garden route tours from port elizabeth to cape town

From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town Road Trip (Garden Route)

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Wondering where to stop on a Port Elizabeth to Cape Town road trip? We’ve got you covered!

The Garden Route is a scenic stretch along South Africa ’s east coast, reaching from Storms River to Mossel Bay. If you are planning the ultimate South African road trip, then you just have to include the Garden Route.

This route covers a beautiful strip of coastline – with lush indigenous forests, stunning towns, pristine beaches, and many other attractions along the way.

There are plenty of great places to stop along the Garden Route – you can choose an itinerary based on your interests and time limits.

While the Garden Route map technically covers the area between Storms River and Mossel Bay, most people will cover the route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (or vice versa). 

This is because both cities have airports – allowing you to fly into one and out the other. Doing the trip like this also adds even more amazing places to visit along the way.

Tip:  Check out our Ultimate Guide to Travel with Kids in South Africa .

Here is our guide for the best Garden Route itinerary. This road trip includes a wide range of activities, towns, landscapes, and things to experience.

Here is our itinerary, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. The total length of this trip is 10 days, but you can customize that based on your own circumstances. You could also just as easily do this trip in reverse.

Each stop is only a short distance from each other, so driving is fairly short and easy.

Click here to book your tour guided 5 day Garden Route tour if you don’t want to self-drive the route

Stop 1: Port Elizabeth

Start your Garden Route adventure by flying into Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth is a pretty quiet and laid back city.

There are some great beaches here, as well as a lovely beachfront promenade and pier.

You won’t need to stay long here to experience all that Port Elizabeth has to offer.

We would recommend visiting Addo Elephant National Park during your day here.

This park is within about a 1-hour drive from the city – and it offers a beautiful South African safari escape. Spend the day doing a self-drive game tour of the park.

You can spot plenty of wildlife here – and, of course,  plenty of elephants.

While there is a lot to experience at Addo Elephant National Park, you can easily manage to see everything you need to in a day.

The park is home to the famous Big 5 , so hopefully, you will get to spot some of these creatures. Click here to read more about our self-drive through Addo Elephant Park post .

Return to Port Elizabeth for the night before starting your Garden Route road trip the next day.

Stop 2: Bloukrans

Start your second day off by driving down the coast towards Plettenberg Bay. This drive will take you past some of the most beautiful sights and points of interest along the SA Garden Route.

During the drive down, be sure to stop at Bloukrans Bridge . Bloukrans is home to the world’s highest bridge bungee jump – so any adrenaline junkies will love this stop! Taking the thrilling leap is a real once in a lifetime kind of experience.

If bungee jumping isn’t for you though, the impressive view over the steep river valley far below is still worth admiring. Staying here also gives you access to Natures Valley – a gorgeous part of the Garden Route with a very special beach.

Below is our choice of accommodation for the Bloukrans area.

Trogon House and Forest Spa

This is treetop Tsitsikamma accommodation at its best. This heavenly hotel offers secluded accommodation amongst lush natural surroundings. There is also a spa here for those that really want to unwind.

Why should you stay here?

• Accommodation in nature
• Amazing views
• Luxurious and comfortable

Check out the current prices for Trogon House and Forest Spa here .

Stop 3: Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay , or Plett as it is known, is one of South Africa’s favorite seaside towns. No Garden Route itinerary would be complete without a stop here.

Plett is famous for its beautiful beaches and laid back seaside charm. There is some good surfing in Plett for those that want to hit the waves. There are also some lovely coastal walks, fishing opportunities, and stunning viewpoints.

The town offers some great shopping and restaurants as well – making it a quality all-round holiday destination.

Plett also makes for the perfect central base in the area where you can explore nearby attractions from. We spent 3 nights in Plett and used it as a base to visit other destinations during our South Africa Garden Route tour.

Here is our recommended itinerary during your Plett stay.

Day 1 in Plett

Nature lovers will enjoy all the wildlife attractions around Plett. If you are traveling with kids, then be sure to check some of these family-friendly destinations out. You can visit the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary .

This is a sustainable wildlife sanctuary focused on creating awareness around large animals in captivity. The sanctuary is home to some incredible predators. These include lions, cheetahs, leopards, pumas, white tigers, jaguars, and many more. The tours of the sanctuary are very informative.

The wildlife here are all rescues and have no interaction with humans. They are kept in captivity due to their survival being very low if they are returned to the wild.

Then there is the Monkeyland Sanctuary . This is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. The place covers over 12 hectares of indigenous forest and is in line with all eco-tourism standards. All ages will love visiting this fun sanctuary, and seeing all of the different types of monkeys swinging around.

The next sanctuary is Birds of Eden . This is the world’s largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. This unique eco-tourism destination will reveal a wide range of different bird species to admire. These three nature sanctuaries are usually all visited together in the same session.

Day 2 in Plett

Be sure to dedicate a day to visit Tsitsikamma National Park . This is one of the most stunning national parks in the country – with lush indigenous forest and a magnificent coastline. However, the main reason to visit here is to walk to Storms River mouth .

The Storms River mouth trail hike is a scenic walk through the park. Wooden walkways will guide you past thick trees and enticing viewpoints, before reaching the magnificent river mouth. Here you will find suspension bridges that cross the river – allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the coastal area. This is one of the most popular stops on Garden Route tours.

Enjoy a late lunch at Keurbooms where you will find Enrico’s . This restaurant is next to a pretty beach where you can enjoy spending some time before heading back to Plett.

Here is our Plett accommodation recommendation.

Bella Manga Country Escape

This is a well-equipped accommodation option in Plett. The comfortable rooms here come in self-catering options and are part of quality grounds. There are two large pools, an honesty bar, and even small game on the property.

• Wonderful large grounds
• Well equipped rooms
• Convenient central location

Check out the current prices for Bella Manga Country Escape here

Stop 4: Oudtshoorn

Next up on your Garden Route tour is Oudtshoorn. The drive here from Plett is really enjoyable, as you get to pass some lovely areas.

We would definitely recommend making a stop at the East Knysna lookout for some spectacular views of the Knysna Heads . Knysna is another worthy destination to spend some time – offering a lovely waterfront and excellent shopping.

Continuing on the road trip, take a detour at the Montagu Pass from George . This is a scenic dirt road route that will take you to Oudtshoorn. There are some brilliant lunch stops close to Plett. These include Moss and Maple, Thyme and Again, and the stunning Bramon Wine Estate . 

Oudtshoorn is an inland town located in an area called the Klein Karoo. This place is known for its many ostrich farms and unspoiled landscapes. Oudtshoorn offers a different feel to the coastal Garden Route destinations.

This town is located along the popular Route 62, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. We would suggest spending 3 nights here to make the most out of your stay.

Day 1 in Oudtshoorn

Spend your first day in Oudtshoorn driving to Prince Albert via the scenic Meiringspoort Pass . Enjoy a peaceful lunch in Prince Albert at the Lazy Lizard , before carrying on to the Cango Caves via the awesome Swartberg Pass .

Be sure to book a Cango Cave tour in advance as these can get very popular. The Cango Caves are a spectacular natural landmark with some interesting stories behind them. Walking through the massive caves is a really special experience – with the huge stalagmites and stalactites towering around you.

Day 2 in Oudtshoorn

You can’t visit Oudtshoorn without experiencing the famous ostriches of the area. The best place to do this is at the Safari Ostrich Farm .

Here you will be able to tour the farm on a tractor-pulled wagon, feed ostriches with a spoon, stand on massive ostrich eggs, and even watch baby ostriches hatching. This is a brilliant family-friendly attraction.

After this hour-long tour, you could head to the Cango Wildlife Ranch for the rest of the afternoon. This is a conservation farm that houses many endangered species – including plenty of crocodiles.

Our accommodation choice for Oudtshoorn is below:

Welgeluk Cottage

A lovely 3 bedroom homestay with great facilities. The property is well-located, and the garden views are sublime.

• Well equipped accommodation
• Perfectly positioned in Oudtshoorn
• Quiet and peaceful

Check out the current prices for Welgeluk Cottage here.

Stop 5: Cape Town

It’s now time for the final leg of your Garden Route Cape Town adventure. Take the drive from Oudtshoorn down to the mother city – one of South Africa’s top tourism destinations. Cape Town is known for its iconic flat-topped mountain, beautiful beaches, and vibrant city culture. This is the perfect place to spend two nights before flying off.

Spend one day doing a drive around the Cape Peninsula . Table Mountain National Park is the center point of the city – with mountains stretching from the city center to Cape Point.

You can enjoy a day driving around the entire peninsula, stopping at the many different interesting places along the way. Some great areas to stop include the Constantia Wine Valley, Kalk Bay, Cape Point, Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak, and the beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard.

You can spend another day in the city relaxing on Camps Bay Beach before flying out in the late afternoon. There is a lot to enjoy along the vibrant beachfront here. This is one of the most trendy and exciting strips in Cape Town – with amazing shops, restaurants, and bars on offer.

You can find our 4 day Cape Town itinerary here if you wish to stay for a bit longer.

We would recommend basing your Cape Town stay in this area. Our Cape Town accommodation choice is below.

Primi Seacastle

This beachfront spot is in the prime position for a Cape Town holiday. The property is right on the beach, with gorgeous ocean views from each room. Table Mountain stands tall in the background. This luxurious villa is the ultimate place to stay in Camps Bay.

• Right on the beach
• Luxurious accommodation in a beach villa
• Closely located to Cape Town’s top attractions

Check out the current prices for Primi Seacastle here .

Final Thoughts on the Port Elizabeth to Cape Town Garden Route

South Africa is a country with a wide range of landscapes, towns, and attractions on offer. Taking a road trip through the Garden Route allows you to experience many different points of interest, beautiful places, and fun things to do.

Our ultimate Garden Route itinerary covers all of the top destinations in this area. This is a brilliant trip to do as a family with kids, as there are plenty of suitable activities to enjoy along the way.

If you are planning a trip here, then be sure to experience these amazing places for yourself – it will definitely be a memorable holiday!

Jolene Ejmont

4 thoughts on “from port elizabeth to cape town road trip (garden route)”.

I could not even think that Africa is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely plan my trip there! Good luck!

Glad you liked the post… South Africa is amazing and there are so many beautiful spots 🙂

😭 this makes me feel everything! It makes me want to book my flight for tomorrow and go out

Great! Hope that you can travel again soon and enjoy this amazing place!

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Home / Tours / By Country / South Africa Tours / 6 Day Garden Route Tour Comfort (South)

6 Day Garden Route Tour Comfort (South)

• Tour Details
• What You'll Experience
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Route 62 - Barrydale
• Cango Caves
• The Cape Whale Coast Route
• Africa’s Southernmost Tip

View Inclusions →

View Activities →

View Itinerary →

• Why You'll Love this Tour

On this Garden Route Tour we explore the area thoroughly and enjoy the many nature reserves and activities encountered en-route. The tour is designed for active participants who wish to make the most of the time available. We depart from Port Elizabeth and travel through Stellenbosch Wine country, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and visit the Addo Elephant National Park. Your adventure trip ends in Cape Town.

