Updated May 2025
This is the ultimate Garden Route travel guide for planning an unforgettable road trip. Our comprehensive Garden Route planning guide covers everything from the best activities, best time to visit and example itineraries to make the most of your trip.
Discover the most beautiful road trip in South Africa with insightful tips on what ethical animal sanctuaries to visit and which activities to avoid on the Garden Route. This Garden Route guide will give you the confidence and insight to navigate the coastal route like a local. With its diverse landscapes and adventure around every corner, South Africa is one of the world’s best self-drive destinations.
How to use this guide
Use the contents table below to jump between sections when looking for a particular part of the guide. The guide is designed to share everything about taking a road trip along the stunning Garden Route, which offers the ultimate experience following the beautiful southern coastline and seeing the diverse landscapes of South Africa.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Why Drive the Garden Route?
3. Where is the Garden Route?
4. When is the best time to visit the Garden Route?
5. How to get around the Garden Route?
6. How to get from Cape Town to the Garden Route?
7. How Long Do You Need to Drive the Garden Route?
8. Garden Route Itinerary Ideas
9. Garden Route Map
10. Top Activities and Things to Do on the Garden Route
11. Detours from the Garden Route
12. Where to stay on the Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa is exceptional; we've done it twice and would go again in an instant. The Garden Route has to be one of the best, if not the best, road trips in South Africa. The iconic route takes you on a journey following the picturesque southern coastline. It's ideal for adventurers, wellness enthusiasts, and those searching for unforgettable safari experiences, with something for everyone.
The Garden Route is located between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and officially starts in Mossel Bay and ends in Storms River. Whether planning a 7 day Garden Route itinerary or a slower 2-week adventure, this guide has the best stops, activities, and travel tips for the perfect Garden Route road trip from Cape Town.
The Garden Route offers unique accommodation options, including garden route lodges, campsites, luxury hotels and pet friendly places. It has some of the best wildlife experiences, with game reserves that immerse you into nature, from self-drive safaris to guided tours. This detailed guide shares example Garden Route itineraries, and everything you need to know before setting off on the road in South Africa.
Why Drive the Garden Route in South Africa?
The Garden Route is often referred to as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. If that’s not reason enough, the route follows the coast looking over the Indian Ocean framed by vibrant, lush green forests and dotted with quaint coastal towns and villages.
It’s easily accessible by car, making it ideal for those visiting South Africa for the first time. As far as road trips go, the Garden Route has it all, jam-packed with scenery, adventure, delicious food, exceptional wildlife watching, stunning beaches and beautiful local markets. Taking a road trip along the coast of South Africa is a wonderful way to experience the rich variety of things to do on the Garden Route.
Where is the Garden Route?
The Garden Route is located on the south coast of South Africa, starting in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and ending in Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The most convenient route will be from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (also known as Gqeberha – pronounced ‘click-bear-gha’), making stops along the way, which is what we did.
The Garden Route is approximately 200km, whereas the total distance between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is 750km. The total drive time from Cape Town is 8.5 hours to Port Elizabeth, without stops, but you’ll want to take your time and have the chance to stop along the way.
When is the best time to visit the Garden Route?
One of the incredible things about the weather along the Garden Route in South Africa is that you can visit it year-round. Of course, it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, which will determine the best time to visit the Garden Route. The best months for lovely, warm weather and fewer crowds are from March to May and September to November, with the best wildlife watching and outdoor activities.
December to February (Summer)
The Garden Route is most popular in summer, during warm and dry weather, in which temperatures range from 25 to 30°C. It is a wonderful time for swimming, water activities, and outdoor adventures. Many local South Africans plan getaways during this period, as it usually coincides with school holidays. If you enjoy the buzz of summer, with a more lively atmosphere, you will need to book accommodation in advance.
March to May (autumn)
The autumn months in South Africa are one of the best times to drive the Garden Route and enjoy warm temperatures and mostly dry days with fewer crowds. It is also one of the best times to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, with more comfortable daytime temperatures around 20 to 28°C. Coastal landscapes are covered in dense green vegetation. Autumn is an ideal time for couples planning honeymoons or romantic getaways. Visiting in these months offers better deals on accommodations and flights.
June to August (winter)
The Garden Route in winter is still a wonderful time to visit South Africa; with cooler temperatures, this is one of the best times for whale watching and spotting wildlife. There is a higher chance of rain, but still plenty of things to do! Temperatures typically range from 15 to 20°C. One of the highlights of our visit in August was seeing whales breaching in Hermanus and baby calves – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They also migrate along the coast from June to November. This is also one of the best times to visit for experienced surfers, with big, consistent swells in cold water!
September to November (spring)
Visiting in the shoulder season, such as spring, offers flowers in bloom, excellent whale watching, and warmer temperatures to enjoy the outdoors. There are fewer visitors during these months, with fewer cars on the road and the chance to enjoy beaches and wildlife sightings.
