Garden Route
The world-famous Garden Route is a beautiful stretch of coastline that stretches from a couple of hours outside Cape Town to just after the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, and is a firm favorite when it comes to South Africa vacation ideas for families. Renting a car and driving yourself is the best way to see all of the Garden Route's sandy beaches, rocky shores, quaint towns, and indigenous forests – though charter flights are available between destinations if you don't have the luxury of time. Don't miss Knysna, a charming town known for its fresh oysters and sunset boat cruises.
The Garden Route's secret is that it combines the excitement of a traditional bucket-and-spade vacation with unforgettable African adventures. Visit a monkey or bird sanctuary, or take a forest canopy tour. Dolphins and whales can be seen off the coast in season, and for even more wildlife thrills, combine your beach vacation with an authentic Big 5 safari in one of the nearby – and malaria-free – Eastern Cape Province reserves.
While outdoor sports and activities take center stage on a Garden Route vacation (don't forget that the Garden Route is home to several of the country's best golf courses), fine dining is never far away. At the ever-popular Knysna Waterfront or a restaurant overlooking the beach in neighboring Plettenberg Bay, indulge in fresh-from-the-boat seafood.
- Location: coastline from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east
