SOUTH AFRICA: THE GARDEN ROUTE ITINERARY
I now find myself living in the Garden Route, so I thought I would share my local knowledge to help you plan your next trip.
WHERE IS THE GARDEN ROUTE – WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA / THE GARDEN ROUTE OFFICIALLY STARTS IN MOSSEL BAY AND FINISHES IN STORMSRIVIER.
The garden route national park is home to many species of birds, as well as monkeys, smaller antelopes, and diverse marine life.
Let us journey together and explore the garden route as a holiday destination, while discovering the best places to visit and activities to enjoy. From visiting a national park to floating above the waves in a paraglider. Those meandering routes over the mountains, the forests, the beaches or just the drive along the garden route, is food for the soul.
The Garden Route stretches for more than 200Km along the coast, from Mossel Bay on the west side to Storms River on the east side.
The Garden Route is regarded as one of the most famous road trips in the world and is definitely an African bucket list activity.
The Garden Route is, what I would term as a Mix n’ Match adventure, because the trip will be different for each group, depending on the time you have and the things you enjoy doing.
There is adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding, to long beachside walks.
For the more discerning traveller, there is the wine tasting and fine dining.
There’s something to suit every taste and every type of traveller.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- South Africa: The Garden Route Itinerary
- Planning Your Trip Along the Garden Route
- How to Get Around the Garden Route
- The Best Time of Year to Drive the Garden Route
- Option 1: Plettenburg Bay to Cape Town
- Option 2: Cape Town to Cape Town
- Where to Stay in Tsitsikamma National Park:
- Things To Do in Tsitsikamma National Park:
- Plettenberg Bay
- Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay:
- Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay:
- Knysna
- Where to Stay in Knysna:
- Things to Do in Knysna:
- Wilderness
- Where to Stay in Wilderness:
- Things to Do in Wilderness:
- Oudtshoorn
- Where to Stay in Oudtshoorn:
- Things to Do in Oudtshoorn:
- Hermanus & Cape Aghulas
- Where to Stay in Hermanus:
- Things to Do in Hermanus:
- My Top Tips for Driving the Garden Route
- Read More About South Africa & Southern Africa…
- Southern Africa Group Tours
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HOW TO GET AROUND THE GARDEN ROUTE
The first time I did the Garden Route, We hired a car in Cape Town and dropping it off in George. A normal 2 wheel drive vehicle is perfect for this route.
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DRIVE THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route is an all-year-round destination but if you’re hoping to see the southern right whale migration, the best time is from June – October with peak calving season taking place in July and August.
Just be aware that this is winter in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, so if you’re wanting warmer weather, try visiting between November and March.
Off-Season (meaning relatively good weather and cheaper accommodation) is March to May and September to November which is also a lovely time of the year weather-wise.
January and February are known for having the most sunshine with average temperatures of around 26 Degree Celsius, often peaking to the lower 30 Degrees Celsius along the coast going into the 40’s inland-Outshoorn , so pack your sunblock and hat.
Whatever the season, the weather in Western Cape can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to be prepared for all kinds of weather.
My suggested itineraries would go something like this:
OPTION 1: PLETTENBURG BAY TO MOSSEL BAY
- Day 1: JHB-GRG George airport-Roadtrip to Plettenburg Bay
- Days 2-3: Tsitsikamma National Park (Stormsriver, The Crags or Nature’s Valley)
- Day 4: Plettenberg Bay
- Day 5: Knysna
- Day 6-7: Wilderness/George/Oudtshoorn
- Day 8: Cape Town/Depart
For a slightly longer tour, I would suggest a few other stops that are worthwhile, but not technically part of the Garden Route, although on your route.
OPTION 2: CAPE TOWN TO CAPE TOWN
- Day 1: Hermanus (with Cape Aghulas)
- Day 2: Knysna
- Days 3-5: Tsitsikamma National Park (Stormsriver, The Crags or Nature’s Valley)
- Day 6: Plettenberg Bay (Robberg Nature Reserve)
- Day 7: Wilderness/George
- Day 8: Oudshoorn
- Day 9: Mossel Bay
- Day 10: Arniston
- Days 11-13 Cape Town
- Day 14: Depart
Some of the towns mentioned above do not form part of the garden route so I havent included activities in this itinerary but covered in further blogs. Please follow me.
