The perfect Garden Route itinerary In South Africa

This road trip we traveled from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in South Africa and back in just 11 days. On our way we passed the beautiful Garden Route which we fell in love with. In this blog post you can find our mapped out itinerary for the Garden Route and surroundings including tips for unforgettable experiences, amazing activities, delicious food and a wonderful overnight stays.

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The Garden Route

The Garden Route is definitely a dream destination. It’s one of the most famous auto routes in South Africa and also one of the most beautiful. The Garden route owes this name to an enormously varied landscape of half desert, colorful pine forests, lush deciduous forests, rocky mountains and beautiful coastlines.

The route officially runs from Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay, but of course you can add other beautiful places depending on time and taste. We decided to extend our road trip and drive all the way from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town and back in just 11 days. Maybe a bit too ambitious? But I have to say one of our most beautiful and varied journeys so far!

I would like to take you with me on our 11-day adventure along the Garden Route right here.

Day 1: Port Elizabeth – Addo National Elephant Park

After a long flight from Brussels to Johannesburg and a little less long flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth and picking up our rental car, our road trip could finally start.

Our first stop was the Addo Elephant Park, about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. This is a national wildlife park where you can spot different animals in their natural habitat. But as the name suggests, the park is particularly known for its many elephants. You can make a day trip there or choose to stay for several days in one of the camps in or around the park. Visiting the park is possible with a guided group tour or your own car.

Arrived at the Addo Rest Camp where we would spend the night, we were greeted at the drinking well by a herd of elephants. When we saw these majestic animals, it was hard to restrain ourselves from entering the park. We took our own car and we there we went.

The feeling of going on South African safari for the first time was indescribable. We didn’t want to miss anything and waited in full excitement. When we actually spotted an animal or better yet it suddenly appeared for us on the road, it was unimaginable! I found this one of the most epic and  enchanting moments of our trip.

We stayed 1 night in a chalet in the main camp of the Addo Park. This was again unique experience. Every chalet is equipped with a barbecue, so we took full advantage of that. Food products could be purchased in the shop at the reception, so we didn’t have to leave the park to do some groceries. That night made ourselves a litte braai, which is one of many traditional South African foods you should definitely try on your trip to South Africa.

From the terrace of the chalet we had a beautiful view over the park. It was very peaceful and relaxing to sit there.  We also witnessed a stunning sunset. Our first day was amazing and we were curious what this vacation had in store for us. Both within the park and just outside the park are other beautiful accommodations where you can stay. My personal recommendations are  Old Drift Guest Farm, River Bend Lodge and Elephant house.

Day 2:  Addo National Elephant Park – Knysna

The next morning we woke up early. The park opened at 5.30 am and we wanted to see if we could spot several more animals before we left. Unfortunately we didn’t see lions. But this didn’t make our visit to the Addo Park any less satisfying.

After our morning safari we left for Knysna. We made a lunch stop in Jeffreys Bay famous for surfing, so we could admire the beautiful white beach.

This is where the official garden route starts along the N2. From there we saw the landscape of half desert and rocks transforming into the colorful pine forests of Tsitsikamma National Park. We stopped here to admire the impressive Paul Sauer bridge over the Stroms river and then drove on to Knysna. Again we saw the landscape change from coniferous forests to lush deciduous forests and finally into a beautiful coastline.

We arrived at Parkes Manor, our stay in Knysna. This is a unique accommodation that I would definitely recommend to everyone. It is a beautiful old country house completely renovated into a guest house with well kept authentic elements.

We enjoyed a delicious cocktail by the pool and in the evening we had dinner in the dining room with an enchanting view over the lagoon of Knysna. The meal was delicious and this was a  perfect ending for a long day.

Day 3: Waterfall trail in Tsitsikamma National park

After a delicious breakfast at Parkes Manor we went to the Tsitsikamma National park. We drove the same route again as the day before, but I didn’t mind that at all. This way I could enjoy the beautiful view again.

