The Ultimate 10-Day Garden Route Road Trip Itinerary
If you know us, you know we absolutely love road trips. From self drive rooftop camping safaris in Namibia, to the Italian Dolomites, the hidden gem of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, and the alien landscapes of Chile’s Atacama Desert, we truly believe road trips are the best way to discover a place. So when we returned to South Africa for the second time, we knew we had to take on one of the world’s most famous road trips, the Garden Route.
After sharing our full guide to our favourite experiences along the Garden Route, we quickly realized that planning the perfect Garden Route itinerary can still feel overwhelming. With so many possible towns to stop in, countless incredible activities, and driving logistics to consider, it is not always easy to piece everything together.
Now that we have completed the road trip and experienced it firsthand, we are excited to share the perfect 10 day Garden Route itinerary, highlighting the very best of this iconic route and giving you all the details you need to plan it with confidence. Let’s get right into it!
How Many Days to Visit the Garden Route
We recommend setting aside at least 5 days, though a full week is ideal to really enjoy the Garden Route. We spent 9 days and found it to be the perfect amount of time. Remember, the drive from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town spans over 750 km (taking close to 12 hours drive in total), so giving yourself enough time to drive and explore at a relaxed pace makes for a much more enjoyable trip.
The Official Garden Route is only a section between these two major cities, but since you’ll need to travel from one end to the other for your international flight, it’s important to factor in the total distance when planning your trip. Nonetheless, the Garden Route is packed with unforgettable experiences, from whale watching and shark cage diving to vineyards, beaches, to hiking and kayaking adventures, making it well worth spending extra time here.
Related – 2 Best Itineraries we would recommend for First-Time Visitors to South Africa
(Safari + Johannesburg Vs. Cape Town + Garden Route)
Where to Start and End the Garden Route Itinerary
The Garden Route officially starts from Mossel Bay and ends in Storms River near Tsitsikamma National Park, following South Africa’s stunning south-western coastline. The entire Garden Route spans roughly 372 km, sitting between the major city hubs of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).
Which direction to Drive the Garden Route
You can drive the Garden Route in either direction, either starting in Cape Town and heading east, or starting in Port Elizabeth and driving west. Once you finish the route, you have two options: drive all the way back to where you started, which takes nearly seven hours, or simply pay the one way rental fee, return the car in your final city, and continue your trip from there.
What we did and recommend for the Garden Route
We did the second option. Our journey began in Port Elizabeth where we explored a few private game reserves and then made our way west toward Cape Town. We rented the car for 12 days and paid the one way fee to drop it off in Cape Town, which ended up being both cheaper and far more convenient for us since we were flying out of Cape Town to Uganda.
For this reason, we highly recommend flying into Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and doing a one way car rental to Cape Town when planning your Garden Route road trip. This option works especially well if your South Africa itinerary starts with visiting Johannesburg and the world famous Kruger National Park, which means you can then fly directly to Port Elizabeth instead of Cape Town and avoid any backtracking.
Garden Route 10 Day Itinerary Overview
This is what we believe is the ideal 10 day Garden Route itinerary. It closely follows our own Garden Route road trip, with just one or two small tweaks for places we enjoyed less, swapping them for things we wish we had included. With 9 to 10 days, you’ll be able to travel at a comfortable pace, fully enjoy each stop, and avoid the hassle of changing hotels every single day.
- Start in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and rent car (one way rental)
- Day 1-4: Plettenberg Bay (3 nights)
- Day 4-6: Knysna (2 nights)
- Day 6-8: Oudtshourn (2 nights) or Mossel Bay (2 nights)
- Day 8-10: Sandbaii Hermanus (2 nights)
Favourite Experiences on The Garden Route
- Kayak Storms River with Untouched Adventures
- Robberg Nature Reserve Hike for some of the most stunning coastal views and spot dolphins
- Bloukrans Sky Walk Experience or Bloukrans Bungee Jumping
- Whale Watching with Ocean Odyssey in Knysna
- Sunset at East Head Viewpoint in Knysna
- Cango Caves
- Meerkat Adventures/Ostriche Farm/Private Safari Game Lodge
- Gin Tasting or Making your own Gin in Mossel Bay
- Shark Cage diving in Gansbaii
- Stony Point Penguin Colony – Our favourite and affordable Penguins park
Garden Route 10 Day Itinerary
Here we’ll walk you through the full itinerary, including the exact route, the best things to do in each stop, where we recommend staying, and some suggestions on how to structure each day.
