A road trip on the Garden Route is a not-to-miss thing in South Africa. The route is one of the most popular destinations for locals and foreigners and deserves to be. The area has a lot to offer for any traveler. The suggested Garden Route itinerary is perfect for a honeymoon trip, a long weekend getaway, or a family holiday.
We’ve driven the Garden Route many times. Every time visiting new places and doing different things. The below itinerary is a quintessence of our experience. The trip can be combined with the Cape Town itinerary.
Garden Route without a car
Joining a mini-group tour on the Garden Route is a great option for solo travelers and those who don’t want to rent a car and do a self-drive trip. It’s an easy and fun way to discover the area and visit the highlights of this Garden Route itinerary.
If you don’t want to rent a car or join a tour you can use BazBus. It’s a hop-on-hop-off bus that drives from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and makes 14 stops on the Garden Route.
Our 5-day Garden Route itinerary
This itinerary includes only the Garden Route, a 300-kilometer stretch along the coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Depending on where you come from you might need an extra day to get to the Garden Route. If you fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) you can start your itinerary on the same day.
If you start in Cape Town it might be easier to drop off a rental car in Gqeberha and fly back. It saves you a day of driving.
Day 1. Mossel Bay
Our Garden Route itinerary starts in Mossel Bay, a picturesque coastal town known for the beautiful Santos Beach, sandy beaches, St.Blaize Lighthouse and Dias Museum.
Mossel Bay has a lot to offer for any traveler. It has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops and many things to do including outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing. Relaxing on the beach and enjoying fresh seafood is another way of spending your time in Mossel Bay.
What to do in Mossel Bay?
Hike St.Blaize trail, a spectacular 14-kilometer trail along the coast. It starts at Cape St.Blaize Cave and finishes at Pinnacle Point Golf Club. There is no entrance fee but you have to sign in at the Golf Estate checkpoint as the trail goes through its land. To get back to Mossel Bay you can walk or use a taxi/Uber. The trail can be walked in both directions.
You can combine the hike with a visit to Point of Human Origins Cave, a famous archaeological site. The cave can be visited only with a guide. It’s recommended to arrange the visit in advance.
Go on a safari drive in the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. The reserve is located in the mountains, a 30-minute drive from Mossel Bay. During the safari you can see rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and other African animals.
Visit Dias Museum to find out more about the town’s history and take photos of the famous Post Office Tree.
If you prefer spending time in the sea Mossel Bay is a good place for surfing or learning to surf. You can take a lesson or rent a board at Surfs Up School at Diaz Beach.
Where to stay in Mossel Bay?
Day 2 (Option 1). Mossel Bay – Cango Caves – Sedgefield, 250 km/155 mi
Driving route: Mossel Bay – Cango Caves – Oudtshoorn (ostrich farm) – Wilderness – Sedgefield
This option will be interesting for travellers with children. We visited Cango Caves only once on our 3 trips on the Garden Route before having a child. On our last trip with a toddler we decided to stop there again. The same with an ostrich farm, it wasn’t a part of our itinerary in the past.
Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn
It’s up to you to keep driving along the coast past George to Wilderness or take a detour and go to Oudtshoorn. It adds 160 km (return) to your distance. The main attraction there is the Cango Caves, an impressive system of caves and tunnels. Some caves are huge with many stalactites and stalagmites and bizarre rock formations, some are so narrow that only a slim person can get through.
The caves are beautiful and impressive. You can visit the caves only with a tour. A standard tour includes a guided visit to the main large caves. An adventurous tour includes going through narrow tunnels that lead to tiny caves. If you’re a big person or scared of closed spaces, rather skip the last part. Exploring the caves is lots of fun.
Ostrich Farm, Oudtshoorn
After the caves you can visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. It is another place that can be interesting for children. They can do a tractor tour, visit a workshop and a factory, and see ostrich eggs and little chicks. In the peak summer holiday season, it’s better to buy entrance tickets in advance.
