Top 22 Game and Nature Reserves in Garden Route

Imagine the picture of a long scenic road connected by towns, witnessing the world-class beaches and sparkling forests with incredible wildlife on either side…

In South Africa’s southwestern tip, there is a 300-kilometer coastal route recognized as the most scenic area in the nation. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about the Garden Route. The game reserves along the Garden Route are nestled between the dazzling Indian Ocean and historic mountain ranges. Many are located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a hotspot for wildlife and ecotourism. The garden route is just 4 hours from cape town International airport, making it accessible. The Tsitsikamma Forest serves as the route’s climax after winding for almost 200 kilometers via the beautiful villages of Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Knysna. On a safari focused on conservation, you may expect to encounter predator mammals, the Big 5, plenty of birds, and a variety of other animals in the malaria-free reserves of the Garden Route. Garden route serves as home to best safari parks and game reserves. Although you can see many of these reserves and parks alone in your car, a guided tour always adds something special to your trip. The experienced guide is ready to offer their thoughts and will track and point out the wildlife you may have missed. Below are the best 22 Game and nature reserves in the Garden route.

Go and find yourself in the blue waters and green mountains!

BALLOTS HEIGHTS NATURE RESERVE

The Ballots Heights Natural Reserve is in the Western Cape’s rich vegetation, halfway between Wilderness and George. This section of the gorgeous Garden Route is famed for its stunning mountains, woodlands, valleys, and beaches. You can reach Ballots Heights nature reserve by road from George (25 minutes ) and Knysa (40 minutes). In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, Ballots Bay also contains the lost riches of von Mollendorf, making it a genuine treasure tale. The best time to visit Ballots heights nature reserve is during the dry season between the months of August to Mid-October. In Ballots Nature Reserve, numerous fynbos plants are common, including proteas, ericas, numerous bulbs, and restios. Thus far, four red data species have been discovered. The natural forest is typical of the area and contains large yellowwoods, milkwoods, and a variety of other protected trees and plants. Ballots Heights is made up of grasslands, gorges, and woods. Each of these produces a unique assortment of species. Porcupine, zebra, bushpig, bontebok, grysbok, ostrich, otter, grysbok, and possibly even a glimpse of the elusive lynx are among the animal’s visitors can expect to see. More than 200 different bird species have been identified inside the reserve’s boundaries. There are many hiking trails on the Ballots nature reserve. Explore the endangered Oyster Catcher on the pebbly beach at Ballots Bay. Ballots Heights Nature Reserve is home to a lovely woodland boma where guests may relax and have a braai (barbecue) or a picnic while taking in the Western Cape’s lush foliage and the chirping of the numerous birds that call this place home. You can stay at Ballots Bay Tree House; it is called a tree house because it goes steeply into the Milkwood trees’ old-growth canopy, representing the stunning Garden Route Wilderness area.

READ MORE ON GAME RESERVES NEAR JOHANNESBURG HERE.

BIRDS OF EDEN BIRD SANCTUARY 

Almost 220 species are there in Birds of Eden, and the sanctuary is home to around 3500 birds. Only a few kilometers east of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route is the largest single-span aviary in the entire world. You can visit Eden bird sanctuary anytime in the year. African and exotic birds comprise most of the aviary’s feathered population. This explains why some of our inhabitants, principally the parrots (of whom we have 60 distinct kinds), are apprehensive of people and seem tame. This includes previously confined pets and hand-reared and imprinted individuals. Unlike Monkey Valley, the sanctuary features 1.2 kilometers of wooden paths that take you through the breathtaking setting, over a river, and behind a waterfall. The irrigation system built into the dome’s framework creates brief cloudbursts and thunderclaps to simulate thunderstorms during Birds of Eden. Some nearby places you can visit after the Eden bird sanctuary include Hollow horse trails, Africanyon river adventures, Hog hollow horse-drawn carriage, and Kay and monty vineyards. A remarkable project that provides a safe haven for birds and miniature monkeys and for rescued pet birds was also launched by the people behind Monkeyland, the well-known primate sanctuary that is right next door to Birds of Eden, making a two-in-one day trip simple. The nearby accommodation options include Lavender lace, House Philip, and an island villa. The cost of a single ticket charge will be  R350. 

