5 Wonders of Garden Route and Eastern Cape

Arts & Culture

An adventure tour...gives visitors the chance to explore the inner magic of the Garden Route.

There's countless things to do in Garden Route and Eastern Cape. Here's a list of the top 5 things to see to help you make up your mind!

1. Addo National Park and the "Big 7"

The number one wildlife experience in South Africa’s Garden Route and Eastern Cape has to be going on safari – and the safari at Addo National Park near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape just got even better! For years wildlife enthusiasts have ventured into ‘deepest darkest Africa’ to spot the elusive Big 5 – the lion, the leopard, the elephant the buffalo and the rhino. Now two more magnificent creatures have joined the party and South Africa’s Addo National Park near Port Elizabeth is the first National Park in the world where you can spot the Big 7! No longer confined to land-based animals - South Africa’s ‘big list’, the ultimate safari check-list, now includes the ocean faring giants - the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale. Visit the stunning Addo National Park and once you’ve finished spotting the famous five, take to the seas at Addo’s Marine Park and make this the ultimate wildlife spotting experience!

2. The Cango Caves

The Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn in the Garden Route are a true must-see natural wonder. Endless caverns shrouded in ancient stalagmites and stalactites make up this vast and mysterious subterranean world. An adventure tour through the several million year old Cango Caves gives visitors the chance to crawl through and explore the inner magic of this natural wonder of the Garden Route.

Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, South AfricaCango Caves, Oudtshoorn, South AfricaHeads Knysna Garden Route South AfricaHeads Knysna Garden Route South Africa

3. The Tsitsikamma National Park

The Garden Route and Eastern Cape’s Tsitsikamma National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty. Nestled between the rugged Tsitsikamma Mountains and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean the stunning scenery of this National Park is not to be missed. One of the best ways to explore this Garden Route wonder is on one of the many hiking trails that snake through the Tsitsikamma National Park. With walking boots and camera at the ready, you are sure to experience the sheer beauty of what the indigenous San people call ‘The place of sparkling water.’

Big 7 at Addo National Park, Eastern Cape, South AfricaBig 7 at Addo National Park, Eastern Cape, South AfricaSunset Knysna Lagoon South AfricaSunset Knysna Lagoon South AfricaHiking Trail at Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape, South AfricaHiking Trail at Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape, South AfricaWild Coast, Eastern Cape, South AfricaWild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa

4. Knysna Lagoon

Flanked by two mighty sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads, Knysna’s tidal lagoon is another must-see wonder of the Garden Route . With incredible scenery in an around the Knysna Lagoon and an abundance of water-based activities the Knysna Lagoon really is a fun place for the whole family. Spending a couple of days floating around in a houseboat , a spot of scuba diving or enjoying a sunset champagne and oyster cruise all come highly recommended.

5. The Wild Coast     

South Africa’s Wild Coast, our final wonder of the Eastern Cape has to be classed as South Africa’s unspoilt paradise. Breathtaking coastal stretches, wild and untamed flora and fauna, glorious weather and outdoor activities galore, make this Eastern Cape region one of the top spots not to miss. For a great and exciting way to see South Africa’s Wild Coast, a Wild Coast Horseback Adventure definitely offers you the best way to see the glorious landscape and allows you to access more of the wonderfully unspoilt coast line.