More tours and activities in Oudtshoorn
Day 2 (Option 2). Mossel Bay – Sedgefield, 95 km/59 mi
Driving route; Mossel Bay – George – Wilderness – Map of Africa – Ebb and Flow – (7 Passes) – Sedgefield
Wilderness and Sedgefield are just 1-hour drive from Mossel Bay. A very short drive which gives you plenty of time to explore both places. You drive through George, the biggest town on the Garden Route. We never stop there bur the Garden Route Mall is on the way. It’s a good place for grocery shopping because your options in Wilderness and Sedgefield are rather limited.
Morning
You can stop at Green Shed Roastery for coffee and breakfast.
After breakfast drive to the Map of Africa lookout point for spectacular views.
Afternoon
Then visit Ebb and Flow Rest Camp for some outdoor activities and hikes.
Get back to the car and drive the scenic route of 7 Passes that starts at Ebb and Flow.
Evening
End your day at the beach in Sedgefield.
Map of Africa
It’s a scenic lookout point overlooking the canyon of the Kaaimans River. The shape of the valley created by the river reminds the shape of the African continent. The views are spectacular; lush green mountains on the right and the Atlantic coast on the left.
Ebb and Flow Rest Camp
After the lookout visit Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. It’s located inside the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park. The camp is open for day visitors. It’s a great place to stop if you want to go hiking.
There are five trails in Ebb & Flow, from 3 km/1,8 mi to 10 km/6,2 mi. The Giant Kingfisher trail to a hidden waterfall and Bosduif Loop Trail to the viewpoint on the top of the mountain are our favorites.
On a hot day you can swim or kayak in the Touws River.
The 7 Passes drive
You can add the Seven Passes, an old scenic road, to your itinerary. The turn off to the Seven Passes road is at Ebb and Flow. Driving through all 7 passes takes a lot of time because most of the road is not paved. I suggest going over the first two passes and at the end of the tar road turning right towards the coast.
Sedgefield
Sedgefield is known for its beaches. To be honest these are some of our favorite beaches on the Garden Route. Depending on when you arrive you might still have enough time to spend on the beach. Long white-sand beaches are great for relaxing, swimming, paddling, and watching sunset or sunrise.
Where to stay?
Staying by the sea
Staying in nature
As an option, you can stay in Wilderness and visit the beaches of Sedgefield the next morning.
We stayed at both places and loved them. They are two of our favorite campsites on the Garden Route. The first one is perfect for camping in a tent or camper van, the second one is an amazing glamping experience.
Day 3. Sedgefield – Knysna, 30 km/19 mi
Driving route: Sedgefield – Knysna – Knysna Heads – your accommodation in Knysna
It’s an enjoyable short drive along the coast with some stunning views.
In the morning go to the beach in Sedgefield to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. If you happen to be there on a Saturday check out Wild Oats Farmers Market, it’s open from 8 am to 12 pm.
Knysna is one of the highlights of the Garden Route. The Heads and Leisure Island are our favorite parts of the town and some of the best areas to stay. Knysna is probably the most romantic place on the Garden Route.
What to do in Knysna?
Drive up to Knysna Heads for a stunning view of the area. Sunset and sunrise are the best times but the views from the top are great any time of the day.
Visit the Noetzie beach, a picturesque unspoiled sandy beach, 10 km west of Knysna.
Discover the beauty of the Knysna Lagoon on a boat cruise.
Spot marine animals on a whale-watching cruise. Recommended in the season (June – October) if you want to see Southern Right whales.
Do an adventurous zipline tour and enjoy the best views of the area.
Go for a hike in Diepwalle, the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park. There are three hiking trails of 7km, 8km, and 9km.
Enjoy the sunset on the sailing cruise with light dinner & bubbly
Where to stay in Knysna?
Our favorite places to stay in Knysna are very different. The first one is camping decks in the forest at Diepwalle camping decks. It’s a different level of camping; spacious wooden decks hidden in the forest with a roofed area and a fireplace.
The second one is Under Milkwood Resort, wooden chalets by the lake with a picturesque sandy beach. This place is a real paradise. You can relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon, or kayak.
More places to stay in Knysna
Day 4. Knysna – Plettenberg Bay, 34 km/21 mi
Driving route: Knysna – Garden of Eden – Wolf Sanctuary/Elephant Park/Adventure Land – Plettenberg Bay
A short driving day which gives you plenty of time to explore Plettenberg Bay.
