Garden Route National Park - Western Cape
The Storm's River Bridge in the Garden Route National Park © Garden Route National Park - Western Cape
The Garden Route National Park, established in 2009, is one of South Africa’s most diverse and ecologically significant protected areas. The park was created by merging several existing conservation areas, including the Tsitsikamma National Park, the Wilderness National Park, and the Knysna National Lake Area, along with several smaller nature reserves. This unification was part of a broader conservation strategy to protect the unique biodiversity and scenic landscapes of the Garden Route region.
The park stretches along the southern coast of South Africa, covering over 1,210 square kilometers, and it is characterized by its incredible diversity of ecosystems. These include indigenous forests, fynbos, wetlands, rivers, and marine environments. The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the region. The park also boasts several historic sites and cultural landmarks, reflecting the rich human history of the area.
The Garden Route National Park is a major attraction for tourists, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and whale watching. Its creation marked a significant achievement in South African conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term preservation of one of the country’s most beautiful and ecologically important regions.
The park stretches along the scenic Garden Route, from Storms River in the east to George in the west, offering a variety of landscapes, from ancient forests to rugged coastlines. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails, including the famous Otter Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The park is also home to several rivers, lakes, and estuaries, making it a paradise for water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Interesting things about the Garden Route National Park:
1. Otter Trail: One of South Africa's most iconic hiking trails, the Otter Trail covers 42 kilometers along the coast, taking hikers through pristine forests, across rivers, and along rugged cliffs with spectacular ocean views. It's a challenging but rewarding trek, requiring advance bookings due to its popularity.
2. Storms River Mouth: A major attraction in the Tsitsikamma section, the Storms River Mouth offers visitors the chance to walk across a suspension bridge that spans the river, providing dramatic views of the river gorge and the Indian Ocean. The area is also popular for kayaking and snorkeling.
3. Knysna Forest: The Knysna section of the park is home to the largest remaining portion of Southern Afrotemperate forest in South Africa. These ancient forests are rich in biodiversity, with towering yellowwood trees, vibrant birdlife, and the elusive Knysna elephants, which are a rare sight.
4. Wilderness Lakes: The Wilderness area is characterized by a series of interconnected lakes and rivers that provide a tranquil setting for birdwatching, canoeing, and boating. The lakes are home to a variety of waterbirds, including the iconic African fish eagle.
5. Marine Life: The coastal areas of the park are part of a Marine Protected Area, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring tide pools. The waters are rich in marine life, including dolphins, seals, and occasionally, whales during the migration season.
6. Big Tree: In the Tsitsikamma section, the Big Tree is an enormous 800-year-old yellowwood tree standing 36.6 meters tall, with a circumference of around 9 meters. It's a popular stop for visitors who wish to marvel at its sheer size and ancient presence.
The Garden Route National Park is not just a natural wonder but also a place of cultural significance, with a history that includes the indigenous Khoisan people and early European settlers. Its combination of natural beauty, biodiversity, and outdoor activities makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Contact Details for the Garden Route National Park:
Garden Route National Park (SANParks Head Office)
Address:Thesen Island, Knysna, 6570, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)44 302 5600
Email: grnp@sanparks.org
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden-route
Verblyf Naby Garden Route National Park - Western Cape
Wishbone Waters
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in The Crags
11km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeWishbone Waters is 2.5 km van die N2 in die landelike gebied van The Crags, tussen Plettenbergbaai en Nature’s Valley. Die ideale area om te besoek vir voelkykers, stappers en fietsryers in ’n omgewing met fynbos en natuurwoude. Baie van die plaaslike boe …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Natures Way Farm Stay Accommodation
