Gear up for lush landscapes, scenic vistas, seaside retreats, and all the wildlife.
If the universe was separate between those who prefer green spaces and those who prefer blue space , the confluence of those desires would be found at the tip ofSouth Africa . Taking its name from the verdant woods that line the Indian Ocean ’s sharpness , the Garden Routecaptivates both tourer and South Africans alike . The 124 - mile coastal drive stretches from the harbor townsfolk of Mossel Bay to the mouth of Storms River , offering up a plenitude of pot along the way , from sprawling vineyards , inland lagune , and elephant - laden safaris to monolithic gorges frame by seafront horizons . It ’s the kind ofroad tripwhere every put across scene is likely to jolt you out of your buttocks .
What to know before hitting the road
The majority of the Garden Route follows the N2 , South Africa ’s version of thePacific Coast Highway . Along the way , you ’ll pass through beachside metropolis like Cape Town , Knysna , Plettenberg Bay , and Gqberha , as well as innate escapes likeAddo Elephant National ParkandTsitsikamma National Park . depend on your route , the journey can range from one to two week , so make certain you ’ve assign yourself plenty of time to explore around the bush .
The beauty of the Garden Route is a twelvemonth - round spectacle , so when you choose to go depends on your adventure of option . Summer in South Africa — roughly from November to April — institute warm , dry weather , ideal for beach - going and other outdoor activities , but with it also comes peak tourist time of year . The winter run from July to September , and offers fewer crowds and milder atmospheric condition . The sweet point might just be the shoulder seasons of outpouring ( September to November ) and fall ( March to May ) .
September is an especially fantabulous time for spotting whale and catching the region ’s otherworldly fynbos prime in full flower . And since the rainy season come to a close around the end of August , the Western Cape will be at its green , while hiking the infamousOtter Trailin autumn promises pleasantly cool mornings . Keep in mind , however , that rainfall is unpredictable in the Rainbow Nation , so you ’re probable to get remove with some drops no thing the clip of year .
holgs/E+/Getty Images
How to navigate the Garden Route
While there are a few aerodrome dotting the Garden Route , Cape Town International Airport offers the good starting point . Cape Town - basedDrive South Africa , which partners with auto rental companies like Avis and Hertz , is a reputable government agency for booking a letting , peculiarly if you ’re hoping to get an off - road fomite to tackle some rugged terrain . You ’ll need your passport , driver ’s license , and course credit card — nointernational number one wood ’s licensenecessary , unless yours is n’t in English .
If the idea of drive yourself throughsafari landand deal passes seems a bit intimidating , count booking a trip with a tour fellowship likeContiki , which offersan expert - led , seven - day tripcovering the very good of the Garden Route . All accommodations and experiences — from chat Stellenbosch winery to kayak through Storms River Gorge — are included in the software program , so you wo n’t have to concern about book a thing .
Whether you ’re cruising by your lonesome , or order your fate in the hands of a local templet , here ’s everything you absolutely ca n’t miss along South Africa ’s magical Garden Route .
Daniele Schneider/Photononstop/Getty Images
Get to know the locals in the Mother City
While the Garden Route officially begins in Mossel Bay , consider drop a night or two inCape Town , home to the rightfully touristyV&A Waterfront , toweringTable Mountain , and a cluster of choice surf spots . While it ’s a number of a detour from central Cape Town , Boulders Beachboasts one of the last colonies of African penguin in the world . Not only is the beach itself a sight to lay eyes on — a obscure cove sheltered by massive boulder — the peaceable resident penguin , disperse around a visitor - friendly boardwalk , continue delightfully unbothered .
On the cultural front , choose from the technicolor computer architecture of theBo Kaap Museumor the contemporary art ofZeitz MOCCA . And if you ’re looking for a mode to embark on the trip , Cape Town happens to be acertified all - day company town , with spots likeCapriceandModularat the ready to host a dependable clock time .
Make your way to the Ostrich Capital of the World
Next up : the Klein Karoo , a desert - like area situated between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains . The master town , Oudtshoorn , is roll in the hay for having the humankind ’s largest ostrich population . It turn out to protuberance during the eighties and early-1900s , when ostrich feathers were as valuable as diamonds . Today , you could visit the Art Nouveau - style homes of the former feather business leader before paying a visit to the bragging fowl at one of the many ostrich farms line the road .
Equally impressive are theCango Caves , a 20 - million - yr - sometime series of bedroom hide within limestone rock . Tour through the psychedelic stalagmites and stalactites , and if you ’re feel especially adventuresome , crawl and slide your waythrough the narrow tunnels . To end the day , head toBuffelsdrift Game Lodge , where dinner might come with a show : hippos dipping in and out of the estate ’s conterminous watering hole . While you ’re there , check that you try the bobotie , a traditional Cape Malayan dish of venison , egg custard , and papadum .