How to get around the Garden Route?
By Car
The ultimate way to do the Garden route is by hiring a car. It gives you the freedom to drive at your own pace, make as many stops as you like and find places beyond the main route.
Guided tour
For a more relaxed experience, take a guided tour through the many tour operators in South Africa. They’ll take care of all the logistics so you don’t have to.
By Bus
Services such as Baz Bus offer a convenient hop-on and hop-off service, a great budget option for backpackers and solo travellers.
How to get from Cape Town to the Garden Route?
From Cape Town to the start of the Garden Route, which is known as Mossel Bay, the drive is relatively easy. You will take the N2 motorway from the city centre east out of Cape Town. It will take around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic before you arrive in Mossel Bay.
We have also recommended stopping in Hermanus and Swellendam which is are a little closer and well worth a visit.
How long do you need to drive the Garden Route?
The minimum suggested time you could drive the Garden Route is 4 days. While it’s only a 2-hour drive from Mossel Bay to Storms River, you need to factor in the distance of driving from Cape Town, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way. On our first Garden Route adventure, we spent a month driving along the route, taking our time.
The best amount of time would be 5 to 7 days, allowing you to select several stops on the route and not feel too rushed. If you have more time, 2 weeks would be the most relaxing way, allowing you to explore in more depth and have more time for activities and walking around the towns.
Garden Route Itinerary ideas
Choose from a 4 day, 5 day or 7 day Garden Route itinerary, depending on your schedule. Combining Cape Town and the Garden Route is a popular choice due to their proximity.
4 day Garden Route Itinerary
Day 1 — Hermanus
Day 2 — Kynsna
Day 3 — Tsitsikamma National Park
Day 4 — Addo Elephant National Park
BOOK | A Garden Route 3 day tour (Oudtshoorn, Wilderness and Botlierskop Reserve)
5 day Garden Route Itinerary
Day 1— Hermanus
Day 2 — Oudtshoorn
Day 3 — Kynsna
Day 4 — Tsitsikamma
Day 5 — Addo Elephant National Park
BOOK | Garden Route 5 day tour (Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma, Addo)
7-day Garden Route Itinerary
Day 1— Hermanus*
Day 2 — Wilderness
Day 3 — Kynsna
Day 4 — Pletternberg Bay
Day 5 — Tsitsikamma
Day 6 — Jeffreys Bay
Day 7 — Addo Elephant National Park
* Depending on when you visit, Hermanus is best to see whales from June to December. If you’re travelling outside of these months, skip Hermanus and head to Swellendam or Oudtshoorn first.
Garden Route Map
Use the interactive map below to navigate between places listed in the following section, top things to do on the Garden Route.
Top Activities and Things to do on the Garden Route
We’ve listed the best stops on the Garden Route (and beyond) which are in order of geographical location from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
Cape Town
You will most likely fly into Cape Town, which serves as the starting point for exploring the Garden Route, since the closest airport is Cape Town International Airport. Also called the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is a wonderful city that offers the best of both mountain landscapes and gorgeous beaches, Cape Town is a must-see on any South Africa itinerary.
Hermanus
Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to see whales, especially the Southern-Right whale. It’s possible to see them from the land and also go on a boat tour to see them from the water. One of our best memories is pulling into Hermanus and seeing a whale breach the water and we couldn’t believe it! We also took a boat tour and were lucky enough to see a mummy and baby whale swim right under the boat.
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas marks the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and is the southernmost tip of Africa. This dramatic stretch of coastline has a haunting history, with over 150 recorded shipwrecks caused by the stormy weather typical on the cape.
Standing watch is the iconic red and white striped lighthouse, which continues to guide brave seafarers to this day and is the second oldest lighthouse in South Africa.
The Springfield Saltpans in Agulhas National Park are home to a variety of birdlife including; flamingos and African Black Oyster-catcher.
Swellendam
Swellendam is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, full of heritage and beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. The town sits in the most picturesque setting, surrounded by mountain scenery and is a lovely place to visit for a taste of rural farm life with many campsites to choose from.
Mossel Bay
The official start of the garden route, Mossel Bay, as the name suggests is known for its fishing and farming industry. There are plenty of things to do in Mossel Bay, including whale watching, relax on Santos Beach and is home to the longest zipline over the ocean.
A short drive from Mossel Bay is the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve a 5 star Game Lodge that has recently gone under an amazing transformation. We visited back in 2014, and had one of the best couples massages in a tent, surrounded by the relaxing sounds of the bush — an unforgettable experience.
Oudtshoorn
Heading inland from the N2, you will find the Ostrich farming capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. Located within the Klein Karoo also known as the Little Karoo, this fertile valley has a unique climate making it the perfect place for growing grapes for wine.