Currency conversion estimated. Base currency is South African Rand (ZAR)

R 23,200

+ Single Supplement 1950

Dates tour length: 6 days.

Currency estimated. Base currency is South African Rand (ZAR)

• Meals - 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
• Accommodation
• Registered guides
• Filtered Water
• Entrance Fees to National Parks
• Half day game drive in Addo National Park (in the truck)
• Stop in the surfing town of Jeffreys Bay
• Tsitsikamma National Park entrance to hike with your Guide
• Morning Visit to Natures Valley, Cango Caves Basic Tour
• Stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, Meerkat Experience
• Hermanus, Southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, Stony Point Penguin Colony
• International Airfares
• Travel insurance ( Get Adventure Travel Insurance )
• Personal spending money
• Border taxes
• Vaccinations
• Personal taxes (including departure and border taxes)
• All optional activities
• Unscheduled or optional national / game parks and other activities
• Sleeping bag if needed
• Restaurant meals (other than those listed)
• All drinks -  Soft Drinks, Bottled Water
• Other items of a personal nature

Expert Advice and Guidance

• We'll give you first-hand knowledgeable advice about this tour.
• We'll answer any of your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Some of the activities you can take part in on this tour.

Included in the Tour Price:

Other activities, optional activities available on this tour at your own expense:.

• Tsitsikamma National Park Woodcutters Journey tour, Treetop Canopy Tours

This itinerary has been written with the Activity Package items included. If you wish to participate in all the activities listed, you will need to purchase the Activity Package.

Greater Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Your tour begins once you are collected from Port Elizabeth and transferred to your accommodation for lunch. After lunch we travel to the Greater Addo Region. This park is the third biggest park in South Africa, giving you the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Seven’ (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark). Spend time driving through the park in search of the many animals living here.

Accommodation : Two Per Room: Garden Court Kings Beach Hotel Facilities : En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered Meals : Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight : Half day game drive in Addo National Park (in the truck)

Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

Early in the morning we set out towards Tsitsikamma where the spectacular Garden Route awaits us. The name means ‘place of abundant water’ and it most certainly lives up to it. There are many indigenous forests and gorgeous coastlines. We make a brief stop in Jeffreys Bay where we enjoy the famous waves of this town and visit a surfing museum before reaching our destination for the following two nights. The next day is free to tour the small village of Storms River as well as optional activities such as blackwater tubing, bungee jumping and the treetop canopy tours on offer. We embark on a hike along the Waterfall trail, covering a portion of the world famous Otto Trail, and known for it’s rocky coastline and icy Waterfall at the end of the adventure. After the hike you can enjoy the afternoon on the Woodcutters Journey experiencing the history of the area along with it’s fauna and flora.

Tsitsikamma National Park is situated between the ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, located along the Garden Route – one of the most striking coastlines of the world. The Park spreads over 80 kilometres along the coast between Nature’s Valley and Storm’s River mouth, and includes a variety of different ecosystems (indigenous forests, commercial plantations, fynbos and inter-tidal areas). It also boasts spectacular scenery and walks. It was the very first Marine National Park to be declared in Africa and is currently the third most regularly visited of all twenty of South Africa’s national parks. The forest contains over 30 species of native trees, several of which tower above the forest canopy – the highest being approximately 36 metres tall and date back to more than 1,000 years.

Accommodation : Two Per Room: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or Tube ‘n Axe Facilities : En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered Route : Gqeberha area to Tsitsikamma Meals : Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2 Included Highlight : Stop in the surfing town of Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park entrance to hike with your Guide Optional Activity : Woodcutters Journey tour, Treetop Canopy Tours, Bungee Jumping,

Oudtshoorn, South Africa

We journey through the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn , and we make our way to the Cango Caves where we enjoy a walk with a local guide teaching us all about the about the system of the caves which stretches out for more than 4 kilometres.

A popular belief is that the Cango Caves were initially explored by a local farmer named Jacobus van Zyl (after whom the first chamber, Van Zyl’s Hall, was named). However, researches have not been able to reveal anyone by that name who was present in the Cango region in the 1770’s. In any case, it is now widely known that the Caves had been known to man since the Early Stone Age. During the 19th century, the Cango Caves entrance was 5 Rix Dollars, today’s equivalent of R500 (ZAR), but that did not discourage destructive tourists from carving their names into the Cave walls an callously chipped away at portions of the fragile stalactites and stalagmites to take home as souvenirs. This resulted in Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Cape Colony, publishing the very first Cave Regulation in 1820. The first law was constructed to protect the environmental resource of South Africa. It prohibited the collection of souvenirs, created fines for anyone found damaging the Caves formation and initiated an entrance fee that was to be paid to the District Officer who was made responsible for implementing these rules. Most of the important discoveries within the Caves were made by it’s very first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar, who was employed until he retired in 1934. He discovered many side chambers and introduced thousands of people to Cango 1, which is the only portion of the Caves that the public may visit. It is clear today that the Caves were known to man long before the Europeans initially landed in the Cape. Evidence of this is in recent findings of numerous tools discovered in the heart of the Cave’s mouth, thus proving that humans had lived and taken shelter here for at least 80,000 years.

Accommodation : Two Per Room: Kleinplaas Holiday Resort  Facilities : En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered Route : Tsitsikamma to Oudtshoorn Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight : Morning Visit to Natures Valley, Cango Caves Basic Tour

Route 62 – Barrydale, South Africa

We will stop at one of Africa’s most endearing creatures today before bidding farewell to the Klein Karoo – the meerkat! As these curious animals wake up and catch the morning sun rays, you’ll be able to observe them as they go about their day in the natural world without much interference from humans. On the way, we stop at several farm stalls along Route 62. Rather than a sex shop, Ronnie’s Sex Shop is a rather interesting country pub!

Accommodation : Two Per Room: Karoo Art Hotel Facilities : En-suite bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered Route : Oudtshoorn to Barrydale Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight : Stop at Ronnie’s sex shop, Meerkat Experience

The Cape Whale Coast Route & Africa’s Southernmost Tip, South Africa

At the intersection of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of the African continent.  Our next stop will be the beautiful Cape Whale Coast, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline along the South African coast. A collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves, and valleys stretch for approximately 150 kilometers from the town of Rooiels to the east.  During the months of July through November, southern right whales frequent Hermanus’ shores, so we will have a brief opportunity to walk along the boardwalk. In the next stop, we’ll visit Stony Point Nature Reserve, the largest breeding colony of African Penguins, before traveling along the coast to Cape Town’s city center. Once you arrive in Cape Town’s city center, your tour ends.

Accommodation : Own arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through us Route : Barrydale to Cape Town (via Cape Agulhas & Hermanus) Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Included Highlight : Hermanus, Southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, Stony Point Penguin Colony

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.

• Pre Departure

Important Touring Tips:

• The itinerary is a guide ONLY and is subject to change
• There is a mix of different nationalities, ages and cultures on every tour
• Space in the truck is limited – PLEASE DON’T BRING TOO MUCH LUGGAGE!
• The tours are high adventure tours, so don’t expect European Coach tours or lodge safaris
• The tours are often created in a circular route i.e. where one tour ends, another begins
• The rate is the same throughout the year
• Should you be travelling to Kenya. The Kenya government has instituted a Zero Tolerance on usage of All Plastic Bags. On the spot fines (400 USD) are being issued.

What are adventure tours?

These are adventure tours perfect for people who enjoy camping and the outdoors. You get to experience the “real Africa” by camping out at night, sitting around the campfire, taking in beautiful scenery, visiting local shops and getting to know the locals.

What is a typical day?

A typical day on either your camping or accommodated Africa overland tour starts with an early morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee followed by breakfast. Campers pack-up their campsite while comfort travellers check-out of their accommodation and hit the road.

We set off to our next destination travelling through a vast variety of landscapes, making our own new memories with new friends. Each day in Africa offers a new experience from an early morning sunrise hike, quad biking, sky dive or guided nature walk. The options are endless!

We have shorter travel days arriving at our campsite by midday or early afternoon, to enjoy lunch before joining our afternoon activity or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace.

On our longer travel days an early start ensures an earlier arrival at our campsite. We stop off at scenic spots to stretch our legs and take in the scenery, before lunch is enjoyed at a shady spot en-route. A mid- to-late afternoon arrival at our campsite allows us to set up camp, enjoy a beautiful sunset and end the day sitting around the campfire, under the stars.

Our best advice: expect the unexpected as this is Africa! We travel mainly on gravel roads and poorly kept tarmac roads – both setting the pace at which we travel. We do our best to arrive at our next destination, safety is our number one priority and while our overland vehicles are comfortable and spacious, they are not sports cars!

What type of vehicles do we use?

• A custom-built, comfortable, safe and self-sufficient Africa overland truck to withstand the rugged African terrain.
• Various vehicles are used on varying tours, with each offering comfortable seats with ample leg room.
• Each vehicle has large glass windows for uninterrupted views and perfect for game drives.
• Smaller 4×4 land cruiser type vehicles are used for game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the roads being tougher and too narrow for the overland trucks.
• Each overland vehicle includes a passenger safe to safely keep money + passports + flight tickets + credit cards. The keys are kept with your Tour Leader who will advise of safety requirements in place concerning the safe. Who is suited to go on an adventure tour?
• Almost anyone can go on an adventure.

Some level of fitness is required due to accessing the vehicle and spending long days on bumpy roads (can take it out of you). EAST AFRICA TOURS require a more adventurous, fearless attitude and are suited to a younger traveller. If you are planning to trek with the Mountain Gorillas or climbing Mount Killi you will need to have a higher fitness level.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED TOUR

Camping tours:.

A camping safari is for travellers who want a hands-on experience of Mother Nature. The guide(s) will do most of the work, but you will be required to assist with various tasks such as preparing the food, washing up, cleaning out the truck and setting up the campsite and your tent. If you dream of a lifetime African adventure, embark on a journey with us sleeping under the stars while listening to the sounds of wildlife in the distance.

We offer camping safaris suited to travellers who may prefer to travel in a younger group (aged 18 to 39). Or, you can choose a mixed age group (18 to 60). A camping safari must not be underestimated and will require active participation which means good health and a fair degree of fitness. We have a tour to suit what you have in mind, so please do not hesitate to enquire with us.

During an African camping safari you will stay in large two-man dome canvas tents which are spacious enough for two adults and your luggage. Or, you can opt to have your own tent by including the single supplement (valid on select camping tours).

Your tents are put up and taken down easily – your Tour Leader will show you exactly how to do this and help out when you are unsure. All tents are well-ventilated by means of a tent-door and window, covered with mosquito net. They also include a fly-sheet for the rain.

Most camping safaris include a sleeping mat (please do check with us upon enquiry). You need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel . All meals are prepared at the truck and you will be required to assist with the preparation.

The African campsites are basic and comfortable and you will be able to upgrade your accommodation at most of the places, but this is subject to availability. Most have warm showers and flushing ablutions, while others may have natural ablutions. Some places visited are bush camps where there are no facilities.