On the way, stop at Harkerville forest to walk in the famous Garden of Eden. It’s an easy and short 1-kilometer route on a boardwalk in the beautiful Knysna forest.
There are a couple of stops between Knysna and Plettenberg that might be interesting for travelers with children.
If you are looking for some fun water activities for your kids Adventure Land is the place for you. Waterslides and pools for different ages will bring a lot of joy on a hot summer day.
For an animal experience visit Knysna Elephant Park where you can do elephant walks and Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary to see wolves, and some other animals.
What to do in Plettenberg Bay?
Plettenberg Bay might be the highlight of the Garden Route itinerary for those who enjoy outdoors and adventure activities. You can find many exciting things to do in Plettenberg.
Visit Robberg Nature Reserve. There are several hiking trails from 30-minute walks to a 4-hour hike around the peninsula. Stunning scenery; rocky cliffs, beautiful beaches, dramatic drops, and hundreds of seals on the rocks and in the water.
Do a boat tour to spot hundreds of Cape fur seals. There are over 6000 seals in the colony. You’ll definitely see them.
Explore Plettenberg Bay on a guided sea kayak tour. During the tour, you get a chance to see seals, dolphins, and even whales.
If you don’t mind getting wet you can go swimming with seals. Wetsuits, masks, and fins included. We loved snorkeling with these guys they’re very playful and curious and come pretty close to people to check them out.
Join a whale-watching boat tour. Don’t miss a chance to encounter these beautiful giants. The best time to see Southern Right Whales in the area is from mid-July to mid-September. Dolphins and seals can be seen all year round.
Do a canyoning trip, and enjoy a great day of abseiling, jumping, zip-lining, hiking, and swimming in a beautiful canyon surrounded by the indigenous forest. It’s not a very extreme but a fun adventure.
Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay?
Day 5. Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park, 77 km/49 mi
Driving route: Plettenberg Bay – Monkeyland/Birds of Eden – Natures Valley – Bloukrans Bridge – Tsitsikamma National Park (Storms River Mouth Rest Camp).
This is our favorite day on the Garden Route itinerary. You drive through a couple of stunning bridges over the narrow deep canyons, including the famous Bloukrans Bridge with the highest bridge bungee jump in the world.
Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
Just outside Plettenberg Bay, there are three interesting animal sanctuaries Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, and Jukani Wildlife. You can buy a single entrance ticket and visit all three of them. They are located next to each other. In just a couple of hours, you’ll get to see 11 different species of free-roaming monkeys, 200 species of birds, and see lions, leopards, cheetahs, Siberian tigers, pumas, and more. Most of the animals at Jukani are rescued.
Nature’s Valley
Nature’s Valley is a small town with a spectacular beach surrounded by the mountains covered in forest. If you turn from N2 to R102 which leads to Nature’s Valley you drive through the beautiful Grootrivier Pass. It’s worth doing a bit of a loop to see the beach and get some stunning views along the pass.
Bloukrans bridge
It’s 100% worth of money, it’s one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities you can do on the Garden Route with incredible scenery. The free fall is quite fast, 3 sec. max but it’s enough to make you super excited and agitated. I’m sure you can do it over and over and every time your heart will beat like crazy. Book now your Tsitsikamma Bungee Jump with Zipline and Sky Walk tour.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is a must-see place on your Garden Route itinerary. The scenery inside the park is fantastic; lush green forest, rocky pools, big and small waterfalls, secluded beaches, and breathtaking lookout points. If you have time you can stay here for an extra day to have enough time to explore the area.
Wildlife in the park is quite impressive. You can see dolphins, whales, otters, monkeys, genets, forest deer, and many birds. It’s a real paradise for animal and nature lovers. I would recommend venturing a bit deeper into the park further away from the crowds following one of the hiking routes.
There are many exciting adventure activities you can do in Tsitsikamma National Park
Storms River tubing and paddle boarding tour is rather a relaxing activity with no rapids or strong currents that allows you to enjoy the stunning and peaceful Storms River canyon. It’s the only way you can see it there is no road or hiking path along the canyon.