For every stop, we’ve included all the highlight experiences available, even the ones we didn’t personally have time to do, so you can easily mix and match and tailor the itinerary to your own travel style.
Day 1-4: Plettenberg Bay (3 nights)
Plettenberg Bay was without a doubt our favourite stop on the entire Garden Route.
Located at the Eastern edge of the route, it is perfectly positioned between two of the region’s best outdoor adventure hubs, Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve and Robberg Nature Reserve. While we were here, we kayaked through Storms River, did our favourite hike at Robberg where we even spotted dolphins, enjoyed some of the best authentic Italian food with a stunning beach view, plus plenty more in between! This is why we dedicated 3 out of 10 days here, but in all honesty, we could’ve easily stayed longer!
What to do in Plettenberg Bay Area
◍ Kayak Storms River with Untouched Adventures ⭐
Hands down one of our absolute favourite experiences on the Garden Route was kayaking into Storms river. Tucked inside Tsitsikamma National Park at the eastern end of the Garden route, Storms River Mouth is a dramatic mix of rugged coastline, suspension bridges, and a breathtaking river gorge where sheer rock walls tower more than 100 feet high.
On your kayak journey, you’ll paddle from the open ocean into the towering gorge, cruising by ancient caves and prehistoric forests, before switching to a lilo (like a floating mattress) and float deeper into a narrow section of the gorge.
The entire expedition lasts around 3 hours and combines perfectly with the Suspension Bridge hike below.
◍ Suspension bridge hiking trail in Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve ⭐
Right beside the Storms River Kayaking Tour, you’ll find Tsitsikamma’s famous suspension bridge hike.
You can choose from a short 20 minutes hike to see just the main suspension bridges, a 1.5-2 hour route, or tackle the full 4 hour trail which takes you to the waterfall, across the suspension bridges, and high up along the coastal cliffs.
We did the 2 hour hike right before starting our Kayak Journey and it was the perfect way to soak in the breathtaking and dramatic coastline before heading out on the water.
◍ Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
Fly through the indigenous forests on Tsitsikamma’s Canopy Tour, an unforgettable eco adventure that takes you across 10 epic ziplines and 11 suspended platforms. Each section offers a new and incredible viewpoint of life in the forest canopy, with chances to spot wildlife, learn about the area’s rich biodiversity, and climb up to heights of around 30 meters high above the forest floor.
◍ Bloukrans Sky Walk Experience or Bloukrans Bungee Jumping ⭐
The Garden Route is not just boutique stays and wine tastings. For a serious adrenaline hit, stop at Bloukrans Bridge, home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 709 feet above the gorge. Even getting there is part of the thrill as you zipline out to the platform before the jump.
And if bungee jumping is too scary for you, you can instead do the Bloukrans Sky Walk!
◍ Black Water Tubing or SUP in Tsitsikamma
For a fun and slightly wild adventure in Tsitsikamma, this blackwater tubing experience lets you float down a forest river through gentle rapids, rocky channels, and lush scenery. This “green route” includes a mix of tubing, stand up paddleboarding, river bed walking, swimming, and optional rock jumps! The experience lasts in total 3 hours.
◍ Quad Bike through Tsitsikamma
Another amazing way to experience Tsitsikamma Nature is by riding a quad bike through the wild forest and landscapes! This tour lasts 1.5 hours.
◍ Elephant Sanctuary, Tenikwa Rehabilitation Center, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden
Located just 20 minutes drive from Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find a variety of animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers that make for the perfect day trip.
For example, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Center focuses on Wild cats including an albino lion, Birds of Eden has one of the world’s largest single-dome flight aviaries, home to 3500 birds from 200 species, and Monkeyland has, well, monkeys! You can choose to visit a single sanctuary or opt for the combo ticket to explore multiple sanctuaries.