You can adjust your travel plans, depending on your interests and how long you plan to tour. It is possible to spend just one night in each place, but if you can, stretch it out otherwise it will be very rushed.
You can also skip some of the places on the list if you have less time or didn’t want to be moving every couple of days.
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
After a leisurely morning in Plettenburg Bay, or if you’re feeling more energetic, an early morning hike at Robberg Nature Reserve, make your way to Tsitsikamma National Park, a particularly beautiful part of the Garden Route with tons of activities to keep you busy.
WHERE TO STAY IN TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK:
- Infinity Blu: This luxury guest house boasts beautiful views and an amazing pool for those warm days.
- Lookout Lodge: is another favourite for couples. The rooms are very clean and spacious with great views of the lagoon.
- Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve: is also a favourite where hiking and and cycling can be enjoyed in close proximity.
Mandalay Guest House: is a great alternative for the more budget friendly option. It sports neat rooms with pool and compact garden, close to all shops and beaches.
There are many things to do here, so if you are looking for a bit of an adrenalin rush, be sure to visit Bloukraans Bridge for the worlds highest bungy jump.
Or you could enjoy an adventure kyaking up the Stormsriver gorge.
You could spend a day or two in each of these locations or alternatively you can just base yourself in one place, and explore the rest from there as they are all in close proximity to one another.
Knysna
From Plettenberg Bay, make your way to the town of Knysna, a pretty town, set around a beautiful tidal lagoon
This is definitely one of my favourite stops. Before moving to the Garden Route, We used to spend our holidays on Thesen Island and explore from there.
There is rich history to this area tracing back to the timber industry.
One of the must-do things in Knysna is to visit the East Head Viewpoint where you will get fantastic views over the lagoon. On a clear day you can see wreckage of old ships on the bottom of the ocean from the heads (opening to the lagoon mouth).
You can book a sailing trip around the lagoon, and if the weather plays its part maybe even sail through the heads. For the more adventures traveller, you could charter a powerboat trip through the heads (great fun).
Depending on the time you arrive, you may have time for an activity in the afternoon, before you head out for dinner at one of the great restaurants. This is oyster country, so be sure to try a few with your partner.
WHERE TO STAY IN KNYSNA:
- Thesen Island: This is number one on my list. An Island in the lagoon used for residential properties with a few shops and restaurants. A must see.
- Chez Pierre: Is another excellent option located on Leisure Island. This beautiful Guest House features free bikes and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Among the various facilities are a garden and a terrace.
- Glenview Heads Apartments: These comfortable studio apartments are perfect for family holidays. Also very well priced for what you get.
- 47th on Howard: If its luxury, service, style and location you are looking for then this is the place to stay.
Things to do in Knysna
- Drive up to the East Head Viewpoint: This is a lovely spot with great views over the lagoon.
- Eat Oysters at 34 south: Knysna is famous for its oysters. They even hold a festival in June every year.
- Go Stand Up paddleboarding or kayaking: If you fancy getting out on the water, rent some SUP’s or kayaks from the folks at Ocean Odyssey and take a leisurely paddle through the waterways.
- Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve: See the heads from the other side. explore the sea caves. You will need to take the ferry over from the quays.
- Take a Cruise on the Lagoon Cruise: Take a sunset cruise on the MV John Benn with Featherbed Co. who have cruises running throughout the day, including a dinner cruise on a paddle cruiser. Or you could enjoy a champagne and oyster catamaran trip. You can also book cruises here.
- Scooter Bikes: Discover the Knysna Forests riding down massive slopes on scooter-bikes. Experience the thrill as you carve down winding trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local fauna. Book your slot now.
WILDERNESS
Wilderness is a beautiful part of the Garden Route.
It’s a lovely place to spend a day or two, immersed in natural beauty. I’d recommend at least one night here if you can fit it in.
It has beautiful beaches and you take a drive up to Willderness Hights where you can view the Map of Africa.
