A trip to the Garden Route is for many, a cherry ontop of their trip to South Africa. It is extremely beautiful and offers a lush wilderness escape from the cities, allowing you to bond with nature like no other place in South Africa. Thanks to a scenic drive along a 300-kilometer (186-mile) stretch of coastline dotted with charming coastal towns and forests, it has become a must-do road trip for many locals and tourists.
In this Garden Route itinerary, I will cover three distinctive trips you can take according to your time and what you like. Regardless of which one you choose, there’s something for wildlife enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, and basically anyone who loves striking coastal scenery.
So, if you’re a traveler from Cape Town, dashing off to the Garden Route will be like taking a breath of fresh air.
Let’s make the wonderful Garden Route your new escape from the daily hustle and bustle with these exciting itineraries.
Get To Know the Garden Route, South Africa
Let’s get into a few things you need to know before you set off on your journey.
How To Get Around the Garden Route
The absolute best way to get around the Garden Route is to drive yourself either via a rented car or your own private transport. This way, you can truly take your time and travel from one town to another at your own pace, and it’s more affordable and convenient.
Another great option that a few of our guests have tried is the BazBuz Pass, a kind of hop-on and-hop-off bus that runs along the garden route and popular accommodations and hostels.
If you’re limited on time, you can also take a short hour-long flight to George, grab a rental car at the airport, and start your journey from there. Or fly to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and drive back that way.
Tips for Visiting the Garden Route
- Stick to the speed limits, as there are plenty of speed traps, so it’s best to drive on the slower side.
- Monkeys often sit along or cross the N2 road in this forested part of the Garden Route, so be mindful of them while driving.
- Pack a light windbreaker or rain jacket even if you visit in summer. One thing any local will tell you is that Garden Route cities/towns can experience all four seasons in one day (especially in George). It’s best to be prepared, as one moment it’s sunny, and the next moment it’s windy.
- South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, so pay attention and drive with caution in order to adapt.
Garden Route, South Africa Map
The Garden Route officially starts in Mossel Bay in the west and ends at Storms River in the east. Knsyna sits smack in the middle, making it a great base for your excursions. However, the unofficial route extends from the Winelands of Cape Town, up north to the Karoo, and even all the way to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
If all this is new to you, have a look at the Garden Route map below to get a clear idea of where you’re traveling.
South Africa’s Garden Route Itineraries
Now that you know more about the Garden Route, it’s time to see which itinerary will suit you the best. Note that all three options kick off from Cape Town, which is where most tourists and digital nomads travel from.
Option 1: Franschhoek, Hermanus, Mossel Bay (3 Days)
The first option is all about wine-tasting and sightseeing. Definitely consider this short trip if you don’t want to travel too far from Cape Town.
Day 1
You’ll start your journey about an hour outside the Mother City, in the wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek. On your way there, you can stop in Stellenbosch for an early morning detour. This is where you’ll find an overwhelming amount of aesthetic cafés and restaurants to grab some breakfast or brunch and do a bit of sightseeing.
If you’re traveling on a Saturday or Sunday, be sure to pop in at the Root44 Market in Stellenbosch to try different eateries and collect some souvenirs. Then, travel along the Helshoogte Road for about 30 minutes to Franschhoek for a wonderful wine-tasting experience.
The Franschhoek wine valley region is filled with internationally renowned restaurants, extraordinary vineyards, and opulent farm cottages.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Babylonstoren Wine Estate for wine-tasting, spa treatments, and farm-to-fork restaurants.
- La Motte Wine Farm has a historic charm with traditional cuisine and picturesque scenery.
- Lynx Wine Estate is another fabulous option for experiencing the best of the Franschhoek wine region in a tranquil setting.
Where to Stay:
- Eight on Tuin ($)
- 22 Van Wijk Street Tourist Accommodation ($$)
- Mont d’Or Franschhoek ($$)
- Boschendal Farm Estate ($$$)
Day 2
The next morning, you’ll leave Franschhoek and travel to Hermanus, a small seaside town along the western coast. Here, you continue your winery voyage by visiting Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar. The best part is if you visit in peak whale season, you get to spot these majestic beauties from the restaurant’s deck.
Things to Do:
- Go on a boat-based whale-watching experience if you’re visiting in whale season.
- Continue your winery tour by popping in at the Benguela Cove Wine Estate.
Where to Stay:
- Hermanus Backpackers & Budget Accommodation ($)
- Esplanade Hermanus ($$)
- Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$$)
Day 3
Your final day starts with a three-and-a-half-hour-long drive along the N2 to Mossel Bay. You’ll have plenty of sightseeing on the way, with some of the top stops, including Grotto Beach (Blue Flag), Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, and Drostdy Museum.
Try to get on the road as early as possible, before sunrise if you can, in order to spend the majority of the day in Mossel Bay.
