A backpacker’s guide to the
Garden Route, South Africa
The Western Cape of South Africa
is a truly scenic area for backpackers to explore. Start off in “The Mother
City” Cape Town with its endless attractions and then head off down the
Garden Route, stopping off along the way.
The Garden Route has many
hostels and backpacker lodges ideal for a comfortable and reasonably priced
stay. All are friendly, laid-back and safe places to stay, where you will
meet like-minded fellow travellers and friendly hosts who know all the
local secrets. When travelling along the Garden Route, while the lodges
and hostels are safe, always be aware of petty crime and ensure you have
the
most suitable backpacker travel insurance to cover you in all eventualities.
The following destinations
are ideal for a backpacker’s trip on the N2, down the gorgeous Garden Route,
on the way to Plettenberg Bay.
1. Witsand and the Breede River
Witsand is a little off the
main drag to the Garden Route, but this tiny seaside village is definitely
worth a visit. The village lies at the mouth of the Breede River and has
gorgeous, mostly empty, golden sand beaches. In season, you can watch the
whales breeching from the beach and those who enjoy fishing can head down
the Breede River to catch a few. All the best water sports are available
at the beach! You can check out the location of Witsand from the yellow
blob on the map above.
Photo by Jolene Thompson/Flickr
There are a couple of options
to rest your weary head after a day on the waves. Owned and run by Helen
and Owen Jarman, Witsand
Poshpackers is located on the main road and offers comfy accommodation
at an affordable price. If you feel like splashing out a little more, Whale
Watchers Inn is a comfortable bed and breakfast just steps from the
beach.
2. Mossel Bay
Next stop on the Garden Route
is Mossel Bay. This harbour town has the famous Santos Beach for swimming,
water sports and lying in the sun. The town boasts the 19th-century Cape
St. Blaize Lighthouse where you can enjoy wonderful views across the bay.
For those who enjoy museums, the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex is of interest,
with its Shell Museum, Maritime Museum and beautiful botanical gardens.
Also ensure you visit the famous Post Office Tree. The milkwood tree has
been used as a mail collection point since it was first established in
the 1500s.
Photo by Bob Adams/Flickr
A comfortable stay can be
enjoyed at Mossel
Bay Backpackers, which offers dormitory accommodation and private rooms.
Free Wi-Fi is provided to keep up with your email and social media posts.
The hostel is five-minutes away from the beach and is roughly a kilometre
from the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.
3. Knysna and the Heads
The next stop is Knysna, a smallish
town, 33 km from Plettenberg Bay and 55 km from the city of George. Gaze
across the Knysna lagoon to the famous heads – outcroppings that mark the
way out to the ocean. Explore the Knysna forest, where the Stinkwood, Cape
Beech and Outeniqua Yellowwood trees soar into the sky.
Photo by Ben Haeringer/Flickr
From here, head to the Storms
River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park, a popular stopover spot with
a suspension bridge (pictured above) hanging over the river mouth. There
are many adventures to be had in the park, like the canopy tour, zip-lining
and guided hikes.
Sleep over at Tsitsikamma
Backpackers in the Storms River village – a relaxed lodge for travellers
with a choice of private rooms, dorms or tents, with meals and activities
available and free Wi-Fi.
Right at the end of the Garden
Route is the exciting city of Plettenberg Bay, but that's another story.
Have fun exploring the Garden Route of the Western Cape! There is so much
more to see and do along the way.
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