Question 1

Why is the combination of the Garden Route and Route 62 so unique?

Accepted Answer

This combination offers the ultimate contrast of South Africa. Route 62 winds deep inland past the rugged mountains of the Little Karoo and the impressive Swartberg Pass. Here, you drive through a spectacular semi-desert landscape filled with dramatic mountain passes and historic villages. As soon as you cross over to the official Garden Route, the world changes completely into a green coastal paradise, with ancient forests, tranquil rivers and a wild ocean.

Question 2

What is the best time to travel along the Garden Route and Route 62?

Accepted Answer

The region can be travelled throughout the year. The South African summer months ( November to March ) are wonderfully warm and ideal for beach days and water activities. Would you specifically like to combine the trip with the best period for spotting whales from the coast? Then the months of  September to November  are highly recommended. Spring arrives with mild, pleasant temperatures, and during these months you can still admire the marine giants in the bays in abundance.

Question 3

Which Beyond Routes trips include the Garden Route?

Accepted Answer

Because of its enormous flexibility, this region features in almost all of our  Western Cape itineraries . As the range of options along the way is so diverse, we tailor the itinerary entirely to your personal travel style. We can design the route to focus on the culinary scene and wine lands, or instead on the impressive mountain passes and unique flora. You can also opt for action and sporting activities (such as canoeing in Wilderness), spectacular hikes (such as the trails in Robberg or Nature’s Valley), or an in-depth exploration of rugged coastal parks such as Tsitsikamma.

Question 4

What is Diesel & Crème in Barrydale, and why should I stop there?

Accepted Answer

Diesel & Crème is a legendary and highly distinctive roadside stop in the atmospheric village of Barrydale along Route 62. It is entirely decorated in a vintage, retro roadhouse style. This is the absolute  must-stop  on the route for enjoying a fantastic breakfast or one of their world-famous, enormous milkshakes while taking in the unique atmosphere of the Karoo.

Question 5

What are the absolute outdoor highlights along the coast?

Accepted Answer

The coast is a paradise for active nature lovers. In picturesque  Wilderness  you can enjoy canoeing or take part in other sporting activities (rafting, paragliding and so on). In rugged  Tsitsikamma National Park  you can walk across spectacular suspension bridges high above the wild ocean and hike through ancient forests.

Question 6

Why do you recommend Robberg Nature Reserve and Nature’s Valley for walking?

Accepted Answer

In our view, these are the two most beautiful and spectacular hiking areas along the entire coastline. Robberg Nature Reserve (near Plettenberg Bay):  The trail around this rugged peninsula offers breathtaking views over high cliffs. As you walk, you look deep into the clear water, where you can see and hear a huge colony of seals and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins or whales. Nature’s Valley:  This is a hidden, lush paradise where the rainforest literally meets the undiscovered sandy beaches. The hikes here take you through dense, ancient forests, along tranquil lagoons and across deserted beaches, where you can experience nature’s pure, untouched tranquillity.