The Garden Route National Park runs along the South African Coastline, its was established in 2009 by the South African National Parks. The Garden Route National Park includes the famous Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, diverse mountain catchment areas, Southern Cape indigenous forests, and related Fynbos regions.
Wildlife in Garden Route National Park
Garden Route National Park serves as a sanctuary for more than 85 species of mammals, 371 bird species, and 200 species of fish.
In the park, elephants stand out as the main tourist draw, with approximately 400-600 wandering through the Knysna area. Additional mammals found in the region are the blue duiker, Cape wild cat, caracal, clawless otter, honey-badger, leopard, and striped polecat.
The Tsitsikamma section of the park is renowned as a top destination for whale watching, featuring approximately 15 species of dolphins and whales, including bottlenose dolphins, humpbacked dolphins, killer whales, pygmy sperm whales, and southern right whales.
In the wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, one can also find the rare southern elephant seal and the sub-Antarctic fur seal. The water mongoose can be observed in both Knysna and the park’s wilderness area.
Garden Route National Park is recognized as a notable birding destination, featuring a rich variety of birdlife that includes 15 species of duck and goose, as well as 22 species of raptor. The region is home to several rare bird species, including African black ducks, yellow-billed ducks, African cuckoo hawks, forest buzzards, and crowned eagles.
What to do at Garden Route National Park
Birdwatching
This is an activity that should not be missed during a visit to Garden Route National Park. Birding occurs in different areas, each featuring its own distinct bird species.
Wilderness Area
This area hosts a significant population of Great Crested Grebes.
Knysna Section
Over 280 bird species can be found in and around Knysna, with a rich variety of water birds including egrets, spoonbills, gulls, cormorants, and ibises. The African Black Oystercatcher, Cape Shoveller, Kittlitz’s Plover, Pied Avocet, and Black-winged Stilt are all present in significant numbers. African Fish Eagle and Osprey
Tsitsikamma Area
The bird species present in this area consist of cormorants, Kelp Gulls, and African Black Oystercatchers. Half-collared Kingfisher, African Finfoot. Lemon (Cinnamon) and Red-eyed Dove, Olive Thrush, Terrestrial Brownbul, and Dusky Flycatchers. Knysna Turaco, Emerald Cuckoo, Knysna and Olive Woodpecker, Narina Trogon, Sharp-billed Honeyguide, Grey Cuckooshrike, Knysna Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, White-starred Robin, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Cape Batis, and many more.
Mountain Biking
Riding through rugged terrains and embracing the thrill of the outdoors, mountain biking offers an exhilarating experience for adventure enthusiasts. The combination of speed, skill, and nature creates a unique challenge that captivates riders of all levels. Mountain biking in Garden Route National Park offers a variety of routes, including Harkerville Mountain Bike Routes, Petrus-se-Brand Cycle Route, Farleigh Mountain Bike Routes, and many others.
Hiking, Walking, and Trail Exploration
Hikes at Garden Route National Park take place both during the day and overnight. These activities can be undertaken by individuals of all ages, from the elderly to the young, as well as those who are fit and those with physical disabilities. Many trails are available for hiking as seen below
Wilderness Section
Outeniqua Trail (7 days)
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Trail (5 km – 3 hours)
Half-collared & Giant Kingfisher Trail (7 km – 3.5 hours)
Bosduif Loop (1 hour)
Cape Dune Mole-Rat Trail
Millwood Overnight Trail (2 days – 30.5 km)
Woodville Big Tree Circular Walk (45 minutes)
Knysna Section
The Harkerville Coastal Trail spans 26 kilometers.
Perdekop Trail (9.5 km)
Elephant Trail (18 kilometers)
Terblanche Trail (6.5 km)
Kranshoek Trail (9 kilometers)
Flora Trail (1 kilometer)
Garden of Eden (800 meters)
Tsitsikamma Section
Otter Trail (42 km – 5 days)
Dolphin Trail (17 km – 2 days)
Witelspeak Captain Harrison Trail (9 km – 4 hours)
Cadeau Hiking Trails Salt River through the Keurpad Route (15.1km)
Grootriver Trail (6 km)
Stinkhoutkloof Nature Walk (8 kilometers)
Rugbos Trail Goesa Nature Walk (2 km)
Ratel Trail Plaatbos Nature Walks
Blue Duiker Trail (3.7 km – 2 hours)
Loerie Trail (1 km – 1 hour)
Waterfall Trail (6 km – 3 hours)
Mouth Trail (2 km – 1 hour)
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The ideal location for this activity is at Storms River Mouth within the Tsitsikamma Section of the Park. The Storms River is a designated marine protected area teeming with a rich variety of marine life.
Best Time to visit Garden Route National Park
Garden Route National Park is a year-round tourist destination because of its varied wildlife and stunning landscapes. Due to school holidays, the park is packed around Christmas, so avoid scheduling a trip around that time. People who have trouble with high temperatures may find January and February stressful as well. February through April are the ideal months to visit the park if you want to avoid the crowds. The best months to visit the park to see whales are July through September.
Where to stay at Garden Route National Park
There is a wide range of accommodation facilities in Garden Route National Park right away from budget accommodations, mid-range accommodations and Luxury Accommodations. Some of the accommodations in the park include;
Nature’s Valley Rest Camp
The Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, located in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, is positioned in De Vasselot along the banks of the Groot River. It is approximately 30km from Plettenberg Bay and around 40km from the Storms River Rest Camp within the Tsitsikamma Section.
Wilderness Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp
Enjoy a leisurely nature walks on a forest path or explore one of the five bird hides located by the tranquil shores of the rivers and lakes. Glide along the shadowy rivers in a canoe and observe the world drift past. Experience camping beneath the stars by the river or enjoy a stay in charming log cabins elevated on stilts.
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
Experience stunning seascapes that beautifully contrast with the lush indigenous forests, along with hikes, suspension bridges, boat trips, all available from the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp. The Storms River Mouth Rest Camp provides self-catering accommodation and camping sites situated adjacent to the rugged ocean shore, presenting stunning and unparalleled views. The camp features a restaurant and a small shop offering essential items for purchase.
Knysna Lakes Area
Knysna Lakes Area is nestled among the treetops of the Diepwalle Forest, this elevated camp offers visitors a chance to connect with nature while enjoying a harmonious blend of outdoor living and essential amenities that passionate campers will appreciate.
