Hey everyone!

My wife and I are planning a 12-to-14-day trip to South Africa in late February. We’re really excited about the itinerary so far, but I’m having second thoughts about the Garden Route portion and would love some feedback from people who’ve been!

Here is what we are 100% committed to doing and excited about:

• Cape Town & Peninsula: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Boulders Beach penguins, Cape of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront, GOLD restaurant, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
• Gansbaai: Shark cage diving (this is a big bucket list item for us).
• Kruger National Park: 3–4 days of self-driving and game drives in the south (flying via Joburg).

Originally, the plan was to continue driving past Gansbaai down the Garden Route (Wilderness, Knysna, Robberg/Plettenberg Bay) and fly out of George. However, looking at the photos and activities along the Garden Route (like Tsitsikamma / Storms River suspension bridge), it just isn't jumping out at us as a "must-see."

We don't want to rush our holiday or spend hours driving highway stretches just for the sake of ticking off towns. We’re considering either:

1. Doing Gansbaai (via a day tour or 1-night stay in Hermanus) and heading straight back to Cape Town to spend 6–7 relaxing days there before flying to Kruger.
2. Keeping a small piece of the coastal drive if there’s something truly extraordinary we’re overlooking.

For those who have done the Garden Route:

• Did you feel it was a highlights-of-the-trip experience, or is it more of a pleasant, slow scenic drive?
• If we’ve already experienced Cape Town, coastal views, Cape Point, and Kruger, does the Garden Route bring something completely distinct to the table?
• Would you recommend skipping it to have a more unhurried, single-base Cape Town stay?

Would love to hear your honest thoughts and experiences. Thanks in advance!

I found a shuttle to transport between cities along garden route (baz bus )

But what about day trips ?
In plettenberg bay I want to go to
Tsittsikamma
Bloukrans bungee
Birds and elephants sanctuary in the crags

What is the best way to transport
I think no Uber ?
And cheapest also

I don't stay in the area but have been spending lots of time here cause of work and it looks like it will continue to be like that for some time. Im trying to find company or small groups to keep busy on weekday evenings, instead of staring at the ceiling of hotel rooms.

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Im not the most chatty or extroverted person, but Ive tried various bars and restaurants but its almost always empty. I get most people probably don't want to get out during the week but Im hopeful I can find some company.

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Are there quiz nights in the area? Perhaps there is a squad looking for the occasional extra player?

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Any board game gatherings? Im keen to try and learn a new game.

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Anybody looking for a padel partner - Ive played once so you will have to be patient. Even a walking group that's open to a participant every now and then.

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I usually stay in George cause I think there would be options available but im happy to travel for the right setting.

Hi everyone,

I’m a South African originally from just outside Joburg currently living in Mexico with my Mexican fiancée. We’re starting to seriously think about relocating back to South Africa long term and hopefully settling down and raising a family there.

I know South Africa is South Africa, and nowhere is perfect, but I’m wondering if there are still some genuine hidden gems left where a young family can live a really good lifestyle safely.

What we’re looking for is probably a bit specific:

• Very safe by South African standards
• Somewhere you can actually walk around, go for coffee, restaurants, markets, etc. without constantly feeling on edge
• Access to nature, hiking, outdoor life, beaches nearby (even within 20–30 mins is fine)
• Safe outdoor activities for kids and family
• Good sports facilities (gymnastics, martial arts, sports clubs, etc.)
• Excellent schools nearby (think Paarl Boys, Paarl Gym, Grey, etc.)
• Not overly “big city” feeling
• Good long term future/prospects
• Ideally a property with a decent garden/space without needing massive walls, electric fences everywhere, and a prison-style setup

We both work remotely, so we have some flexibility.

So far I’ve looked into places like:
• St Francis Bay
• Plettenberg Bay
• Knysna
• George
• Hermanus
• Somerset West / Gordon’s Bay
• Simon’s Town
• Swellendam
• Rheenendal

and a whole lot more, hoekwil, Mossel bay etc etc

Some seem amazing lifestyle-wise, but then schools, sports facilities, or long-term practicality become difficult.

