Garden Of Eden Forest Walk – Plettenberg Bay

Garden Of Eden

There is something special about the smell of the forest… That fresh scent that makes you feel in touch with nature and the outdoors.

Situated between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna alongside the N2 in the Indigenous Forests lies The Garden Of Eden.

Paradise

Using the biblical reference, The Garden of Eden was also known as Paradise. Something that this gem truly does offer and quite rightly deserves its name from.

Described as an enchanting forest due to its fairytale like forests and crystal clear waters it allows an adventure for everyone.

Location

The Garden Of Eden is situated along the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.

It can be seen on the right when coming from Plettenberg Bay, and you are always likely to see cars parked outside, proving how fantastic this place really is.

Despite it being so close to the N2, on arrival you feel as if you are deep into the forest where you begin.

The Indigenous Forest

Described as a scene from a fairytale the forest is full with a variety of vegetation.

The trees are unique with a vast variety of species found throughout the Forest.

To us in the UK it is like walking through our Woodlands, but picture that blaring sunshine battling to shine through as the Trees protect you from its surroundings. A true movie experience, to which nothing anywhere in the world could compare.

Short Walk

The route is too short to be described as a hike, but makes a perfect stop to stretch your legs.

It also offers a chance to “press the reset button” and get a greatly rewarded break from the usual hustle and bustle in daily life.

The walk itself is a boarded walk with no steps allowing ease of access for the whole family, including wheel chairs and push chairs.

Nature Reserve

The Garden Of Eden is what is known as a Nature Reserve and therefore in order to enter there is a small conservation fee. The money spent is well worth it at only R12, which would get you very little elsewhere in the world.

The money goes towards keeping the place as beautiful as the moment you enter.

If however you have the famous Wildcard (we do!), you will get in for free. For more information on these either speak to the local Tourism Office… Here!

Or visit the official Wildcard website… Here!

Wildlife

There is a variety of Wildlife that is highlighted along the track, however we were limited to a few bird spots.

With benches to sit back and soak in the sights, we believe after a short while of silence you would see a variety of Birds (a bird watchers paradise).

Even from the word go you can hear them singing beautiful tunes from the treetops.

If however Wildlife is you thing… Be sure to check out:

• Birds Of Eden
• Jukani 
• Monkeyland

All three come highly recommended and only a short drive away.

Market Stalls

Sadly these were closed the one day we chose to attend but during the walk there is a guided path across a bridge to a few small Market Stalls which sell a variety of items.

Giving the impression of a small little village in the heart of the woods this truly is a fantastic idea.

Garden Route Walking Festival

This Easter Weekend, The Garden Route hosted an event called the Garden Route Walking Festival.

The purpose was to organise 52 walks along the Garden Route all carried out over the Easter Weekend, to not only experience nature but also support it.

A great idea and for those that missed it, make sure you are at the next event as it is one of a kind!

More of this here  https://walkingfestival.co.za

Our Experience

For us the beauty of the whole experience cannot be described in text or photographs.

Nothing quite describes that fresh air smell, and the sight of the sun rays shining through the trees almost like it was meant to be part of an Alice In Wonderland where you question reality.

We had passed the route many times on our way through to Knysna, and also seen an abundance of cars parked there, so thought we would check it out for ourselves.

After entering the location, you feel as if you have stepped back in time, and are deep in the forests all by yourself.

The sounds of the birds and the water running is enough to take anything off of your mind.

We could not recommend this place enough.

Feeling Refreshed

Even after a short walk our minds were at ease, all those stresses of modern life had gone.

It was like spending an hour meditating with not a worry in the world.

In order to get that kind of clarity, we recommend a short walk through the forest!