The Garden Route: Road Trip Itinerary and Highlights

Stretching along the southeastern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is one of the country’s most scenic and beloved road trip destinations. This picturesque route takes you through lush forests, rugged coastlines, charming towns, and pristine beaches, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Garden Route promises an unforgettable journey. Here’s a detailed road trip itinerary and highlights to help you make the most of this iconic drive.

Day 1: Cape Town to Mossel Bay (400 km)

Your Garden Route adventure begins in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Start early and drive east along the N2 highway towards Mossel Bay, the western gateway to the Garden Route.

Highlights:

• Mossel Bay: Known for its rich history and beautiful beaches, Mossel Bay is the perfect starting point for your road trip. Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex to learn about the town’s maritime history, or relax on Santos Beach, a Blue Flag beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Point of Human Origins: Explore the Pinnacle Point Caves, where some of the earliest evidence of modern human behavior has been found. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into our ancient ancestors.

Where to Stay: Mossel Bay offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses.

Day 2: Mossel Bay to Wilderness (70 km)

Continue your journey along the N2 towards Wilderness, a serene village known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

Highlights:

• Wilderness National Park: This park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and canoeing on the Touw River. The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is a must for those looking to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty.
• Map of Africa Viewpoint: Just outside Wilderness, this viewpoint offers a spectacular aerial view of the Kaaimans River, which, from above, resembles the shape of the African continent.

Where to Stay: Stay in one of the charming guesthouses or lodges in Wilderness, many of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding forest or coastline.

Day 3: Wilderness to Knysna (50 km)

A short drive from Wilderness takes you to Knysna, one of the most popular stops on the Garden Route, known for its picturesque lagoon and vibrant arts scene.

Highlights:

• Knysna Heads: These dramatic sandstone cliffs guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon and offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Take a walk to the viewpoint or explore the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve.
• Knysna Waterfront: This lively area is home to shops, restaurants, and craft markets. Enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the tranquil waters of the lagoon.
• Knysna Forest: For those who love the outdoors, a hike or drive through the ancient Knysna Forest is a must. The forest is home to indigenous trees, elusive elephants, and numerous hiking trails.

Where to Stay: Knysna offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, many with stunning views of the lagoon.

Day 4: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay (30 km)

The next stop on your Garden Route road trip is Plettenberg Bay, known for its golden beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences.

Highlights:

• Robberg Nature Reserve: This peninsula offers some of the best hiking in the area, with trails that range from easy to challenging. The reserve is also home to seals, seabirds, and stunning coastal views.
• Beaches: Plettenberg Bay is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Lookout Beach and Central Beach. Spend a day swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand.
• Animal Sanctuaries: Visit the nearby wildlife sanctuaries, such as Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, and the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, to learn about and interact with rescued animals.

Where to Stay: Plettenberg Bay has a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront hotels to secluded lodges in the forest.

Day 5: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park (60 km)

Leaving Plettenberg Bay, head to Tsitsikamma National Park, a highlight of the Garden Route known for its dramatic coastline and lush forests.

Highlights:

• Storms River Mouth: This is the heart of Tsitsikamma, where the river meets the sea. Walk across the famous suspension bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river gorge and ocean.
• Hiking Trails: The park offers several hiking trails, including the start of the renowned Otter Trail. The Waterfall Trail is a shorter option, leading to a beautiful waterfall that cascades into a rock pool.
• Adventure Activities: Tsitsikamma is a hub for adventure, offering activities like zip-lining, kayaking, and snorkeling. For the adrenaline junkies, try the world’s highest bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, just a short drive away.

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Tsitsikamma ranges from forest lodges to campgrounds within the national park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Day 6: Tsitsikamma to Jeffrey’s Bay (120 km)

Continue your journey to Jeffrey’s Bay, a world-famous surf destination known for its laid-back vibe and excellent waves.

Highlights:

• Surfing: Jeffrey’s Bay, or “J-Bay,” is renowned for its long, fast waves, making it a top destination for surfers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are surf schools and rentals available to get you on the water.
• Shell Museum: Explore the Jeffrey’s Bay Shell Museum, which showcases a vast collection of shells from around the world.
• Shopping: J-Bay is also known for its surf shops, where you can find everything from beachwear to surfboards.

Where to Stay: Choose from beachfront guesthouses, surf lodges, or budget-friendly hostels, all offering easy access to the beach.

Day 7: Jeffrey’s Bay to Port Elizabeth (80 km)

Conclude your Garden Route road trip in Port Elizabeth, a vibrant city with a rich history and a beautiful coastline.

Highlights:

• Addo Elephant National Park: Just outside Port Elizabeth, Addo is home to over 600 elephants, as well as lions, buffalo, and other wildlife. A game drive through the park is a fantastic way to end your trip.
• Donkin Heritage Trail: Explore Port Elizabeth’s history by following this self-guided walking trail, which takes you to several historic sites, including the Donkin Reserve and the Old Hill area.
• Beaches: Relax on one of Port Elizabeth’s many beaches, such as Hobie Beach or King’s Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Where to Stay: Port Elizabeth offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to guesthouses, many located near the beachfront.

Final Thoughts

The Garden Route is a journey through some of South Africa’s most diverse and stunning landscapes. With its mix of coastal beauty, outdoor adventure, and charming towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the wild coastlines of Tsitsikamma, hiking through ancient forests in Knysna, or simply relaxing on the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route is an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and soul of South Africa. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!