BOTLIERSKOP GAME RESERVE 

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is located with sweeping views of the sparkling Indian Ocean and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains in the background. A 4.5-hour trip separates you from Cape Town.   The Botlierskop game reserve is situated between Mossel Bay and Groot Brak on the Garden Route. Around 1800 different species of animals, including rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, elands, bonteboks, and 26 more, have been recorded. Botlierskop is pleased with its partnership with the IFAW, which allowed them to help rescue three African lions spotted on the game drive. The best time to visit Botlierskop game reserve is winter, as the days are shorter and the animals are not hiding from the heat in the winter; it is the best season to see wildlife. Botlierskop is one of the  best private game reserves in South Africa. For every activity, Botlierskop provides a genuinely authentic African experience. When tourists are guided by knowledgeable, talented, and trained guides, they can be sure to not only embark on an adventure but also to take a little bit of South African rainbow culture with them. The accommodation options inside the game reserve include tented lodges, village lodges, and self-catering bush villas. You could participate in reserve activities: game drives, bush walks, horse safari, Fijnebos spa, and wellness. Visitors can watch wildlife from the safety of 4×4 vehicles at Botlierskop in the Garden Route, a well-stocked, free-roaming private game reserve, where it can be seen in its native habitat.

READ MORE ON GAME RESERVES NEAR DURBAN HERE.

DE VASSELOT NATURE RESERVE 

The Tsitsikamma National Park includes the De Vasselot Natural Reserve. The simple tourist destination of Nature’s Valley, located within De Vasselot, has never expanded past the confines of its few stores, holiday rentals, and restaurants. The easiest way to reach De Vasselot nature reserve is east on the N2 from Plettenberg Bay. The best time to visit the game reserve is February to April.   In the game reserve, everything is pretty simple, and you get a sense of being a part of the local environment. There are several birds, and you will undoubtedly hear the Knysna Loerie’s distinctive kok-kok call. You will also encounter Vervet monkeys who are riding all around. The reserve, located near the western boundary of the Tsitsikamma National Park, was named by Comte Médéric de Vasselot de Regné, who was chosen to serve as the Cape Colony’s Superintendent of Woods and Forests in 1880. The lagoon is a warm and ideal spot for sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. A professional forester held this job for the first time, marking a turning point for the nation’s forestry, which had previously been exploited and unprotected. The De Vasselot Natural Reserve contains native forests, forested hills, and a coastal plateau that rises 300 meters above the ocean. The park also features a rocky shoreline and a wonderful, uninhabited beach. The accommodation options inside the reserve are De vasselot rest camp, forest huts, and camping. The activities you can participate in include Picnics, Hiking Trails, Swimming, Canoeing, and Bird Watching. 

FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE 

Featherbed Game Reserve offers tourists to the Garden Route a fantastic experience on the Knysna Lagoon. Five freshwater rivers from the nearby Outeniqua Mountains enter the lagoon, more appropriately referred to as a waterway, where they join the surge of seawater from the Indian Ocean. These mighty headlands are referred to as the Knysna Heads. The Featherbed Nature Reserve’s significance as a Natural Heritage Site is unsurprising, given that it is one of the city’s oldest attractions. The best time to visit the featherbed nature reserve is between May and may; it will be a great choice for swimmers. Knysna provides a variety of family-friendly activities, many of which are exclusive to Featherbed Game Reserve. Includes its own private nature area and trail, eateries, and a fleet of varied watercraft. They also host private events, seminars, and weddings at any location, providing activities like lagoon cruising, hiking the Knysna Heads, and exploring nature trails. You travel up the mountain on a slender path with a Unimog vehicle. Views of the lagoon and the small town below are breathtaking from one side. On one side, the ocean reaches the horizon, and whales can occasionally be seen in its crystal-clear waters. The nearby accommodation options are Knysna Lodge Self Catering, Island Vibe, and Knysna Lakeside. For an adult, the cost of visiting Featherbed Game Reserve is  R 380. 

READ MORE ON GAME RESERVES NEAR CAPE TOWN HERE.