◍ Best Pizza at Enrico’s ⭐
This spot served some of the best food we had on the entire Garden Route! They offer authentic Italian dishes on an open terrace right by the white sand beach and stunning coastline. The food was so good, we ended up going back two nights in a row!
◍ Robberg Nature Reserve Hike ⭐
Robberg Nature Reserve had some of the most jaw-dropping hikes of the entire Garden Route. You have the choice of a quick 2km hike just to reach the junction and see some of the sweeping views, the 5km loop (called the Witsand Circuit) like we did that includes half the peninsula and then the island, or a 10km hike (called the Point circuit) that goes all the way to the tip of the peninsula and back.
What made this hike truly special was the combination of dramatic coastal views, some of the most unique landscapes we’ve ever seen, and the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and seals. Honestly, words hardly do justice to how stunning it is!
◍ Swimming with Seals
Snorkel with seals in Robberg Nature Reserve! This one and a half hour adventure kicks off with an adrenaline-fueled beach launch into the sea, followed by an incredible boat ride along the scenic coastline to the Cape fur seal colony.
Here, you can snorkel and interact with these playful ocean residents, watching them swim and frolic in their natural habitat. We didn’t get to do this tour but did see all the seals during our Robberg hike!
◍ Canyoning in Plettenberg Bay with Africanyon Adventures
Last but not least, another adrenaline-filled activity, canyoning with Africanyon Adventures! On this 2.5 hour expedition, you will be scrambling, swimming, and abseiling through the pristine canyons of Plettenberg Bay! This is another activity we really wish we could have squeezed into our itinerary!
Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
For this section of the Garden Route, we chose to base ourselves in Plettenberg Bay since it is perfectly located in between Robberg Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve.
You could also stay in Storms River, which is closer to Tsitsikamma, but the accommodation and dining options there are quite limited. Plettenberg Bay is modern, upscale, and safe, making it an ideal base, even though the town itself doesn’t have much to do.
Below we’ll recommend some of the best hotel options in each location.
- Emily Moon – Located right outside of Plettenberg Bay, delicious restaurant, kayak on the river, lush green areas of Roberg Nature Reserve, offers golfing, canoeing, mountain biking
- Alkantmooi Nature Reserve Keursee – Located right outside of Plettenberg Bay, luxury accommodation with stunning nature views and pool
- Storms River Guest Lodge – if you want to stay as close as possible to Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, Storms River Guest Lodge is one of the better and more modern hotel options in Storms River.
Itinerary at Plettenberg Bay
- Day 1: Driving from Port Elizabeth, do the Bloukrans Sky Walk Experience or Bloukrans Bungee Jumping on the way driving to Plettenberg Bay, or can visit one of the animal sanctuaries. Total driving time (2h40)
- Day 2: Robberg Nature Reserve Hike (should spend around 4-5 hours there) located 10 minutes from Plettenberg Bay, Dinner at Enrico’s.
- Day 3: Return to Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve (1 hour) to Kayak Storms River or Black Water Tubing or Quad Biking in Tsitsikamma. There is a park entrance fee of around 360 ZAR that you’ll need to pay, so we combined the Suspension Bridge Hike in the same day.
- Day 4: Departure from Plettenberg Bay towards Knysna (30 minutes).
Day 4-6: Knysna (2 nights)
Knysna is often mentioned as a favourite stop on the Garden Route, and after visiting, we could totally understand why.
This small, compact town sits in a canyon with towering cliffs on either side and a channel that opens out to the ocean. Here we enjoyed some of the most spectacular sunsets, and also found one of the most thrilling Whale Watching experiences of our trip. Yes, you can also do a whale watching tour in the more popular Hermanus, but we personally found Knysna’s adventure to be far more exciting!
If you want the full comparison why, you can check out our Guide to the Best Experiences on the Garden Route.
What to Do in Knysna
◍ Whale Watching Tour with Ocean Odyssey ⭐
We’ve done our fair share of whale watching back home in Canada, but our experience in Knysna far surpassed anything we’ve seen before.