Things to Do:
- This three-hour Botlierskop Guided Game Drive is perfect if you’re spending just one day in Mossel Bay.
- If you want to do something more daring, try out this epic ziplining experience offered by Mossel Bay Zipline. Fun fact, they claim to have the longest over-the-ocean zipline in the world!
- Then, pop in at the Santos Express for affordable dining and accommodation options by the sea, featuring a Sushi Bar and Tiki Beach Bar. If you’re lucky you might catch a live music performance.
Where to Stay:
Option 2: Mossel Bay, George, Oudtshoorn (5 Days)
Your second option is more about wildlife and outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, canoeing, and sightseeing.
Day 1-2
Spend two days at a Mossel Bay game reserve (there are three great ones, Indalu, Bottlierskop, and Gondwana). This is where you can truly get to know the Big Five and other exotic animals native to South Africa. I recommend two days since day one will be spent driving the four-hour and 20-minute route from Cape Town to Mossel Bay on the N2 road.
Mossel Bay has plenty of excellent game reserves which cover your accommodation at the same time.
Things to Do:
- Go gin tasting at the luxurious Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Distillery, and there’s an elegant restaurant right next to it called Café Gannet with ocean views.
- Visit the Diaz Waterpark, a family-friendly waterpark if you’re traveling with children.
- Try your luck at the Garden Route Casino, which also offers accommodation.
Where to Stay:
- Indalu Game Reserve ($)
- Garden Route Safari Camp ($$)
- Gondwana Private Game Reserve ($$)
- Botlierskop Private Game Reserve ($$$)
Day 3
After seeing Mossel Bay, it’s time to visit George, the golfing haven of South Africa. If you’re a golf fanatic, you’ll appreciate all the premier courses at Fancourt, the George Golf Course, Oubaai, and Kingswood.
Even if golfing is not your thing, there are plenty of other outdoor activities and sightseeing in the George and Wilderness area. It takes only 20 minutes to drive from Mossel Bay to George, so you can take your time when traveling on day three.
Things to Do:
- Go canoeing on the calm Touw River waters with Eden Adventures.
- Hike the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail near Wilderness, which features a waterfall — plus, it’s ideal for all skill levels.
- Try out fresh oysters at Oysters R Us in Wilderness, a Garden Route delicacy.
- The Redberry Farm in Blanco, George, is one of the most popular attractions on the Garden Route, especially among families with small children. This stunning farm features strawberry picking, a massive strawberry structure, farm stalls, restaurants, and the largest hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where to Stay:
- Beds Inn ($)
- Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa ($$)
- The Hawthorn Boutique Hotel ($$$)
- Fancourt Hotel ($$$)
Day 4-5
Spend your last two days in Oudtshoorn, a quintessential Little Karoo town known as the “ostrich capital of the world.” The drive from George to Oudtshoorn is not the easiest, as it meanders through the Outeniqua Mountains at high altitudes, so expect to experience a bit of car sickness and some pressure in your ears.
However, the journey is beautiful and filled with mountainous scenes. Don’t forget to stop at the Outeniqua Pass viewpoint for stunning vistas over George.
Things to Do:
- The Cango Caves is one of the best activities to do in Oudtshoorn if you’re an outdoorsy person. These caves are located in the foothills of the Swartberg range, allowing you to explore the natural underground wonder. Some sections are extremely narrow, and you have to crawl and push through tight areas in case you’re claustrophobic.
- See the South African wildlife up close, such as crocodiles, cheetahs, and lemurs, at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. This activity is often paired with visiting the Cango Caves.
- You can’t leave the ostrich capital of the world without seeing these majestic birds up close. Head over to the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm for a chance to mingle with the ostriches and even ride them if you dare.
- Then, have a taste of authentic Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) food and try out the Nostalgie Restaurant for ostrich and venison dishes, among others.
- You can also opt to feed the friendly giraffes Shiela and Shorty at Chandelier Game Lodge and Ostrich Show Farm.
Where to Stay:
- Karoozin Village ($)
- El Dorado Hotel and Self Catering ($$)
- Queens Hotel by BON Hotels ($$)
- De Kombuys ($$$)
Option 3: Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (7 Days)
Finally, the last option allows you to explore the beautiful coastal towns of the Garden Route. Expect lots of beach hopping, viewpoints, foodie excursions, and adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungy jumping.
Day 1-2
Most of day one will be spent driving the roughly five-hour road trip from Cape Town to Wilderness. Then, after booking into your hotel, I suggest making a turn at George Road for a wide selection of restaurants and eateries.
Day two is when you can pick up a few activities in Wilderness and explore the quiet Sedgefield area.
Things to Do:
- Go on the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail to bond with nature.
- Wilderness is a lovely place for foodies, as there are plenty of high-end and casual restaurants around. You can’t go wrong with Blue Olive, Ilali Restaurant, and The Girls Restaurant in and near George Road. Then, Salinas Restaurant is also a great option right on the shore.