FORMOSA NATURE RESERVE 

The Tsitsikamma Mountains are part of the range of this reserve, which spans 5 000 hectares. The reserve is unknown, which ensures its secrecy and puts it high on the travel list of anyone who values the peace of a reserve that is rarely disturbed. All seasons of the year are suitable for visiting Ria Formosa Natural Park. The fall and winter are the best seasons for those who want to get in touch with nature, especially wildlife. The Formosa Natural Reserve is inland of the country’s most picturesque coastline, the Garden Route, just north of Nature’s Valley, between Kareedouw and Misgund. Together with a variety of animals and several bird species and the Formosa park, the reserve became more attractive. Because it is not very popular, this reserve is an excellent place to experience tranquil nature. While abundant bird life draws birders to the Formosa reserve, mountain woodland, and moist fynbos predominate there. To visit Formosa, you must obtain permission from the property owner, Marius Strydom. Throughout the week, there are no fees; however, on weekends, prices are R100 per group. The accommodation options near  Formosa natural reserve are Rooiberg Lodge, Bella Manga Country Escape, and Brenton On Sea Cottages

FRANSMANSHOEK CONSERVANCY 

The seaside communities of Boggomsbaai, Vleesbaai, Kanon, the private nature reserve of Cape Vacca, and the Fransmanshoek peninsula are all included in the Fransmanshoek conservancy, which spans along the coastline. The oldest conservancy in the Western Cape is the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, which was founded in 1994. The reserve is visited throughout the year. It is accessible through a very extensive sandy road. The distinctive sharp-edged, orange rock formations at Fransmanshoek are a standout element of the fourth day on the Oyster Catcher path. They also monitor oystercatchers, build fire barriers, record unauthorized beach activities, and have set up a digital herbarium at the Fransmanhoek information center in addition to eliminating invasive species. The conservancy’s picnic area is likely the one that attracts the most visitors. There is a small information center there with exhibits of indigenous history. The conservancy includes the Fransmanshoek Peninsula, the beach communities of Vleesbaai, Boggomsbaai, Kanon, and the Cape Vacca Private Nature Reserve. The activities you can do in Fransmanshoek conservancy are hiking, swimming, walking trails, visiting nearby villages, and fishing. The nearby accommodation options to Fransmanshoek are Gourits River Guest Farm & Eco-camping, Fonteintjies Self Catering Accommodation, and Kanon Private Nature Reserve. The rate of staying in the conservancy varies in correspondence to seasons. 

GARDEN ROUTE GAME RESERVE 

The Garden Route Game Lodge, which is situated against the magnificent Langeberg mountain range, stands to watch over the entrance to South Africa’s renowned Garden Route Coast. One of South Africa’s most breathtaking pieces of coastline is the Garden Route, which can be reached in only four hours by car from the Cape Town International Airport. The Garden Route Game Lodge is a well-liked resting place for travelers between Cape Town and Mossel Bay because of its convenient location on the N2.On the Garden Route, which is more closely identified with lush, bountiful flora, forests, and rivers than with the bushveld required to sustain the game, one does not anticipate having access to the big 5. The best time to visit the garden route game reserve is from February to April. The activities you could engage in at the garden route game reserve include game drives, birdwatching, exploring flora and fauna, mountain biking, and picnics. Children can go on game drives to see wildlife up close, go on a guided bush walk, go on an insect walk, or go fishing in one of the waterholes as part of the Kids’ Bushwise Activities program. The Reptile Center, which contains snakes and crocodiles, also offers an interactive tour. The Garden Route Game Lodge becomes an appealing alternative when you consider the elephant feeding, where guests may feed, pet, and take pictures of these gentle giants. The accommodation options inside the game reserve include luxury lodge rooms, deluxe chalets, valley view bush chalets, and honeymoon bush chalets. The cost of staying for a family fun break per person sharing per night is R1990. Garden route game reserve is one of the most famous of the  game reserves near Garden Route.

READ MORE ON GAME RESERVES NEAR PORT ELIZABETH HERE.

GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK 

The Garden Route National Park, often known as GRNP, was established by SANParks and covered an impressive 121 000 hectares. It encompasses the Knysna Lakes region, Tsitsikamma national parks, and approximately 52 000 hectares of newly declared property. On the N2 national highway, the Garden Route National Park is situated along the Western Cape and Eastern Cape coasts. The best time to visit the garden route national park is from February to April. The main attractions of the garden route national park are breathtaking beauty, spectacular mountainous vistas, a wealth of activities, and charming, friendly seaside villages await you. Wildlife that is abundant and varied and has lovely flowers. The activities you can do in Garden route national park are Forest excursions, The Otter Trail Water Activities, Hiking, Nature Walks, and Mountain Biking. The Garden Route’s natural biota, or all living things, are primarily preserved by the Park. Mountain fynbos, coastal fynbos, afro-montane forests, marine herb-land, intertidal, and subtidal zones comprise the main vegetation biomes. The accommodation options nearby the garden route national park are Firefly Falls, Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge, and Rainforest Ridge Lodge & Venue. The conservation charges of the national Park are R140 per adult for foreigners. 

