Garden Route
A 7-day self-drive journey through South Africa's most scenic coastal route
Overview
Duration
7 days / ~1,000 km
Best time
Year-round (whale season: June–November)
Ideal vehicle
Toyota Hilux 4×4 with rooftop tent
Road conditions
Mostly tarred roads, occasional gravel in parks
Starting point
Cape Town
Ending point
Storms River / Port Elizabeth
Itinerary
Cape Town → Swellendam
Leave Cape Town after breakfast and follow the N2 east towards the Overberg. Stop in Hermanus for whale watching (in season) or a cliffside coffee. Continue inland to Swellendam, one of South Africa's oldest towns, with its Cape Dutch architecture and views of the Langeberg Mountains.
Swellendam → Wilderness
Drive through rolling farmlands to Mossel Bay, then along the coast to Wilderness National Park. Spend the afternoon kayaking the Touw River or relaxing on the long, golden beach.
Wilderness → Knysna
A short but beautiful drive to Knysna. Visit the Knysna Heads for panoramic views, stroll the Waterfront for craft beer or oysters, and take a sunset cruise on the lagoon.
Knysna → Plettenberg Bay
Head east to Plettenberg Bay, stopping at Brenton-on-Sea or Noetzie Beach for secluded coves. Optional visit to Robberg Nature Reserve for a 5 km circular hike with ocean views and seals.
Plettenberg Bay → Tsitsikamma National Park
Cross into the Eastern Cape and enter Tsitsikamma National Park, a paradise of indigenous forest, rivers, and dramatic coastline. Walk the Suspension Bridge over the Storms River Mouth, or book a kayak-and-lilo adventure.
Tsitsikamma → Oudtshoorn
Turn inland via the Langkloof Valley, heading into the Klein Karoo. Oudtshoorn is famous for ostrich farms and the Cango Caves. The change in scenery from coast to semi-desert is dramatic.
Oudtshoorn → Cape Town
Drive back to Cape Town via Route 62, one of South Africa's most scenic inland roads, passing fruit farms, mountain passes, and quirky small towns like Barrydale. End the trip with a celebratory drink in Cape Town.
Practical Information
Fuel
Plenty of petrol stations along the N2, but fill up before entering national parks.
Food
Stock up in larger towns (Swellendam, Knysna, Plettenberg) — campsites may have limited supplies.
Weather
Coastal regions are milder; pack a warm layer for nights inland.
Driving
Stick to speed limits — the N2 has active speed enforcement.