Along the way you pass the famous but quite touristy place Plettenberg Bay, where you can hike beautiful trails.  On the main road to Plettenberg Bay we passed all kinds of local initiatives which offer various fun activities such as monkeyland, birds paradise, … Unfortunately we couldn’t explore this area because of a lack of time, but in every travel guide this place is highly recommended. We would therefore strongly advice that you take a few days to discover this area. Below you can already find some top activities organised by Getyourguide to explore this area better.

The Tsitsikamma National park is a wide area along the coast. The park is, like all recognized national parks in South Africa, paying. Here you can also choose different formulas with or without staying overnight. The park is best known for its wide range of adventurous activities such as hiking, kayaking, ziplining and even bungee jumping.

We decided to hike the waterfall trail This is a medium hiking trail of 6 km along the rocky coastline, with as icing on the cake a beautiful waterfall.

Here and there there are a number of challenging parts where you have to climb and clamber. So make sure you have suitable footwear. Don’t forget your swimwear to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall.

Day 4: Knysna – oudtshoorn –  Barrydale

We imagined our last day in Knysna completely different. We would have liked to explore this area a bit more. The Knysna heads where you have a beautiful view over the Lagoon was one of the excursions on our program for the day.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t agree with our plans. So we decided to continue our road trip towards Barrydale. This time we didn’t choose for the N2, but for route 62 through the Karoo. This is a region less visited by tourists, but definitely worth driving through.

We stopped for lunch in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. We ate in a nice outdoor restaurant La Dolce Vita. In the meantime the weather had cleared up.

Afterwards we drove up the R62 and immediately got the American roadtrip feeling. Suddenly we ended up in a no man’s land that consists of dry landscape with some bushes. In the horizon we saw impressive mountain ranges. It reminded me of a scene from a western film.

Almost arrived in Barrydale we passed Ronnies sexshop. This is now one of the most famous pubs in South Africa. Originally, Ronnie opened a store here and wrote in red letters Ronnies Shop, on the wall. Some of his tipsy friends added the word sex. This drunken joke made Ronnies pub world-famous. From everywhere spectators come here to take pictures with this facade and drink a beer with Ronnie.

The interior is also quite funny. Everyone is more than happy to leave a souvenir inside. Don’t you have anything to leave behing, then just add your bra to the large collection that is already hanging from the ceiling. Unfortunately I still needed mine. So I just kept it at one drink.

In Barrydale we stayed in a small but very cozy guest house, Over Karoo inn. Every room here is named after an endangered species because the owners want to make visitors more aware of this problem. I think this is a wonderful initiative. It’s certainly a nice place to stay during your road trip along Route 62.  For a tasty diner you best go to the restaurant of the Karoo Art hotel.

Day 5: Barrydale  – Hermanus – Stellenbosch

A definitely not to be missed spot on route 62 is Diesel & Creme in Barrydale. This diner is simply spectacular. The owners decorated the shop with vintage billboards and petrol pumps and this way created the atmosphere of a typical American diner from the 1950s. We enjoyed a nice breakfast in a sublime setting here. You can also choose to spend the night here in the Karoo Moon Motel.

After Barrydale we decided to leave the R62 and drive to Hermanus via Swellendam. The route between Barrydale and Swellendam is so impressive. We drove past the most fascinating rock formations. It is certainly worth stopping nowand then, to admire the view.

Hermanus is a small, coastal tourist town better known as whale city. This because you can spot whales along the coast during the season (June to November). Unfortunately, we were just there outside the season. Yet Hermanus is certainly worth a visit. We stayed there for a few hours.

From the coastal path you really have the most impressive views over the ocean. According to some locals we’ve met, it’s definitely recommended to go to Gansbaai a small town a little further. There you can book an excursion to go cage dive with sharks. On this boat trip you can also spot whales and dolphins.

When we arrived in Stellenbosch we quickly made plans to dine  with friends who happened to be here on vacation as well. On their recommendation we booked a table at Le petit Manoir in Franschoek. For all foodies among us, this is a must do! Here you can have a culinary dinner at very democratic prices. So we ended another wonderful day in style.

