Cape Coast & the Garden Route
Walker Bay to Plettenberg Bay — the coastline that closes a safari properly.
Request Rates & AvailabilityEast of Cape Town the coast turns spectacular: Hermanus on Walker Bay, where southern right whales come close enough to watch from a cliff path, then the forests, lagoons and long beaches of the Garden Route as far as Plettenberg Bay.
It is the natural counterweight to time in the bush — sea light, cold water, oysters and unhurried days, all within an easy drive or short flight of Cape Town.
Landscape & character
Marine rather than terrestrial: southern right whales from June to November, dolphins year-round, seals and seabirds along the whole coast.
Signature experiences
Land-based and boat whale watching, cliff-path and forest walks, beach days, oyster and wine tasting, and scenic coastal drives.
- Hermanus is among the best land-based whale watching in the world.
- Plettenberg Bay adds beaches, forest and lagoon within a single stay.
- Who it suits: couples and families wanting a coastal finish after safari.
Best time to visit Cape Coast & Garden Route
June–November for whales; October–April for warm beach weather.
Full Month-By-Month Guide