Whether you’re a novice or an advanced hiker, the Garden Route boasts ample hiking options and opportunities for all. And, even the most experienced hikers will still enjoy a mere 2km hike, as the Garden Route has a way to make you fall in love with nature all over again.
Here are the top three hikes we can recommend. Rest assured, we’ve hiked them all, hence the below is a true reflection of our experiences:
Winding along a mountain laced with the blue-green hues of the ocean, this trail – also a World Heritage Site and National Monument – is worth every step. It’s forms part of a very well maintained SANPARKS reserve, boasting the most magnificent views. You can even spot the popular Plett seals from the top.
The hike comes with the option to turn back earlier, or to continue around the mountain along the shore. We can definitely recommend the latter, which offers spectacular scenery with waves crashing on orange-tinted rocks and completely different plant life than on the opposite slope.
Conservation fees are applicable, or enter with your Wild Card.
Wilderness is one of the areas on the Garden Route that is renowned for its numerous beautiful hiking options. The easy 5km-long Brownhooded Kingfisher Trail is no exception, with lush greenery, ropes to help you cross the river, huge trees and wonderful, fresh air.
The hike is perfect for families with little ones wanting to join in on the fun and it’s just around the corner from one of our favourite South African stays: Treedom Villas and Vardos.
No fees applicable for this hike.
The 2km Mouth Trail should take you no more than an hour to complete. It’s the most popular walk in the Tsitsikamma, and with good reason. Starting at Sandy Bay, it takes you along a winding boardwalk through indigenous forest, right to the mouth of the Storms River. Once you arrive at the Storms River, you can cross the famous suspension bridge and see the Storms River Mouth Cave, which also happens to be a Khoisan Heritage Site.
If you’re up for some additional steps, a steep climb continues after the bridge, leading up to the lookout point on the plateau.
There is a conservation fee applicable upon entering the National Park, or you can enter with your Wild Card.
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