Day 6: Stellenbosch – Franschoek

When we planned our trip to South Africa, Stellenbosch was one of the first destinations on our list. Admit it, who isn’t crazy about wine? A day of wine tasting was an essential activity for us.

We started our wine route in the Kleine Zalze.  The name speaks for itself. This is a small but very authentic winery. Here you can taste and buy wine at great prices. We quickly became a fan of their delicious red wine and took a few bottles home.

After our first wine tasting at 10 am we felt the need to eat lunch. We called the restaurant of winery Delaire Graff and fortunately there was a table for 2 available. Again we enjoyed a sublime kitchen with tasty wines and great views over the mountains. After a short stroll on their beautiful domain we drove on to Franschoek.

The road from Stellenbosch to Franschoek is enchanting. If I am honest, I think Franschoek is much nicer and more pleasant than Stellenbosch. The latter is actually a university town with a less cosy atmosphere.

As last destination we visited the immense domain of Babylonstoren. Here you can get wanderfully lost for hours and find the most gorgeous spots.

Of course there are many more wine farms to visit in Stellenbosch and Franschoek. If I could redo these two days, I would certainly make the decision to stay in a lodge on a winery or in the countryside instead of a hotel. This way you can experience the wine region and the impressive countryside to the fullest. My recommendations are  La Cabriere Country House, The Farmstead and Blueberry Hill Cottages.

Day 7: Stellenbosch –  Cape Point & Cape of  Good Hope – Boulders beach

From Stellenbosch we left for Cape Point, the southernmost point of the Cape peninsula. Cape Point is part of the Table Mountain National park  and is therefore paying. This can cause you being stuck in the traffic jam just before the entrance. From there it’s easy to drive to the parking near Cape Point.

Cape point with its beautiful historical lighthouse, is located on top of the sea cliffs. You can choose to climb it via a steep road or simply take the cable lift.  On top of Cape Point you have a stunning view over the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.

From the parking lot we walked to Cape of Good Hope via a designated hiking trail. From here we had enchanting views over the impressive rocky coastline. On the route we could also descend to a breathtaking, deserted white beach.

Arriving at the top of Cape of Good Hope we took a break and enjoy all the beauty this area has to offer.

We descended the cape to take a picture with the notorious nameplate of Cape of Good Hope. Even though there was a huge waiting line, a photo to perpetuate this moment made the waiting completely worthwhile.

On our way back to our next stay we made another stop at Boulders Beach which is world famous for its most adorable inhabitants, the penguins.

I was determined to see the penguins, but when we entered Boulders Beach I was rather disappointed. I saw an overcrowded, small beach and there was no penguin to be seen. We decided to walk around since we had paid an entrance fee. Then we saw some people climbing the rocks at the end of the beach and decided to do the same. This was the best decision ever, because suddenly we were in the middle of the Penguins!

Day 8: Muizenberg Beach – Hout bay – Bo-kaap – Victoria & Albert waterfront

Waking up in yet another gorgeous location in the green suburb of Cape Town. This time we chose for a stay at Alphen Lodge te Constantia.

For us this was the perfect base to explore both Cape Peninsula and Cape Town itself. This region is best known for its wine production and the famous breathtaking Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.

The first stop that day was the Muizenberg beach This is one of the most photographed places in South Africa. Many tourists come here to admire the cute coloured beach house. You can imagine that it can be very busy here. It’s not really the best place to have some relaxing beach time,  but for a nice picture it is really worth a visit.

We drove on to Hout Bay. This harbor town with an extensive white beach, is situated around a pier where you can experience the historical British colonial atmosphere. Don’t miss out on some delicious Fish & Chips while you’re here!

From this port you can take the boat to Duiker island. If you are lucky, you can spot  some sea lions from this pier. Even better,  you can pet these cuties in exchange for a piece of fish.

Time to take in the city atmosphere in Cape Town. What better way than to wander around in between the coloured houses of Bo-kaap.

