Dubbed the ‘Garden of Eden’ by its earliest pioneers, the Garden Route is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent travel destinations in South Africa. This area stretches along the south-eastern coast of South Africa from Heidelberg in the Western Cape to the Storms River Crossing in the Eastern Cape and is made up of craggy coasts, mountains and lush indigenous forests. Property for sale along the Garden Route will accommodate any taste – from beachside villas to secure complexes nestled into mountainous slopes.
The seaside towns of Knysna and Plett offer a beautiful retreat from city life in the form of large family homes, stylish apartments and lavish beachfront properties. Property for sale in Sedgefield, Wilderness and George have risen in popularity as these peaceful areas are ideal for retirement or those looking to make the most of nature’s beauty. Wilderness and Oudtshoorn offer unsurpassed beauty and small town hospitality while the coastal towns of Mossel Bay and Stilbaai are known for their investment opportunities when it comes to holiday properties. If you’re looking for houses for sale along the garden route, browse our areas below to find the right area and property for you.
“High on the must-see list of most visitors to South Africa is the Garden Route, and with good reason: you can’t help but be seduced by the glorious natural beauty of the scenery. It’s less than 300km from Mossel Bay in the west to just beyond Plettenberg Bay in the east, yet the range of topography, vegetation, wildlife and outdoor activity in this short space is breathtaking.”
Lonely Planet
Popular areas in Garden Route
George,
Fancourt,
Knysna,
Mossel Bay,
Plettenberg Bay,
Oudtshoorn,
Sedgefield,
Still Bay,
Wilderness,
Witsand,
Great Brak River,
Riversdale,
Heidelberg,
Thesen Island,
Oubaai,
Popular developments in Garden Route
Areas within Garden Route
![Barrydale Property]()
Just over 250kms from Cape Town along the popular R62 wine route, is the vibrant little village of Barrydale.
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![George Property]()
George is the de facto capital of the magnificent Garden Route and undoubtedly its largest urban centre, boasting a selection of flats and pristine properties that offer a quiet alternative to city living. Properties&
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Areas in George
Fancourt, Kingswood, Oubaai,
![Great Brak River Property]()
Great Brak River (Groot Brak River) is not only the perfect place to find property and rentals, but it is also the ideal base from which to explore the beautiful Garden Route.
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![Heidelberg Property]()
Located midway between Swellendam and Riversdale, Heidelberg is a charming, but also largely forgotten old Cape Colonial town.
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![Knysna Property]()
Knysna’s name (pronounced Nysna), is derived from the Hottentot word Xthuys Xna, which means the place where the wood is.
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Areas in Knysna
Leisure Isle, Thesen Island,
![Mossel Bay Property]()
Mossel Bay is a quaint peaceful town that has served as a place to call home as well as a holiday getaway for generations.
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![Oudtshoorn Property]()
Centrally located in the greater Klein Karoo region, Oudtshoorn is a unique town with an interesting past and promising future.
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![Plettenberg Bay Real Estate]()
Amongst the beautiful beach towns situated along the Garden Route lies Plettenberg Bay: a destination set apart by pristine beaches and a diverse selection of real estate options.
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![Riversdale Property]()
Riversdale is a town where old meets new, where you can experience the serenity of stress-free, safe country living.
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![Sedgefield Property]()
Sedgefield, situated along the Garden Route, remains popular amongst retirees looking to buy a home away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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![Stilbaai Properties for Sale]()
The holiday Mecca of Stilbaai (or Still Bay as it is commonly referred to), is also known as the Bay of Sleeping Beauty – which gives you a taste of what you’re in for when you buy property in Stilbaai.
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![Wilderness Property]()
Wilderness is a nature lover’s paradise nestled in the wooded foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. Home to a 2 500 ha National Park, five rivers and five lakes, two estuaries and a 18km stretch of beach.
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![Witsand Properties]()
Witsand - a place forgotten by time where the waters of the Mighty Breede River mingle with the warm Indian Ocean. This is a place of scenic wonder!
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Explore Garden Route
![The great outdoors]()
The great outdoors
The Garden Route features some of the most spectacular hiking trails, the most famous include the Outeniqua, Harkerville, Otter and Tsitsikamma Trails. There are also loads of 4x4 routes, abseiling, horseback safaris, hang gliding, fishing and water sports options on offer as well as a range of whale and game watching opportunities.
![Mini breaks]()
Mini breaks
The Garden Route is dotted with magical mini break spots and there is no shortage of guesthouses, resorts, golfing estates, lodges and B&Bs for you to stay in while you’re exploring. Investing in property here affords you the opportunity to rent out as self-catering accommodation and could see you being kept very busy, especially over the peak summer season.
![See it all]()
See it all
Living along the Garden Route offers you the opportunity to hop in the car and drive a few kms to the next interesting town or hidden roadside stall. For the more adventurous, the views when paragliding are exceptional and for the family, why not take a ride on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe to explore the region between George and Mossel Bay and stop in at the Outeniqua Transport Museum for a history lesson on steam locomotive and carriages.
![Fun in the sun]()
Fun in the sun
Surfers flock to the easily accessible waters of Jeffreys Bay and Victoria Bay, while golfers are drawn to the area for its 9 golf courses. Runners head to Knysna for the Knysna Forest Marathon (and the oysters they’ll consume after) and sun seekers will find themselves at home in any of the amazing beaches along the Garden Route.
Living in Garden Route
Education
While many parents choose to send their kids to schools in Cape Town with boarding facilities, there are a number of great schools like York High School, Wittedrift High and Outeniqua High in the Knysna and George areas specifically. The University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in
Healthcare
You’ll find the basics in terms of healthcare in each of the towns along the Garden Route (doctors, dentists, pharmacists and clinics), but the Life Knysna Private Hospital and Lamprecht Clinic and Mediclinic in George can cater to more specialised healthcare needs.
Shopping
It may not be known for its vast malls and haute couture outlets, but what the Garden Route does possess is an incredible assortment of local retailers, farm stalls, antique shops, markets and mom-and-pop shops of the past. Shopping here will meet your daily needs as well as your craving for excellent quality local produce.
Travel
As this is a major South African tourist route, the roads and transport systems make it easy for you to get from place to place. For air travel, you can head off to the airport in George or drive a little further into Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.