Garden Route National Park
Garden Route National Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Garden Route National Park is a national park in the Garden Route region of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail.
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Description
The Garden Route National Park is a national park in the Garden Route region of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail.
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Entering the parking area of THE BIG TREE, you are met by the friendly staff. The entrance was in the process of being modernised. A coffee shop and curio shop and new ticket booth heralded the changing times. The new booth not being ready yet, we paid for our entry at the old hut. Then you walk into the forest.....The quiet majesty of the forest forces you to consider your role in the greater scheme of things. When you are in the presence of trees, a thousand years old, the paltry few years you've lived seems like nothing. All is quiet, if you can call it quiet in a forest. Birds call, insects chirp and the underbrush rustle with life, not quiet, but a dead silence compared to the bustling noise of civilisation. No cars, people shouting and phones ringing, just you and Mother Nature. That was what I processed as I stood in awe staring at a true giant of the forest. I thought for a few moments what it would have been like to have a conversation with this tree, speaking about the changes it saw over the years. I was pulled from this reverie by my grand daughter discovering another lady bug, and showing it off to me. A peaceful and beautiful place, slowly disappearing as civilisation encroaches.
Anthony CaswellAnthony Caswell
00
Took a walk through Robberg Nature Reserve, and wow! What an incredible place. The paths are well looked after and signposted along the way. The peninsula juts out suddenly and before you know it you are 2km out to sea and about 100m above the clear blue waters of Plettenberg Bay, the houses in the distance behind, and the vast waters of the Indian Ocean ahead. You can get To see sea lions, sea gulls, whales, dolphins and sometimes even sharks from high above the water. The loop to the point and via the island is approximately 9km, with a variety of trail type from rock hopping to cliff edge views, sandy steps, beach sand, boardwalks, foresty sections and incredible fynbos along the way. There are shorter options too for those not wanting to complete the full 9km loop, and information is available throughout the hike on where to turn and distances left.
Mike TredwayMike Tredway
20
This national park perfectly displays what this beautiful part of the country has to offer! We went on the waterfall hike and the sign boards at the start of the trail were not lying - it was challenging. The path was well marked and well maintained where possible. The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking! The rock pools along the way were beautiful. The beach was one of the best I've ever seen. The suspension bridge trail offered an easy walk to seen the beauty of the region. The cattle baron is a great restaurant with good food, an extremely unique and lovely setting and the staff are very friendly. There's plenty to do here and you're guaranteed not to be disappointed whichever way you go.
Danielle WilsonDanielle Wilson
10
Beautifull nature surrounding you. Camping was great next to the ocean with a priceless view. Ablusions are clean, there is a scullery and a laundry hand wash or pay for machine and dryer. Also a deep freezer and a fridge. Just don't leave your melted chocolate to set in the fridge it will tempt another sweettooth to gulp it down. We also stayed in one of the Oceanettes for one night when the weather weren't so friendly. They are comfortable and also have a nice view of the rocks and ocean. We even saw dolphins play in the bay. Go on a canoe in the mouth of Stormsriver and explore the canyon such an adventure. Go hiking and absorb nature. #discoveruntouched
Amanda PercaicAmanda Percaic
00
Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is by are the most beautiful of the 3 sections which are Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections. There is suspension bridges are an hour's hike from the restaurant and shop, there are a few cases of stairs one has to endure before getting to these awesome bridges which are 77m, 50.5m and 39.5m long and 9meters wide. The camp sites are amazing, they have two kinds, one with proper views of the ocean with no power and those with power but the view is not so great, however there is a view. There is a mountain pass within the National Park, and the drive there is amazing.
Bheki MakgaboBheki Makgabo
00
Well maintained paths - the majority is planked which is great for the not so adventurous walker and you can walk enjoy nature. Take the pontoon to cross The river. It's a beautiful forest walk -listen out for woodpeckers and see if you can spot them. The Giant Kingfisher Trail takes you to the waterfall where you can climb to the top of the falls and swim in the rock pools. There is a small entrance fee - check current rates. There are different prices for locals. If you have a Sanparks Wildcard then entrance is paid for by your membership.
Enid SonEnid Son
00
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.6K reviews)
Phone
+27 44 877 0046
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Website
sanparks.org
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Garden Route National Park
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