- Get some fresh air and exercise by canoeing or kayaking on the Kaaimans River with Kaaimans Adventures.
- Take a day trip to Sedgefield to collect a few trinkets from the outdoor markets, including Mosaic Village and Outdoor Market, Scarab Arts & Crafts Village, and Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market.
Bonus tip: Order a Wilderness Picnic to take on a hike, boat trip or just for a drive.
Where to Stay:
- Wilderness Beach Backpackers ($)
- Villa Sol ($$)
- Fairy Knowe Hotel ($$)
- Views Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$$)
Day 3-4
Knysna is just a 40-minute drive from Wilderness, and the coastal scenery between the two towns is absolutely gorgeous. And, to truly capture its small, seaside town charm, I suggest spending at least two days here.
Note: There are often cyclists and runners along the Knysna Lagoon just as you enter, so drive with caution.
Things to Do:
- Catch the sunset or sunrise at the Heads Viewpoint. The Knysna Heads are a pair of sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna Lagoon from the sea. They are a wonderful work of nature that you simply must witness.
- Visit the stunning Buffalo Bay Beach on a sunny day.
- The Knysna Waterfront is a charming shopping center with craft shops and various restaurants.
- Thesen Island is a multi-award-winning marina dotted with lavish restaurants, casual eateries, and boutique hotels. I really enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious meals at Tapas and Oysters. Plus, they often have live entertainment with great music and locals dancing the night away.
- Pop in at the Knysna Elephant Park to interact closely with elephants in their natural habitat.
- Go on a relaxing cruise on the Knysna Lagoon operated by the Featherbed Co.
Where to Stay:
- Knysna Inn ($)
- The Rex Hotel ($$)
- Pezula Nature Retreat ($$$)
Day 5-7
The final days are dedicated to exploring Plettenberg Bay (Plett) and Nature’s Valley. Plett is a beach-lovers paradise brimming with fancy hotels, high-end restaurants, and entertainment for the entire family. It’s also a quick 20-minute drive from Knysna on the N2 road.
Things to Do:
- Grab something small to eat at the adorable Market off Main located on Sewell Street. Definitely try the bao buns from a Korean-inspired vendor, Bao Wow, and thank me later.
- Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre offers tours and experiences with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other animals unique to Southern Africa.
- Want to tick off something insane on your bucket list? How about one of the world’s highest commercial bungy jumping sites? The Bloukrans Bridge bungy is 216 meters above sea level, a must-do for the thrill-seekers out there. This massive bridge is located in the Eastern Cape’s Nature’s Valley, just a few minutes outside Plett. Note that you’ll have to pay a toll fee before entering the Eastern Cape.
- For dolphin and whale watching, I can’t recommend the locally-owned Ocean Safaris Tour Operators
- For an outdoorsy excursion filled with animals, I suggest visiting Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. Across from Birds of Eden sits Monkeyland, another fascinating sanctuary where many species of monkeys and other animals roam freely.
- If you want to wine and dine, I guarantee you’ll enjoy Ristorante Enrico, Emily Moon, The Fat Fish, and Barrington’s.
Where to Stay:
- Wild Spirit Backpacker Lodge ($)
- Casetta del Fuoco – Eco Container Cottage ($)
- Bayview Hotel ($$)
- Sky Villa Boutique Hotel ($$$)
- The Junction Boutique Hotel ($$$)
Garden Route Tour FAQs
If you still have a few questions, maybe these answers to popular FAQs might help.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Garden Route?
It depends. Visit from December through March for lovely summer weather and endless beach-hopping. April to May offers a quieter time with fewer visitors and cooler weather.
June through August is the winter season, with lower prices on accommodation and tours. September through November offers mild, pleasant spring weather, which is the peak whale season.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Garden Route?
Depending on how much driving you’re willing to do, I recommend spending at least three to 14 days on the Garden Route.
Is it Safe To Self Drive the Garden Route?
Yes, it most definitely is. This is a scenic journey that many have taken on solo. As I’ve said above, stick to the speed limits, pay attention to the road signs, and watch out for those cheeky monkeys.
Final Thoughts on the Garden Route in South Africa
And that’s a wrap, folks! The Garden Route is all yours to enjoy, and with these smashing itinerary options, you can have an unforgettable time surrounded by nature, wildlife, and breathtaking ocean views. If you want a taste of South Africa’s Winelands and return to the Mother City to continue your stay, I would go with the first option (three days).
That said, the five- and seven-day options are better if you’re determined to explore the Garden Route from top to bottom. Well, what are you waiting for? The Garden Route is calling your name — so start packing those bags and prepare yourself for an unrivaled experience.
What’s next? If you’re a digital nomad eager to live and work in one of South Africa’s capital cities, you’ll want to know the best time to visit Cape Town