This is a small but cozy Malaysian neighborhood. The main street attracts many tourists. The colored houses make the perfect backdrop for an instaworthy picture. If you leave the main street you can still discover a lot of hidden gems.

Towards the evening we went to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. This is a rather touristy, modern neighborhood with shopping centers and restaurants. Even though I didn’t feel the South African vibe here, it’s a nice place to stroll around in the evening. If you want to explore more of the city , you should definitely check out these free walking tours in Cape town.

It can get very busy here during high season and the holidays. if you want to dine nearby, it’s better to reserve a spot in the restaurant of your choice. According to friends, the Belgian restaurant Den Anker is definitely a good choice.

Day 9: Chapman’s Peak Drive – Camps Bay – Tafelberg – Signal Hill  – Lions head

We started the day with  Chapman’ s Peak drive, known as one of the most scenic roads in the world. To reach this route you have to pay an entrance fee . You drive in the midst of immense rocks and giant cliffs. The ride is quite impressive. We stopped several times to admire the views.

Next we drove to Camps Bay. Our original plan was to have lunch there. But it was so busy that we didn’t even pull over. We returned along Kloof Road where we suddenly saw a sign to a restaurant. We decided to follow the sign and discovered a truly hidden gem.

The Lawns At The Roundhouse is an open-air restaurant with a view of Camps Bay. It was really great sitting there in a relaxing atmosphere. If you pass by you should definitely stop here even though it’ss only for a drink. We also had a very delicious lunch.

We wanted to climb Lions Head before sundown. In the meantime we went to see if we could quickly reach the top of Table Mountain by cable car. But it was too crowded and the lines were so long.

A tip is to order tickets online before you go so you don’t have to wait in line for hours. Alternatively we drove to Signal Hill where you also have beautiful views over Cape Town.

The best view, of course, remains that from the top of Lions Head.

The climb is quite intense, especially the last few steps to the top. Make sure you wear good shoes. don’t forget to take a sweater and plenty of water. The higher you go, the more cold and windy it can be.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a dreamy sunset. Just before the sun went down, it became cloudy and started to rain. Actually that was also quite impressive as well. Even without a perfect sunset, climbing Lions Head was definitely worth it. And bonus, it was a good and solid workout.

Admiring the views from either Table Mountain, Signal Hill or Lions head can’t definitely be missing from your Cape Town itinerary.

Day 10: Cape Town – Mossel bay

Our penultimate day we returned to Port Elizabeth with only one more night in Mossel Bay. We chose Mossel Bay because this harbor town is located exactly halfway on the route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Even though we stayed here only one night, this place didn’t suit us at all. Was this due to the rainy weather, the less interesting environment or the fact that our vacation was almost finished? I can’t really explain it.

Yet I would not recommend this city. There are other more beautiful and better alternatives. For example, you can stay a day longer in Cape Town or plan a last night in the area of Knysna, Pletterberg Bay or Tsitsikamma National Park.

Day 11: Mossel Bay – Port Elizabeth

A little disappointed we left early the next morning in direction of the airport of Port Elizabeth. When we drove past Knysna, we decided to stop one last time to have breakfast in the picturesque village. Meanwhile, we bought some souvenirs from local merchants. This visit brightened us up and for the last time we got into our rental car that had taken us to all these amazing and fascinating destinations during the last two weeks.

After this vacation I can definitely say that the Garden Route with these stops is one of the most beautiful and varied road trips I have ever done. I would certainly recommend this route to everyone of all ages with or without children. Don’t forget to include the mentioned modifications and adapt the route according to your own interests.

Can’t get enough of adventurous road trips? Then you should definitely read these as well:

• The ultimate USA Deep South road trip
• What to expect from a desert tour in Morocco? 
• The ultimate Balkan road trip
• A 5 days road trip trough Tuscany with the Vespa
• The ultimate road trip through Puglia
• The perfect Malta itinerary

Is a Garden Route road trip in South Africa already on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

Yours truly,

Sarah

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