Page 35 - LHR Biker September 2025

Road Trip Guide: Garden Route Ride – Scenic

Breakdown with Stops

Few roads in the world carry the mystique, natural drama, and biker-friendly spirit of
South Africa’s Garden Route. Stretching roughly 300 kilometers between Mossel Bay
in the Western Cape and Storms River in the Eastern Cape, the Garden Route is more
than just a highway—it’s an invitation to roll down the visor and let each bend reveal
forests, beaches, lagoons, and mountain passes. For riders, this strip is not just
about scenery, but about the balance between smooth tarred curves, endless coastal
horizons, and side routes that reward curiosity with hidden gems.

This guide is built for bikers who busy with traffic; winter brings village rests between sea and
want more than “point A to point some rain, but also quieter lagoon, framed by cliffs.
B.” Here you’ll find a scenic roads. Wilderness Beach stretches
breakdown of the route, Bike Choice: Almost any road seemingly forever, perfect for a
recommended stops, riding bike is suitable, though dual- post-ride barefoot walk. Grab
tips, and insider advice to turn sport riders can dive into dirt s u n d o w n e r s a t a l o c a l
the Garden Route into not just a detours (Prince Alfred’s Pass, restaurant overlooking the
road trip, but a memory etched Seven Passes Road). water.
in chrome and adrenaline. Fuel & Logistics: Fuel is
plentiful, but top up before Segment 2: Wilderness
Why Ride the Garden venturing onto side passes. to Knysna (±45 km)
Route? Accommodation ranges from This is one of the most
The Garden Route holds a luxury resorts to biker-friendly photogenic stretches. The road
legendary status because it’s backpackers. hugs the coast, winding past
accessible yet wild, diverse yet lakes and cliffs, with constant
cohesive. It offers coastal riding Segment 1: Mossel Bay blue views.
reminiscent of California’s to Wilderness (±100 km)
Pacific Coast Highway, forests Your ride begins in Mossel Bay, Riding Highlights:
and passes that feel like officially the start of the Garden Kaaimans River Pass: A
European Alps-lite, and a Route. Mossel Bay itself is dramatic, short pass that gives
South African hospitality all its worth a short stay—stop at the riders sweeping turns and
own. Riders can wake up near Diaz Museum complex and panoramic views of the river
fynbos-covered cliffs, snake enjoy a harbor-side seafood mouth.
through the Outeniqua Pass by lunch. For bikers, it’s the feeling Wilderness National Park:
midday, and have dinner of rolling out with the ocean on Expect dense forests and
watching dolphins play at your right and mountains birdlife on either side.
W i l d e r n e s s . T h e r o a d looming inland that sets the
itself—smooth tar, with well- tone. Recommended Stop:
k e p t s e c t i o n s o f t h e Knysna—Synonymous with
N2—means it’s a perfect Riding Highlights: the Garden Route. Known for
playground for all motorcycles: Great Brak River: A relaxed the Knysna Lagoon and the
cruisers, sport-tourers, or coastal village with a lagoon- famous Knysna Heads, this
adventure bikes. The side- side atmosphere—perfect for a town offers more than views.
roads, however, lure the morning coffee stop. Riders can explore the
adventure rider into gravel Outeniqua Mountains: As waterfront, enjoy fresh oysters,
detours that push the trip into you curve closer to George, the or take a side detour into the
unforgettable territory. mountains rise into view, Knysna Forest. Bikers will
hinting at the passes ahead. appreciate the smooth tar into
Planning the Ride George: The administrative town, followed by twisties that
Ideal Duration: 4–7 days (a hub of the region and a handy snake into the forest if you
weekend blitz is possible, but refuel point. explore further.
the Garden Route deserves
time). Recommended Stop: Segment 3: Knysna to
B e s t S e a s o n : S p r i n g Wilderness—Arguably the Plettenberg Bay (±30 km)
( S e p t – N o v ) o r A u t u m n most scenic early stop. The
(Mar–May). Summer can be

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LHR Biker Magazine October 2025