A short 30 minute drive north of Oudtshoorn, is the Cango Caves, an adventure playground of tunnels and passages revealing an underground world of connected chambers. If you don’t like confined spaces, then there is an easy walk which leads you to the most impressive hall, where musical events were held as the chamber has wonderful acoustics.
George
An ideal half-way point between Cape Town and Port Eliszabeth, we stopped here on our way back from Port Elizabeth to break up the long drive. If adventure is your thing, take on the Montagu Pass, a stunning gravel road that takes you up into the Outeniqua Mountinas.
Enjoy wine tasting at the Herold Wine Estate, discover other local produce at the Outeniqua farmer’s market and swim in the tidal pool at Victorica Bay next to the Bramwell Butler Pier.
Wilderness
Wilderness may just be one of our favourite stops along the Garden Route; its coastal charm combined with its wild backdrop makes this a must on any Garden Route itinerary. We stayed two nights in the beautiful seaside town, overlooking the beach, waking to golden sunrises over the ocean. Explore the Wilderness National Park, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing and abseiling.
One of the best experiences of our 3 week road trip across South Africa was staying in Wilderness and seeing the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent algae light up the waves in the dark – a moment we will never forget! Make sure to shop at Milkwood Village, with curated crafts, food and much more. It’s also known as the filming location of the Afrikaan netflix series, Tuiskoms.
Sedgefield
We stumbled across the Mosaic Village market when driving back from Plettenberg Bay and really enjoyed wandering around the huge market held on Saturdays. There are food stalls, local crafts and live music, making it somewhere you could easily spend a few hours taking in the relaxing atmosphere and look for a souvenir or three.
Sedgefield is one of the best places along the Garden Route to paraglide and see the beautiful coastline from up above. If you prefer keeping your feet firmly on the ground, then make sure to explore the virgin Swartvlei Beach, a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
Buffels Bay
Take a welcome detour from the N2, following the Goukamma River where it meets the Indian Ocean to Buffels Bay. On the road to the beach, make sure to stop at Marnica's Farm shop to get your share of delicious homemade jams, sweet treats and other beautiful gifts.
Explore the wildlife-rich Goukamma Nature Reserve, either along the river by kayak or hiking on foot. Bring your binoculars and camera to observe the diversity of more than 200 birds along the Goukamma River or Groenvlei Lake.
Knysna
Home to the colourful sunbirds, these vibrant birds have long, pointed beaks, that help them collect nectar from flowers. Knysna has to be one of the most beautiful places on the Garden Route, with a sheltered, warm-water lagoon teeming with fish, birds and other marine life. We stayed in an Airbnb in Kynsna, which had a sunbird feeder where we passed the time watching them come and go.
Go beyond the estuary to Brenton Beach, an untouched, sandy beach that makes a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Responsible wildlife encounters are something we’re passionate about, and we are constantly learning about best practices. We visited Knysna Elephant park in 2014 when touch encounters such as feeding and touching of the elphants trunks were allowed. Since then these encounters have stopped and the park has changed its approach to animal tourism. The focus now is much more on observation tourism rather than touch encounters. It is important to note that the park does not breed elephants and that all the profits go into supporting the elephants and elephant conservation.
It’s important to know what makes a place ethical for elephant encounters, and these are the main considerations which can be applied to other wildlife experiences;
No riding of animals
Animals should be allowed to roam freely and not be kept in small enclosures
Observe animals instead of touching them
If captive breeding takes place, there should be plans to release them into the wild or semi-wild environment and not sell them for labour
Hakerville Market
If you’re lucky enough to be passing by on a saturday, make sure to stop at the Hakerville Saturday Market. The market has a relaxing atmosphere full of arts, crafts and local produce, making it a wonderful place to spend breakfast and we’d recommend trying a Bundu breakfast.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay is only a short drive from Knysna and perfectly located to explore the Tsitsikamma National Park. Located south of Keurbooms River estuary, this is also a popular place to stop on the Garden Route with many attractions and things to do nearby. We rented a small boat and did a self-guided trip up the Keurbooms River, stopping on secluded beaches and deeper into the gorge.
If shopping for souvenirs, we’d also recommend stopping by Old Nick Village to explore the small boutique shops showcasing local artists, homewares and much more! They have a mid-week market on Wednesdays selling farmers produce and handmade products.
Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani are responsible wildlife attractions worth visiting. We particuarly enjoyed Birds of Eden, where the birds are able fly freely in the aviary as they would in the wild. It’s the world’s largest free-flight bird sanctuary, home to over 3,500 birds in a two hectare dome.
A popular activity is swimming with seals near Plettenberg Bay. However, we advise against doing this, as there have been incidents of seals biting, and it’s not worth the risk. There are also reports that seals along this stretch of coastline may have rabies. Having watched several videos of people participating in this activity, it often doesn’t end well.