GONDWANA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE 

Visitors to Cape Town may enjoy the ideal luxury safari vacation at the award-winning Gondwana Game Reserve,  located at South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route. The 11 000-hectare (26 000-acre), private, malaria-free wildlife reserve is situated along South Africa’s well-known Garden Route and offers a unique and genuine free-roaming Big five safari. Cape town is the nearest international airport to Gondwana private game reserve. The ancient landmass known as “Gondwanaland,” which existed 120 million years ago, inspired the naming of the Gondwana reserve. The reserve has around 15 antelope species, including bontebok, kudu, waterbuck, sable, eland, gray reebok, and many others. With frequent stops at the lodge from the elephants and lions, the Big five free roaming species also keep things exciting. Fynbos and grass plains make up the distinctive vegetation on the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, which is the most magnificent in the entire world. Gondwana game reserve is most popular private game reserve near cape town. The conservation fees for Gondwana private game reserve for an adult are R400 and R200 for children. The best time to visit the Gondwana game reserve is in the dry winter, from May to August. The activities you can participate in at the game reserve include 4×4 wildlife drives, mountain biking, guided bush walks, private guided walking safaris, fishing, environmental preservation projects, and golf. For accommodation, there are various options, such as full-board and half-board luxury safari lodges and private villas. Gondwana Game Reserve provides visitors with attentive service, delectable cuisine, visually stunning interiors, knowledgeable game rangers, various activities, and the well-liked Junior Ranger Program for kids.

GOUKAMMA NATURE RESERVE

Although the main entrance and offices are just outside Buffalo Bay, the 2500-hectare reserve is accessible from both sides of the bay and is located between Sedgefield and Buffalo Bay. A treasure trove near the mouth of the Goukamma River, the magnificent Goukamma Nature Reserve is one of those unrivaled hideaways that, although on the well-known Garden Route, manages to stay relatively secret and undiscovered. It is only 20 kilometers west of Knysna. A rich coastal forest with milkwood, yellowwood, and candlewood trees spans 2,500 hectares of the reserve. The endearing vervet monkey, bushbuck, and bush pig are protected, along with the mongoose, porcupine, and grysbok. You can participate in many activities in the game reserve, such as Kayaking, canoeing, angling, bird watching, whale watching, horse riding, and hiking. As the first spring rains produce splashes of vibrant spring blooms among the fynbos, September/October is a fantastic time to visit. The Goukamma River, its estuary, and the Groenvlei Lake offer a warm habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the endangered African black oystercatcher, making it a favorite choice for serious birders. Fish can be found in Groenvlei Lake in two native species and four foreign species. Goukamma Reserve has the unique benefit of a 14 km long coastline and a Marine Protected Area that extends almost two nautical miles offshore. The accommodation offers options like Buffalo Valley – Vlei Lodge, River Lodge, Forest Lodge, and Blacktail chalet. The reserve has day hikes, swimming is allowed in the river and the sea, canoe journeys up the river are fun, and the lake has some of the most incredible bass fishing in South Africa. It is an iconic private reserve for adventure.

KEURBOOMS RIVER NATURE RESERVE

The Keurbooms River Natural Reserve is about 8 kilometers along the main road of the N2 when traveling from Plettenberg Bay to Nature’s Valley. The mother river originates in the Langkloof, north of the main Tsitsikamma Mountain range, weaves its way downwards from the easily accessible Keurbooms River estuary. Its voyage is exceedingly complicated. After 4 km, power boats are not allowed. This is an exclusive private game reserve in South Africa.As you get past this, the waters calm down, and you can start to take in the tranquil beauty and abundant birds. The activities you could participate in at the Keurbooms river nature reserve are Bird watching, boating, picnic, swimming, and fishing. Those who are lucky enough might even see the rare leopard. The Knysna lourie, gigantic kingfisher, Knysna woodpecker, sunbirds, yellow-billed ducks, and other bird species contribute to the musical background of the verdant surroundings. It meanders across mountain valleys and creates a breathtaking, pristine gorge inside the reserve worth visiting. Stinkwood, ironwood, western, keurboom yellowwood, after which the reserve is called, grow in abundance along the banks of the Keurbooms River. It is a stunning little reserve with only 740 hectares in the lush Garden Route region just west of Plettenberg Bay. It is also a World Heritage Site. The Bungalow by Raw Africa Boutique Collection, Stone Cottage, and Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve are the nearby accommodation option around the game reserve.