Accommodated Tours:

Accommodated safaris are ideal for travellers who prefer to experience African wildlife and adventure with extra comforts. You are surrounded by vast landscapes and wildlife, curiously roaming at your door-step. It is comfort, without the price tag!

Our accommodated safaris make use of a combination of lodges, hostels, bungalows, chalets, permanent safari camps, hotels and traditional huts. Our properties are ideally located at each destination for an authentic experience with incredible views.

We book Twin rooms if you are travelling with a partner or friend and Single rooms for single travellers (including single supplement). Most of the time we stay in 1-3 star properties with en-suite bathrooms in Southern Africa. In Eastern Africa we offer a combination of en-suite and shared bathrooms. In the case of shared bathrooms, you will be sharing with friends on your tour. Please bring your own towels as these are not always provided.

Select accommodated safaris include a camp assistant to help out with the smaller aspects of your vacation.

The standard of the properties varies along the trip. The Southern Africa properties are much more established than the East Africa accommodation. They vary from basic (but comfortable) to lovely properties. Due to the remote nature of the trips, accommodation choices are limited.

Distances and Road Conditions:

Our tours cover long distances so you can see significant amounts of Africa this means that there will be long days spent on the road often with nothing to look at except vast open plains. You can spend between 350km and 650km a day in the truck so it is important to be prepared.

What will you eat on safari?

Our Africa overland vehicles are fully stocked with dry goods at the start of each tour. We buy fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) almost daily to ensure fresh, good quality and tasty meals. Over the summer months fresh produce is not always available due to the heat and humidity, especially in East Africa and Mozambique – so we may have to skip tomatoes from lunch or opt for rice instead of potatoes at dinner.

Each Africa overland camping and accommodated tour include meals as per the itinerary. Often, we may only include breakfast and lunch, allowing you to enjoy dinner at a local market or restaurant. Drinks such as tea, coffee and fruit juice is included with every meal, but exclude bottle water, beer, soft drinks, alcohol etc. – these can be bought en-route or at your campsite bar.

We do cater for most dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant). Other requirements (gluten-free) may be more challenging on remote routes (i.e. East Africa) where starch is a stable-food in Africa. Please do speak to us about your dietary requirements and we will advise according to your trip. You will be amazed by the variety of tasty meals prepared on an open-fire!

Almost all your meals are pre-prepared over an open campfire or on the gas stove in your overland vehicle. All cooking equipment such as pots, pans, cutlery and crockery is included for you. Excellent hygiene standards are maintained at all times preparing food and washing up of kitchen equipment. Your guides will provide you with a separate washing up basin to wash hands in warm soapy water before and after each meal.

Our camping tours are limited participation tours, whereby we ask you to help out with daily chores (putting up / taking down tents) and help out your guides at meal times (rinsing, chopping vegetables).

So what are the meals like on tour? We have included a few meal options as a guideline:

Tea/coffee and juice + cereals + bread/toast + fruit. Take 2 fruits and keep one for a mid-morning snack. An occasional cooked breakfast (bacon, pancakes, eggs) is made when you have more time to allow for this (normally when you spend 2 nights at the same destination).

Juice + bread + cheese + cold meats + salads + fruit (make a sandwich for a mid-afternoon snack) Juice + fresh rolls + green salad (or rice salad or pasta salad) + fruit.

Tea/coffee and juice + chicken curry + rice, grilled or roast chicken + salad + garlic roll, grilled chicken + vegetables + salad, fish braai + salad, steak + veggies, pasta, stir-fry + rice, casserole, braai (barbeque) + salads + jacket potatoes, soup + fresh rolls.

Tea, coffee and cordial drinks are supplied with meals. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased along the way.

What about children on tour?

• Due to the nature of overland tours the minimum age limit is 18. Younger travellers (10 to 17) travelling with a parent(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tour, time of travel and tour availability. We do have select tours offering Family Departures, suited for children aged 10 to 17.
• Privately arranged charter tours’ age limits will be assessed based on the route and type of tour you choose.
• Please bear in mind that the Gorilla Trekking tours have a minimum age limit of 16 years.

Packing for your tour:

Packing sensibly is essential for your Africa Overland trip. One backpack and one daypack are needed and these can weigh no more than 25kg. A duffel bag is preferable as it will fit into the lockers on the truck, but you can also take a backpack with a compact, flexible, soft shell (without a hard frame). Please do not take suitcases. The airlines implement a 20kg per person limit on international flights for your luggage (your main bag) and a further 5 kg for carry-on luggage (your day bag). A good idea is to include a spare bag for curios that you may purchase, but don’t forget to include this in your weight for your trip home. A moneybelt is a useful item for keeping your money safe and hidden.

Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual “wash & wear” clothes. Cotton is a good material for when it is hot, and fleece for when it gets cold. Pack clothes that don’t crease easily as the laundry facilities are limited. Find clothes that can be mixed and matched easily and are colour co-ordinated. A great item of clothing is zip-off pants. These double-up as shorts or trousers and are useful for when the weather changes. Reversible clothes are also very convenient and will help to reduce space in your bag.

Locker Sizes:

• 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
• Warm sweater or fleece top
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• Tracksuit pants
• Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
• Warm fleece top
• Underwear and socks
• Hat/peak cap/bandana
• Water/wind-proof jacket
• Boots or sturdy trainers
• Beach towel and/or sarong
• Sandals or thongs (need to be waterproof if you want to go white-water rafting)

Toiletries:

• Personal toiletries
• No electric shavers
• Hand sanitiser/wipes (waterless sanitisers are convenient)
• Baby wipes/wet wipes
• Moisturiser
• Travel pillow
• Spare pillowcase
• Sleeping Bag
• Fleece blanket

Medication/first aid kit:

• Prescription medication
• Anti-histamine cream or tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
• Water purifying tablets
• Pain killers
• Diarrhoea medication
• Dehydration salts
• Elastoplasts/band aids
• Insect repellent (Malaria is a big problem in Africa, so the more protection the better)
• Sterile dressings
• Water bottle
• Book (you can swap with the rest of the group)
• Extra memory/film for your camera (remember to set at the highest resolution as you might want to enlarge the pictures)
• Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
• Extra batteries
• Travel power strip (a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets). Buy on Amazon and it will help to reduce space in your bag
• Biodegradable laundry detergent
• Vaccination certificates for some areas
• Small scrubbing brush
• A padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
• The power plugs in SA have 3 round pins. East Africa has British power plugs
• There will be washing facilities at most campsites which you can make use of.
• Please remember to bring some environmentally friendly washing powder or detergent.
• We suggest you take along crease-free clothing as the facilities available for ironing are limited.

Safety on Game Drives:

• When on safari be as quiet as possible at all times and don’t make any sudden movements, this will ensure you don’t disturb the animals and get the most out of your game drive.
• Do not jump off the truck at any time.

Accommodation (Pre-Tour):

• It is highly recommended to arrive a day before your tour starts so that you do not miss out on the pre-departure meeting as it covers important information you need to know for your trip.
• We do advise letting us know as soon as possible in order for us to make the best hotel reservation for you.
• Post accommodation can be very easily arranged.

Personal Health:

• Ensure that the guides know of your medical conditions!!!
• Let them know how you are feeling.
• AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa so please be careful and practical, condoms are cheap and freely available.
• A First Aid Kit is available on the truck for any emergencies.

Vaccinations:

• Please ensure you seek medical advice from your travel doctor before visiting Africa.
• You should consult your travel doctor or travel clinic for the latest requirements for Hepatitis A (Havrax), Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster Shot, Rabies.
• If you are entering a Yellow Fever infected area, you will be required to have a vaccination which can be done at Travel Clinics.
• Obtain an international Certificate of Vaccination with a valid stamp.
• Yellow Fever – Valid for 10 years and mandatory for most African countries. It is compulsory to produce a yellow fever certificate when entering Kenya, Zanzibar and Malawi and for taking part in the Gorilla Trek. Failure to present this may result in entry being refused.
• We also recommend that you ask your doctor about: Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Cholera.
• Tents have mosquito nets in the vents and it is not generally necessary to bring a separate mosquito net unless you plan to sleep outside, under the stars (in which case you are recommended to bring one).
• Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more prevalent in areas where there are high concentrations.
• Malaria is a serious problem in Africa, but if you are cautious and use mosquito repellent and take your malaria tablets you will be safe.

Main points to keep in mind about malaria: o Cover your skin with long shirts, pants and socks as most mosquito bites occur below the knee. o Make sure your mosquito net is tightly closed and doesn’t have any holes in it. o Use an effective prophylactic and speak to your doctor about options for anti-malarial tablets. o Always cover yourself with mosquito repellent, especially at sunset. o Please know that malaria can be cured.

• Dehydration is a common ailment on tour.
• You should be drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
• It is preferable to drinking bottled water to avoid diarrhoea, but your guide will advise you as to whether you can drink the water or not.

How others can reach you:

• The easiest option to keep in touch with your loved ones at home is to buy a SIM card of the respective country you are travelling in.

Photography:

• You are not permitted to take photographs at the border crossing, bridges, government buildings and military institutions.
• No photographs of the army or police are allowed.
• Some tribes do not allow their pictures to be taken so please ask your guides before photographing whether it is permissible or not.
• A fee may have to be paid for photographing the local people.

Crew and Guides

Your tour crew are people with a heart of gold and love living in Africa! With an in-depth knowledge of the local culture, history and wildlife, your crew are committed to ensuring a memorable African overland tour, 24/7.

• Most overland tours include two crew members (Driver and Tour Leader) working as a team managing tour finances, planning activities, preparing meals and ensure you safely experience Africa.
• Our larger group overland tours (maximum 26 to 30) include a third crew member (Camp Assistant or Cook or Translator – tour depending).
• A pre-departure meeting is held the day before your tour, where tour crew will brief you on the nature of your tour and what to expect. At this point they would also collect any local payments needed for your tour.
• We have a selection of shorter small group tours including one crew member, responsible for driving and tour management. It is perfect for an exclusive, personalised African experience.

The Guides:

• All overland guides and crew undergo extensive training courses, lectures and field instruction on an on-going basis. Specialised guides are contracted for special interest tours (including school and University group tours) or language tours (Spanish and German) or private overland tours (on request).
• Although overland guides are trained and qualified, remember they are still human. The nature of their work and duration of overland tours, places an enormous demand on them and can be taxing at times. Please treat them with respect and enjoy getting to know them. They are great people!

Climate and Weather Conditions:

• The weather in Africa can be unpredictable and extreme so be prepared for this.
• You can find out the type of weather to expect on your tour from your consultant.
• Always wear sunscreen from October to April.
• Temperatures can drop to below zero from June to September.
• It does rain in Africa!

