Island Lake Reopens: Garden Route’s Waters Sparkle Again, Boosting Tourism
The Wilderness Section of South Africa’s Garden Route National Park is set to welcome back visitors to its popular Island Lake, effective immediately. Following a temporary closure due to a blue-green algal bloom, the lake’s pristine waters are once again open for all recreational activities.
Stringent water quality tests, corroborated by satellite imagery, have confirmed the absence of harmful algae, ensuring the lake’s safety for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports. This positive development is expected to revitalize tourism in the area, which boasts a diverse range of attractions and activities.
The initial algal bloom, a natural phenomenon often linked to environmental factors such as warm temperatures and nutrient runoff, prompted a temporary closure starting March 7, 2025. The 84-day closure, spanning late autumn, impacted a significant portion of the tourism season. Now, with the lake’s reopening on May 30, 2025, the Garden Route is poised for a tourism resurgence.
The Garden Route, renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant waterways, holds significant appeal for both domestic and international tourists. In 2023 alone, the region welcomed over 155,000 domestic and 2,740 international visitors. The Wilderness Section, home to Island Lake, plays a vital role in attracting tourists to the area, offering a unique blend of water-based recreation and natural landscapes.
With Island Lake’s reopening, travel agents can capitalize on renewed interest in the Garden Route. The area offers a wealth of opportunities, including canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and adventure sports such as abseiling and paragliding. A variety of accommodations, ranging from campsites within the national park to private lodges and guesthouses, cater to diverse budgets and preferences.
Travel agents can leverage the area’s popularity by crafting attractive packages that combine Island Lake activities with other regional highlights. The nearby towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Oudtshoorn offer additional attractions, including wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. The reopening of Island Lake presents a timely opportunity to showcase the Garden Route’s diverse offerings and boost tourism in the region.
The Garden Route National Park, encompassing the Wilderness, Tsitsikamma, and Knysna sections, has seen substantial growth in visitor numbers in recent years. The reopening of Island Lake is expected to further enhance the park’s appeal and contribute to the continued growth of the regional tourism economy. SANParks remains committed to ongoing monitoring of the lake’s water quality to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