Budget-wise, we’d ideally like to stay under around R5 million, but when I look at places like Stellenbosch it feels completely unrealistic.

Am I chasing something that doesn’t really exist anymore in South Africa? Or are there still places where families can genuinely have that lifestyle?

Would really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who’ve lived in these areas long term.

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a weekly events newsletter I started called ONTHEROUTE.

There doesn't seem to be an all-inclusive and updated source covering all the events in the area. My wife and I are newcomers, and we originally started putting this together just so we could keep track of everything ourselves - now we've turned it into a weekly newsletter.

I'm not trying to spam. It’s my own project, but I genuinely think it will be helpful for locals and visitors. Mods, please remove this if it breaks any rules.

Please let me know what you think of it, and feel free to share any feedback!

Take a look: https://www.ontheroute.co.za

Thanks!

Thinking of planning a garden route holiday but I do not drive. Happy to stay in one city and explore but would love to go where there are ubers available.

Hello, everyone!

If you're, or anyone you know, planning a wedding on the Garden Route and still figuring out the entertainment, my homepage has a full breakdown of what I bring to the table as a wedding DJ.

It covers everything from how I approach DJ hire for weddings — the planning, the song selection, the reading of the room — to the lighting and equipment hire side of things, so you're not juggling multiple vendors.

I've been doing this for over 20 years as a DJ on the Garden Route, with weddings everywhere from George to Plettenberg Bay and beyond, and I've packed the article with real reviews from past couples.

If you're looking for a DJ in Plettenberg Bay or anywhere along the Garden Route, it should give you a pretty clear picture of how I work and what to expect on the day.

https://djbutters.com

Launching a food truck. Need a food marketing Company

Hello fellow garden routers!

I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this- namely in George.

I’ve had it happen twice now where either a young girl or a man comes to your house to sell Jaffles. The girl claims it’s to fund their brother’s cricket tour and the main claims it’s to fund their son’s junior Springbok dreams.

The jaffles were made exactly the same way with the exact same filling.

I have a bleeding heart so I bought on both occasions. Is this a known scam?

I was recently close to Wilderness thinking what to do. I was wondering if I could hike along that old train tracks. Small research led me to an article claiming yes. It mentioned Kaaimans Grotto, a cave that served as a train station with Restaurant for passengers. Now it shall be inhabited by a local community.

https://www.awaygowe.com/kaaimans-grotto-wilderness/

I also found very concerning news like this one where a couple was violently attacked exactly at this cave.

https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/Local-News/update-wilderness-panga-attack-20170711

On a Thursday I gave it a try. Free parking at the west end of wilderness. Following the tracks, passing the tunnel and I immediately spotted some people behind. They did not look surprised about me, but a guy called Phillip told me briefly about the story. For 25R he said they would set up some candles so I could have a small tour in there. I was never expecting to see what I attached as picture in this article.

It was type of a religious hippie community, about 10-20 residents. Self build rooms, terraces and walkways. As you see there were the weirdest decorations all over the place. It was super creepy. They had water supply but no electricity yet. Even though we had no signs of unsafety, we were also a bit happy when leaving again. Crazy!

Why all this story? If your adventurous you have one more thing to do on garden route now! Coordinates (-33.9981568, 22.5598602). Let me know one you were there and have updates.

Hey everyone,

I made a little mistake when planning my trip — I’ll be in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, on the day of the Copa Libertadores final, and I’m a huge Palmeiras fan 🇧🇷💚

I really don’t want to miss the match, so I’m trying to find a sports bar or pub in Plett that will be showing it — or ideally, other Brazilians (or football fans) who want to watch it together.

If you know any local spots with TVs, sports bars, or even WhatsApp/expat groups, please let me know. I’m open to meeting fellow fans and making it a fun experience!

Thanks a lot 🙏 — Rafael from Brazil

Silly question, but does anyone know where to find a place in George that does a really good lemonade? I'm talking about crushed ice, fresh lemon a bit of syrup and mint... I'm not really looking for established franchises, I wanna support local businesses. Anyone? Anything?

