider Tips

Peak whale season is September-October. Walk the cliff path from New Harbour to Grotto Beach.

Cliff Path Walk Hermanus
nature 4 hour drive

Cliff Path Walk Hermanus

Hermanus

12km scenic coastal path with whale viewing, rock pools, and ocean vistas

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The Hermanus Cliff Path is a spectacular 12km walking trail that hugs the coastline from New Harbour to Grotto Beach.

Insider Tips

Start at the Old Harbour Museum and walk east. Best done in morning or late afternoon.

Map of Africa Viewpoint
nature 25 min drive

Map of Africa Viewpoint

Wilderness

Iconic viewpoint in Wilderness where the river forms the shape of Africa

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The Map of Africa viewpoint in Wilderness offers one of the most unique views on the Garden Route. From a lookout point, you can see the Kaaimans River valley form the unmistakable shape of the African continent.

Insider Tips

Best photographed in afternoon light. Combine with a visit to Wilderness Beach. Free to visit.

Make the Garden Route Your Home Base

Stay in one of our luxury properties on Kingswood Golf Estate and explore everything the Garden Route has to offer. All attractions are easily accessible for unforgettable day trips.

Your Complete Guide to the Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route stretches along South Africa's south-eastern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River, encompassing some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world. From Kingsgate Houses at Kingswood Golf Estate in George, you're perfectly positioned to explore it all.

Golf on the Garden Route

George is the golfing capital of the Garden Route. With Kingswood Golf Club right on your doorstep and the legendary Fancourt Estate just 10 minutes away, golfers are in paradise. Other notable courses include Oubaai Golf Estate in Herolds Bay, Simola in Knysna, and Pezula in Knysna — all within easy driving distance of your Kingsgate Houses accommodation.

Beaches Near George

The Garden Route coastline offers everything from sheltered swimming coves to world-class surf breaks. Victoria Bay (15 min), Herolds Bay (15 min), and Wilderness Beach (20 min) are the closest to George. Further afield, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna offer stunning beaches backed by indigenous forest.

Nature & Adventure

The Garden Route is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking in Tsitsikamma, canoeing in Wilderness, mountain biking at the Garden Route Trail Park, and the world's highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge are just the beginning of the adventure activities on offer.

Hermanus & Whale Watching

Kingsgate Houses also has properties in Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world. From June to November, Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay to calve, providing incredible land-based viewing opportunities. The famous Cliff Path Walk offers 12km of spectacular coastal scenery.

Family Activities

The Garden Route is a fantastic family destination. Redberry Farm's hedge maze and berry picking, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden primate and bird sanctuaries, the Outeniqua Transport Museum, and countless beaches with tidal pools make it perfect for children of all ages.

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