We joined Ocean Odyssey, hopping onto their small speed boats to search for whales against the backdrop of Knysna’s stunning cliffs. The adventure felt full-on, racing through rugged waves in pursuit of these magnificent creatures. This was a stark contrast to the usual passive observation cruises we’ve done in Quebec.
Also, Ocean Odyssey is also one of the few companies in South Africa allowed to get close to the whales, which made the experience even more memorable. We would absolutely recommend this tour without hesitation!
◍ Sunset at East Head Viewpoint ⭐
This was the most epic sunset we saw on our entire Garden Route Road Trip. From the top, you get a full view of the Knysna Channel, flanked by towering cliffs on both sides as it opens out into the ocean. As the sun set, it cast a golden glow that made the whole landscape feel vibrant and almost surreal. The best part? It’s totally free and you can drive straight up to the viewpoint!
◍ Featherbed nature reserve day trip ⭐
Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately owned pristine piece of land situated on the Western Head of Knysna. This 4 hour tour will bring you on a lagoon cruise, then a scenic walk on the island, followed by an outdoor seafood buffet dinner!
◍ Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna’s Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African Elephants. Visiting here lets you have up-close encounters with these gentle giants while directly supporting their care, ensuring they have the best facilities, nutrition, and a safe home. If you want to get the full safari experience, you can also stay at their beautiful Knysna Elephant Park Lodge.
◍ Walk or Bike around Thesen island
Thesen Island is a small, upscale island located in the Knysna Lagoon. It has been transformed into a stylish residential and commercial hub with waterfront homes, boutique shops, restaurants, and marinas. We loved strolling around on Thesen island, having a delicious lunch at île de païn, and admiring these waterfront homes. Another fun way to explore it is biking on the island!
◍ Knysna Gin Distillery ⭐
While in Knysna, don’t miss a stop at the Knysna Gin Distillery for a truly memorable tasting experience. This makes for the perfect activity on a rainy day or a chill way to enjoy the sunset before dinner.
They serve a gin tasting platter which includes a tasting of 4 different gins, accompanied with tonic water, plus two of their house specialties—a refreshing limoncello and a smooth vermouth. And if you’re hungry, they serve one of the best artisanal pizzas just next door!
◍ Kayaking in Knysna
We stayed at the Leisure Collective in Leisure Island and our accommodation included access to their bicycles and kayaks. With Knysna nestled within a protected channel, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the islands, safe from wind and waves. Unfortunately, it rained during our visit, so we didn’t get a chance to take the kayaks out.
◍ Noetzie beach or Cola Beach
If you’re visiting the Garden Route in the summer, these two beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun, with stunning white sand just 20 to 30 minutes from Knysna.
Where to Stay in Knysna
For this part of the Garden Route, you have the option of staying Knysna Central (downtown), on Leisure Island close to where the channel opens out into the ocean, or up high up on the Knysna Head nearby East Knysna Viewpoint.
We personally stayed on Leisure island since it offered a more peaceful retreat away from the crowds but otherwise staying atop the cliffs at Head over Hills would be spectacular. Before visiting, we had no idea just how breathtaking the coastal views from there would be.
- The Leisure Collective on Leisure Island – small apartment, access to bicycle and kayaks, beautiful tranquil retreat
- The Lofts Boutique Hotel on Thesen Island, easiest access to downtown Knysna and the many boutiques and cafes there
- Head over Hills (Knysna) – one of the most stunning views from East Head Viewpoint, but farther from the downtown area.
Itinerary for Knysna
- Day 4: Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Knysna (30 mins), you can visit Knysna Elephant Park along the way, end the day at Knysna Gin Distillery
- Day 5: Featherbed Nature Reserve Day trip + sunset at East Head Viewpoint
- Day 6: Whale Watching tour in the morning, then walk around Thesen Island, then depart for Oudtshourn or Mossel Bay (1.5 hours drive)
Day 6-8: Oudtshourn (2 nights) or Mossel Bay (2 nights)
Next stop after Knysna, you can either head inland to Oudtshourn or stay along the coast at Mossel Bay.