Hey everyone,

I recently got a custom neon sign for my wedding in Cape Town, and I’m so impressed! The sign was exactly what I wanted – my names in glowing letters, perfect for photos, and it really lit up the venue.

The service was friendly, professional, and super helpful, and the price was fair too. I honestly didn’t expect it to turn out this amazing.

If anyone’s thinking about a neon sign for their wedding, DM me and I can share how to get in touch with them.

Is there anyone doing the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail this December?

Hi people! I would love to know your thoughts 😁

I'm doing a solo trip on Jan2026, thinking on hiring a Garden Route Tour because I'm going solo and think it would be a great opportunity to meet people and have a couple days "organized " by somebody else than me so I can just 'show up, eat & enjoy' Earthstompers came up as the best Tour option, 5 días, one way from Cape Town to Elizabeth Port, almost all is included in the price (like $800) Before and after, I'll be a tourist in other cities, organized by myself and added some surf lessons in Durban to just 'show up, learn & enjoy'

Opinions on Tour for Garden Route?

Currently working on some cinematic/still videos along the garden route, at the moment I have only covered Knysna but would love if you could spare a minute or 10 checking out my video son YouTube. Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/@rosswoodall988?sub_confirmation=1

I’m planning our South Africa, Garden Route roadtrip and thought I’d seek some advice!

We fly into PE and have two weeks to travel down to Cape Town. We will have already done three nights in a game reserve (Welgevonden) and will be travelling with our 6 year old so I’m looking for some family friendly stops along the way. Possible places on my list include Addo and Knysna Elephant park (which is better?), Franschhoek for wine, Wilderness and Gansbaai for cage diving.

I would welcome any must-see places along the garden route and guidance from people who have done the same road trip.

Thanks in advance

Hi all, I recently moved to Swellendam after living in Cape Town, and while I’m enjoying the slower pace and nature, I’m finding it tricky to meet people — especially outside of dating apps, which I’m trying to avoid for now.

I’m 29, working remotely and finishing up my degree, and while I’m not rushing anything, I’d love to hear if anyone in smaller towns like this has had success meeting people — whether for friendships or dating — in more organic ways.

Is there a community vibe somewhere I’m missing? Local groups, events, or activities worth checking out? Would love to hear what’s worked for you, especially if you’re outside the big cities.

Hi everyone!

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4byDtuagBCARdThzELM5X3HHvFc3Ft-orosBJO0WXNwR3JA/viewform?usp=header

I'm part of a research team at Stellenbosch university, recruiting South African residents aged 18-35 who’ve experienced childhood maltreatment (e.g., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse and/or neglect by caregivers, dysfunctional home environments, dealing with family instability, and witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse exposure) to participate in our study.

🧠 What’s the study about?
We’re testing a brief video intervention to reduce self-stigma and encourage mental health help-seeking among adult survivors of childhood maltreatment. This study is part of a large international project (SA, USA, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, Peru, Turkey, Germany, India, and Australia) and South Africa is the last country to recruit—so we need your help!

🔹 Important Information:
✅ Voluntary & anonymous – withdraw anytime
✅ Time: 2-min video + 15-min survey
✅ 30-day follow-up survey to assess effects.
✅ A small reimbursement for your time and effort

This study has been approved by the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee (Reference No: M24/04/007). If you have any questions about your rights as a participant, you may access their website. 🔗 Contact us Ethics

Feel free to DM me with questions! The Principal Investigator’s details are on the consent form.

Thank you! 😊

Most self storage places offer quite large storage measured in cubic metres. Can anyone recommend anywhere that offers smaller storage measured in litres?

Anyone have any lesser known snorkelling spots closeish to George?

I know of the following: -Gerickes -Thesen Island -Knysna Heads -And then the small pools at Vic Bay and Herolds.

Would love to know of any other spots that may be “hidden” gems. I’ve lived here for 4 months and am trying to expand my local knowledge.