Rub elbows with elephants in Addo
Get an other start from Oudtshoorn and head east to Addo . Though not formally on the Garden Route proper , this elephant - crazed Ithiel Town on the Eastern Cape is worth the detour . You ’re reckon at about a five - time of day drive , so schedule in a pit block atThe Verandah Coffee Shop , a one - of - form wayside cafe in Steytlerville that triples as a wildlife rescue center ( you might see a fox or two ) and a vintage sports car museum .
Addo Elephant National Parkis swarming with more than 600 elephant , as well as other appendage of the Big Five like lions , rhinoceros , and buffalo . You ’ll also find some rare antelope species roaming around — including the greater kudu , carmine hartebeest , and eland — plus , if you look close , groups of flightless dung beetles undivided to Addo . The park is massive — the third magnanimous game reservation in South Africa , in fact — and it ’s well explored from the number one wood ’s rear of your motorcar . pluck up alongside a watering fix , and you ’re bound to see multiple blue giants taking a few sips .
After you ’ve had your filling of stare at animals , direct your Global Positioning System about 30 minute of arc southwest to Gberha . Formerly know as Port Elizabeth , this Eastern Cape seaport was latterly renamed to chew over its Khoi - San and Xhosa inheritance . If time permits , end the day admiring the sunset at Sardinia Bay Beach or walking alongRoute 67 , a trail of public art installation that celebrate Nelson Mandela ’s 67 - yr quest to terminate Apartheid .
tirc83/iStock/Getty Images
Go for a second serving of safari then try seafood in Knysna
Any seasoned guide will distinguish you that when it comes to spotting wildlife , nothing is guaranteed — that ’s why it ’s a near idea to increase your luck by tacking on a second day of game drives . Thankfully , secret game reserves on the Eastern Cape provide some of South Africa ’s best safari opportunities thanks to their diverse ecosystems .
control lions and chetah off your lean atAmakhala Game Reserve , then by and by enjoy lunch at one of the area ’s swank lodges . Afterwards , turn the railway car around and journey west to the town of Knysna , widely be intimate as the Jewel of the Garden Route . The seaboard village is famous for its oyster , so make a beeline for the bivalves at places likeThe Drydockor34 South .
Set sail in Plettenberg Bay, then paddle beneath the Storms River Bridge
From Knysna , tug 30 minute east to jaw - dropping Plettenberg Bay . One look at the pristine sign and white sand beaches , and you ’ll understand why this seaside refuge , nicknamed “ Plett ” by locals , is one of the most wealthy boroughs in South Africa . The region is well seen from the water , though , so hold yourself a sauceboat and set out ona marine safari . calculate on the time of year , you might see Southern Right whale , Bottlenose mahimahi , or Cape pelt seal splashing about the waves .
Your next block isTsitsikamma National Park , a.k.a . the garden of the Garden Route . Here , dramatic currents sculpt white foamy shores flanked by sight break with gorgeous plant life and fauna . take its name from the Khoi - San condition for “ place of abundant urine , ” this sack of natural grandeur is famed for the suspension bridge that swing over the Storms River , as well as the arduous Otter Trail , a five - day trek that climax in the village of Nature Valley . But there ’s so much more to the park , from nil liner across Tsitsikamma Falls to honour sea bird soaring through the rocky ravine . If you only have fourth dimension for a snapshot of what Tsitsikamma has to offer , make the most of it byrenting a kayakand paddle down the breathtaking Storms River Gorge .
Pet some sharks in Hermanus then sip your way through Stellenbosch
enter into the university town of Stellenbosch scar your return to Cape Town , but do n’t cease your tripper without a bit of revelry . Before you hire in some wine-coloured - soaked playfulness , block up at Hermanus to pay a sojourn to theSouth African Shark Conservancy . There , you’re able to pet some local shark while learning about the many style the nonprofit organisation is process to bring through menace species . Afterwards , take a moment to poke around the charming seaside township ’s roll of antique shops , prowess gallery , and restaurants . But do n’t linger too long , because vinery - hop lie ahead .
Along with the Paarl and Franschhoek Valleys , the oak tree - line townspeople of Stellenbosch is part of the Cape Winelands , a winemaking region with more than 100 venues including standouts likeDornier Wine Estate , Blaauwklippen , andMiddelvlei . You ca n’t get out without trying a shabu of South Africa ’s signature pinotage , a cross between Pinot grape noir and cinsault . pass the residuum of the good afternoon — or the next few days — romping through the scenic vineyards , then retire for a practiced dark ’s sleep . You ’re due back in Cape Town in the cockcrow .
Bkamprath/E+/Getty Images
Merten Snijders/The Image Bank/Getty Images
Westend61/Getty Images
Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/Getty Images
A. Mertens/Shutterstock
BARTON/Photodisc/Getty Images
