1. Hike the Robberg Peninsula – Plettenberg Bay

Standing atop Robberg’s cliffs, with the ocean stretching endlessly below, it’s easy to understand why this is one of our essential Garden Route walks. The peninsula offers sweeping views, seals basking on rocky outcrops, and a feeling of solitude despite being minutes from Plett. Opt for the shorter loop or commit to the full circuit — either way, the reward is a humbling perspective on nature’s scale.

2. Paddle the Wilderness Lagoon

A gentle paddle through the quiet reed-lined waters of Wilderness feels like time suspended. Birdlife flutters overhead, mountains rise beyond the water, and each stroke draws you deeper into calm. It’s the perfect way to slow down and savour the tranquillity that gives the Garden Route its name.

3. Walk the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge

Where river meets ocean and forest meets stone, the Tsitsikamma suspension bridge delivers one of the area’s most iconic views. The short walk through indigenous forest opens to crashing waves below – a simple yet spectacular reminder of nature’s power and beauty.

4. Take on the World’s Highest Bridge Bungee – Bloukrans

For those with a daring streak, Bloukrans is more than an adrenaline rush — it’s a bucket-list rite of passage. Step off the arch of Africa’s highest bridge and plunge towards the river gorge below. The thrill is exhilarating, but it also celebrates pushing limits in a landscape that inspires boldness.

5. Zipline Through Storms River Village

Glide between ancient trees, waterfalls and forested ravines as you zipline your way through the Tsitsikamma canopy. It’s an immersive way to engage with the environment – part adventure, part nature discovery – offering a fresh angle on this biodiverse region.

6. Surf at Victoria Bay

Charming, compact and wonderfully picturesque – “Vic Bay” is a favourite among local surfers. With the right conditions, it can offer long right-hand rides for experienced surfers. The setting, framed by cliffs and coastal homes, only adds to its appeal.

7. Whale Watching in Plettenberg Bay

Between July and November, Plettenberg Bay becomes a stage for one of nature’s most moving displays. Southern Right and Humpback whales visit the coast to breed and calve, often showing tail slaps, breaches and playful behaviour close to shore. Watching these giants in their element feels like a privilege.

Why We Love These Adventures

The Garden Route is not just beautiful – it invites you to be in the landscape rather than simply admire it from afar. Each of these experiences offers connection: to the ocean, to wilderness, to adrenaline, and to stillness.

Table Mountain – Icon of the City

Rising over 1,000 metres above sea level, Table Mountain is the defining landmark of Cape Town. Visitors can take the cable car to the summit or hike up one of several scenic trails. On a clear day, the views stretch across the city, peninsula, and even as far as Robben Island. It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope

Located within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, this southernmost tip of the peninsula offers dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Hike up to the old lighthouse or take the Flying Dutchman funicular taking in the panoramic ocean views and spotting wildlife. En route to the reserve, don’t miss Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins. Also be sure to stop in at Kalk Bay with it’s colourful harbour and delicious seafood offerings.

The V&A Waterfront

One of Cape Town’s most popular areas, the V&A Waterfront combines dining, shopping, art, and heritage in a picturesque harbour setting. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), boat cruises in Table Bay, and easy access to the ferry for Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in the world. Its diverse collection of indigenous plants, shaded pathways, and the famous tree canopy walkway (the “Boomslang”) make it an ideal place to slow down and take in the natural beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap is a small, historic neighbourhood known for its brightly painted homes and it’s rich Cape Malay heritage. It’s a vibrant place to learn about the cultural history of the city, try traditional food, or simply wander its picturesque cobbled streets. The area’s charm lies in its sense of community and living history.

Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches

Cape Town is blessed with some of the most scenic beaches in the world. Camps Bay is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail as the sun dips into the Atlantic ocean, while Clifton’s four beaches offer more secluded spots ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a winding route carved into the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. There are numerous viewpoints to soak in the incredible vistas or pack a picnic for a scenic stop.

The Cape Winelands

Just outside of Cape Town lie the historic wine-producing regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. These areas offer not only exceptional wines but also beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, world-class restaurants, and lush vineyard landscapes. It’s well worth a day trip — or more — to explore.

Lion’s Head

Popular with locals and visitors alike, Lion’s Head offers a moderately challenging hike with panoramic views over the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s particularly popular at sunrise and full moon, when the vistas are truly spectacular.

Local Markets and Neighbourhoods

Cape Town’s creative energy is on full display in its weekend markets and vibrant neighbourhoods. The Oranjezicht City Farm Market and the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill showcase everything from seasonal produce to artisanal design. Areas like Woodstock and Gardens are also home to galleries, coffee shops, and independent boutiques.

Cape Town is a city that rewards both curiosity and time — with each day offering a new perspective, a new view, or a new taste to enjoy.

What makes it unique: One of the largest game reserves in Africa, with no fences between the public Kruger National Park and the adjacent private reserves of Greater Kruger—offering a truly wild, seamless ecosystem.

Getting there: Daily internal flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit), Skukuza or Hoedspruit Airports, followed by road transfers. Some private lodges have airstrips for direct charter flights.

Kwazulu-Natal:

A unique experience with lush vegetation, rolling hills, and an impressive diversity of ecosystems. Highlights on our trips to this region have included viewing the hippos and diverse birdlife in the Isimangliso Wetlands Park and the packs of endangered wild dogs in Hluhluwe National Park. The handful of lodges in this area offer a world class experience, with the option to enjoy a beach and bush experience within the same stay.

What makes it unique: Lush subtropical terrain and the opportunity to combine beach and bush experiences in one trip.

Getting there: Internal flight to Durban, followed by a 2–3 hour road transfer depending on your lodge’s location. Federal Air offers internal flights to the private reserve, Phinda.

Western Cape:

With the rising demand for safari experiences close to Cape Town, there have been a few more premium lodges added to the Western Cape safari stable. The semi-desert arid setting of these lodges gives one the sense of endless space, with a nightsky that glitters from horizon to horizon. Sitting around a fire pit under this diamond sky has always been a highlight for us. At some of the newer lodges, the big cats are in a separate, fenced off area whilst the wildlife stocks increase before the cats will be free-roaming.

What makes it unique: The semi-desert landscape and it’s convenient proximity to Cape Town.

Getting there: Most lodges are within a 3- hour drive of Cape Town. Private ground transfers or scenic helicopter flights to some of the lodges can be arranged.

Eastern Cape:

It’s lush vegetation and aloes are a picturesque canvas on which to marvel at the game rich sights that await you in this region. Whether you’re accessing your lodge by river or by road, you won’t be disappointed with the quality here. The area is Malaria-free making this an attractive option, especially for families with small children. We took our daughter here when she was only 9 months old and a highlight was the boat trip up the river to the lodge we stayed at.

What makes it unique: Malaria-free with river valleys and options of riverside lodges—some of which are accessed by boat.

Getting there: Internal flight to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), followed by road and/or boat transfers to the lodge.

Northern Cape:

Home to the Kalahari Desert, this is the place for off-the-beaten-path adventurers. With its red sandy dunes and primary blue skies, the Northern Cape offers a stark yet striking beauty. From meercats to big cats, with the dust hanging on golden light at dusk and the fiery skies at dawn, this area makes for a photographer’s dream. We recently visited this region and we simply can’t wait to return. Next time we’ll ensure we have better photographic equipment (rather than using binoculars combined with a mobile phone camera lens to capture leopards in trees)!

What makes it unique: Remote wilderness with red sand dunes and the abundance of the beautiful Oryx.

Getting there: Charter flight direct to South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari or internal flight to Upington or Kimberley, followed by road transfers.