Walk across the suspension bridges. It’s a walk to two beautiful bridges across the river mouth with great views of the canyon.
Climb up to the viewpoint. After the last suspension bridge, there is a trail that goes all the way to the top of the mountain. The views from there are stunning. The trail is quite challenging, it takes about 1.5 hours to go up and down.
Enjoy the Waterfall hike. The trail starts at the caravan park and goes along the coast to the waterfall and the rocky pool. It takes about 2-3 hours. The route involves some rock hopping and a little bit of climbing, not suitable for hiking with small children.
Spot whales and dolphins. During the season between September and December, you can see Southern Right Whales from the shore. Dolphins and otters can be spotted all year round.
There is a big restaurant inside the park, a shop and braai places for day visitors you can have lunch by the sea or BBQ your meat.
Our 5-day Garden Route itinerary ends here. If you have more time you can extend it by adding Jeffrey’s Bay, Hermanus and Cape Agulhas, or Addo National Park. See suggestions below.
Where to stay?
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is an obvious option. You can camp in a tent/camper van or stay indoors in one of the forest huts or chalets.
If you’re looking for something more exclusive check The Fernery Lodge & Spa. It’s an amazing place on the top of the cliffs overlooking the sea next to a spectacular waterfall.
Have more time? Extend your Garden Route itinerary
You can extend your Garden Route itinerary by a day or two by adding more places outside of the Garden Route.
Hermanus and Cape Agulhas
If you drive from/to Cape Town you can add Hermanus and Cape Agulhas to your itinerary. Make sure to drive to Hermanus along the coast past Betty’s Bay it’s one of the most scenic drives in Cape Town.
Hermanus is a small coastal town has many exciting things to do. It’s known as one of the best places for whale watching in South Africa. In the season (between August and December) you can see Southern Right Whales even from the shore. For a better viewing go on a whale watching boat tour.
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of African continent. It’s a beautiful area with a couple of sandy beaches, a lighthouse, and a monument marking the southern point of Africa. If you go to Struisbaai harbor you can see one or two giant sting rays. They often come to the harbor.
The drive from Cape Town to Mossel Bay (the beginning of the Garden Route) through Hermanus and Cape Agulhas is 540 km/335 mi. You can stop at Cape Agulhas (260 km/160 mi) and next day continue to Mossel Bay (280 km/173 mi).
Jeffrey’s Bay
This small town is known as surfing capital of South Africa. It is situated east of Tsitsikamma National Park, 80 km west of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Jeffrey’s Bay is a great spot for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner you can learn surfing at one of the local schools.
Addo Elephant National Park
If you want to experience a safari in a big National Park Addo is a perfect place. It’s located 40 km east of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). You can stay inside the park (camping or bungalows) and do self-guided safari drive or join a tour. As you can guess from the name you can see many elephants here. Other African animals in the park include lions, zebras, buffalos, hyenas, different antelopes, warthogs, many smaller mammals, insects, and birds.
How long is the Garden Route?
The total distance of the standard Garden Route drive is 300 km/186 mi.
If you add to it a 160-kilometer loop through Oudtshoorn the total distance will be 460 km/285 mi.
Where does it start and end?
The Garden Route officially starts in Mossel Bay (Western Cape), a coastal town 380 km east of Cape Town. It finishes in the small town of Storms River (Eastern Cape).
How many days do you need?
I’d say you need 4-5 days to do a road trip on the Garden Route. Anything less might result in spending more time driving than exploring.
If you drive from Cape Town and back 7 days is the recommended duration of the trip. If you have more time it’s great you’ll find plenty of things to include in your Garden Route itinerary.
In which direction to drive?
The Garden Route can be driven either way starting in Cape Town and finishing in Storms River or the other way around depending on your trip itinerary. If you start in Cape Town you can combine the road trip with one of the scenic coastal drives.
You can combine the drive with a visit to beautiful wine farms in Stellenbosch. You’ll need 1 or 2 more days to visit the Cape Winelands. Winetasting is not the only activity in the region; there are plenty of other things to do in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
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Garden Route itinerary planning resources
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