This is also where the paragliders take off from and land on the beach. The views are amazing and if you are lucky enough you could spot whales around Dolphins Point. Be sure to book a flight. Its worth it.
Between Knysna and Wilderness, there is the quiet town of Sedgefield which holds the Wild Oats Farmers Market on Saturdays.
WHERE TO STAY IN WILDERNESS
- Views Boutique Hotel and Spar: As the name suggests this hotel has beautiful views of the wilderness beach. They have thought of everything to make your stay special and comfortable.
- Wilderness Hotel: This hotel is right in the centre of the little town and close to the pubs and shops.
- Whales way Ocean Retreat: This is another favourite of mine. Its a beautiful house on the beach with incredible view.
THINGS TO DO IN WILDERNESS:
- Hiking in Wilderness National Park: There are 5 hiking trails within the Wilderness National Park for you to explore, including the Map of Africa Viewpoint. There are also Hikes to the falls and you can swim in the blackwater pools.
- Go Canoeing or Kloofing on the Touw River: Eden Adventures offers a few different canoe and kloofing trips on the river.
- Go Paragliding: Wilderness is a great place for paragliding. Flights can be booked from Cloudbase Paragliding.
- Dolphin Point Lookout: For one of the best views in the area, stop at the Dolphin Point Lookout between Wilderness and George.
- Head to the Beach: I loved spending time on the beach here. If you walk a bit east you will find Flat Rock, a popular angling spot.
- Go Surfing: Like many of the other places along the coast, Wilderness is a great place to surf.
George
If Wilderness is fully booked (in-season) you could also book in at George. It is only 15km from Wilderness.
Here you could visit the world famous Redberry farm where you can enjoy numerous activities like picking your own strawberries or the hedge maze. Have a look here.
An interesting outing is a trip to the Lion and Reptile park . Be sure to be there for feeding time.
Where to stay
George has an abundance of quality accommodation for and budget.
One of my favourites is Oubaai hotel and spa. Here you have fantastic views from Mossel bay to Knysna.
Fancourt is a world class establishment and is a popular destination for golfers.
Check them out.
OUDTSHOORN
If possible, try not skip Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. If you have the time its well worth the detour…
Oudtshoorn is ostrich country and here you can have the largest egg you have ever seen, for breakfast. Its also home to a true South African heritage – The Cango Caves. Here you can enjoy the normal Heritage Tour or the more challenging, Adventure Tour. You will be surprised at the size of these caves.
Things to do in Oudtshoorn
- See Meerkats at De Zeekoe Guest Farm: This would probably be my number one reason for going to Oudtshoorn. These guys are so cute. You can find out more info here.
- Visit the Cango Caves: A short drive out of Oudtshoorn you’ll find the Cango Caves. Definitely worth a visit.
- Visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch: See the ostriches and learn about the workings of the farm.
Where to stay in Oudthoorn
- Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge: Located 20 km from Oudtshoorn, Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge is nestled amongst mountains and the famous red hills. This tranquil retreat offers walking and hiking trails. With an African theme, the décor features warm and natural tones.
- Raw Karoo Guest House: This property is easy walking distance to the centre of town and offers a garden and outdoor pool area.
- Earthbound Guest House: is a charming Lilizella Award Winning bed and breakfast located less than 1.5kms from the main street in Oudtshoorn’s peaceful countryside with a pool.
MOSSEL BAY
Many of us whiz past this town without even giving it a second glance. And yet this is where you will find beautiful beaches, great shops, historical buildings and tons of activities.
Dias beach is home to a water park that will keep you entertained for days. There is also a surfing school where you can learn to ride those waves.
The harbour is also worth a visit. Here you can learn to scubber dive in a safe environment, go on an adrenalin trip aboard a powerboat or book your deep-sea fishing trip. Also enjoy a meal at one of the many watering holes.
At the lighthouse you will find a zipline that takes you over the ocean and on a good day you might be lucky enough to see hammerhead sharks swimming below you. There is a small aquarium and you can get a chance to swim with the sharks in the rockpools if you are up to it.