Street Vendors:

• Like with any 3rd world country you will encounter informal vendors offering you better rates than the banks. We suggest you don’t work with them for security reasons.
• Please do not display your foreign currency in public.
• A valid passport is required for all international travel.
• Having all the necessary documentation for your trip is your own responsibility therefore you need to find out by your travel agent what the essential documents for the trip are in order to avoid any complications on tour.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip.
• In certain cases foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
• Have enough pages for all visas, at least 2 pages free for every country visiting – the Border Security is strict with this rule.
• A copy of your passport should be given to your guides for safety reasons.
• Avoid using more than one passport to avoid visa payments when travelling.
• Please note that visas are the responsibility of the traveller and African Overland Tours will not be held responsible for the traveller being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.
• Ensure you have a valid onward/return ticket to leave the country when the tour ends, otherwise you need sufficient funds in your bank account.
• Visiting the Okavango Delta, you may need a double entry visa for Namibia and or Botswana.
• Botswana Tourism Levy: As of 1 June 2017, Botswana has implemented a tourism levy of US$ 30 per person to be paid in US Dollars cash once you enter.

Medical Insurance:

• Compulsory! No one will be allowed on a trip if you don’t have this. It is for your safety should anything happen while on tour (especially when in a remote location).

Travel Insurance:

• It is compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance, on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation, to include on the passenger list.
• Most travel insurance policies do not include cover for adrenaline sports and adventure activities. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping. So double check your policy inclusions.
• WorldNomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and, most importantly, cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled, you would be protected.
• In the case of credit card insurance, we recommend you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option. Sometimes, just for a simple problem, you may have to be airlifted to South Africa as many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards.
• If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how: • Phone your bank • Give them your Bank Card Number • They will ask you to verify your account • Then you need to ask for the insurance company name • Then you need to ask for the policy number • Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled

Single Supplements:

A single supplement is an additional charge you will pay for your own room. Single supplements are optional on camping tours, but compulsory on accommodated tours if you are a single traveller. Single supplements do not cover Activity Packages.

Optional Activities:

Optional activities are not included in the tour price because not everybody wishes to do them. Sometimes the activities are not available due to time, season or weather conditions.

What is a Local Payment?

• A number of adventure overland tours are made up of a Tour Price + Local Payment.
• The Tour Price is pre-paid to secure your tour seat and include operational costs associated with each tour, such as; guide salaries, fuel, vehicle servicing, maintenance, road tolls and taxes.
• The Local Payment is a portion of your overall tour cost paid on the morning of tour departure, in either US Dollars cash or ZA Rand cash (tour depending). It includes “on tour” expenses which cannot ordinarily be pre-paid such as: food, camping, national park entry, included activities.

Activity Package:

• A selection of tours are made up of a Tour Price + Optional Activity Package.
• The Tour Price is pre-paid to secure your tour seat and include operational costs associated with each tour, such as; food, camping (or accommodation), national park fees, guide salaries, fuel, vehicle servicing, maintenance, road tolls and taxes.
• The Optional Activity Package combine the popular activities available on the tour, giving you the option to pre-pay this package (and so carry less cash while travelling) or; you can pay it on the morning of departure to your Tour Guide in ZA Rand cash.
• Activity packages are optional 98% of the time and covers what we consider to be ‘essential activities’ on the tours.
• It is more convenient to pay these upon your arrival or on the first day of the tour.
• If you do not pre-book a particular activity it may not be available and you may be disappointed.

Money Matters:

• Your spending money, visas and optional activities needs to consist of a combination of Cash and Traveller Cheques in the currency quoted (tour specific). Credit cards are only accepted at some places (mostly larger cities) and throughout South Africa.
• Visa cards are not accepted in East Africa.
• In Southern and East Africa, additional credit card surcharges from 5% to 8% may be charged when using your card. It is best to use it only in case of emergency.
• US Dollars, GB Sterling, Euro and select international currencies are used within Africa, with US Dollar being the most popular. You will find food, taxi, accommodation and optional activity prices are all quoted in US Dollars.
• US Dollars cash notes must be issued POST 2005. No notes pre-dated are accepted due to fraudulent notes rife in East Africa. You can pre-order US Cash notes from your local bank or foreign exchange office prior to arriving in Africa.
• It is best to bring a combination of larger denominations (USD100 and USD50) to pay for your Local Payment and smaller denominations (USD50, USD20, USD10 and USD5) for spending money, visas and optional activities.
• ATMs are found throughout South Africa and other major towns and cities through Africa. However, you may not have access to an ATM for a few days, or they may be out of order. Please note that when drawing money from a local ATM, you will receive local currency. In Zimbabwe the ATM’s limit the amount of USD that can be withdrawn (it ranges from 50USD – 200USD a day).
• ZAR is mostly used in South Africa and Namibia. We recommend USD for Botswana, Mozambique, Livingstone and Victoria Falls area.

Credit Cards:

• Most of the major Southern and East African cities do have credit card facilities available however they may charge you a surcharge to use the facility.
• Visa and Mastercard are the two most widely used accepted credit cards in Africa, while Diners or American Express may not always be accepted.

Banking facilities:

• There are full banking facilities in the major towns based on weekly business hours. Here you can change money and withdraw cash from a credit card. Visa and Master Card are preferential, as other cards may not be widely accepted.
• It is recommended to tip for various activities on tour – we suggest a tip of 1-3 Euro (or whichever local currency is acceptable) per client, per half day activity.
• Tipping your tour leader is also highly recommended as he / she works really hard to ensure you have the best experience on your tour. A tip of 2-5 Euros per client per day is a reasonable fair.
• The amounts quoted above are only guidelines for the clients.

Departure Tax:

• Various countries require you to pay an Airport Departure Tax (Zimbabwe is one) when departing on an international flight.
• Varies from US$10 – US$60 depending on the departure time.
• The truck has a safe for passports, money, credit cards and flight tickets only!
• Keep your cameras, cell phones, iPad’s and other digital equipment close to you at all times (preferably in your day pack) as the operator will not be held responsible for anything that goes missing.
• Leave your valuables at home!
• Be vigilant and cautious at all times.
• Always walk in a group, especially at night.
• It is advisable to have travel insurance for your personal items.

Quality and Protection:

• We are proudly bonded SATSA members. Our membership number is 1712.
• We are also insured by SATIB.
• SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
• SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members (tour operators, car rental companies, accommodation provider etc.).
• “Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
• Satsa Bonding Offers financial protection on all monies paid.

Quick Checklist

• Make sure your vaccination requirements have been done at least 4 weeks prior to your tour.
• Remember to make sure your VISA is valid for you to go on tour.
• Remember to reconfirm your flights. Airlines vary in their requirements but we suggest you reconfirm 48 – 72 hours before your departure homebound.
• Remember to take your passport, vaccination certificate and flight tickets with you (a photocopy of these is a good idea).
• Remember to take a copy of your insurance policy with you.
• Remember to take your travel voucher to give to your crew at your pre-departure meeting.
• Remember to take your Adventure Pass in US $ cash (unless pre-paid).

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The Ultimate Garden Route Itinerary for 2024

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

Stretching from Storms River Mouth in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and, having driven the Garden Route from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on numerous South Africa trips, we’ve put together our recommended Garden Route itinerary. This is our guide to the Garden Route and includes things to do, where to stay and where to stop along the way. It’s the route we used when we visit South Africa and is the perfect guide for planning your Garden Route Itinerary.

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Garden Route Itinerary

We’ve listed our itinerary in a loop coming from and returning to the Cape Town/Western Cape. Reverse the order if you are starting the journey coming from Port Elizabeth or the east of South Africa !

How long for the Garden Route

Having driven the Garden route a number of times we recommend 2 weeks for exploring the Garden Route. We find 2 weeks to be the perfect length of time as you can explore everything the Garden Route has to offer at a leisurely pace, with short drives between each destination.

Best Stops on the Garden Route

The Garden Route begins at Storms River Mouth and the nearby Bloukrans Bridge is the perfect spot to brave one of the world’s highest bungy jumps! Plettenberg Bay, a beautiful coastal town on the Indian Ocean is the next stop followed by Knysna, famous for its sea cliffs, the Knysna Heads. The Map of Africa in Wilderness is the perfect short detour of the Garden Route followed by Mossel Bay where the Garden Route comes to an end.

Extending the Garden Route Itinerary

Most visitors join the Garden Route either from Cape Town or Port Elizabeth and there are some fantastic stops at either end to extend your Garden Route itinerary including safari, Route 62 and the Cape Winelands.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in South Africa is the best way to explore the country and the Garden Route, plus driving is relatively easy in the country. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see place that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with Booking.com , where you will find great rental car prices

Book your South Africa rental car

Garden Route Itinerary Route Map

Our recommended route for the Garden Route is as follow:

Cape Town (1) – Hermanus (2)/Gansbaai (3) – Cape Aghulas (4) and Mossel Bay – Wilderness (5) – Knysa (6) – Plettenberg Bay(7) – Storms River (8) – Addo Elephant Park  (9) – Amakhala Game Reserve (10) – Oudtshoorn (11) – Stellenbosch/Franschhoek (12) – Cape Town (1)

Click here for the Google Maps version of the route

Day 1 and 2: Hermanus/Gansbaai

Hermanus and Gansbaai are stunning stopovers en route from Cape Town to the Garden Route and their natural beauty is mesmerising. The rugged coastline is as spectacular as the sea life in its waters: whales, seals, penguins and sharks are abundant in the area and it’s known as the Great White Shark capital of the World.

Things to do: in Hermanus and Gansbaai

• Whale watching is a must do in Hermanus
• Gansbaai is one of the most popular spots for cage shark diving if you so desire!

Drive time: 90 mins Cape Town to Hermanus, 30 minutes from Hermanus to Gansbaai

Where to stay in Hermanus and Gansbaai

• Misty Waves Boutique Hotel – beautiful boutique hotel where it’s often possible to spot whales from the balcony! – check prices now!
• Bellavista Country Place – If you’re visiting the Garden Route you have to stay in this  – incredible –  check prices now!
• Bellamente Serene – A stunning hotel located right on the beach in Gansbaai –  check prices now!

  Click here for Hermanus Hotel prices

Day 2: Cape Aghulas (optional) and Mossel Bay

Cape Agulhas requires an optional detour down to the coast between Hermanus and Mossel Bay before driving to Mossel Bay to spend the night and explore the town the following morning.

Cape Aghulas

Cape Aghulas is the most Southern point in the African continent (it’s often touted as the Cape of Good Hope but it is the most South Westerly point in Africa) and marks the dividing point of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. The rugged wilderness, the crashing waves where two oceans meet and the stunning African sunset took our breaths away – after all it’s not every day you stand at the most Southern tip of Africa!

The seaside town of Mossel Bay is a step back in time and our highlight was the Post Office Tree. The story goes that in 1501 a Portuguese sailor sought refuge in Mossel Bay during a storm and he left a written account, with an address, in an old boot. The report was found by the person it was addressed to and the tree then served as a post office – it’s still possible to post letters at the old tree today!

Drive time: 90 minutes from Gansbaai to Cape Aghulas and 3 hours from Cape Aghulas to Mossel Bay. Driving directly from Gansbaai to Mossel Bay will reduce the journey time to just over 3 hours.

Where to stay in Mossel Bay

• Bar-t-nique Guest House : panoramic views of the harbor and Outeniqua mountains with nice home made breakfast – check prices here!
• African Oceans Manor on the Beach – great guest house, rooms have beautiful views of the Indian Ocean – check prices here!

