What's new on the Garden Route in 2026

We update this page every few months. Last update: September 2026.

The short answer

Key Garden Route developments in 2026: South Africa recorded a record 10.48 million international arrivals in 2025 (up 17.6 percent); an Electronic Travel Authorisation launched in 2026; the country passed 400 days without load shedding; George Airport handled a record 911,000 passengers in 2025 and begins a R310 million expansion in October 2026 to double capacity by 2028; CemAir launched direct George–Hoedspruit flights in May 2026; Wilderness Beach joined the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list; and restoration work began to bring the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train back, starting with Knysna to Sedgefield.

SA arrivals 2025

10.48 million, a record (+17.6%)

George Airport 2025

911,000 passengers (+11%)

Airport expansion

R310m, from Oct 2026, 2m passengers by 2028

New flight

George–Hoedspruit (CemAir), since May 2026

Choo Tjoe

Knysna–Sedgefield first, then to George

The Garden Route does not change quickly. The forest, the lakes and the long beaches look much as they did fifty years ago, and that is a large part of their appeal. But around them, 2026 has been an unusually busy year. Here is what is new, and what it means for your trip.

South African tourism is at a record high

South Africa welcomed 10.48 million international visitors in 2025, the most ever recorded and 17.6 percent more than in 2024. The first quarter of 2026 continued the trend. The government's tourism plan for the coming years includes more air routes, a R1 billion infrastructure programme and 1,500 tourism safety monitors at popular sites.

What it means for you: popular places book up earlier, especially over December and January. If you are travelling in peak season, secure your accommodation and car first.

A new Electronic Travel Authorisation

In 2026 South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). President Ramaphosa formally launched the system in August. It replaces the traditional visitor visa for eligible visa-required nationalities, costs R500 and currently works at the airports of Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town and Lanseria, with automated lanes at the border.

What it means for you: Visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the EU, Switzerland, the UK and the US, still do not need a visa or an ETA for stays of up to 90 days, but may apply voluntarily for faster processing. Our South Africa travel guide has the details.

The lights stay on

The rolling power cuts known as load shedding dominated South African life from 2022 to 2024. By June 2026 Eskom reported more than 400 consecutive days without load shedding, and forecast none for the 2026 winter.

What it means for you: one fewer thing to plan around. Many Garden Route guesthouses, ours included, now also run on solar power with batteries.

George Airport: record traffic and a big expansion

George Airport, the gateway to the Garden Route, handled a record 911,000 passengers in 2025, up 11 percent, and has effectively reached its capacity. Airports Company South Africa is investing R310 million to double capacity to about 2 million passengers a year. Work starts in October 2026 and includes runway rehabilitation, a larger terminal and upgraded instrument landing systems, with completion planned by the end of 2028. George was also the first airport in Africa to run on solar power.

What it means for you: expect some construction around the terminal during 2027 and 2028. In the long run, more capacity should mean more flights and, possibly, better fares.

Garden Route to safari, direct

Since 17 May 2026, CemAir has flown directly between George and Hoedspruit, the gateway to the private reserves around the Kruger National Park. The flight takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, operates three times a week, and saves a connection through Johannesburg.

What it means for you: combining the coast and a classic Big Five safari in one trip is now much easier. A week on the Garden Route followed by four nights in the bush is a very good trip.

Stay where this story happensNew on the ridge too: more places to stay, step by step.Three self-catering places on 21 hectares above Wilderness. Book direct for the best rate.Check dates →

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is coming back

For decades the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train carried visitors from George to Knysna across the Kaaimans River bridge and along the Wilderness lakes, one of the great railway journeys of the world. In 2006 floods damaged the line and service stopped. A later attempt to revive it failed.

In 2026 the operator Classic Rail, which won the tender after a long campaign, began clearing vegetation from the line. The plan, reported in February 2026, is to reopen in phases: Knysna to Sedgefield first, with Sedgefield station as the main steam hub, and later all the way to George. Locomotives are being repaired and carriages refurbished.

What it means for you: not yet a ride, but a story to follow. The heritage-listed Kaaimans River bridge below the Map of Africa would be one of the most spectacular places to watch a steam train, and a reason in itself to come back. See hidden gems in Wilderness.

Wilderness Beach goes global

In June 2026 Wilderness Beach was named on the international Corona Beach 100 list of the world's best beaches, alongside Camps Bay, Boulders and Kraalbaai. It is the first time the beach has had this kind of international spotlight.

What it means for you: go now, while it is still quiet.

More Blue Flags

In the 2025/26 season the Garden Route had 13 full Blue Flag beaches and 4 pilot sites, including six around Plettenberg Bay, plus two Blue Flag marinas in Knysna. See the best beaches on the Garden Route.

Trails reopened after storms

Heavy rain in 2026 temporarily closed some national park trails. The popular Half-collared Kingfisher Trail in Wilderness reopened in July 2026. Always check with SANParks after storms. See kayak to the waterfall.

New park fees from November

SANParks conservation fees change on 1 November 2026. For the Wilderness section, international adults pay R270 per day, South African adults R63.

And on our ridge

Ecoresort Wilderness is growing slowly. Three self-catering places to stay are open now, and a small guest house and a handful of cottages will follow over the coming years, all placed on ground that was already disturbed so the indigenous vegetation around them stays intact.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe running again?

Not yet. Restoration work began in 2026. The first phase planned is Knysna to Sedgefield, followed later by the section to George. Check for updates before you travel.

Are there international flights to George Airport?

Not currently. George has domestic flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Lanseria, Bloemfontein and, since May 2026, Hoedspruit. International visitors usually connect in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Is there load shedding in South Africa in 2026?

Scheduled load shedding has largely stopped; by mid-2026 Eskom reported more than 400 days without it.

Do Europeans need an ETA for South Africa?

No. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa or ETA for up to 90 days, though they may apply voluntarily for faster processing.

We live on the Garden Route and update this guide every season. Something changed? Tell us.