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Best trails in Garden Route National Park

Best trails in Garden Route National Park

4.3(3,907 reviews)

·

South Africa
#2 of 19 national parks

The Garden Route National Park is actually three separate parks in one: the Wilderness Section, the Knysna Lakes Section, the Tsitsikamma Section, and the Nature's Valley Section. The park is known for its indigenous forests, awe-inspiring coastline, unique flora, and abundance of wildlife. Many visitors choose to hike the 44 km Otter Trail that weaves through the park.

There are campsites at the various sections.

Pets are not allowed in the park.

Top trails

Showing results 1–10 of 92
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Passes & fees
Fee required

Garden Route National Park charges a fee to enter.

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Trail reviews for Garden Route National Park

5,736 trailgoers Busiest in December
May 25, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Such a picturesque beach walk! By far the nicest beach on the Garden Route. I felt like I was back in Thailand. And I must say that it is one of the cleanest beaches in the area.

Difficulty: Easy
Swartvlei to Gericke's Point
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Garden Route National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Garden Route National Park is Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 541 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 882 ft.

What is the longest trail in Garden Route National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Garden Route National Park is Karoo to Coast. This trail is estimated to be 58.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Garden Route National Park?

There are 92 trails in Garden Route National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 3,907 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Garden Route National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Garden Route National Park has you covered. MTO TUTR 2021 boasts the most elevation gain with 9,045 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Karoo to Coast, which will get you 7,460 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Garden Route National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Otter Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 99 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Garden Route National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 31 running trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 541 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Garden Route National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Homtini Cycle Route with an average 4.6 star rating from 9 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Garden Route National Park, including Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 2, Enricos - Sappers Hill, Formosa Peak, MTO TUTR 2021, and Covie Route.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Garden Route National Park: Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop.

Are there any trails with bays in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 8 trails with bays in Garden Route National Park, including Storms River Mouth Trail, Otter Trail Day 1, Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop, Otter Trail, and Harkerville Coastal Hiking Trail.

Are there any trails with huts in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with huts in Garden Route National Park, including Otter Trail, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 2, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 3, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail Day 4 (exit), and MTO TUTR 2021.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Garden Route National Park, including Salt River Mouth Trail, Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop, Rugpad Trail via Salt River, Nature's Valley Loop, and Loerie Trail.

Are there any trails with rivers in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 41 trails with rivers in Garden Route National Park, including Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail, Salt River Mouth Trail, Circles in the Forest Hiking Trail, Otter Trail, and Rugpad Trail via Salt River.

Are there any trails with beaches in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with beaches in Garden Route National Park, including Kleinkrans to Wilderness Beach Trail, Wilderness Hoekwil Breakfast Trail, Gerricks Point - Kleinkrans, and Kleinkrantz Beach Walk.

Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a bird hide or bird blind in Garden Route National Park: Malachite Bird Hide.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 12 trails with picnic areas in Garden Route National Park, including Circles in the Forest Hiking Trail, Kringe in 'n Bos, Kranshoek Coastal Trail, Red Elephant Trail, and Terblans - Bush Pig trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Garden Route National Park: Kleinkrans to Wilderness Beach Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Garden Route National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with caves in Garden Route National Park, including Otter Trail Day 1 and Otter Trail.