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Nature's Valley, Garden Route
12.2km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeGeniet 'n plaasverblyf op 'n werkende melkplaas - 'n wonderlike ontvlugting vir 'n gesin! Melk die koeie, geniet die diere, verken ons natuurlike woud - 'n voëlkykparadys! Ons het 3 kothuise, 'n plaashuis en 'n eksklusiewe kampplek. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in The Crags
13.3km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeMoon Shine on Whiskey Creek bied 'n verskeidenheid selfsorg-hutte in The Crags, net 10 minute vanaf Plettenbergbaai, 1000 myl van die werklikheid af, in die hartjie van die Tuinroete en naby al sy besienswaardighede. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
JaJoMaCa Self Catering Accommodation
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Keurboomstrand
16.7km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeSelfsorg akkommodasie beskikbaar in Keurboomstrand op die skilderagtige Tuinroete. Akkommodeer tot 10 mense (5 slaapkamers). Dit sluit ook die volgende unieke geriewe en kenmerke in: patio met ingeboude braai, toesluitmotorhuis, DStv... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Secluded Beach Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Keurboomstrand
17.2km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeLoop ongeveer 70m na die privaat toegang Keurbooms strand. Hier vind jy 'n groot houtdek vanwaar jy die skouspelagtige panoramiese see-uitsig, walvisse wat deurbreek en dolfyne wat oor die branders dans, kan geniet. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Alkantmooi Self Catering
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Keurboomstrand
17.3km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeAlkantmooi Selfsorg bied 5 luukse selfsorg woonstelle vir besoekers aan Keurboomstrand. Ons bied 'n pragtige, privaat en ten volle toegeruste luukse woonstelle met 'n oopplan sitkamer, kombuis, twee slaapkamers en 'n badkamer. Alles met 'n skouspelagtige. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Kostaplenti
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Nature's Valley, Garden Route
17.7km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeKostaplenti is in Nature's Valley geleë wat omring is met inheemse bosse, berge, die strandmeer en die see. Dit het twee eenhede wat afsonderlik gehuur kan word. Kostaplenti is uniek geleë, slegs 30 meter vanaf die strand. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Lazydays
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Nature's Valley, Garden Route
18km from Garden Route National Park - Western Cape"Lazydays" selfsorghuis en woonstel is in die idilliese, kusdorpie Nature's Valley geleë en word omring deur die Tsistikamma Nasionale Park en die warm Indiese Oseaan. Sonpanele en 'n omskakelaarstelsel. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bella Manga Country Escape
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
18.1km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeBella Manga bied selfsorg- en B&B-verblyf in Plettenbergbaai, Tuinroete. Gerieflik, skoon, goed toegerus in 'n unieke landelike omgewing. Al ons kamers bied en suite-badkamers, verwarmers en waaiers, 'n yskas en koffie en tee... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Strandmeer 19
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Keurboomstrand
19.5km from Garden Route National Park - Western CapeDie kothuis het slaapplek vir 8 persone (twee dubbel en 4 enkelbeddens). 'n Toegeruste kombuis (skottelgoedwasser, wasmasjien, stoof en oond, mikrogolfoond, ketel, rooster). DStv in die televisie-, woon- en eetkamer. Braaigeriewe buite op die stoep en dek …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
- Kurland (11.54km)
- The Crags (12.24km)
- Haarlem (15.28km)
- Keurboomstrand (16.60km)
- Nature's Valley, Garden Route (17.81km)
- Goose Valley Golf Estate (20.23km)
- Wittedrift (20.86km)
- Plettenberg Bay (23.42km)
- Plettenberg Bay Area (23.75km)
- Beacon Island Estate, Plettenberg Bay (24.69km)
- Brackenridge Private Estate (25.16km)
- Solar Beach (26.36km)
- Robberg Ridge, Plettenberg Bay (26.52km)
- Whale Rock Vlei (26.61km)
- Summer Place (26.74km)
- Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary - nr Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (12.60km)
- Monkeyland and Birds of Eden - The Crags, Plettenberg Bay (13.26km)
- Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre - nr Plettenberg Bay (13.42km)
- Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary - The Crags, Plettenberg Bay (14.39km)
- Brackenburn Private Nature Reserve - The Crags (15.12km)
- Arch Rock Private Reserve - Keurboomstrand (16.36km)
- Keurbooms River Nature Reserve - Keurboomstrand, Garden Route (17.42km)
