Garden Route Trail
Garden Route Trail
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
At Garden Route Trail we offer guided hiking and birding tours in the Garden Route and Karoo. Our flagship is a 5 day slackpacking trail between Wilderness and Brenton on Sea. On request we compile hiking tours between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and in the Karoo. Our day walks can be focused as Fynbos, Afro-montane Forest, Dune Thicket and coastal walks.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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5.0
52 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tut
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Had an incredible hike with Mark and Amanda.
Highly recommend their personalised trails as well as their regular trail along the coast of the garden route. Mark shares his vast knowledge of flora and fauna of the area while hiking through breathtaking scenery.
Highly recommend their personalised trails as well as their regular trail along the coast of the garden route. Mark shares his vast knowledge of flora and fauna of the area while hiking through breathtaking scenery.
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaurCapeTown
Cape Town58 contributions
May 2022
Unbelievable tailored 5 day hiking trip with Mark and Amanda. We stayed in Swellendam and ventured out to mountains, forests and rivers each day from our lovely guesthouse. Mark is extremely knowledgable and will walk and talk only as fast or as your interest permits. We were a group of experienced hikers and learned so much about the flora and fauna (and geology, water, etc) in the area. It was a catered experience with wholesome, health food available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can't recommend Garden Route Trail enough and can't wait for another trip with Mark and Amanda!
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa P
6 contributions
Oct 2020
We were a party of two families including four kids ages 5-10 years old, and we slackpacked with Mark and with the support of Amanda in October 2020. Hands down, amazing trip!! Though we have lived in South Africa for ten years, Mark brought us to gorgeous and varied places we wouldn't have found on our own. The kids were so enthralled with how he brought the flora and fauna to life that they didn't notice how many hours or kilometers they were walking. After we finished the trip, it was rather disappointing to revert to "ask google!", and we all missed Mark's guiding. We appreciated the style of accommodation each evening (comfortable parks self-catering lodges in stunning settings), and we also appreciated Mark and Amanda's cooking.
Written 26 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aryn B
Los Angeles, California2 contributions
Oct 2020
An absolutely fantastic adventure. We were 5 adults and 4 kids, ages 5-10. The scenery was great, the walking long but manageable even for the littlest ones, and our guide Mark was a fount of knowledge that kept the kids riveted on his stories and always eager for more. Also kept their minds off the long trail days. It was a nice blend of hiking and kayaking, with spectacular scenery. Dinners were a treat, home cooked and convivial. The lodges were comfortable, with spectacular views. Highly recommended.
Written 24 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sadiyah A
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia82 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Perfect place to spend the weekend with the family
Quiet, clean, and full of things that you can watch and enjoy
Quiet, clean, and full of things that you can watch and enjoy
Written 18 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabel
Calgary, Canada54 contributions
Nov 2019
We enjoyed a marvellous 5 day walk and canoe with Mark. The scenery was stunning and varied from forest and rivers to open beaches. The accommodation along the route was very comfortable including some amazing views. The highlight of the trip though was the incredible knowledge of our guide. Mark is a true scientist and he capably identified and described all of the diverse flora and fauna we encountered. He is also an accomplished cook and we ate very well.
Thank you Mark for sharing your knowledge and looking after us so well. We highly recommend that anyone that wants to increase the knowledge of the natural world and gain a better appreciation of their surroundings, do this hike with Mark Dixon.
Thank you Mark for sharing your knowledge and looking after us so well. We highly recommend that anyone that wants to increase the knowledge of the natural world and gain a better appreciation of their surroundings, do this hike with Mark Dixon.
Written 11 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biscuitpaws
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK11 contributions
Sep 2019
The variation in wildlife and landscape leaves you breathless. It is beyond beautiful as you drive along.
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
At Garden Route Trail, we focus on the botanical and wildlife diversity of the Garden Route with our specialist nature tours. From half day forest, fynbos or coastal tours to our flagship 5 day guided coastal #slackpacking, we offer the perfect way to discover this magnificent region of South Africa.
Written 7 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NMB257
Leatherhead, UK124 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
After our excellent 2018 guided walk we booked to walk with Mark again on our 2019 visit - first the St Blaise trail from Dana's Bay to Mossel Bay, and then the Galjoen Trail. Mark is a fantastic guide - knowledgable, interested, interesting, such a widely informed and environmentally passionate person it is impossible not to become thoroughly absorbed in his interests. The St Blaise trail is predominantly cliff-top, with great views, whilst Galjoen is all beach level. Seeing fossilised footprints of animals from 120,000 years ago is mind boggling and extending. Please do make sufficient time to allow at least a full day of learning and insight with Mark.
Written 21 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Nick and Penny. It was wonderful to see you again and I look forward to sharing more of the natural treasures of the Garden Route on some more hikes on your next visit.
Written 23 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mesh
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK206 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We did this route solely by coach, did have stops for views. The whole holiday was based on the garden route. Stopped at interesting places, with beautiful views. I should imagine if you get the opportunity to walk any of it if would be amazing
Written 26 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Garden Route is definitely a place to visit. As a business specializing in guided hikes and birding tours, Garden Route Trail strives to reveal the natural wonders of the region whether it is on a half day or a multi day hike.
Written 23 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric B
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Solo
Mark took me on a birding route to several sites around Wilderness. It was like going birding with a pal. Mark's knowledge of birds was terrific. Had a great time saw lots of birds (including the wildly out of place Broad-billed Roller). Mark's alfresco fresh coffee was good too. Would recommend Mark to any visiting birder.
Written 26 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Eric, always glad to share with fellow birders.
Written 27 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VictoriaJane59
Hertfordshire1 contribution
Never canoed before and afraid am too old now as a pensioner?....any other way of doing the garden route?
Naturewalk
Garden Route6 contributions
Hi, there are numerous ways to explore the Garden Route other than by canoe. Most rewarding is a hiking tour taking in a mixture of the fynbos, forest and coastal biomes. For the more energetic, a mountain bike tour is an ideal way to explore the back country routes.
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Claim your listingGARDEN ROUTE TRAIL: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Route Trail
- Garden Route Trail is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Garden Route Trail:
- (0.48 mi) Kingfisher Country House
- (0.25 mi) Wilderness Ebb & Flow Rest Camp
- (0.64 mi) Dolphin Dunes Guest House
- (0.66 mi) Mes Amis Guest House
- (0.64 mi) Wilderness Dunes
- Restaurants near Garden Route Trail:
- (0.97 mi) Serendipity Restaurant
- (0.92 mi) Joplins Steak Bar
- (1.36 mi) Hoekwil Country Cafe
- (0.41 mi) Mugg and Bean Langeberg Mall
- (0.55 mi) Fairy Knowe Hotel