Experience Garden Route National Park
Formed in 2009 by merging the existing Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks, the Knysna National Lake Area, and various state-owned forest lands,
Explore on Map
Iconic Highlights
1
Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge: An iconic 77-meter-long bridge hanging just above the churning waters of the Indian Ocean gorge.
2
The Otter Trail: South Africa's oldest and most prestigious 5-day coastal backpacking trail.
3
Wilderness Lakes System: A serene network of waterways, wetlands, and estuaries ideal for canoeing and birdwatching.
4
Knysna Estuary & The Heads: Striking sandstone cliffs guarding a massive marine lagoon rich in unique biodiversity.
5
The Big Tree (Tsitsikamma): An ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood tree estimated to be over 800 years old, standing 36 meters tall.
Wildlife & Nature
Dolphin
Whale
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 23°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 19°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 25°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 19°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 19°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 25°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 21°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 23°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 21°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 20°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Passport: Must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure with 2 blank pages.
Visa: Follows South African entry rules (many Western and European nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 90 days).
Health: The entire park is completely Malaria-free. High-quality insect repellent is recommended for forest ticks and mosquitoes.
Conservation Fees: Daily conservation fees apply per person at managed entry points (such as Storms River Mouth and Ebb & Flow). Standard fees apply for international tourists, fully covered by a SANParks Wild Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive through the park without paying an entrance fee?
Yes. Because the main N2 highway passes directly through the open sectors of the park, you do not pay a fee just to drive through. However, you will pay a daily conservation fee when accessing designated rest camps, boardwalks, hiking trails, or launch sites.
Where are the best places to stay inside the park boundaries?
SANParks operates excellent rest camps within the park, notably the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp (oceanfront chalets and camping) and the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness (riverside timber cabins and campsites).
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to explore the Garden Route National Park?
No. The primary highlights, rest camps, and major viewing areas are easily reached via standard tarred roads or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for a regular 2WD passenger car. Only a few deep-forest access tracks require high-clearance vehicles.