The area stretching along the Southern Cape coast from Slang River near Heidelberg, eastwards to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River has a variety of exquisite flora and fauna, ranging from magnificent fynbos and Protea species to dense tropical forests in the east. As its name implies the Garden Route is an area that is richly endowed by nature, spectacular in many ways, graced with golden beaches, indigenous forests, lakes, lagoons and meandering rivers. The rugged coastline, marked by a succession of bays, beaches, cliffs, coves and capes, links one beautiful resort to another. Bordered in the north by a series of impressive mountain ranges, the interior is reached via a number of scenic passes.

The warm Indian Ocean and an abundance of inland water surfaces offer endless opportunities for bathing, boating, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, angling, diving and bird watching. Golf, bowls, tennis and hiking are other popular forms of recreation in this area.

The Garden Route has a well developed tourism infrastructure. Accommodation is plentiful and varied, from upmarket hotels to chalets, cottages, flats, caravan parks, and a myriad of informal bed and breakfast establishments. Coach tours also provide an excellent means of exploring the area. The combination of a delightful climate and spectacular scenic attractions has contributed greatly to the international acclaim that the Garden Route already enjoys.