19.09.2025

Things to do along the Garden Route

The Garden Route is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Traveling along this scenic route in a campervan provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and activities. Here’s a guide to some of the top activities along the Garden Route that complement campervan travel:

  1. Knysna Lagoon Cruises
    Experience the enchantment of Knysna with a boat cruise across the lagoon. This activity is ideal for campervan travelers, offering a relaxing way to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and the iconic Knysna Heads.
  2. Hiking in Nature Reserves
    From Wilderness National Park to Tsitsikamma Forest, the Garden Route is packed with hiking trails. Many of these reserves have designated parking and access points perfect for campervans, allowing you to explore pristine beaches, waterfalls, and lush forests on foot.
  3. Bungee Jumping and Adrenaline Adventures
    For thrill-seekers, the Bloukrans Bridge offers the world’s highest commercial bungee jump. Campervan travelers can easily access the site, making it a memorable stop for adrenaline junkies.
  4. Whale Watching Tours
    Between July and November, the coastline comes alive with whale activity. Many coastal towns along the route, such as Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, offer whale-watching excursions that can be conveniently combined with your campervan itinerary.
  5. Surfing and Water Sports
    The beaches of Jeffrey’s Bay, Plettenberg Bay, and Victoria Bay are renowned for their excellent surf breaks. Campervan travelers can enjoy the flexibility of catching waves and exploring remote beaches at their leisure.
  6. Visit Cango Caves
    Located inland near Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are an incredible underground wonder. Many campervan parks are close by, making it easy to include this fascinating tour in your itinerary.
  7. Wildlife Encounters
    Swaziland (Eswatini) and nearby game reserves offer opportunities for safari experiences, allowing travelers to spot elephants, lions, and rhinos. Campsites and parks are well-equipped for campervans.
  8. Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting
    South Africa’s famous wines can be tasted in the vineyards near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Campervans make it easy to hop from winery to winery while enjoying local cuisine and scenic views.

Want more? Check out Mark Harpur’s Journey as he ‘Scratches the Southern Coast’ or have a go at the ‘Happy Challenge & Win Big!’

The Garden Route is a campervan paradise, offering diverse activities that cater to adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation alike. With the flexibility of a campervan, you can tailor your journey to include the activities that excite you most, making for an unforgettable South African adventure. Choose your campervan, hit the road, and discover the magic of the Garden Route!

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