Best time to visit the Garden Route

Head to Addo Elephant National Park to see rhino, lion, buffalo, zebra and, leopard. Other wildlife spots on the Garden Route include African penguins at Boulders Beach, whales and dolphins around Hermanus, primates in Tsitsikamma Forest, and magnificent birdlife just about everywhere. So bring binoculars to keep an eye out for everything from kingfishers to cuckoos, just a couple of the 500 species here.

The Garden Route is one big adventure playground, making it a wonderful family holiday destination, especially if you have older children. Go surfing or sea kayaking in Plettenberg Bay, hiking and camping in Tsitsikamma, on a walking safari in Klein Karoo, horse riding in Hermanus or cycle out to a meerkat community in Oudtshoorn. Plus it is malaria free, and great for school holidays in terms of timing.

Township tours can be controversial, because some of them are handled insensitively. However, we do recommend including one or two into your itinerary, with responsible operators. Ask if the guides are from the township, if a percentage of the fee goes to community projects and spend money in a shebeen or art shop while you are there. Cape Town’s Uthando and Langa townships have great social enterprise initiatives.

It seems almost unfair that a world famous driving route is peppered with wineries, so if you are hiring a car, have more than one designated driver if you enjoy a tipple. The Winelands are a full bodied place and although it is hard to choose a favourite, Pinotage is unique to South Africa, and a fine signature grape it makes too.

Ride the elephants, or cuddle them. Most captive elephants in this region are only there for the pleasure of tourists, and are often beaten or maltreated into submission. Knysna has a ghastly example of this. The best way to see elephants is in Addo Elephant National Park, where protection and care of the animals, and keeping them wild, is paramount.

Ignore the history. It is easy to be seduced by the gorgeousness of the ‘garden’ and put your head in the sand about politics and conflicts. Recent and not so recent. And local people talk openly about issues and politics too, with varying opinions of course. Also, don’t be afraid to call people white, black or coloured. These terms are used freely and without prejudice here.

Dive with sharks that are attracted by chum (dead fish and blood). Shark cage diving is big along the Garden Route, especially in Mossel Bay. Some experts believe that it has been the reason why there have been more great white shark attacks in general, because they are coming in search of the chum that is thrown in to attract them for caged divers. Responsible Travel does not condone attracting wild animals in this way, so find a company which does not use this practice and read more about our views on the practice here.

“Let Simon prepare your itinerary and take care of flights/accommodation/car hire. You won't be disappointed. Try and extend the holiday as much as you can (and avoid 'one night stops' if possible) because it will go very quickly... The most memorable part? This is difficult because the holiday was an incredible journey of different experiences. If I had to choose it would be the Township Tour in Cape Town. This was an emotional and unforgettable experience – Les Milner on a self drive holiday

“Loved the area around Tsitsikamma – some brilliant walks. Did not get chance to do the walk to the waterfall, as we spent too long around the suspension bridges. We assumed a 3km walk could not take too long, but when we got to the start we had not allowed enough time. Robberg peninsula was also a great walk, but not a gentle stroll. When it says 4 hours, it is pretty accurate (we managed 3 hours 50 mins, partly because we kept stopping to look, and partly that there was a lot of clambering over rocks).” – Yvonne Chapman

“Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather! It can be very wet and very windy at times. Don't bother packing shampoo, conditioner, body wash or cream... these are all supplied by guest houses and are made from fantastic local products. Don't worry about formal clothes. Everyone is very casual even in expensive restaurants.” – John Barker

“We appreciated the freedom afforded by an individual itinerary and self drive as opposed to a tour, but with the security of having all the accommodation booked in advance, and advice and suggestions as to where to go. It was difficult deciding just what we wanted to see and do so research beforehand is very helpful.” – Barbara Sykes

“This was a fantastic holiday. It was well thought through, beginning in Cape Town with wine tasting and a Township Tour and ending 16 days later with a full day in Kruger Park...We travelled in late February/early March and some days were very hot, other days were pleasant. The middle of summer could possibly be too hot for some people. Remember to have some cash for tips – at petrol stations, B&B staff, guides etc. We bought some internet access time for our computer which also gave us GPS. On a few occasions the GPS was very helpful although not necessarily essential.” – Barb Rooke