Top Things to do in Garden Route
Top Hotels in Garden Route
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Garden Route, Garden Route
Discover the best top things to do in Garden Route, South Africa including Robberg Nature Reserve, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, Brackenburn C.R.E.W., Nkonzo Wildlife Research, Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna Elephant Park, Safari Ostrich Show Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Goukamma Nature Reserve.
Restaurants in Garden Route
1. Robberg Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,524 reviews
Reviewed By FoodorArt - Polokwane, South Africa
Wow Wow Wow loved my little hike to the gap and sitting on the rocks looking out over Plettenberg Bay... Amazing!
2. Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 486 reviews
Reviewed By ethanleroux - Knysna, South Africa
An amazing experience for anyone who likes or has any interest in snakes. although the park is small the knowledgeable guide has amounts of information about snakes giving you a newfound appreciation for the creatures, big and small. if you find yourself in the area it is well worth the time to spend a few hours and get to learn more about these fascinating creatures!
3. Brackenburn C.R.E.W.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
I am a field guide with 20 years of wildlife and conservation experience. Booking a walk with me will not only give you an experienced guide with everything we see/hear/touch being interpreted, but there is also a safety factor as I know the area and people we encounter very well. I offer many different walks and it is best to check out my website for details.
4. Nkonzo Wildlife Research
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Nkonzo Wildlife Research is based in the southern region of South Africa in the Cape Floristic Region, a biodiversity hotspot and the most diverse floral kingdom in the world. Research focuses on regional conservation management, behavioral ecology, and human-wildlife coexistence.
5. Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
A visit to this sanctuary is a must when visiting Mossel Bay - its a bit off the beaten track as its on the road out to MossGas, but even without a GPS, we found it without any problem! The work done here is quite humbling to see and what is heart warming is that Carol knows each bird by name and they all have unique personalities and idiosyncrasies! Many of the injured birds unfortunately won't be able to be released back into the wild, as that is the best case scenario for all the birds that end up here, but there are permanent "residents" whose quality of life is pretty good. Each bird is carefully monitored and assessed and breeding in captivity is happening. It is essential to phone to make a booking before visiting ... going at feeding time is possibly best! As no goverment funding is available for this outreach, reliance on public generosity is key for the continued successful functioning of this wonderful facility.
6. Featherbed Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 reviews
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides.
Reviewed By pierrek100 - Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is a highly recommended tour. After receiving a friendly welcome at the Featherbed Co ticket office and with our ticket and boarding pass issued, we made our way onto the ferry and a scenic cruise over the Knysna Estuary. We learned quite a bit about the history of the area from the tour guide as we cruised under a beautiful blue sky, with the Knysna Yacht Club, Waterfront and Thesen's Island on the north bank and the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the south bank. Interesting craft, from sailboats to houseboats, floating on the glassy surface of the estuary, added to kick off a day with many photo opportunities. When we landed at Featherbed there was a quick rest opportunity. Then we headed to the brand new 30 seater viewing vehicle that would transport us to the top of the reserve. The reserve had endured a devastating fire in 2017, but soon it was clear how nature and the owners responded as all about us it was green and beautiful and we could already begin to experience the great views over the estuary. Once we reached the top we disembarked for our 2,2km scenic walk through the beauty of the reserve with its indigenous plants and trees down towards the southern rocky edge of the port entry. One of the most dangerous port entries in Africa due to all the sharp rocks on both the northern and southern side. From the outset, it was clear that we would have many views of the spectacular meeting of the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. We made our way down all the way to the sea caves where ages of pounding waves bored huge openings in the rock creating 10m high caves. Spectacular pictures were taken. We walked to the Featherbeds Milkwood restaurant along the side of the water on a wooden path. The view across the estuary showed off the beautiful waterscapes and the mansions built among the trees on the northern head. The water in the estuary lay calm beside the path, here and there making small white beaches. The sailors who slept there in their seagoing vessels in times gone by used to say that the calm waters in the estuary made it feel like they slept in a featherbed. It became known as Featherbed Bay. When we reached the Milkwood restaurant a wonderful buffet-style meal of traditional South African fare was waiting for us. We could sit down in a beautiful setting under indigenous Milkwood trees at a beautiful indigenous Yellowwood tabletop and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Walking through the various areas of the large newly rebuilt restaurant I was impressed by its understated style and how such a large structure melts into the hillside in such an environmentally sensitive way. On the way back to the dock at the Cruise Cafe, I reflected that this tour should e a must on any visitors itinerary whether local or international. Don't miss this.
7. Knysna Elephant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,837 reviews
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Reviewed By carriannb2018
One for the bucket list, offers a intimate experience with these gentle giants where you can personally feed them and walk around with them and your personal guide. Will be back.
8. Safari Ostrich Show Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Safari Ostrich Farm, established in 1956, welcomes you to the ostrich capital of the world. Come and enjoy the worlds only Tractor tour through a working ostrich farm. Get up close and personal with the worlds largest bird. Take awesome photographs, get to see chicks, feed an ostrich, hold a huge 2,5kg ostrich egg. Get to see different species of ostrich - Kenyan, Zimbabwean, South African and rare white ostriches. Learn about the industry, leather, feathers and carving eggs. A full hour of interesting stuff to see and do. Enjoy our cafe or restaurant for set menu or ala carte options
Reviewed By tobiel2017 - Centurion, South Africa
Fun and interactive tractor tour of the ostrich farm. Educational and interesting. Friendly staff. Exquisite ostrich egg, feather and leather art products at the curio shop. Restaurant serves delicious ostrich burgers and cake! Play area for the kids.
9. Cango Wildlife Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,295 reviews
Cango Wildlife Ranch is internationally recognised as one of South Africa’s premier tourism attractions. Conveniently situated en route to the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, the Ranch offers visitors a huge variety of awe-inspiring activities at one location for a value-packed price – suitable for the whole family and open 365 days a year! In addition to our wonderful encounter programs, where you can meet an ambassador cheetah, the ranch also offers two Firsts: Lemur Falls – the first interactive Lemur experience in Africa! - and Crocodile Cage Diving - a World First - where you can test your mettle against the dangerous gaze of a Nile Crocodile via a steel cage lowered into their watery domain! As a PAAZA (Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria) accredited facility, a proud member of WAZA(World Association of Zoos and Aquariums), and a multiple winner of TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, Cango Wildlife Ranch remains a unique world-class facility which strives to provide conservation through education by means of various conservation projects, initiatives and informative guided tours! A significant percentage of all proceeds go straight back into our conservation initiatives providing you with ethical and unforgettable fun and memories. For unlimited adventure for the whole family – visit Cango Wildlife Ranch!
Reviewed By EllaMacrae
A few days ago my Husband and I visited the Cango Wildlife Ranch and it was such an amazing experience ! I highly recommend the guided tour, our guide Micah made our time there so much fun, she was really informative so a big thank you to her. we could see everybody on the facility really cares about the animals, it was so awesome to see some animals we have never seen before like the white tiger. We will definitely come back, thank you to everyone who made this experience great !
10. Goukamma Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Goukamma is situated between Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield, and offers wonderful beaches, epic sand dunes, flowing river mouths and unspoiled coastal forests.
Reviewed By charitycomms - Upper Beeding, United Kingdom
Just park by the Goukamma sign on the road to Buffalo (Buffels) Bay and walk across the dunes to where the river meets the sea for a beautiful warm bath in river tannins or wave-bashing sea experience. Loads of birds at the river mouth so take your binoculars. Lovely spot for sunbathing, picnic or walk the beach looking for dolphins. Just fab.