  Click here for  Mossel Bay hotel prices

Day 3: Wilderness

The coastal town of Wilderness is home to two of our favourite sights on The Garden Route, the Map of Africa and Kaaimans River Bridge. The sleepy little village of Sedgefield, close to Wilderness, draws visitors to its lagoon.

The Map of Africa is a viewpoint where the flow of the river has formed a piece of land shaped exactly like a map of the African continent. It has a spectacular view overlooking the Kaaimans River Basin and is as intriguing as it is beautiful. The mix of mountain, forest and river is a beautiful sight!

Close to the Map of Africa sits the Kaaimans River Bridge in Wilderness. The curved bridge passes over the amber coloured water at the mouth of an estuary and is a beautifully photogenic stop on the Garden Route. A steam train operated on the line until 2009 but the railway bridge is iconic even in its absence.

The sleepy little village of Sedgefield, about 20 minutes from Wilderness, is surrounded by lakes, vegetated sand dunes, an Estuary and the beautiful Indian Ocean. Its lagoon is popular for fishing, swimming, canoeing, bird watching and riverside walks and the Saturday morning Wild Oats farmers market is unmissable.

Drive time: 45 minutes from Mossel Bay to Wilderness, 20 minutes from Wilderness to Sedgefield

Where to stay in Wilderness

• Oceans Wilderness: a beautiful beachfront guesthouse with an amazing design, great breakfast and magnificent views, our favourite! – check prices here!
• Lodge on the Lake: amazing lakeside views, great rooms and an infinity pool – check prices here!

Click here for Wilderness hotel prices

Day 4 and 5: Knysna

Famous for its oysters Knysna, a waterfront town along the Garden Route, is home to the Knysna Heads and is a beautiful spot to relax for a few days on the Garden Route. The Knysna Heads are two imposing sea cliffs which protect the entrance to the Knysna lagoon from the unrelenting Indian Ocean. The boat journey to view the heads often results in a sea drenching but it’s spectacular to watch the sea thrash through the narrow gap amid the stunning scenery.

Things to do in Knysna:

• Take a boat trip on the lagoon and check out the Kynsa Heads
• Take the ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve with spectacular viewpoints and a nice hike

Drive time:  40 minutes from Wilderness to Knysna

Where to stay in Knysna

• Villa Afrikana Guest Suites:  Offering panoramic views across the bay this is one of the best options for staying in Knysna and close to the restaurants –  check prices now!
• Augusta Bay Guest House:  Beautiful guest hotels with views over Knysna Bay –  check prices now!

Click here for Knysna Hotel prices

Day 6 and 7: Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, or Plett Bay as the locals refer to it, is a South Africa hidden gem overlooking the Indian Ocean and the perfect base for a few nights along the Garden Route.

The architecturally stunning Bloukrans Bridge is close to Plettenberg Bay and, at over 200 metres, is the highest in Africa and arches dramatically over the gorge below. As well as being visually stunning, it is also home to one of the highest bungy jumps in the world. Dave immediately signed up, leaped off that bridge like a pro and had the time of his life so if you’re feeling brave … bungy jump!!

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and the Birds of Eden free flight bird sanctuary are both great places to visit while in Plett Bay.

Drive time:  30 minutes between Knysa and Plettenberg Bay

Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay

• Singing Kettle Beach Lodge: We stayed at this gorgeous beach lodge and toasted the beautiful sunset from our balcony – check prices now!
• The Plettenberg Hotel: 5 star luxury on the Garden Route with infinity pools and ocean views – check prices now!

  Click here for Plettenberg Bay hotel prices

Day 8: Storms River

Storms River Mouth is the dramatic starting point of the Garden Route where the Storms River enters the Indian Ocean. Tucked away off the main road in the Tsitsikamma National Park sits this breathtaking stretch of coastline where the Indian Ocean relentlessly pounds the headland. There are some amazing hikes up through the gorge and a stunning rope bridge for the adventurous types!

Drive time: 45 minutes from Plettenberg Bay to Storms River

Where to stay in Storms River

• The Fernery Lodge & Chalets – located at the base of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, The Fernery boasts amazing views over the Sandrift River gorge –  check prices now!
• Misty Mountain Lodge and chalets – surrounded by ocean, forest and mountains this property is a real treat on the Garden Route –   check prices now!

Click here for Storms River hotel prices

Safari (Optional)

Safari is always a good idea in South Africa! Kruger and Sabi Sands are our safari favourites but they’re a long drive or a flight away. If you want to squeeze in some safari while exploring the Garden Route we’d recommend making extra stops at the Addo Elephant Park and the Amakhala Game Reserve.

Day 9: Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park, just outside Port Elizabeth, is home to one of the densest elephant populations on earth as well as rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. With 450 elephants the elephant encounters can be truly magical – we will never forget the moment a family of elephants walked alongside our car in the setting sun.

Drive Time: 3 hours from Plettenberg Bay to Addo Elephant Park

Where to stay in Addo Elephant Park

• Gorah Elephant Camp – You can stay right in the park with the elephants at Gorah elephant camp –  check prices now!
• River Bend Lodge – another option for staying in Addo park itself! –  check prices now!

Day 10 and 11: Amakhala Game Reserve

A malaria-free safari option, just outside Port Elizabeth, the Amakhala Game Reserve is home to the safari big 5 of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species.

Where to stay in Amakhala Game Reserve

• HillsNek Safari – on the banks of Bushman’s River the luxurious tented chalets have panoramic views of the plains – check prices now!
• Woodbury Tented Camp: in the heart of Amakhala, the accommodation comprises en suite canvas tents with views of the valley – check prices now!

Book your safari stay now

Returning to Cape Town

Many visitors return to Cape Town via Route 62 after exploring the Garden Route. Here are some extra stops to add some variety to the drive back.

Day 12 and 13: Oudtshoorn

Known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn is home to Ostrich Farms, the spectacular underground Cango Caves and the Swartberg Mountains which are part of the Cape Floral UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also home to the Meerkat Adventures, a dawn tour to hopefully see some adorable meerkats waking up to a new day.

Be sure to stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop in Barrydale en route to the Cape Winelands. Despite the name it is actually a famous dive bar with graffiti plastered walls on Route 62 and a fun stop for a cold beer and a stretch of the legs.

Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes from Amakhala Game Reserve to Oudtshoorn

Where to stay in Oudtshoorn

• Hlangana Lodge: a small lodge in a beautiful setting with great breakfast – check prices now!
• Earthbound B&B: quiet, well equipped and spacious guest rooms at an excellent price – check prices now!

Click here for Oudtshoorn hotel prices

Day 12 and 13: Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch and Francschhoek

The Cape Winelands are a collection of historic towns famous for their wine production and are the perfect stopover on the way back to Cape Town.  Wine tasting, delicious food, incredible landscapes and beautiful architecture are synonymous with the region.

Stellenbosh and Franschhoek are its two most popular stopovers and the heart of its wine industry. Stellenbosh, South Africa’s second oldest town, is a charming university town and Franschhoek a charming village filled with galleries, restaurants and wine shops. Hop on the wine trams to explore the vineyards and indulge in some wine tasting and admire the whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture prominent in the region.

Drive time:  4 hours 15 minutes from Oudtshoorn to Franschhoek and 4 hours 30 minutes from Oudtshoorn to Stellenbosh

Where to stay in Cape Winelands

• Asara Wine Estate, Stellenbosch: Beautiful location in the rolling hills of Stellenbosch, lovely rooms and good value for money with wine tasting on site – check prices now!
• The Corner House, Francschhoek: amazing value with excellent rooms and a great location – check prices now!
• La Residence, Franschhoek: set in a private estate, La Residence is the ultimate in luxury . Luxurious rooms and peacock’s roaming around the grounds, this is one for the bucketlist – check prices now!

Click here for Cape Winelands hotels

24 thoughts on “The Ultimate Garden Route Itinerary for 2024”

Hello, Fabulous itinary! Could you give a rough idea of budget please? Thx in advance

Hi Geraldine, I’m not sure how much we spent in total but, depending on the hotels you pick, food, drinks, gas etc are quite cheap so it was quite reasonably priced overall. We’re Europe based so have a strong exchange rate on our side at the moment!

We are planning a 4-day tour of the Garden Route in September and we are coming from the US. We are not sure if we should go with a tour company or rent a car and do it on our own. I think if we rented a car we would miss the cultural and historic info about the region. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Hi Charmaine

We really enjoy the independence of having our own transport – we picked up some Cape Town and Garden Route guide books to give us the context and history which helped! It’s an awesome trip, hope you enjoy!

loved reading your itinary and we are going to base our own route loosely around yours as we have been to Cape own twice before and stayed in De Kelders and Pearly Beach we have been to Cape Aghulas we have bits we can change but your whole concept is one of the best I have seen

In reply to Geraldine once you are in South Africa everything is so cheap, Food, drinks, car hire, fuel and of course accommodation whale watching is a must a sight so worth seeing

In reply to Charmaine what Elaine has said the flexability of your own transport really cant be faulted being able to come and go as you please is so much better

Hi Kaz, so glad you found the itinerary useful. I hope you have an awesome trip, I can’t wait to return!

Good work guys. I am thrilled for my upcoming trip. Thanks very much

i love layout of your itinerary, im planning on using it for my upcoming trip in December with my family( spouse and 3 kids). we are planning a 15day trip and i was wondering if you can give to some advise on where we should stop and spend the night. For example are the places we should spend stay 3 nights in a lodge /resort and use that as a mini base to visit a couple of the stops at a time… it will be difficult sleep in a new hotel every night with kids…

any suggestions will be welcomed.

thanks alot.

delighted to hear you like the itinerary. You could base yourselves in Knysna and explore the Garden route from there for a few days. From here you could visit Mossel Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Kysna itself. Knysna was one of our favourite stops on the route. Check out family friendly hotels here

Are 4 days enough for Garden Route?

We are planning to do the Garden Route from Cape Town. If we rent a car, are we able to return the car at George airport or should we drive back to Cape Town? Is driving your own car doable if coming from the States?

Any info will be useful.

4 days would allow you to do some of the Garden route and with that time we’d recommend returning the car the George airport. This will give you the most time on the route. With 4 days you could aim to see Mossel Bay, Kysna and Plettenberg Bay. The initial drive from Cape Town will take one day, with the rest for sightseeing. Driving a rental car in South Africa is very straight forward. We’ve driven in over 40 countries and the Garden Route in South Africa relatively easy. Check out our post here for tips on driving in South Africa

Hi, Really enjoying your blog we have found it really informative. We have 14 days booked in South Africa in April 2019. We have four nights in Cape Town which we are basing our itinerary on yours.We then have three nights in the wine region staying near Stellenbosch.

We have 3 days to plan before staying for the remainder of our holiday at Pettenberg Bay for the remainder of our holiday.

Of all the places that you have visited where would you recommend that we visit and stay for the days between Stellenbosch and Plettenberg. We have a rental car and fly home from Port Elizabeth.

Great to hear you are enjoying the content. Cape Town and Stellenbosch are fab, I hope you enjoy! I’d probably stop in Mossel Bay or George for 1 night to split the drive and see some of the sights. Then I’d follow up with two nights in Knysna. Safari would be another great option – you could spend two nights in somewhere like this Gondwana lodge on the way to the Garden Route and then spend one night in Knysna.