On our trip, we chose to break up the drive with a night in Swellendam, but looking back, we wish we had spent our time in Oudtshoorn or Mossel Bay instead since both towns have so many amazing things to do. If you’re more interested in caves and animals, then we would recommend staying in Oudtshourn. If you prefer beaches, coastal walks, and paragliding, then Mossel Bay is the better option.
Either way, we recommend spending 1–2 nights here before continuing on to your final stop, Hermanus.
What to do in Oudtshourn/Mossel Bay
◍ Meerkat Adventures
At Five Shy Meerkat Tours in the Klein Karoo, you’ll visit one of the original meerkat conservation sites. Their sunrise meerkat adventure tours give you the rare opportunity to get up close with these curious little creatures in their natural habitat. The 2–3 hour tour also offers a chance to spot other fascinating wildlife, including aardvarks, porcupines, and aardwolves, making it a must-do for animal lovers.
◍ Cango Caves ⭐
We were recommended to go visit Cango caves by many of the locals that we met along the Garden Route. Unfortunately, we already had so much to see and had already set our itinerary, including where we were staying for the nights.
The Cango Caves, located just outside Oudtshoorn on the Garden Route, are one of South Africa’s most impressive natural wonders. This vast underground system stretches for more than 4 kilometers, filled with dramatic limestone chambers, towering stalactites, and intricate rock formations. You can take the easy Heritage Tour to see the huge chambers, or, if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the Adventure Tour where you’ll crawl and squeeze through narrow tunnels (not for the claustrophobic!).
We’re big cave nerds (we once did a 4-day expedition in Vietnam crawling through some of the world’s largest cave systems), but sadly we didn’t have the time to squeeze this one in. If you do though, definitely go for it
◍ Safari Ostriche farm
Experience the world’s only Tractor Tour of an Ostrich Farm, located just outside of Oudtshourn. Explore the breeder bird camps and experience both South African and Zimbabwean ostriches like never before! Tours last 1 hour and it is recommended to book online before visiting.
◍ Cape Saint Blaize hiking trail ⭐
The Cape St. Blaize Hiking Trail is a scenic coastal walk near Mossel Bay, offering spectacular ocean views, rugged cliffs, and lush fynbos along the way. It’s a moderate trail that takes about 2–3 hours round trip, passing historic landmarks like the St. Blaize Lighthouse and an incredible cave opening called Point of Human Origins.
◍ Kayaking Kaaimansrivier
With Kaaimans Adventures, you’ll have the opportunity to kayak up the famous Kaaimansrivier. Apparently, at certain times in the year, the water in the river turns red due to the type of soil in the area.
◍ Hiking Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is a scenic hiking route near George and Mossel Bay, winding through lush forests and along sparkling streams. Keep an eye out for the vibrant kingfishers and other local wildlife along the way. The Trail is approximately 5-6km long, making it a moderate hike that typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. A Permit is required for this trail.
◍ Sedgefield Tandem Paragliding
Take to the skies of South Africa’s Garden Route on a paragliding adventure! You’ll get to soar right along the South African Coast, over golden sand beaches and the towns of George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Wilderness.
◍ Make your own Gin at Saint Blaize Distillery ⭐
We are huge gin fans and really wish we had time to join the Make Your Own Gin Workshop at Saint Blaize Distillery. While in Knysna, we enjoyed a tasting at the Knysna Distillery, and the gins infused with local ingredients were absolutely incredible. The workshop lasts about two hours, and you get to take home your very own 500ml bottle of gin!
Where to Stay in Oudtshourn or Mossel Bay
- Le Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa in Oudtshourn – Experience World-class service at La Plume Boutique Hotel with spa facilities, a saltwater swimming pool, sun terrace, lush garden, and an array of wellness packages!
- Aqua Marina Guesthouse in Mossel Bay – Stay in this boutique guest house located right along the coast offering views of Mossel Bay Harbour, Santos Beach, and one of the Outeniqua Mountains. They have free parking and solar backup!
