South Africa’s favourite coastal stretch, the Garden Route is one of the best places to explore. With everything from breathtaking scenery to magical outdoor experiences, there is plenty to keep young and old entertained.
In this post, we look at the top ten activities for couples to enjoy in the gorgeous Garden Route:
#1 Explore Robberg Nature Reserve
Situated just outside Plettenberg Bay, Robberg is both a nature reserve and World Heritage Site. It is loved for its incredible beauty, history and of course, the outdoor activities one can enjoy here.
Robberg is great for couples to explore, whether you enjoy adventure or peaceful walks in nature.
For permit bookings, pricing, reserve activities and other information, please see the Cape Nature website.
Contact: +27 (044) 533 2125/85
Website: www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
Address: Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Visit the Cango Caves
As one of South Africa’s most incredible natural attractions and a tourist destination of note, a visit to the Garden Route is not complete until one has explored the Cango Caves.
Couples can enjoy exploring this fascinating labyrinth of underground caves on their own or through guided tours.
Either way, this is a wonderful activity, especially for nature and history lovers.
Contact: +27 (066) 486 9475,
+27 (082) 303 0029, reservations@cangocaves.co.za
Website: www.cango-caves.co.za
Address: Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Take a Drive up Swartberg Pass
If you aren’t too afraid of heights and roadside drops, then a drive up the scenic Swartberg Pass is another timeless Garden Route experience.
This pass is a marvel and it is worth driving up it slowly to appreciate its full beauty – and views!
Along the way, stop and snap some photos to showcase your romantic, yet thrilling roadtrip adventure in the Cape mountains.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Head to Birds of Eden
For animal lovers, Birds of Eden is one of the Garden Route’s most amazing places.
This unique bird sanctuary spans over a gorge of indigenous forest and is home to some 3500 birds.
Visitors can enjoy lovely self-guided tours of this wonderful sanctuary or opt for guided tours. These are available on request.
For more information on pricing and other details, please visit their website directly.
Contact: +27 (044) 534 8906
Website: www.birdsofeden.co.za
Address: Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Pop into Redberry Farm
If you are looking for a taste of country life and some sweet, fruity goodness, look no further than the popular, family-friendly Redberry Farm.
Here, couples can enjoy everything from picking their own strawberries to savouring artisanal eateries and more.
Rediscover your inner child and have a fun date with your lover at this delightful Cape farm.
Contact: +27 (044) 870 7123
Email: info@redberryfarm.co.za
Website: www.redberryfarm.co.za
Address: Redberry Farm, Blanco, George, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Savour the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
Considered by many to be the ‘jewel’ of the Garden Route, this 7.2km trail is perfect for couples who love hiking in nature.
Hikers can obtain their permits from Ebb and Flow rest camp within the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park and then set off on a breathtaking forest hike.
A highlight is the local waterfall, river and crystal clear rock pools, perfect for picnics and refreshing swims.
This moderate hike has a conservation fee and requires a permit. For more on this hiking trail, please see the SANParks website.
Contact: N/A
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/wilderness/tourism/hiking.php
Address: Wilderness section, Garden Route National Park, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Dine out in a top Garden Route Restaurant
If nature and adventure leave you with a hearty appetite, rest assured in knowing that the Garden Route also offers a great selection of restaurants to enjoy.
These include: Upstairs at Rosie’s, Seafood at The Plettenberg, East Head Cafe and Nina’s Cafe to name only a few.
Treat yourself and your lover to a tasty meal (or meals) in the beautiful Garden Route.
Contact: Various
Website: Various
Address: The Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Go on Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge
Another unmissable Garden Route experience is a safari/game drive experience and thankfully, the award-winning Garden Route Game Lodge near Albertinia has you covered in that regard.
Here, you can enjoy incredible game drives and so much more. Enjoy seeing the Big 5 at this special Garden Route gem.
For safari pricing and other info, please contact the lodge directly.
Contact: +27 (028) 735 1200
Website: grgamelodge.co.za
Address: Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Zipline in the Tsitsikamma Forest
For adventure lovers and thrill seekers, the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is an unmissable local attraction. Soar above the forest and enjoy breathtaking views as you fly through the air.
Few things are as thrilling and fun as these zipline tours and it is a great bonding experience for couples to enjoy.
For pricing and other info, please see their website.
Contact: +27 (042) 281 1836
Website: www.canopytour.co.za/locations/tsitsikamma
Address: Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Visit Jukani Wildlife Santuary
Last but far from least we have the special Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Here, where rescued Big Cats find a safe haven, visitors can enjoy an educational, inspiring visit.
More importantly, you are helping raise awareness about “the plight of large predators in captivity, in South Africa and all over the world.”
For more information, please see the sanctuary’s website.
Contact: +27 (044);534 8409, info@jukani.co.za
Website: www.jukani.co.za
Address: Jukani, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best couple activities to enjoy in the Garden Route!