Hartenbos is always festive over the December holidays, with many Afrikaans performers doing their bit to keep the crowds going.
Where to stay in Mossel Bay
This harbour town has a wide variety of accommodation available depending on your preferences.
- Betty’s Boutique Hotel: This is one of my favourites as it combines old style furnishings with a quirky fun atmosphere. Beautiful views and a hearty breakfast makes it a must.
- Linkside: If its an Apartment you are looking for than this is for you, close to the beach. Suitable for couples.
- Diaz Hotel & Resort: Another excellent choice. Close to beach and offers an infinity pool and aqua park with water slides.
Things to do in Mossel Bay
- Boitlierskop Private Game Reserve: A real Garden Route Safari Experience. Enjoy close encounters with Rhino, Lion, Elephants, Buffalo and many more. Game drives, Guided trails and Horseback Safaris is experiencing nature to the full.
- Mossel Bay Zipline: Experience the ultimate adventure. For the brave.
- Go-Fish Charters: Enjoy a morning on the water. These guys will get you on the fish.
- Lean To Surf School: Learn to ride those waves
HERMANUS/CAPE AGHULAS
Although not tecknically part of the Garden Route, Hermanus or Cape Aghulas is definitely worth adding it to your Garden Route itinerary.
It is a great place for whale watching, especially between the months of June and October when the Southern Right whales come to calf and play in the waters here.
On your way from Mossle Bay to Hermanus, you could also stop in Stillbaai and see the ancient fish traps. Otherwise, power through to Cape Aghulas to see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. There are a few nice spots for lunch around here too!
MY TOP TIPS FOR DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE
- If you’re driving, don’t forget your international driving licence.
- South African residents get discounts at National Parks and other attractions with a valid ID.
- You can save a lot of money if you have a Wild Card permit.
- Do your research beforehand because there is so much to do. Try and make a shortlist of your wishlist, and plan around that.
- Don’t try to fit too much in, if you rush too much you won’t enjoy it. Rather spend an extra day.
- Always speak to the locals – they’ll have the best recommendations.
- Leave some room to explore – some of my favourite places were random spots we came across along the way and there are many.
- The usual tip amount for restaurants is 10%.
- Carry a small amount of cash as not everywhere takes cards.
- Try to avoided driving at night, it’s much safer to drive during the day.
- In South Africa, we use Type M, 3 pronged plugs so you will need an adapter if coming from elsewhere.
- Book ahead, especially during busy times such as the South African school holidays.
- SIM cards are easy to purchase (I recommend Vodacom) and top up. Just ensure you have an unlocked phone before you arrive.
- Pack for all weathers. You can experience 4 seasons in a day on the Garden Route.
- Keep an eye on the weather as it some activities are weather dependant.
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PLANNING YOUR TRIP ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route is a relatively short stretch of the South African Coast so you could experience it in just a few days, but the longer you have, the more you’ll enjoy it.
To do it properly, you would need at least a week. If you want to add in Cape Town you should plan for more time.
The best way to explore the Garden Route is road trip style, moving every couple of nights or so. How long you stay in each area will very much depend on how long you have and what you want to do in each place.
If you didn’t want to move, you could easily base yourself in one or maybe two destinations and drive to different places each day. If I were to choose just one, I’d go with Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. Or if you have longer and want to stay in 2 places, I’d go with Tsitsikamma and Plettenberg Bay.
Below you’ll find my ideal Garden Route itinerary (including Cape Town), plus suggestions of things to do, where to stay and where to eat and drink along the Garden Route. This should help you to create your own perfect itinerary.
In terms of which direction to go. Well that’s a personal choice.
You could either do a round trip from Cape Town to Plettenburg Bay or you can pick up a car in one destination and drop it off in another, say George to Cape Town.
If you are arriving/departing from Johannesburg (as many international flights do), it would make more sense to fly from Johannesburg to George, pick up a car there and then first drive a short scenic trip east along the Garden Route to Knysna or Plettenburg Bay. You can then make your way slowly back to Cape Town. From there it’s just a short 1 hour and 45-minute domestic flight to Johannesburg to catch your international flight back home.
Any of these options work well.
