The region is hot and dry in summer and has plenty of sunshine in winter. Winter nights can be very cold, and sometimes it snows on the mountains. They say it has 98% sunshine! Where are the ice cold bevies?


  • Mossel Bay

    Halfway between Cape Town and PE, this coastal town marks the official beginning (or end) of the Garden Route. It’s set on a hill overlooking a small working harbour and bay. There’s a choice of beaches and adventure activities.
  • George

    The biggest town on the Garden Route, George is the administrative capital of the area. Close to Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and Victoria Bay, it’s a convenient stop over point. There’s an airport and the Outeniqua Tjoe - Choo train comes puffing into the station every day.
  • De Rust

    An interesting little one horse town.
  • Victoria Bay

    Victoria Bay is renowned as one of the world’s best surfing beaches and the waves here are often spectacular.
  • Wilderness

    This tiny village nestles in the green coastal hills, framed by the Touws River lagoon on one side and miles of superb beach on the other. The beautiful Wilderness National Park protects the unique eco-system that makes up the surroundings.
  • Sedgefield

    Straddling the N2 and in its turn surrounded by wetlands and sandwiched between the sea and the mountain, this is paraglider's paradise.
  • Buffels Bay

    This little coastal village lies just outside of Knysna and is a great place to relax and get closer to nature.
  • Knysna

    Knysna sprawls around a lagoon whose entrance is guarded by two rocky cliffs called The Heads. The hub of the Garden Route, this once sleepy village is now a bustling town.
  • Uniondale

    Peaceful winding roads and lovely country side. The alternative inland route along the coast…
  • Nature's Valley

    Situated at the end of the Groot River pass, Nature’s Valley is surrounded by mountain, lagoon, sea and forest.
  • Plettenberg Bay

    Named “Baia Formosa” (Beautiful Bay) by early Portuguese explorers - who were probably too awe-struck to be more inventive - Plettenberg Bay is now one of the Garden Route’s major destinations, primarily because the Portuguese weren’t far wrong.
  • Bloukrans

    The main attractions here are the Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bungy jump and the beautiful surroundings
  • Stormsriver

    The major drawcard here is Mother Nature. And she’s a real Mother, but not the one you know. Wild, tempestuous, untamed, violent, calm, soothing, shouting, majestic and awe-inspiring if you can look past the hand of man.

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Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn was home to rich feather barons until the turn of the century. The collapse of the feather industry meant the area had to find other attractions in order to survive. And boy, has it done a good job of that! You need daaaaays to “do” Oudtshoorn.


The Cango Caves, with its awesome display of stalagmites and stalactites, the magnificent Swartberg Mountains and the warm sunny weather of the little Karoo are all major draw cards. The cheetah ranch, the opportunity to ride an ostrich and watch one hatch (or scoff the poor bastard while it’s still an egg) all add to the deck… Oudtshoorn is the capital of the Klein Karoo and home to the ostrich breeding business in South Africa. It's also home to the mysterious and world famous Cango Caves which were sculpted by the great gods over a million years ago. This subterranean natural wonder comprises of five limestone caves, one of which is 18km long and was declared a national monument in 1938. With stalactites, stalagmites and helictites over 9m big, it's a definite must. Another must is the Swartberg Pass. Also declared a national monument, this is one of the most spectacular passes in Africa with magnificent views over the Matjies River valley. Other have-to's are the Cango Wildlife Ranch, crocodile and butterfly farms, 4x4 tripping into the Hell, not to mention a bunch of museums and other historical landmarks. Then there’s a bunch of stuff to do in nature.
What's in a name?
Oudtshoorn was named after the 18th century Dutch Governor of the Cape - Pieter van Reede van Oudtshoorn - who never even made it to Africa because he died on the voyage over.

Places to Stay

  • Attakwas

    The Meyers have an in-depth knowledge of the Little Karoo and offer excellent accommodation.
  • Backpackers Paradise

    Centrally located, this efficiently run backpacker has a fantastic view over the Swartberg Mountains and the sunset which casts a magical shadow over it every evening.
  • Karoo Soul

    Situated on Oudsthoorn's biggest hill, this spacious and upmarket Tudor-style mansion is owner run and has a full adventure centre.

What to do