The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most famous travel routes – and for good reason. In a relatively short distance, you’ll experience rugged coastlines, dense forests, lagoons and national parks. On top of that, some of the country’s most scenic hikes await. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best stops along the Garden Route, with carefully selected accommodations, activities we’ve personally experienced, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
Garden Route Road Trip Overview
Recommended duration: 7–10 days – flexible depending on your time and budget. Fewer days are possible, but it will make the trip feel less relaxed.
Route: Cape Town → Hermanus → Swellendam → Wilderness → Knysna → Plettenberg Bay → Addo Elephant National Park → Return via Johannesburg/Cape Town
Vehicle: A standard rental car is sufficient for the entire route. All roads are either paved or well-maintained gravel – no 4×4 required.
Cape Town to Wilderness – Arriving on the Garden Route
The start of the road trip leads from Cape Town along the coast to Hermanus, then inland to Swellendam and De Hoop Nature Reserve, before reaching Wilderness. This section is perfect for easing into the journey and already experiencing some of the Western Cape’s most stunning landscapes before the main Garden Route begins.
Instead of taking the direct route from Cape Town to Hermanus, we recommend a scenic drive along Clarence Drive to the Stony Point Penguin Colony near Betty’s Bay (read more about our visit to the colony here).
In the afternoon, continue on to Hermanus for a two-night stay – the perfect base for exploring the town at a relaxed pace.
Hermanus is famous as one of the best places in the world to watch whales from the shore. Even outside whale season (August–November), though, it’s well worth a visit.
For us, De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the absolute highlights of this stage. Its vast dunes, diverse wildlife, and stunning beaches make it a truly memorable destination.
From Mossel Bay and Wilderness onward, the classic Garden Route begins.
Day 5: Wilderness & Evening in Knysna
We set out on one of the most beautiful hikes in the region: the Wilderness Kingfisher Trail. This scenic route winds through dense forest, follows the river, and ends at an impressive waterfall. You can find a detailed hiking guide in this separate post.
After the hike, enjoy a relaxed afternoon – for example, a stroll along the beach in Wilderness.
In the late afternoon, we continued on to Knysna. The drive takes about 45 minutes and is easy and straightforward, leaving plenty of time for check-in and a leisurely dinner.
In the late afternoon, we made our way to Plettenberg Bay (approx. 30–40 minutes). The short drive makes it easy to arrive, check in, and unwind for the evening. (Tip: Catch the perfect sunset at Lookout Beach – the on-site restaurant has great views.)
Our first full day in Plettenberg Bay was dedicated to a true highlight: the Robberg Loop hike. For us, it’s one of the most stunning coastal hikes in all of South Africa.
We chose to do the full loop (approx. 5.5 mi). The trail is varied, spectacular, and challenging without being technically difficult. Depending on your pace, breaks, and photo stops, plan for 3–4 hours. Early morning is especially beautiful. Along the way, expect cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky sections, and occasional sea lion sightings.
On day 9, we recommend visiting one of Plettenberg Bay’s local markets. Depending on the day, you’ll find different options:
Market Off Main (MoM): A lively food and craft market right on Main Street with daily stalls and local products.
Harkerville Saturday Market: A classic farmers’ and arts market with organic produce, fresh baked goods, and local crafts.
Old Nick Mid-Week Market: Held on Wednesdays in Old Nick Village, featuring homemade products, fresh fruit and vegetables, crafts, and often live music.
In the afternoon, continue on to Addo, so you’re well rested for a self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park the next day. The drive from Plettenberg Bay takes about 4–5 hours and passes through varied scenery – forests, hills, and coastal stretches.
Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park – Safari & Wildlife
The next day is all about safari. We set off early in the morning, ready for wildlife spotting.
Here are some of our personal highlights in Addo Elephant National Park:
Watching elephants at Hapoor Drinking Hole – especially impressive around 10:30 a.m.
Other wildlife: zebras, buffalo, ostriches, black-backed jackals, bonteboks, oryx, and warthogs
You can find all the details on planning, self-drive routes, and tips in our article: Addo Elephant National Park: Self-Drive Safari, Routes & Tips for Elephant Watching.
Day 11: Return to Cape Town or Johannesburg
After an unforgettable Garden Route adventure – complete with a self-drive safari – there are two main options for the return journey:
Johannesburg: ~560–590 mi, 9–10 hours – we recommend breaking the drive into two stops (Graaff-Reinet/Colesberg and Bloemfontein)
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