The Garden Route has some of the most significant tracts of indigenous forest in the country including giant yellowwood trees and many wildflowers as well as commercial plantations of eucalypt and pine. The weather is kind year-round and noticeably wetter than elsewhere; the highest chance of rainfall and grey days is from August to October.

The area is a favourite for all water sports and. A wide range of activities is offered, from diving and sailing to bungee jumping and quadbiking. There are some tacky developments dotted along the route, but you can steer clear of the worst of it, and hostel accommodation isn't too hard to find. Some of the quieter places are Mossel Bay, Herold's Bay and Buffalo Bay.