Magazine
Field notes from the Garden Route.
Guides to Wilderness and the coast around it, written from the ridge above the Kaaimans gorge. Where to fly, walk, eat and swim, and when to come. Updated every season.
WildernessWilderness, South Africa: the complete guide to the Garden Route's quietest town
A village between a lagoon, four lakes and eight kilometres of beach, twelve minutes from George. What to do here, when to come, and why people who arrive for a night stay for a week.
AdventureParagliding on the Garden Route: launch sites, tandem flights and when to fly
A pilot-friendly guide to paragliding around Wilderness: the Map of Africa, Kleinkrantz, Sedgefield and more, plus tandem prices, seasons and rules.
Garden Route25 best things to do on the Garden Route
The 25 best things to do on the Garden Route: kayaking, paragliding, Robberg, whales, the Bloukrans bungee, Knysna oysters and the Cango Caves.
Food & CultureThe best restaurants on the Garden Route, town by town
Where to eat on the Garden Route in 2026: fine dining in Wilderness, oysters in Knysna, wine farms in Plett, Karoo lamb in George and seafood in Mossel Bay.
WildernessHidden gems in Wilderness: 12 places most visitors drive past
Twelve places in Wilderness most visitors miss: quiet beaches, bird hides, an 800-year-old yellowwood, a heritage rail bridge and the best sunrise spot.
Garden RouteThe Garden Route road trip: a 7-day itinerary from Cape Town to Tsitsikamma
A realistic 7-day Garden Route itinerary from Cape Town: two bases, drive times, where to stop, the Route 62 option and how to add a safari.
WildernessThe Map of Africa viewpoint: sunrise, paragliders and how to get there
Why the Kaaimans River looks like Africa, the best time for photos, how to drive or walk there from Wilderness, and what else to do on the ridge.
Garden RouteThe best beaches on the Garden Route, and where it is safe to swim
The Garden Route's best beaches, from Wilderness and Victoria Bay to Robberg and Nature's Valley, with Blue Flag status and where it is safe to swim.
AdventureKayak to the waterfall: the Touw River and the kingfisher trails of Wilderness
How to kayak the Touw River to the Wilderness waterfall: where to hire, how long it takes, the Giant and Half-collared Kingfisher trails, park fees and tips.
NatureWhale watching on the Garden Route: when, where and with whom
Whale watching on the Garden Route: the June to November season, the best free lookouts and licensed boat trips from Plettenberg Bay.
Plan Your TripThe best time to visit the Garden Route: weather and seasons, month by month
When to visit the Garden Route: monthly temperatures, rainfall and sea temperatures, whale season, school holidays, and the months locals love most.
Garden RouteDay trips from Wilderness: Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and more
Eight easy day trips from Wilderness: Knysna, Sedgefield, Plett, Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves, Mossel Bay, George, Tsitsikamma and a Big Five reserve.
AdventureThe best hikes on the Garden Route, from one hour to five days
The best hikes on the Garden Route: Robberg, the Otter Trail, the Wilderness kingfisher trails, St Blaize, Knysna forest walks and Storms River.
Plan Your TripWhat's new on the Garden Route in 2026
What's new on the Garden Route in 2026: record tourism, the new ETA, no load shedding, George Airport's expansion, new safari flights and the Choo Tjoe.
Food & CultureSouth African culture for travellers: languages, food, the braai and ubuntu
A traveller's guide to South African culture: 12 official languages, the braai, bobotie and biltong, ubuntu, useful words and Garden Route heritage.
NatureWildlife on the Garden Route: birds, forest animals and fynbos
What wildlife you can see on the Garden Route: Knysna turacos, five kingfishers, bushbuck, dolphins, whales, seals, fynbos and ancient forest.
Plan Your TripSouth Africa travel guide 2026: visas, safety, money and driving
South Africa travel tips for 2026: visa-free entry and the new ETA, safety, cards and cash, tipping, driving on the left, electricity and health.
Food & CultureTravel that gives back: community and conservation projects on the Garden Route
How to travel responsibly on the Garden Route: community-run tours in Knysna and Sedgefield, Bitcoin Ekasi in Mossel Bay and conservation you can support.
Garden RouteThe mountain passes of the Garden Route: Montagu, Outeniqua, Seven Passes and Swartberg
A driver's guide to the historic passes near Wilderness: the Seven Passes Road, the 1847 Montagu Pass, the Outeniqua Pass and the Swartberg Pass.
Plan Your TripThe Garden Route with kids: 15 things children actually love
Family-friendly Garden Route: calm lagoons, Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, the Cango Caves, steam trains in George, rock pools and easy forest walks.
Plan Your TripHow to get to Wilderness: flights to George, the drive from Cape Town and car hire
How to get to Wilderness: flights to George Airport (GRJ), the drive from Cape Town on the N2 or Route 62, car hire tips and directions to the ridge.
Stay where the stories happen
Read it here. Wake up there.
Every guide in this magazine starts from our ridge above Wilderness: right next to the Map of Africa, ten minutes from the beach.