READ MORE ON NATURE RESERVES NEAR CAPE TOWN HERE.

KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK

Knysna Elephant Park is a Garden Route attraction close to the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The Knysna Elephant Park was the first institution in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants, opening its doors in 1994. These animals include relocated animals, calves that have been abandoned, elephants that have been saved from culls, and ex-circus animals. The current KEP herd has eight members and is the biggest domestic matriarchal herd in the nation. Due to how the park manages them, visitors can interact with the elephants directly and on their terms. With the exception of Thandi, who was born at the Knysna Elephant Park, all the elephants there were orphans saved from culling operations in the Kruger National Park. These elephants receive the best care and accommodations at the Knysna Elephant Park. Veterinarians scientifically monitor their diet. The 60-hectare camp, which has lots of food, some giant trees to rest against, and two sizable dams for bathing and drinking, is open to the Knysna elephants. The Knysna elephant park includes On-Site Research Unit, Volunteer Programme, Interpretation Centre, Restaurant and Playground, and Photography Department. A Knysa elephant park daily tour costs R 290 for adults. The elephants are regularly taken for walks around the plantations and forests by the elephant keepers in the mornings and nights, which gives their diet a fascinating variation. The elephants are kept in a boma at night. At night, high-protein porridge and black wattle branches are fed to the elephants. Sawdust lines their stalls, giving the animals a cozy place to sleep. The nearby accommodation options include Knysna Elephant Park Lodge, Holt Hill Forest Stay & Venetian Carnival Masks, and Masescha Country Estate.

LAKES AREA NATIONAL PARK

The Wilderness National Park and the Knysna National Lake Area used to be included in this national park in Knysna. They are presently administered as a single entity and had in the Garden Route National Park due to their proximity and shared characteristics. The Wilderness National Park is a lovely realm of lakes, rivers, fens, estuaries, and beaches that softly unfolds against a backdrop of thick forest and steep mountains in South Africa’s renowned Garden Route. The best time to visit this national park is between February and April. You can encounter the vividly colored Knysna Loerie or one of the five local kingfisher species on nature trails that pass through a heavily forested forest and along serene rivers. The wildlife here includes elephants, zebra, wildebeest, giraffes, and buffalo, all of which are now extinct. The lakes are surrounded by a carpet of flowers in the spring, which highlights the park’s lush splendor. The activities you can do around the national park are Knysna scooters, Ocean sailing charters, drumming experiences, etc. The accommodation nearby includes Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp, Lodge On Lake, and Moontide Riverside Lodge.

MONKEYLAND PRIMATE SANCTUARY 

The first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary in the world is Monkeyland, located not far from Plettenberg Bay. You will be able to witness over 550 primates of different types on our trips, which we refer to as “monkey safaris” — to name a few, Capuchin Monkeys, Ring-tailed and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs, Gibbons, and Howler Monkeys. The first sanctuary for free-roaming multi-species primates is located near Plettenberg Bay and is called Monkeyland. About a 30-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay is Monkeyland, which is situated in The Crags. The Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary was built in a healthy, natural high, canopy forest ideal for the lucky primates to call it home. You can visit Monkeyland primate sanctuary anytime in the year. The future of all the primates that arrive at Monkeyland has been guaranteed thanks to the establishment of the Touch a Monkey’s Heart Foundation. The entry fee to the sanctuary is a fee. There are also free guided tours. The fact that Monkeyland is a working illustration of how these wonderful creatures can be maintained in an almost wild state may be the most significant aspect of the sanctuary’s existence. This must inevitably lead to the realization that there must be a far higher possibility of success when reintroducing primates to their original habitats from this wilder state. The accommodation options available include Trogon House and Forest Spa, Tenikwa Nature Lodge, and Rainforest Ridge Lodge & Venue. It’s a unique experience to eat lunch in Monkeyland’s buzzing forest. It is the only restaurant in the world where you can enjoy your coffee while observing a wide range of primates from around the globe playing and taking advantage of their newly acquired freedom.

