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Planning a trip along the Garden Route in South Africa? (Halaal Food & Things to Do)

Last updated: 04 December 2024

Planning your Garden Route itinerary can be very time-consuming. To save you some planning time Halaal Travels has compiled this ultimate guide to help you plan your itinerary along the Garden Route. 

As Muslim travelers one of the main things that we worry about is: Where can we find halaal food along the Garden Route? 

Where does it begin?

The Garden Route begins about four hours outside of Cape Town. It includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. It boasts a coastline of approximately 300km (186 miles) between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. It is one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations.  

 

Best time to travel along the Garden Route

The best time to travel along the Garden Route is during the spring and summer months. The great weather and longer days allow for a wide array of activities that you can enjoy during your visit here.

Towns along the Garden Route:

Mossel Bay

Halaal Food

• • Kaap se Dyt 083 462 2600

Activities

Pinnacle Point Caves

https://www.humanorigin.co.za/activities/cave-visits/

Knysna

Knysna is a quaint town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is located in the heart of the world-famous Garden Route. This little seaside town lies between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the glittering Indian Ocean.

Halaal Food

1. Shameera (Cooks food) Kynsna 083 564 2507 (Based on a suggestion from the Halaal Travels Instagram Community

2. Amazen foods (They keep marinated braai meat as well)

Contact: 083 782 1000.

3. Knysna KFC is halaal (at the time of writing this article).

4. Zam Zam caterers

Contact: 083 564 2507

5. The Saffron Spoon 082 413 9786.

Activities

Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden is an easy circular walk set in the lush, green Knysna indigenous forest. This walk is about 1.3km long. If you have young kids and want to experience a walk in the forest then this is ideal. The entire pathway is a boardwalk making it pram friendly. This is a great place as a ‘pit stop’ to stretch your legs and have a picnic.

Location: About halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, along the N2. 

Cost/Permit: There is a small office at the entrance where you can pay and obtain your permit. 

Contact number: 044 532 7793

Office hours: 8:00- 17:00

Circles in a forest (Kring in ‘n Bos)

This hike is a beautiful walk in the indigenous forest. Along the 9km trail, you will pass a stream and end at a waterfall. This trail is rated as moderate. As there is a steep uphill at the end.

The 3km trail is rated as being easier and more child-friendly. However, on this trail, you will not see the waterfall or stream. 

Drupkelders Hiking Trail

This is a relatively short walk to the Homtini River. It is approximately 3,6km. However, it is reported that the hills and the descents on this hike are steep. Be sure to pack your swimming clothes and loads of snacks to enjoy by the river at the end of this hike. 

Featherbed Nature Reserve

This reserve is located on the Western Head of Knysna. It is a privately owned nature reserve. You can only access it via a ferry. This is part of the Featherbed Tour. You are taken across by a ferry, once on the reserve you then ride on a 4×4 to the top of the headland.

Plettenberg Bay

• Garden route meals
  Contact: 082 927 7169
• Plettenberg Bay Meals 082 927 7169

George

• Asma’s Kitchen, Atlantic oil
  Contact: 084 777 7799
• KFC Courtney Street and Garden Route Mall
• Zainub’s kitchen
  Contact: 083 674 2287
• Debonairs, N2 BP Oasis 044 050 3785
• Meelas Delights, Hibernia St 081 251 5143
• Milky Lane, N2 BP Oasis 044 050 3787
• MK Halaal, Beach Rd 082 470 0642
• Nadia’s Cuisine, 072 861 2037
• Nanabhai Halal Food 074 946 4619
• Steers, N2 BP Oasis 044 050 3786
• Wild Bean Cafe, N2 BP Oasis 072 861 2037

Jeffreys Bay

• Bismillah, Goedehoop St 062 517 4348

Oudtshoorn

• Carmon takeaways, Jacobson st
• Halaal butchers and takeaways, Bridgton fisheries, Zibra rd
• Halaal cafe, Voortrekker road
• KFC Oudtshoorn
• Mustangs, Voortrekker Road
• Rokiyas takeaways, High Street
• Tarek’s takeaways, St John St
• Xenia convenience store, church St

Sedgefield

• Kapè, 39 Fraser St 071 639 1191.

Humansdorp

• That’s Fishy 060 488 0112

Port Elizabeth

• Grab. n. Grub
• House of Pizza Port Elizabeth
• Gravity Cafe PE
• Morro pizza
• This is eat

Activities along the Garden Route

Another must-visit is the Featherbed Nature Reserve; which is on the Western Head of Knysna and is only accessible by ferry as part of the Featherbed Tour. This reserve is privately owned and occupies 150 hectares of pristine paradise. After being taken across to the reserve by ferry, visitors are expected to ride 4x4s to the top of the headland. From there visitors can walk through Milkwood Forests and then along a coastal track to the restaurant where they can have a fabulous lunch on the edge of the lagoon (this restaurant is not Halaal). Throughout the tour, visitors will be met with spectacular views that are more than worth a picture or two.

Tourists to Knysna can also take a scenic cruise across the lagoon on ferries that depart from the Waterfront or in front of Cthe ruise Café restaurant. The ferries take cruisers across the estuary to the famous Heads. Those going on the cruise will be met with breathtaking views of the surrounding areas as well as the Eastern and Western Heads, Thesen Islands, Leisure Island, and Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Brenton on Sea and Buffalo Bay are two beautiful Blue Flag beaches that must be on every visitor’s itinerary. Buffalo Bay, located in a SANParks Reserve, is ideal for swimming and surfing.

Disclaimer: Please note that the establishments mentioned in this article were Halaal at the time of writing this article. Before you eat anywhere you must ensure that the restaurant/takeaway is Halaal certified.