BOOK | Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Animal Sancturies
Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg Nature Reserve is a must for nature-lovers and those who want to experience one of the most beautiful hikes on the Garden Route. If you have a Wild Card this includes access to the Robberg Nature Reserve, classified as a Cape Nature site.
Hiking trails are well sign-posted, offering three routes depending on your ability and time. We walked along the wooden boardwalk following the the Witsand circuit across the sandy tombolo which connects to The Island.
Bloukrans Bridge
Take a leap and bungee from Africa’s highest bridge down 216 metres above the Bloukrans river, you can also walk underneath the bridge or zipline across the middle of the bridge.
The Bloukrans bungee has won the Tripadvisor travellers’ choice awards with a 100% Safety Record to put your fears at ease! It also marks the point where you’ll cross over the Eastern Cape into the Western Cape province.
Natures Valley
Nature’s Valley marks the end of the Otter trail, a long distance 5-day hike along the Tsitsikamma coast starting in Storms River Mouth Rest Camp. The hike is 42km in total and considered one of the best hikes in South Africa. If you don’t have time for the whole hike, you will not be able to do it in sections so perhaps a short hike to Mermaids Cove or walking some of the Otter trail and coming back on yourself could be an option.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and hidden beaches line Tsitsikamma's nature-rich coastline, all waiting to be discovered. Immerse yourself in nature as you wander through lush temperate forests and discover the unique plant life known as fynbos.
Tsitsikamma National Park forms part of the wider Garden Route National Park and is home to the largest marine reserve in South Africa. A relatively easy hike is to walk to the Storms River suspension bridge, which takes around 1 hour. The walk is mostly boarded and you’ll pass a family of dassies, and you will end up at the bridge overlooking the iconic Storms River.
Another must is going on a tree-top adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park among the ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, and get close to wildlife including chameleons, kingfishers, cuckoos, sunbirds, and the beautiful Knynsa Loerie on the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour. You will zip line from platform to platform at the tops of the trees for a unique perspective on this indigenous rainforest and delicate mountain fynbos.
Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay, also nicknamed JBay, is a laid-back surf town, surrounded by beautiful beaches on the Garden Route. This is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the waves roll by. We saw one of the most incredible sunrises in Jeffreys Bay, casting a warm golden glow, with dolphins riding the waves on the horizon. Go to JBay Surf Village for the cafés, surf shop outlets, and more.
There are several tasty food options in JBay. We recommend eating at The Mexican for a relaxing atmosphere and delicious Mexican food. For more of a special treat, head to Die Walskipper restaurant for some of the freshest food grilled to perfection with your toes in the sand to the peaceful sound of the waves.
Head a little further south to Paradise Beach, a much wilder and quieter beach than the main beaches in JBay. You can also stop by Marina Nina's, located on Marina Martinique for fresh calamari or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar for sunset.
Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park is the third largest national park in South Africa, home to some of the largest herds of elephants in the country. Go on a self-drive safari through the park, spotting wildlife along the way. You’ll see common warthog (pumba), buffalo, zebra, plenty of elephants and make sure to dodge the dung beetles crossing the road as they collect elephant dung.
Looking to stay the night in Addo? Book the main campsite well in advance, to avoid disappointment, as it can fill up more than two months in advance.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Port Elizabeth was renamed to Gqeberha in 2019, in an attempt to reflect the post-apartheid era and the culutural heritage of South Africa. This is the final stop along the Garden Route, with easy access to Addo Elephant Park. Gqeberha is one of the biggest cities in South Africa, with a large sea port exporting automotive parts, manganese ore and fruit.
The city is also home to beautiful sandy beaches, such as King's Beach and the black and white striped lighthouse at Cape Recife. Take a walk along Route 67, showing local artwork and a reflection of the dedication of Nelson Mandela’s time to South Africa in the post-apartheid era.
Detours from the Garden Route
The Garden Route typically follow the N2 from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Alternatively, you can take the R60 and R62 routes through the Klein Karoo, this takes you through the Swartberg Pass, past Prince Albert, Oudtshoorn, Montagu and Barrydale. The Route 62 is well-known for its stunning scenery, and known as one of the longest wine routes in the world.
STAY | Abrikoos Kloof Private Pod Reserve
We took a detour from the main garden route on the N2 to the R62 to the Little Karoo, driving on the most beautfiul road to Montagu. This is located just north of Swellendam, another lovely place to visit nearby. Abrikoos Kloof Private Pod Reserve is only accessible by 4x4 and has to be one of the most incredible places we’ve ever stayed.
Where to stay on the Garden Route?
Read our in depth guide of campsites, hotels and unique accommodation and the best places to stay along the Garden Route.
This easy-to-use map below will help you find your dream stay in South Africa. Select your dates in the search bar below and compare the best prices across the main booking sites to show you the best deals.
