• George

    George is very close to Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and Victoria Bay, it’s a convenient backpacker stop over point. George airport is a convenient way of arriving to explore the Garden Route.The Outeniqua Tjoe - Choo train comes puffing into the station once a week.
  • 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.
  • 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

    Wilderness 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

    This backpackers haven is the centre of the Garden Route. The town of Knysna sprawls around the Knysna lagoon whose entrance is guarded by two rocky cliffs called The Heads. Knysna is the hub of the Garden Route and 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

    Plettenberg Bay is a backpackers paradise. It was named “Baia Formosa” (Beautiful Bay) by early Portuguese explorers. 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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Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is halfway between Cape Town and PE, this coastal town marks the official beginning (or end) of the Garden Route. There’s a wide choice of backpacker hostels, beaches and adventure activities.

Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a good place to start your Garden Route travels. Oudtshoorn is just over the hill, bungy jumping just down the drag and the whole of the Garden Route about to begin or finish - depending on the direction in which you're travelling.
It is the only town on the Garden Route with a working harbour. There are over 5 surfing spots in the most consistent waves along the SA coastline and it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the mildest climate year round, second only to Hawaii. Even whales and dolphins think it's a hot spot.
Lots to see and do in Mossel bay .

Mossel Bay guards the longest sandboard ride in South Africa - a 350m rip down the sandy spine of Dragon Dune.

Mossel Bay has the only north facing beach on the coast - which means more sunshine hours!

Surfers should try the break at the Inner and Outer Point.

Whales hang out here in season and diving and fishing are good.

Places to Stay

  • Mossel Bay Backpackers

    Mossel Bay Backpackers is located just 300m from the Inner and Outer Point surf spots. This backpacking hostel also has a guest house adjoined to it, if you are after a few more creature comforts.
  • Park House Lodge and Travel Centre

    This Mossel Bay backpackers is located in a spacious 130 year old stone homestead with some wonderful woodwork and some stunning artwork.
  • Santos Express Train Lodge

    This Mossel Bay backpackers is a genuine train that’s parked just a spit away from the main beach in Mossel Bay. All cabins face the sea. What more could you want?

What to do

  • White Shark Africa

    White Shark Africa provides some of the best shark cage diving in South Africa and can be found in Mossel Bay on the Garden Route.
 Feeling lucky?
(randomly selected service providers from all regions)

Afrovibe Adventure Lodge and Backpackers
A backpackers for adventure activities
(Sedgefield,Garden Route)

Long Street Backpackers Cape Town
This is Cape Town backpackers is in the centre of Long Street.
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)

Rocky Road Backpackers
Located at the edge of a beautiful indigenous forest, close to animal sanctuaries, activities and adventures.
(Addo Elephant Park,Garden Route)

Gum Tree Lodge
This Kimbeley backpackers lodge offers budget accommodation in extensive well wooded grounds.
(Kimberley,Northern Cape)

Aliwal Dive Centre and Lodge
Aliwal Shoal is one of the world's top dive sites, so grab this opportunity to get out there and discover an awesome array of marine life.
(Umkomaas,South Coast)

White Shark Africa
White Shark Africa provides some of the best shark cage diving in South Africa and can be found in Mossel Bay on the Garden Route.
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)

Santa Paloma Guest Farm
Wake up on your wild side at this stunning private game reserve
(East London,Sunshine Coast)

Pemba Dive and Bush Camp
Chill out in your beachfront chalet or sea-view room in this eco-friendly estate in Pemba. A great place to explore the best of Mozambique's coral-rich waters.
(Pemba Mozambique,Mozambique)

Amanzim’lotzi Bush Camp
Near the main road to Orpen gate, they offer accommodation and tours around Limpopo.
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)

Areena Riverside Resort
Areena Riverside Resort lies on a small piece of paradise overlooking a stunning lagoon that meanders into the sea in Chintsa.
(Chintsa-East,Wild Coast)