---
type: "Article"
title: "Amazing Garden Route – Knysna and surroundings"
description: "The Garden Route in South Africa is one of the most amazing scenic routes. From George to Port Elizabeth it takes you on a journey through picture perfect beaches and unspoilt wilderness."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/south-africa/garden-route-southafrica-knysna-pezula-simola"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 9
tags: ["Garden Route", "Nature", "Rental Car", "South Africa"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/golf"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/lodge"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/wilderness-safaris"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T13:47:18+00:00 }
verified:
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sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: garden-route-southafrica-knysna-pezula-simola.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:47:18+00:00
---

# Amazing Garden Route – Knysna and surroundings

> The Garden Route in South Africa stretches from George to Port Elizabeth, offering dramatic coastal scenery, unspoilt wilderness, and world-class golf. This account focuses on the Knysna area, covering nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and acclaimed golf courses.

## Destination
Knysna and surroundings, Garden Route, South Africa (George to Port Elizabeth)

## What to see
- **Nature's Valley** — National park area offering breathtaking views of the coast.
- **Goukamma Nature Reserve** — Includes a long beach and an extensive dune field.
- **Monkeyland** — The world's first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary.
- **Birds of Eden** — At 23,000 sqm, the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world.
- **Phantom Forest Lodge** — Luxury eco reserve destination set in afromontane forest.

## What to do
- **Golf at Pezula Championship Golf Course** — Award-winning 18-hole course rated among the most scenic in the world.
- **Golf at Simola Golf Course** — The first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route, designed to follow the natural lie of the land.
- **Golf at Goose Valley and St. Francis Links** — Further recommended courses along the Garden Route between George and Port Elizabeth.
- **Dinner at Sirocco Restaurant** — Known for a delicious seafood platter, recommended by local hosts.
- **Dinner at Chutzpah at Phantom Forest Lodge** — Turkish-inspired restaurant within the luxury eco reserve.

## Good to know
Kanonkop Guest House on Kanonkop Hill above Knysna is recommended as a luxury boutique base; hosts Chris, Mark and Samantha Conyers provide personalised local tips.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/PICT0572.jpg"
    caption: "Kanonkop Guest House"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sirocco-aussenansicht-300x150.jpg"
    caption: "Sirocco Restaurant"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/PICT0123-300x198.jpg"
    caption: "Coast at Nature Valley"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Garden-Route-South-Africa.jpg"
    caption: "Brenton on Sea"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/PICT0174-300x198.jpg"
    caption: "Monkey Land"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/PICT0236-300x198.jpg"
    caption: "Birds of Eden"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/pezula-300x176.jpg"
    caption: "Pezula Golf Course"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/PICT0306-300x198.jpg"
    caption: "Simola Golf Club"
```