Itinerary in Oudtshourn/Mossel Bay
- Day 7: Experience Cango Caves or Meerkat Adventures
- Day 8: Cape Saint Blaize Hiking Trail + Sedgefield Tandem Paragliding OR do the Make-your-own-gin workshop in Saint Blaize Distillery
This post is part of our series about South Africa. If you want to learn more about South Africa, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:
Day 8-10: Sandbaii Hermanus (2 nights)
Although Hermanus is technically not within the Garden Route, it is a must-visit stop on your way back to Cape Town! Here, you’ll find stunning coastal cliff walks where you can even spot whales from the shore, Marine Big 5 boat tours, Shark Cage Diving, our favourite Stony Point Penguin Colony, and more!
What to Do in Hermanus
◍ Whale Watching Tour ⭐
Hermanus is probably THE most well-known place for whale watching on the Garden Route. But if you know us, we love stepping off the classic trail and seeking out less crowded experiences that can feel even more special. That’s why we chose to do our whale watching tour in Knysna. You can check out our full review of the Whale watching experience in Knysna and the reasons why we chose Knysna over Hermanus.
Nonetheless, Hermanus is still an excellent option if you want a more classic whale watching experience.
◍ Marine Big 5 Tour ⭐
You know the Big 5 of safaris? Well, there’s also a Marine Big 5! On this boat tour, you’ll have a chance to spot whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, and even sharks, all in one trip! The tour lasts 2.5 hours and starts in Gansbaii just a short drive from Hermanus.
◍ Shark Cage diving in Gansbaii ⭐
For the ultimate adrenaline-experience, try Shark Cage diving in Gansbaii. In fact, South Africa is one of the few places in the world where you can do this!
The tour is run by Marine Dynamics, who are global leaders in responsible shark tourism and marine conservation. You will learn all about sharks, hop aboard their custom built shark cage diving vessel, and spend an unforgettable time spotting whales, penguins, dolphins, and sharks from both above and below the water.
◍ Stony Point Penguin Colony ⭐
At Stony Point, you’ll find one of the best penguin colonies in South Africa, and you can see these little tuxedoed cuties right up close.
During your visit, you’ll get to walk along the wooden boardwalks which winds through their nesting spots. We literally stood there for over an hour watching these cute little penguins waddle around and clumsily jump over rocks. If you follow the boardwalk to the end, you’ll also get sweeping views of the ocean’s raw power, plus the chance to spot other seabirds like cormorants.
The best part of all this? the entrance fee is only 40 ZAR! That’s a total steal compared to the more famous Boulder’s Beach near Cape Town, which charges 215 ZAR per person. Honestly, Stony Point wins hands down and is one of our favourite hidden gems of the Garden Route.
◍ Hermanus Coastal Cliff Walk
Remember how I mentioned Hermanus is famous for Whale Watching? Well, beyond doing the whale watching boat excursions, one of the best ways to try at spotting these gentle giants is by taking the gorgeous coastal walk.
This trail stretches for over 10 km along the shoreline, giving you front-row views of the ocean. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a whale breaching out of the water. We only did a shorter section of the coastal walk and didn’t see any whales but did enjoy the breathtaking views!
◍ Drive along Clarence Dr
When we first started planning the Garden Route, everyone kept saying it’s one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa. And sure, the stretch from Tsitsikamma National Park to Mossel Bay was pretty, but honestly, it didn’t blow us away. That is, until we hit Clarence Drive.
Again, technically beyond the official Garden Route, but the views here are absolutely jaw-dropping. It is only a short section of about 15 minutes drive, but here you’ll be winding along the towering cliffs of the coast. The road hugs sheer coastal cliffs, with rugged red-soiled mountains and lush green patches creating this wild, raw scenery. And the best part? There are tons of pull-off points where you can park, hop out, and just soak in the views.
In fact, we found Clarence Drive way more impressive than Cape Town’s famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Plus, it’s free (unlike the 66 ZAR toll at Chapman’s Peak).
Where to Stay in Hermanus
For this section of the Garden Route, you can choose between staying in Hermanus or Gansbaai. While some activities, like shark cage diving, depart from Gansbaai, we recommend basing yourself in Hermanus. It is far more developed for tourism and offers a beautiful coastal boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants.
We personally stayed in Sandbaai, about a 10 minute drive from Hermanus, but found it a bit too residential and quiet for our taste, so Hermanus is definitely the better option!