NOETZIE CONSERVANCY

Fifteen minutes East of Knysna lies a hidden cove featuring a pristine beach, a peaceful estuary, a vast diversity of indigenous flora and animals, and an eclectic assortment of traditional beach cottages and imaginative castles. To get into the conservancy, Turn right in front of the Uniondale turnoff as you leave Knysna and travel along the N2 towards Plettenberg Bay. When the developer of Pezula barred access to the beach via the public steps, citizens responded very passionately, and a court dispute ensued. Noetzie Beach and its surroundings were officially designated as a conservancy when citizens petitioned the government to do so in 1999. Noetzie began as a holiday spot for families who lived and worked in Knysna and Oudtshoorn. Even now, Noetzie draws tourists and locals to its sandy coast for a few nights of respite from the pressures of contemporary life or for a few hours of sunbathing, birdwatching, canoeing, and hiking. On the beach, certain things are prohibited, like alcohol, amplified music, no parking on the sand or the beach, and no building construction. The dark lagoon waters, the untamed ochre rocks, the golden beach surrounded by forested hills, the thundering breakers rolling in row after row. It is surrounded by native Tsitsikamma forest, and if you pay attention, you might spot a rare black oystercatcher or the trail of an elusive Cape leopard on the beach. The nearby accommodation options at Noetzie conservancy are Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa, Pezula Private Castle, and Under Milkwood Chalets. 

OUTENIQUA NATURE RESERVE

Outeniqua Natural Reserve is conveniently located near George along the Garden Route and is just a short drive from Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn. From Cape Town, it takes around five hours to get there. The San and Khoi tribes who originally lived in the mountains are said to be the originators of the name Outeniqua, which is thought to mean “those who bear honey. “The reserve is between the dry Little Karoo and the coastal region with heavy rainfall. This mountainous region has a wide variety of plants. At most, five passes traverse the 100 km-long reserves. However, only the Outeniqua and Robinson passes are paved out of them. Each pass is connected to one or more hikes, ranging from a day to overnight climbs. Early settlers used to follow elephant herds to find more accessible routes across the area in the late 1600s since the rocky mountains had long served as a barrier to entry into the Klein Karoo. The first pass, the Cradock Pass, was constructed in 1813 but proved too difficult for many to ascend in ox-drawn carts. The area has ten hiking trails, but only experienced hikers should use the five passes that traverse it. The other three overnight trails are the Doring River Wilderness Route, the Tierkop Hiking Trail, and the Attakwaskloof Trail. The accommodation options nearby Outeniqua Natural Reserve are Avo and Oak guesthouse, a self-catering property, and the Tehillah guest house. Ten hiking paths wind around the mountain face of the Outeniqua with breathtaking views of the land and sea, and five passes cut through the reserve.

OYSTER BAY RESERVE

On the borders of Mossel Bay sits the 330-hectare Oyster Bay Reserve, a botanical nature reserve. The reserve is situated between the populated areas of Dana Bay, Kwa Nonquaba, Pinnacle Point, and Heiderand on the edges of Mossel Bay. Through managing several community initiatives, such as the Bishop’s Bird Hide and Dam, the Oyster Bay Reserve aims to conserve, maintain, and educate. The wooden building is invisible to birds, has increased public awareness of local birds, and will likely provide employment if bird tours begin in the area. Its exterior walls are brush-packed with dried branches from the local alien vegetation. You can do Oyster Bay reserve activities, including a picnic, horse rides, sand boarding, and hiking trails. The best time to visit Oyster bay reserve is between the months of February and April. The accommodation options nearby include oysters bay lodge, Duke’s nest, and oyster kaya. 

PLEDGE NATURE RESERVE 

The Pledge Nature Reserve is an excellent place to explore in Knysna. To reach Pledge nature reserve, you can go off the N2 route into Knysna, then turn left at the robot at Gray Street going up the hill. Tourists frequently refer to this location as a “pocket of paradise”; dogs are welcome there as long as they are leashed. Choose a path that leads to a vantage point so you can scan the surroundings and take a few beautiful pictures from there. Pledge Nature Reserve mainly comprises forests, wetlands, fynbos, native vegetation, cold ponds and rivers, and wonderful bird life. In Pledge nature reserve visitors will have the chance to learn a lot about the Cape fynbos and native woodlands. The history of Pledge Nature Reserve is fascinating. It isn’t easy to imagine that the area presently known as Bok-se-Kloof, which is on the outside of town, was once a brickfield. This was closed around 1920, and after a Brownie club utilized it to learn about the area’s botanical richness, it was essentially abandoned. A walk around the Pledge Nature Reserve may refresh anyone’s senses thanks to its many beautiful meandering pathways that branch out along streams and its richness of flora, flowers, trees, and fynbos. Even well-liked full-moon hikes in the area draw both locals and visitors, young and old. The nearby accommodation options for this reserve are Knysna Lodge Self-Catering Accommodation, Island Vibe, and Knysna Inn. 

ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE 

An isolated, rocky peninsula near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is known as the most well-liked hiking location in and around Plettenberg Bay. You can take the N2 highway towards Plettenberg Bay to reach Robberg nature reserve. The rugged shoreline, home to hundreds of Cape Fur Seals, and the waterways, which are abundant with dolphins and whales, draw tourists to this area. The Robberg Peninsula is also a national monument 8 km south of Plettenberg Bay. Three circular routes are available to hikers, including the four-hour journey to The Point. Kayakers advise that the best approach to explore the rocky shoreline is to see it from the safety of their boats. Any time of year is the best time to visit the Robberg Nature Reserve, but May through November are the most incredible months for offshore whale watching. The features of visiting Robberg nature reserve are:

• Rare blue duiker.
• The Western Cape’s tiniest antelope.
• Wandering alongside one of the region’s seven climbing-falling dunes and taking in the highest navigational light on the South African coastline. 

Visitors can anticipate breathtaking scenery and thrilling dolphin and whale sightings during certain times of the year, as well as a variety of bird species and the occasional seal to accompany them on their walks or excursions. The activities you can participate in at Robberg nature reserve are fishing, birdwatching, hiking, trail walking, picnicking, whale watching, and swimming. The nearby accommodation option at Robberg nature reserve is Christiana Lodge, The Robberg Beach Lodge, and Dolphins Playground B&B. The entrance fees to Robberg are R50 for adults and R30 for children. 

STEENBOK NATURE RESERVE 

The Reserve, a valuable 17 hectares in size, is a portion of the larger Knysna Protected Environment Area. Steenbok offers a haven for visitors seeking to get lost in nature, breathe in the clear sea air, and take in the Western Cape’s crisp weather just four kilometers from the center of the charming tiny town of Knysna. More than 200 varieties of flowering plants and more than 100 different kinds of trees can be found in this Reserve. Frogs, butterflies, fish, and several bird species also call it home. A sizable open region, bordered by the sea on one side and made up of open grassland, little groups of native trees and shrubs, and stretches of salt marsh, can be found along Leisure Isle’s northern coasts. The Reserve is a perfect spot for dog walking. The activities you can do in the nature reserve are Beaches & Swimming, Parks & Picnic Areas, Sports, Boating, Fishing, Birding, Dog Walking, and Garden clubs. The Reserve has no entrance fees, and it is open to all. The accommodation options nearby the nature reserve are Leisure Isle House, The Leisure Collective, and Amanzi Island Lodge. International tourists are drawn there year after year by its famed natural abundance and beauty.

INDALU GAME RESERVE

Indalu is a magnificent wildlife reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa, 20 kilometers from Albertinia and 30 kilometers from Mossel Bay. For observant visitors to the Garden Route, Indalu Game Reserve is a top-notch game lodge offering a wildlife experience. Indalu is accessible to the wild and unhindered movement of the game through 800 hectares of scenery. Wildlife is constantly present at Indalu, where guests feel at home. Indalu’s primary way of life is based on a profound appreciation for all things tamed, untamed, and unexplored. Game drives and elephant walks are significant activities of the Indalu game reserve. Two Big Five and eight other antelope species can currently be seen during game-watching in open cars or on walking safaris. The highly skilled guides take visitors on up-close and personal encounters thanks to their extensive understanding of the African bushveld. The beautiful beasts can be touched, fed, and interacted with on a once-in-a-lifetime guided elephant tour in Mossel Bay. You can do activities in Indalu, including Morning and evening game drives, elephant walk, elephant interaction, and a 4*4 eco-adventure experiences. The accommodation options include Leopard Chalet, Lion Chalet, and Bush Lapa. The activities in the Indalu game reserve start from R450 for adults.