Hope that helps, have a great trip! Elaine

Hi, thanks for the great itinerary. We are planning a trip from PE to CT over 4 nights. Not as much time as we would like but that’s life! Just wondering if you’d recommend 1 night in Plettenberg Bay AND 1 night in Knysna or just 2 nights in Knysner, given they are so close? Both towns look great. Also, if we plan our last night to be in Hermanus, which town between Knysna and Hermanus you recommend for our 3rd night? Something like Wilderness or Mossel Bay?

Thanks very much

Hi Adam, glad the itinerary is useful! I’d spend two nights in either Knysna or Mossel Bay (to avoid having to pack up and move!). My personal preference is Plett Bay as it’s really nice and laid back but you’ll probably spend a whole day in Knysna so I’d actually stay there – you’ll have more choice of restaurants etc as it’s much bigger. Knysa is beautiful and has a really nice vibe for tourists. We’ve stayed in Swellendam to split the journey before (but definitely stop by Wilderness for the map of Africa en route!). We stayed in Arumvale Country House . Mossel Bay would also be fine but you still have a longish drive to Hermanus after.

Hope that helps Elaine

We are two ladies in our late 50’s planning on hiring a car to go from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in June. We have heard lots of horror stories about hiring a car in South Africa and are a bit concerned. What is your opinion on our safety should we hire a car? Thanks

We found it quite safe, you can read our driving tips here . Avoid driving after dark for sure and don’t park anywhere remote. Don’t leave anything in your car. The tourist sites are usually busy in Cape Town and along the Garden Route.

Great blog, very helpful!

What time of year did you go? I am planning on going in mid July and I’m not sure if it will rain everyday.

Our trips have all been Christmas time or March, I’m not sure on July

Hi, everything here is really useful. We are trying to put together an itinerary.

Leaving Cape town With Stop at Oudtshoorn,then Plettenberg Bay and onto a safari,before returning to Cape Town. We had thought about then stopping at Knysna.

Are Plettenberg Bay and Knysna to close together and can you suggest another stop off point

They’re about 30 minutes drive – we’ve stopped in both on previous trips as they’re both lovely. From Plet Bay you can visit Storms River, Bloukran’s Bridge etc and the leave the Knsyna sights until you return. We stayed in a Protea in George before – it’s a little closer to Cape Town if you want to shorten the drive.

hi thanks so much for this information. We will be in Cape Town for three days in January, before an overland tour from Victoria Falls back to Cape Town. Then we have 12 days to do the garden route, probably self drive. Thanks for the ideas

So glad it was useful! Victoria Falls is one of the most magical places we’ve visited, I do hope you enjoy!

12 days is plenty of time for the Garden Route, you could maybe look into a safari or another few days in Cape Town depending on which you prefer.

Enjoy! Elaine

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Garden Route Tours: All You Need to Know ● Highlights

Steeped in ancient forests, winding roads, pristine beaches along with unique cultural and historical diversity, there is no questioning why the magnificent Garden Route stretch attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. Garden Route tours start with meeting your personal accredited tour guide before boarding your dedicated aircon-equipped mini coach or sedan and then embarking on your trip.

Whether you’re strolling next to an African elephant with its trunk in your hand, cruising azure waters on a boat trip while the sun sinks below the horizon, or marvelling at the great forest beneath your feet as you cross the awe-inspiring Tsitsikamma suspension bridge – Garden Route Tours will leave you with lasting, life-long memories.

Highlights to See on Garden Route Tours

It’s called the Garden Route for a reason: the name comes from the fertile and ecologically diverse vegetation, as well as the large bodies of water found here, including pristine estuaries and lakes. Everywhere you stop, this verdant stretch of land has something unique and special to offer – but we want to ensure that you don’t miss out on any hidden gems. Read on for our top tips of those places you simply must explore while on your Garden Route tour from Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.

Hermanus and Whale Watching along the Garden Route

East of Cape Town beyond the Hottentots-Holland mountains, the quaint seaside village of Hermanus is recognised by the World Wildlife Fund  (source)  as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world  (source).  As a result, it’s grown hugely in popularity and is today filled with nature enthusiasts and tourists eager to spot these giants of the deep. If you choose to include Hermanus as part of your Garden Route tour, here are some highlights to see and do:

Markets and restaurants: With thriving artisan markets, a bustling selection of coffee shops and restaurants, as well as some world-renowned wine farms on your doorstep, Hermanus has much to offer with regards to eating and drinking. It’s also a great place to pick up handcrafted goods or art from one of the many unique stores and galleries in the area.

Whale watching boat trips: Take an eco-based boat trip to observe these gentle creatures through the months of June to December, as they migrate to this bay from around the world to mate, birth and rear their young. See them play in the waves, breathe in the salty air and snap unforgettable photos. If you’re not keen on boarding a boat, Hermanus is also renowned for its land-based whale watching, which is possible on many easily accessible cliff paths.

Want to know more? Our  6 day garden route tour  includes a Hermanus Eco Boat Trip.

See Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves & Garden Route Ostrich Farms

As you leave the cooler coastal Overberg region, head inland into the arid semi-desert of the Karoo. Atmospheric and expansive, the Karoo’s small towns are packed with heritage and original natural encounters. Where else can you spot cheeky meerkats in the morning and elegant ostriches in the afternoon? Oudtshoorn is one such town that’s a great base for exploring the region. Here are our top picks:

The Cango Caves: A short 30km drive from the village, these limestone caves have been a popular tourist destination for generations. Gaze upon beautifully lit up rock formations that have taken thousands of years to create and marvel at the exceptional acoustics, as you hear about the history and unique geography from your knowledgeable guide.

Meerkat Adventure Experience: Arrive before sunrise and make your way through the morning mist to find the site your guide has identified the night before (meerkats are nomadic squatters and choose a different place to burrow each night). As you settle into your chair and the sun starts to rise, you’ll spot the first head pop up, followed by fun family antics as the meerkats scratch, warm and feed themselves.

Cango Ostrich Farm: This privately-owned farm is immaculately maintained and offers you the chance to see the giant eggs and how they’re incubated, spot the chicks and feed and touch the adult birds. You can even choose to receive a “neck massage” from these gigantic birds!

Historic Country House: We’ve hand selected a range of owner-run guesthouses to stay in, such as Oue Werf, a farm that has been owned by the same family for over 150 years, spanning six generations. This ensures that you get to enjoy every luxury and amenity while soaking up the area’s heritage.

Explore Mossel Bay and try Garden Route Shark Diving

Following the gorgeous Garden Route coastline, the small harbour town of Mossel Bay offers a variety of activities to join, no matter what kind of holiday you’re after. It’s believed that Dutch admiral Paulus van Caerden gave the bay its name in 1601  (source),  because his sailors gathered mussels here to supplement their meagre rations. Here are our highlights not to miss:

Pristine coastline: Enjoy a picnic or go for a swim at a safe spot along the area’s 60km of white sand beaches, or explore one the many exquisite walking trails along picturesque cliffs paths, including the well-known Oyster Catcher trail.

Shark-cage diving: Fascinated by the majesty and power of Great White Sharks? Stare these mighty predators in the eye by going shark-cage diving with a reputable service provider, who has conservation at their core. Feel the salty air fill your lungs and then plunge beneath the ocean as you experience a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

Heritage and history: Stroll through the city centre and learn more about its many historic buildings or take a trip to the Dias Musuem to discover how this intrepid Portuguese sailor landed in the area in 1488. The museum is actually a complex of buildings featuring three different offerings, as well as an indigenous botanical garden.

Sky diving: Adrenaline junkies will delight in the sensation of free falling as the ground rushes towards you and you gaze upon the azure Indian ocean and Outeniqua mountains below. Tandem sky-diving is the safest option for first timers, as you’ll have an experienced instructor guiding you through the entire adventure.

Visit Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route Forests

Further north, just over an hour’s drive from Mossel Bay, the market village of Knysna is primarily built on the shore of a large warm water estuary known as Knysna Lagoon. To the north, the Garden Route rainforest stretches up for almost 20km towards the Outeniqua Mountains. As a result, Knysna evokes charm as you gaze upon yachts sailing on the lagoon and see hikers emerging from the depths of its magical forests. Here are some of our highlights:

Join a lagoon cruise: Soak up the sunshine as you glide along the glistening waters of the lagoon and gaze upon “The Knysna Heads”, the point at which the lagoon meets the sea. Perhaps you’re keen on a sunset cruise enjoyed with fresh oysters and drinks? The options to customise your day are endless.

Hike a Forest trail: There are only a handful of untouched Afromontane forests left in Africa, and one of these is found in Knysna. Choose from a variety of trails such as the ‘Circles of the Forest’ trail and spot rainbow coloured Knysna Dwarf chameleons, vivid mushrooms sprouting from rocks, and listen to birdsong as it echoes overhead.

Learn about elephants: The Knysna Elephant Park gives you the opportunity to interact with African elephants in an environmentally responsible way. The park cares for over 40 orphaned rescue elephants, allowing visitors to walk hand in trunk with them, feed them a snack bucket and see how they interact with each other.

A  4 day garden route tour  includes a visit to Knysna – so be sure to review this should it be of interest.

See Plettenberg Bay & Pristine Garden Route Beaches

With sweeping golden sand beaches, first class hiking trails and picturesque cliffs surrounding the Robberg peninsula, this upmarket town is known rightly as the “jewel of the Garden Route”. Here are some of our highlights:

Birds of Eden: The world’s largest of its kind, this unique two-hectare dome over a swathe of indigenous forest is home to 3500 birds. Both exotic and African species, most are rescue birds, and this gigantic aviary provides a way to rehabilitate them as you spot their bright colours and hear their melodic calls.  

Jukani: The magnificent roar of a male lion. The elegant gait of a leopard. Big Cats are synonymous with Africa and we’re proud to include Jukani on our list of Garden Route “must-sees”. Marvel at tigers, pumas and jaguars as well, all of whom have been rescued or rehomed from facilities that could no longer care for them.

Monkeyland: The world’s first free roaming multi-species primate sanctuary offers you the chance to see over 550 primates including capuchin monkeys, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and gibbons. This forest sanctuary is all about giving ex-captive primates back their freedom, as well as educating the public.

Visit Tsitsikamma National Park a Garden Route Treasure

This lush stretch of land teems with life and is named after the San tribe word that means “place of abundant water”. You’ll see why when you glimpse the wild seas crashing onto the rocks and streams flowing through forests, and as you swim in waterfalls and marvel at the river mouth at the bottom of a ravine. Here are some highlights on your Garden Route Tour from Port Elizabeth or Cape Town that you won’t want to miss:

Tstitsikamma National Park: Nature lovers will delight in the Waterfall Trail which forms the first 3km stretch of the world-famous Otter Trail. It takes you along the wild coastline past a spectacular waterfall and along a suspension bridge (pack a picnic and your swimsuit, and be prepared for some fairly strenuous walking).