- La Fontaine Guest House in Hermanus – This four-star guesthouse feels like five-star luxury and is a premium, family-owned property right in the heart of Hermanus. It offers cozy rooms, a refreshing swimming pool, and a terrace overlooking the ocean where you can even spot the whales over breakfast!
- The Marine Hermanus – The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels, located right on Hermanus’ cliffpath. This luxury Boutique hotel offers some of the best coastal views, a heated pool, gym, spa facilities, restaurant, bar and much more!
Itinerary in Hermanus
- Day 9: Shark Cage diving in Gansbaii (Or Marine Big 5 Tour) + Explore downtown Hermanus. Make sure to go to Bientang’s Cave Restaurant with some of the best oceanfront terrace views to spot whales!
- Day 10: Hermanus Cliff Walk + Stony Point Penguin Colony + Clarence Drive on the way to Cape Town.
- If you have more time, we would recommend spending a few days in Cape Town before departing on your international flight. There is also Franschhoek, Cape Town’s famous wine region, which is definitely worth including in your itinerary as well!
Garden Route 5 day Itinerary
Although we recommend spending at least one week on the Garden Route, it is still completely doable in 5 days. Just keep in mind that it will involve a lot more driving and switching accommodations almost every night. With that said, if you are short on time, it is absolutely still worth the trip.
For this 5 day Garden Route itinerary, you will need to fly into Port Elizabeth to start your journey, then pick up a one way rental car and make your way back toward Cape Town along the coast (similar to what we did and recommend in the 10 day itinerary).
Personally, our favourite part of the Garden Route was the Eastern section between Knysna and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve so we recommend spending more time there. Below we have highlighted a general itinerary you can follow to make the most of your 5 days on the Garden Route:
If you Have Only 5 Days on the Garden Route
- Day 1:
Fly into Port Elizabeth, One-way car rental from the Airport, start driving towards Plettenberg Bay. Along the way, you can do the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jumping (available from 9am-4pm), Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour (available from 8am-3pm), ATV Tour (available from 10:30am-2:30pm), or the Kayak and Lilo Tour (available from 9:00am-4:00pm). Have dinner at Enrico’s Italian Restaurant before going to Plettenberg Bay where you’ll be staying for the night.
- Day 2:
Go hike at Robberg Nature Reserve in the morning, head start driving towards Knysna (30 minutes). Once there, you can do the Featherbed nature reserve day trip, and then head to Knysna Gin distillery, before ending the day at the Knysna East Head Viewpoint. Spend the night in Knysna.
- Day 3:
In the morning, do the Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Tour, and then start driving towards Mossel Bay or Oudtshourn. From there, you can either visit Cango Caves, the Meerkat Adventure, or the Cape Saint Blaize Hiking trail. Spend the night in Oudtshourn or Mossel Bay.
- Day 4:
Drive towards Hermanus/Gansbaii to do the Shark Cage diving, or Marine Big 5 Tour. After that, spend the afternoon enjoying the coastal views/walk in Hermanus downtown. Spend the night in Hermanus.
- Day 5:
Head to Stony Point Penguin Colony to see the penguins, then drive along Clarence Drive towards Cape Town. If you have time, you can enjoy some of the amazing experiences in Cape Town before heading to the airport for your international flight out.
If You Have 2 Weeks on the Garden Route
If you have two weeks to explore the Garden Route, we recommend following our 10 day Garden Route itinerary and then spending the remaining four days discovering Cape Town. We’ve written a full Cape Town itinerary guide where we share some of the best experiences while staying safe.
As mentioned earlier, Cape Town isn’t the safest city, so we had to be thoughtful and creative when choosing our activities. This led us to uncover hidden gem experiences, safe sunset viewpoints, and alternative attractions that, in many cases, actually outshined the more famous sites.
Check our Cape Town Itinerary and Cape Town Safety Guide to learn more!
Where to Stay on the Garden Route
We have already shared our recommended places to stay along this Garden Route itinerary, but there are a few extra tips that can make your stay much more comfortable and stress-free.
