Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Garden Route National Park

Best trails in Garden Route National Park

4.4(4,827 reviews)

·

South Africa
: 
#2 of 19 national parks

All photos

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

  1. #1 - Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail

    4.7 (664)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Beautiful, shaded hike along the river to a waterfall which is great to swim in. One can also take a canoe to a point and then walk to the waterfall. So much work has gone into making this trail spectacular and enjoyable. For most of the way the walk is on a wooden deck walking under trees in shade, truly a great family day out.

  2. #2 - Storms River Mouth Trail

    4.6 (570)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Suspension bridges are awesome, with a breath taking coast line. Spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa’s most endangered birds, on the rocky shores, and the shy Cape Clawless Otter hunting crabs on the coastline. Look out for dolphins frolicking in the surf and migrating Southern Right Whales passing close by. Enjoy stunning coastal scenery in the Garden Route National Park.

  3. #3 - Otter Trail Day 1

    4.6 (321)·Hard·3.2 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    This is the first part of the Otter Trail, until the waterfall. It can be done as an out and back and does not require booking like the full 5 day Otter Trail. Check the tides before doing this trail as it could make a difference to the difficulty. You can use this link: https://www.kwathabeng.co.za/tides/Storms-River-Mouth-tides.html This route can be very rocky and slippery if wet.

  4. #4 - Salt River Mouth Trail

    4.6 (303)·Moderate·2.4 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    Trail to the beautiful and secluded mouth of the Salt River into the sea. The first part of the way along the coast is officially discouraged ("extremely dangerous") after a landslide a few years ago. If anything, this part can only be tackled at low tide. Otherwise over the mountains to the river mouth and back again.

  5. #5 - Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop

    4.5 (198)·Moderate·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Great hike through the forest leading to the Otter trail with views of the coastline. Beautiful waterfall and pleasant walk in the shade. Well maintained path which is easy to follow. The section in the forest is very shady and pleasant, there is a lot to see in the rainforest, the highlight is the hidden and truly spectacular waterfall.

  6. #6 - Circles in the Forest Hiking Trail

    4.7 (192)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The Circles in the Forest trail is situated in the Goldfield State Forest and starts/ends at the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site where you can braai and picnic. It is a beautiful walk through an indigenous forest. There is a swimming spot in a cool forest pool with small fish species in and also a beautiful waterfall. There are sections where you walk amongst huge forest ferns and frog-filled streams with small wooden bridges.

  7. #7 - Rugpad Trail via Salt River

    4.6 (110)·Moderate·8.2 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Medicine for the mind, body and soul. This trail is hiking within a forest. The trail starts off hugging the rocks so ensure it is low or mid-tide when beginning. this trail. The second half tops out on the ridge in full sun so prepare adequately for the sun. The second crossing of the Salt River is a great picnic spot.

  8. #8 - Kalanderkloof Route via Nature's Valley Rest Camp

    4.6 (111)·Moderate·2.8 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    Nature’s Valley is, undoubtedly, one of the natural gems of South Africa. Its peaceful ambience and breath-taking beauty is simultaneously humbling and awe-inspiring, bearing testament to the natural wealth of South Africa. This trail offers a gentle sheltered walk through the forest, leading to a steep incline with a view that is totally worth it. A really lovely forest walk with beautiful old trees.

  9. #9 - Ebb and Flow Waterfall via Giant King Fisher Trail

    4.6 (44)·Moderate·2.7 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Very beautiful trail through the forest that ends at the waterfall. The trail is easy and safe for anyone to do. It contains wooden walkways that might be slippery. Please be aware the forest part has a lot of mosquitoes. The waterfall is amazing and great natural swimming hole. Great birdlife and trees in this forest trail.

  10. #10 - Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 1

    4.5 (102)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is considered the third jewel in the crown of multi-day hiking trails in the Garden Route. The Tsitsikamma Trail is a great alternative if the Otter Trail or Outeniqua Trail isn’t available. The Tsitsikamma Trail starts at De Vaselot Caravan Park at Nature’s Valley. It is a fairly straight-forward hike to the first hut of the trail, Kalander, which is located just a few short kilometres away across the Nature’s Valley beach.
Showing results 1–10 of 107
Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees
Fee required

Garden Route National Park charges a fee to enter.

Get details from the park
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

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 664 reviews. This trail is 4.8 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 58.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Garden Route National Park?

There are 107 trails in Garden Route National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

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

MTO TUTR 2021 has the most elevation gain with 8,687 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Karoo to Coast, which has 7,598 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Garden Route National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 18 camping trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 664 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 664 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 4.7 star rating from 10 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 are 2 trails with waterfalls in Garden Route National Park, including Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop and MTO TUTR 2021.

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

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

Yes, there are 11 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?

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

Yes, there are 8 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 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 14 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 Harkerville Coastal Hiking 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 3 trails with caves in Garden Route National Park, including Otter Trail Day 1, Otter Trail, and Otter Trail: Storms River Mouth to Ngubu Hut.