Bloukrans Bungee Jumping: If you’re going to bungee jump, do it from the top of the arch of Africa’s highest commercially available bungy! Using pendulum bungee technology, this is the most comfortable, safest and exhilarating jump available – a once in a lifetime experience.

Want to make sure you’re not missing out on the best attractions during your  South Africa Private Tours ? Consider our carefully curated  5-Day Garden Route Tour .

Include World-class Wine Regions on your Garden Route Tour

South African wine heritage has largely been influenced by the arrival of French Huguenot settlers who arrived in the Cape in the late 17th Century. Today, wine connoisseurs travel from all over the world to sample our local wines. With our temperate climate and rich wine-making tradition, South Africa is currently the ninth largest producer of wine worldwide  (source) , and is known for unique varietals such as Pinotage.

Leaving Cape Town, take a trip through some of the most famous Cape wine regions: the history-steeped streets of Stellenbosch, the wide green expanses of the Franschhoek valley, or the cultural pearl of Paarl. Whichever you choose, you’ll be guaranteed stunning scenery, delicious food and wine, and beautiful Cape Dutch architecture to enjoy.

An  8 day garden route tour  includes a visit to Stellenbosch, stopping in at some of South Africa’s most prestigious wine estates.

Will I see Animals on my Garden Route Tour?

Sightings of animals occur on most Garden Route tours but given these animals are in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Having said that, let your dedicated tour guide know which animals top your list, whether its spotting the Big 5 in the wild, getting up close to Great White Sharks or bird watching for particular species. They’ll then ensure that they give you the best chance of seeing these.

Join a Garden Route Safari Experience

The game reserve we recommend all depends on what you’d like from your Garden Route tour, in terms of what animals and terrain you’d like to see. Here are two of our favourites:

Garden Route Game Lodge: Located just over three hours’ drive from Cape Town, this family owned private garden route game reserve is malaria-free and gives you a great chance to spot the Big 5. Get up early for a dawn patrol of the bushveld in a safari vehicle, relax in your luxurious chalet perched on the edge of the wild bush, or plunge into the crystal-clear infinity pool to cool down. 

Addo Elephant Park: If you’re a fan of the iconic African elephant, then Addo is the place to head if you really want to get to grips with the way elephants feed, socialise and rear their young. Elephants here are so used to humans that they sometimes pass within inches of your car, but be warned not to disturb them in any way. You could also spot lion and hyena, as well as many types of antelope.

A  7 day garden route tour  includes a visit to the Addo Elephant Park – find out more.

Garden Route Tours: Accommodation & What to Expect

Accommodation on the Garden Route varies greatly. We prefer to focus on high quality, small to medium sized owner-run establishments, rather than larger chain hotels. We mostly use 4-star lodges and guesthouses, and all establishments need to meet strict criteria when it comes to local charm, quality, cleanliness and reputation requirements.

We’ve hand-picked a selection of properties that all have something special or unique about them. Oue Werf Country House & Manor in Oudtshoorn is a country guesthouse and working farm that has been in the same family for six generations. Another special inclusion is the Misty Mountain Reserve in the Tsitsikamma, where you can immerse yourself in nature as you relax in your cabin perched on steep cliffs with 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean.

When Should you Visit the Garden Route?

Visitors join Garden Route tours all year round, as the region is known for its mild, temperate and sunny climate – we have on average seven months of sunshine per year ( source ). Since we’re in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons are the opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, while the rest of the country experiences most of its rainfall in summer ( source ). Peak tourist season is typically December through February, but March through May also offers delightfully temperate weather along the Garden Route and is less busy.

Over the winter months from June through October, temperatures do drop but are still mild compared to many countries, with snow being a rarity. Many visitors come over our winter months in order to escape summer monsoon season in their own countries, when it may be hot and very rainy.

With so much variety in terms of natural surroundings and activities, you can craft a special  South Africa tour  at any time of year. In summer you may focus on hiking and beach activities for example, while game spotting and delectable dinners at a Garden Route game lodge ‘boma’ are available all year round.

Benefits of Custom Private Garden Route Tours

Going on one of our custom private Garden Route tours means that you benefit from our years of experience spent curating inclusive package trips for our guests.

There is so much beauty to see in our country, so you don’t want to miss out on those highlights. For example, you may want to book a  Safari Adventure  to spot elephant mothers and their calves, or need some help purchasing  Robben Island Tickets , so you can learn more about our history and where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, while you’re visiting Cape Town.

Planning a trip which gives you authentic experiences can be difficult if you just follow the crowds and may not necessarily appeal to your specific tastes. Trying to organise this yourself can take hours of research and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get it right. Rather save time and let our Garden Route tour experts do it all for you.

We carefully select quality guesthouses to stay at, know the safest routes to take, and all the other details that make a holiday in South Africa memorable, rather than stressful or mass produced. Whether you want to devote time to touring galleries and museums, or get up earlier than usual to snap that perfect photograph of a lion at a watering hole, going on a private Garden Route tour with us gives you an instant solution of what matters to you.

Local Accredited Guides on your Garden Route Tour

When visiting a country as colourful and fascinating as South Africa, it requires a lifetime to immerse yourself in its diversity. That’s why a tour of the Garden Route with a local experienced guide is the most efficient way to visit our nation, as they use their rich experience of the area to share stories that will really help you see the country through their eyes.

As a requirement, all our guides are CATHSSETA accredited (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Education and Training Authority of South Africa) which means each person undergoes extensive training of the region they guide in, in this case the Garden Route ( source ).

Safety is of utmost priority to us, which is why all our guides have First Aid training with an accompanying certificate.

A guidebook might tell you how to get there, but we’ll show you around and share the magic behind our land.

ASTA – Member of the World’s Largest Travel Organisation

ASTA Membership Number: 900255971

Cape of Good Hope Tours, a Momentous Travel subsidiary and specialist in Garden Route tours, is a local Southern Africa tour operator which is certified by ASTA, the largest organisation of travel professionals worldwide ( source ).

In order to qualify as a member, we need to adhere to ASTA’s strict code of ethics, of which we are proud members. The code of ethics includes:

Responsiveness

Cooperation

Confidentiality

Affiliation

For more, visit Asta.org ( source ).

SATIB24 - 24/7 Emergency Support

Policy Number: B1262BW 0217118 PI08/2019/3239

Our Satib24 membership allows all our guests access to a  24-hour support centre  which means that during any crisis, you can call their number (+27-311-002-370) and receive direct assistance. Services include:

A dedicated 24/7 helpline to the Satib24 incident operations centre

A direct line to doctors, nurses and security professionals in a crisis

Clinically-led decision making

A trusted source of global support and advice

The coordination of an integrated network of emergency medical, security and incident management specialists

Medical and security evacuations if necessary

During your stay on the Garden Route, simply keep our Policy Number on hand and provide it in case of any unforeseen emergencies.

Is it Better to Fly into Cape Town, Port Elizabeth or George Airport?

The wonderful thing about a Garden Route tour is that you can fly into any of these airports, depending on the areas you’d like to visit. One of our guides can meet you at whichever airport you choose, and drop you off at the same or a different airport, giving you ample flexibility.

Cape Town is an international airport and is close to the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, while the George airport is right in the middle of the Garden Route, with the villages of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay close by. Port Elizabeth is at the opposite end of the Garden Route to Cape Town, situated near the Addo Elephant Park and the dense forests of the Tsitsikamma region.

Currency Information & Tips for your Garden Route Tour

Most establishments on the Garden Route accept credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, and there are also multiple places where ATMs are available. This said, we do advise you not to keep large sums of cash on you, but rather to have a small amount (in Rands) to pay for services such as parking, tips for petrol attendants and guides, or water or snacks at more informal establishments.

Safety Guidelines for Garden Route Tours

Every country has its own safety issues, so it’s important to be aware of these when visiting South Africa. Being safe during your Garden Route tour is all about knowing which areas are safe to visit as a tourist, along with your conduct while you’re there. Most visits to South Africa are trouble-free ( source ), but there are some things to bear in mind when travelling here:

Keep valuables in your hand luggage, instead of packing them in your checked baggage.

Most incidents occur in isolated areas or places far away from those tourists frequent, so take care not to make yourself a target in this way.

Ask locals (or your highly experienced guide) about areas to avoid, especially after dark.

Always lock valuables in your hotel safe, or out of sight if you’re leaving them in a parked car.

Avoid openly displaying valuables on your person, whether this is wearing expensive jewellery, or openly displaying large sums of cash.

Ultimately, booking one of our customised Garden Route Tours with us means that you can enjoy the benefits of a carefully curated tour package including guides that know their surroundings intimately. Enjoy your South Africa tour with the added comfort of knowing you have Satib 24 support and Asta certification throughout your trip.

Want to find out more about booking your Garden Route tour with us? Browse our trips or contact us today to book a trip you’ll never forget.

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Garden Route Tours

Join one of our award-winning small group tours, or book a private tour and explore at your own pace..

The Garden Route includes nature, culture, and adventure, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our Garden Route tours are the perfect way to see the highlights of the South African coastline, between Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Garden Route Group Tours

These tours are great for solo travelers, couples and small groups of friends who want to see the highlights of the Garden Route, in a relatively short amount of time. Group tours have a maximum of 12 guests and one driver/guide on board. This is an active tour, aimed at those who like to be on the move and are young at heart. The average age of travelers joining our group tours is 34. Guests can choose between backpacker or guest house accommodation, thereby tailoring the tour to their level of comfort and budget.

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure – 5 days (one-way)

Our 5-day group adventure tour is a safe and affordable way to explore the Western Cape, Little Karoo, Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park, and Route 62. This tour starts in Cape Town every Monday, and ends in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) every Friday.

Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure – 6 days

Experiencing a good mix of nature, culture and adventure on this 6-day group Garden Route Tour. This trip will give you a taste of some of the best things the spectacular Garden Route has to offer. This tour starts & ends in Cape Town and departs every Monday.

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari COMBO – 10 days

Explore Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape on this group adventure tour that includes a two-night safari. It covers the highlights of the South African coastline between Cape Town and Gqeberha and ends in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Garden Route Private Tours

Private tours for couples, families, groups of friends, and educational travel. Our expert travel consultants will customize the provided itineraries to your exact requirements. We can accommodate large or small groups. Click to choose a package below to find out more and to arrange a bespoke travel experience.

Garden Route Express private tour – 4 days

Mountains, sea, beaches and forest – this tour goes straight to the heart of the Garden Route, to spend time enjoying this beautiful stretch of South African coastline lined with coastal forests. This tour starts & ends in Cape Town, and can depart any day of the week.

Garden Route private tour – 5 days (one-way to Gqeberha)

This tour explores the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It travels one-way, allowing you to maximize time enjoying beautiful scenery and minimize driving time, taking in the highlights of the Whale Coast and the Garden Route along the way.

Garden Route Express private tour + Safari – 5 days

Go on safari amongst the beautiful fynbos vegetation of the Garden Route.  This tour packs in such diverse highlights, from seeing zebra and elephant on safari to hiking the cliffs along the Indian Ocean, all in five days. This tour starts & ends in Cape Town.