Load Shedding
First, load shedding is a common reality in South Africa. This means scheduled power outages that can happen daily or every few days, lasting anywhere from an hour to several hours. In our experience, one outage even stretched through most of the night, so we strongly recommend choosing an accommodation with a backup generator.
Safe Neighbourhoods and Parking
Second, try to book a place in a safe neighborhood with secure, private parking. While the Garden Route is generally considered safe, locals consistently advised us to park overnight in a closed parking lot rather than on the street. Having secure parking also made a big difference when arriving or unloading the car after dark. We personally stayed in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and Hermanus and felt all 3 were quite safe overall.
Recap: Where to Stay on the Garden Route
- Plettenberg Bay (3 nights): Emily Moon, Alkantmooi Nature Reserve Keursee, or Storms River Guest Lodge
- Knysna (2 nights): The Leisure Collective, The Lofts Boutique Hotel, or Head over Hills (Knysna)
- Oudtshourn/Mossel Bay (2 nights): Le Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa in Oudtshourn, or Aqua Marina Guesthouse in Mossel Bay
- Hermanus (2 nights): La Fontaine Guest House or The Marine Hermanus
When is the Best time to visit the Garden Route
The best time to visit the Garden Route is during the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, crowds are thinner, and prices are generally lower.
South African Summer from December to February brings warm beach weather and a lively atmosphere, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to go. Winter from June to August is cooler and wetter, yet it is a great period for whale watching around Hermanus and the coast, making it an excellent option if you do not mind occasional rain.
Weather data shown represents long term averages for the Garden Route (George Knysna region).
Conditions can vary slightly along the coast.
We actually visited in August during the South African winter and were pleasantly surprised by the weather. It was a little cool with the occasional daily shower, but we were still able to enjoy almost every activity along the Garden Route. The only thing we skipped was swimming at the beach. So don’t rule out Winter for visiting the Garden Route. We also got to benefit from significantly discounted prices on accommodations during this low-tourism season.
Is Garden Route Worth visiting during Winter
At first we were hesitant about visiting the Garden Route during the South African Winter months (June to August), but in the end, we were pleasantly surprised! The weather was comfortable, a little on the cooler side, with the occasional daily shower, but we were still able to enjoy almost all the activities we wanted to do on the Garden Route. The only thing we skipped was swimming at the beach.
But even during the winter months, we were able to do the kayak experience in Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, Hike in Robberg Nature Reserve, do the Whale watching cruise (Winter is actually the peak whale season), visiting vineyards, and more! The biggest perk of visiting during this season was the significantly lower prices on hotels, and very few crowds!
So, YES, The Garden route is worth visiting even during the winter months (June to August)!
Is the Garden Route Safe to Visit
This is one of the most important questions we had every time we return to South Africa. Having now visited the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route, Franschhoek, and Cape Town in South Africa, we can confidently say that the Garden Route is considered one of the safest regions in the country. By contrast, Johannesburg is the least safe area we’ve visited, with Cape Town close behind.
South Africa offers so many incredible experiences, but it does require a certain level of awareness and pre-planning. We’ve written a full safety guide focused on Cape Town, but all the tips and things to lookout for are applicable to the rest of the country as well. Make sure to check it out before your trip.
Although Johannesburg is often considered more dangerous than other cities, we absolutely loved visiting and have now returned twice. If you’re interested in learning how to experience the city safely, and have a truly unforgettable trip, be sure to check out our Johannesburg for First Timers Guide.
Using WISE card in South Africa
When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.
This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.
Recap: 10 Day Garden Route Road Trip Itinerary
The Garden Route is truly one of the most diverse and unforgettable road trips in the world. From spotting whales in Hermanus, braving shark cage diving in Gansbaai, hiking scenic trails in Robberg, exploring lush forests by kayak, to relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying local food and wine, there is something for every type of traveler.
We hope this 10 day itinerary helps you plan your perfect Garden Route adventure and inspires you to hit the road, explore at your own pace, and create your own unforgettable memories along this iconic stretch of South Africa. And if you’re looking for more epic road trips within South Africa, definitely check out the Panorama Route that will lead you to the world-famous Kruger National Park, where you can experience one of the best safaris in the world!
Road Trip on South Africa’s Garden Route
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