Garden Route private tour – 6 days 

This tour explores the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and the Garden Route.  It takes in the highlights of the Whale Coast, Garden Route, and the Klein Karoo, with many options for adventure, nature, and hiking activities along the way.  This tour starts and ends in Cape Town, and can depart any day of the week.

Garden Route & Addo Safari private tour – 7 days

This tour explores the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and ends off with a safari in Addo Elephant National Park. It travels one-way, allowing you to maximize time enjoying scenery and safari, and minimizing driving time.

Garden Route + whale coast private tour – 7 days

This tour is designed to be a great South African experience for families traveling with children, age 6 and older. This tour focuses on nature and the outdoors, as this part of the country is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, and makes a refreshing experience for adults and children alike.

Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route private tour

Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route – if you take this tour, you will have taken in of some of the absolute highlights of the Western Cape of South Africa. From city to vineyard to cruising the Knysna Lagoon. 

First Trip To South Africa private tour – 10 days

If you have never been to this spectacular country…this is the trip you should take as an introduction. We hit the must-see destinations of Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, and finish off with a Big 5 Safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.

First Trip To South Africa + Kruger private tour – 11 days

If you have never been to this spectacular country…this is the trip you should take as an introduction.  We hit the must-see destinations of Cape Town, the winelands, the Garden Route and finish off with a Big 5 Safari in Greater Kruger area. We say “first” trip to South Africa, because we know you will be back for more!

Eastern Cape Safari Inquiry

Greater kruger safari inquiry..

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Garden Route Rundreise - Von Port Elizabeth bis Kapstadt

Duration: 11 nights

Regions: Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route

Travel Style: Self drive

– Safari in a private Game Reserve

– Knysna Lagoon

– Boutique Hotel Cape Town

Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, your Garden Route adventure starts!

Your first stop is the small coastal town of Oyster Bay. The luxurious Oyster Bay Lodge is on a coastal reserve on the way from Port Elizabeth to Knysna. The 4-star accommodation is surrounded by untouched landscapes: dunes, wetlands, lagoons, and long beaches. The lodge has four luxurious Cape Dutch chalets as well as ten comfortable guest rooms.

If you would like to unwind, this is the perfect place for you on your Garden Route round trip. Relax while sunbathing on the 3.5 km long sandy beach. Or take part in one of the many activities. The coastal area offers four different hiking routes from 3 km to 7.5 km. You can also opt for a guided Fynbos tour. You might see a few of the 20 free-roaming horses and explore the extensive birdlife.

The more adventurous can explore the protected area on a mountain bike over dunes, through rivers, and along the beach. In addition, there is also the possibility to do horseback riding or kayak. Go on a dune safari with an expert guide who can tell you all about the reserve. Learn more about the wildlife on the property.

With some luck, you may see a few whales (seasonal). Hike up to a dune and sandboard back down. Take a township tour of Umazamuwethu. Or get pampered with a massage.

Belvidere Manor, Knysna (2 nights)

The next stop on your Garden Route round trip is Knysna, located in the heart of the Garden Route. The idyllic place has the ideal location to explore the surrounding area. You can also say it is the heart of the Garden Route!

The following nights, you will sleep in the Belvidere Manor, which is located on the western shore of the Knysna Lagoon. At Belvidere Manor, guests find a place of peace and quiet away from the lively streets of Knysna. The property has several spacious cottages which can accommodate up to six guests.  Perfect for families!

From Belvidere Manor, you can easily explore the region. Guests can choose from a range of activities. They range from boat tours, whale tours, hiking to abseiling. There is still the possibility to play golf or to explore the beach and forests. If you like, you can also simply stay at the property and enjoy views of the lagoon and Knysna from the pool.

Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (2 nights)

Of course, every Garden Route round trip has to include a safari, too! This trip offers a special one: The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is on the Route 62 between Montague and Barrydale. Once you have passed the main gate of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, it is another 15km to the welcome lounge. From there, it’s a one-hour game drive to your accommodation for the next two nights.

Located in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve conveys a sense of silence and isolation amidst beautiful scenery. You can take part in a guided game drive or game walk to explore the area. There is a lot to marvel at in the animal kingdom. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has the Big 5.

Your guide will tell you a lot about birdlife and the historical and cultural history of the area. For thousands of years until about a hundred years ago, the San, one of the indigenous peoples of South Africa, lived here! There are seven listed sites with 3500 years old rock paintings. Without a doubt, there is another highlight in terms of activities: stargazing.

Dwyka Tented Lodge has nine tents and is located in the middle of a vast area hidden among rock formations that the Khoisan hunters used to call home. Furthermore, the accommodation scores with a wellness center, two therapy rooms, and a shared lounge. There is also a wine cellar.

Auberge Clermont , Franschhoek, (2 nights)

The Winelands around Cape Town are a definite must-do on your bucket list. This trip takes you to Franschhoek.

Auberge Clermont, which is a fruit farm, is a stylish farmhouse in between wine valleys. Auberge Clermont offers six luxurious rooms with views of the mountains and the wineries. All suites are decorated in Provencal colors. Franschhoek, located in the immediate vicinity, can also be discovered from here. At Auberge Clermont you are surrounded by orchards, vineyards, oak trees, lavender, and roses. Start your day with a gourmet farm breakfast served under an 18th-century oak tree. Take a leisurely walk through the vineyard.

Enjoy a picnic by the river, play tennis or relax by the pool. Of course, you can also taste wines and olive oils. Without a doubt, Franschhoek is a culinary hotspot of South Africa. There is a wide range of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. The Franschhoek Tram connects you with various wine farms.

Alphen Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, 2 nights)

The Next and final stop on your Garden Route round trip is also the highlight for many: Cape Town!

The 5-star Alphen Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Constantia and 15 km from Cape Town’s lively city center. It is not far to get to the Peninsula, too.  This historic gem is set in a lush garden and was built in the 17th century. The 19 suites are modern and luxurious. The hotel also offers excellent service and friendliness. A big advantage of the Alphen Hotel is that it has three restaurants:  The Belle Bistro & Bakery, The Rose Bar Garden Lounge, and the 5 Rooms Restaurant.

Enjoy the last days of your Garden Route Tour!

On request depending on season and room category. Contact us for a quote. We will adapt the itinerary to your needs. 

• Accommodation
• Dwyka Tented Lodge: FB, two Game Drives per night, Guided Walks, tea, coffee & water
• Rental  car
• Travel insurance
• Objects of a personal nature

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South Africa's Garden Route Is One of the Best Road Trips on the Planet

What to know before hitting the road.

The beauty of the Garden Route is a year-round spectacle, so when you choose to go depends on your adventure of choice. Summer in South Africa—roughly from November to April—brings warm, dry weather, ideal for beach-going and other outdoor activities, but with it also comes peak tourist season. The winter runs from July to September, and offers fewer crowds and milder weather. The sweet spot might just be the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

September is an especially excellent time for spotting whales and catching the region’s otherworldly fynbos flowers in full bloom. And since the rainy season comes to a close around the end of August, the Western Cape will be at its greenest, while hiking the infamous Otter Trail in autumn promises pleasantly cool mornings. Keep in mind, however, that rainfall is unpredictable in the Rainbow Nation, so you’re likely to get hit with some drops no matter the time of year.

How to navigate the Garden Route

If the idea of driving yourself through safari land and mountain passes seems a bit daunting, consider booking a trip with a tour company like Contiki , which offers an expert-led, seven-day trip covering the very best of the Garden Route. All accommodations and experiences—from visiting Stellenbosch wineries to kayaking through Storms River Gorge—are included in the package, so you won’t have to worry about booking a thing.

Whether you’re cruising by your lonesome, or placing your fate in the hands of a local guide, here’s everything you absolutely can’t miss along South Africa’s magical Garden Route.

Get to know the locals in the Mother City

On the cultural front, choose from the technicolor architecture of the Bo Kaap Museum or the contemporary art of Zeitz MOCCA . And if you’re looking for a way to commence the trip, Cape Town happens to be a certified all-day party town , with spots like  Caprice  and Modular at the ready to host a good time.

Make your way to the Ostrich Capital of the World

Equally impressive are the Cango Caves , a 20-million-year-old series of chambers hidden within limestone rocks. Tour through the psychedelic stalagmites and stalactites, and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, crawl and slide your way through the narrow tunnels. To end the day, head to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge , where dinner might come with a show: hippos dipping in and out of the estate’s adjacent watering hole. While you’re there, make sure you try the bobotie, a traditional Cape Malayan dish of venison, egg custard, and papadum.

Rub elbows with elephants in Addo

Addo Elephant National Park is swarming with more than 600 elephants, as well as other members of the Big Five like lions, rhinos, and buffalo. You’ll also find some rare antelope species roaming around—including the greater kudu, red hartebeest, and eland—plus, if you look closely, groups of flightless dung beetles exclusive to Addo. The park is massive—the third largest game reserve in South Africa, in fact—and it’s best explored from the driver’s seat of your car. Pull up alongside a watering hole, and you're bound to see multiple gentle giants taking a few sips.

After you’ve had your fill of gazing at animals, point your GPS about 30 minutes southwest to Gberha. Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, this Eastern Cape seaport was recently renamed to reflect its Khoi-San and Xhosa heritage. If time permits, end the day admiring the sunset at Sardinia Bay Beach or walking along Route 67 , a trail of public art installations that celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 67-year quest to end Apartheid.

Go for a second serving of safari then try seafood in Knysna

Check lions and cheetahs off your list at Amakhala Game Reserve , then later enjoy lunch at one of the area’s swanky lodges. Afterwards, turn the car around and travel west to the town of Knysna, widely known as the Jewel of the Garden Route. The seaside village is famous for its oysters, so make a beeline for the bivalves at places like The Drydock or 34 South .

Set sail in Plettenberg Bay, then paddle beneath the Storms River Bridge

Your next stop is Tsitsikamma National Park , a.k.a. the garden of the Garden Route. Here, dramatic currents sculpt white foamy shores flanked by mountains bursting with gorgeous flora and fauna. Taking its name from the Khoi-San term for “place of abundant water,” this pocket of natural splendor is famous for the suspension bridge that swings over the Storms River, as well as the arduous Otter Trail, a five-day trek that culminates in the village of Nature Valley. But there’s so much more to the park, from zip lining across Tsitsikamma Falls to observing seabirds soaring through the rocky ravines. If you only have time for a snapshot of what Tsitsikamma has to offer, make the most of it by renting a kayak and paddling down the breathtaking Storms River Gorge.

Pet some sharks in Hermanus then sip your way through Stellenbosch

Along with the Paarl and Franschhoek Valleys, the oak-lined town of Stellenbosch is part of the Cape Winelands, a winemaking region with more than 100 venues including standouts like Dornier Wine Estate , Blaauwklippen , and Middelvlei . You can’t leave without trying a glass of South Africa’s signature pinotage, a cross between pinot noir and cinsault. Spend the rest of the afternoon—or the next few days—romping through the scenic vineyards, then retire for a good night’s sleep. You’re due back in Cape Town in the morning. Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Jessica Sulima is a staff writer on the Travel team at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram . 

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