The iconic Garden Route is definitely one of the top road trips in South Africa — if not the whole world! The name comes from the beautiful and diverse vegetation in this part of the coast, squeezed between mountains and the ocean. The scenery is breathtaking so it’s a must for those seeking the ultimate adventure in the wild.
I lived in this stunning country for 7 years, so I had the opportunity to visit some of the great destinations along this itinerary. You too can easily make lasting memories on the Garden Route, as it’s fairly close to amazing Cape Town.
The Garden Route (called Tuinroete in Afrikaans) is part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The incredible landscapes, including sandy beaches, impressive mountains, and green forests, are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
Plus, along the Garden Route, you’ll find nice hotels that cost very few points if you have taken advantage of one of the best travel rewards deals for Canadians, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. South Africa is actually one of the best countries to maximize your number of free nights — Kevin, one of Flytrippers’ co-founders, shared his 6-day safari trip for $687 total.
Here are the 7 places where you should stop on your Garden Route itinerary (from West to East; so my favorite is towards the end), and then what you need to know about the Garden Route after the destinations.
1. Mossel Bay
From Cape Town, Mossel Bay is the main starting point of the Garden Route. It’s a small coastal town famous for being one of the 1st landing sites of European explorers in South Africa. It’s a great destination for escaping the big city and enjoying nature.
There, you can hike the St. Blaize Trail, relax on Santos Beach, play golf, and visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex or the Shell Museum.
I especially enjoyed the fresh seafood and the bay views from the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse.
If you have time for a boat tour or whale watching, you’re in the right place.
About a 1-hour drive from Mossel Bay, the Garden Route Game Reserve is a popular place to go on a safari.
After the drive from Cape Town, Mossel Bay is a great place to stay before continuing on the Garden Route.
Protea Hotel Mossel Bay costs as little as 10,000 Marriott points per night (or 8,900 points per night if you stay 5 nights). It’s not as good a deal as others in the country, but it’s in an amazing location overlooking the bay and is a landmark hotel built in 1846.
Bonus: Cango Caves (and rondavel experience)
Technically, the Cango Caves are not on the Garden Route, but they’re close enough. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Western Cape so you don’t want to miss it. These huge limestone caves are located near the town of Oudtshoorn.
I booked a guided tour to learn more about the geology of these stunning underground caverns and chambers. Oudtshoorn is also known for its numerous ostrich farms and its wine production.
It’s also a great detour after Mossel Bay to experience sleeping in a classic rondavel, a traditional African hut. That’s an experience in itself, especially when it’s a fancy rondavel.
Protea Hotel Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate is one of the most unique hotels you’ll find and costs as little as 7,000 Marriott points per night (or 5,600 points per night if you stay 5 nights).
2. George
George, the 2nd-largest city in the Western Cape province, is the administrative and commercial hub of the Garden Route, as it is located approximately halfway between Cape Town and Gqeberha (formerly called Port Elizabeth), the Eastern Cape province’s largest city.
I recommend spending a sunny day in Victoria Bay. While you are there, you should also explore the Outeniqua Farmers Market and go strawberry picking at the Redberry Farm.
The Outeniqua Pass, between George and Oudtshoorn, is a wonderful place for hiking, to admire beautiful countryside views, and to enjoy picnics.
You can visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum or the George Museum for a history lesson. Another great place to play a round of golf is the George Golf Club.
If you want to stay to explore George and the next stop that is very close, Protea Hotel George King George costs as little as 10,500 Marriott points per night (or 9,000 points per night if you stay 5 nights).
3. Wilderness
Just a short drive from George (about 15 to 20 minutes away), Wilderness is a pretty coastal town famous for its peaceful lakes.
Visitors love to do activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and bird-watching on the lakes. Within Wilderness National Park, you can go canoeing on the Serpentine and Touw rivers.
If you prefer the beach, head to Wilderness Beach or Kleinkrantz Beach.
For breathtaking panoramic views, don’t miss the Map of Africa Viewpoint, the Kaaimans River Bridge, or the Outeniqua Power Van. Other activities include paragliding as well as dolphin and whale watching.
4. Sedgefield
Although the city of Sedgefield itself does not offer as many attractions as Wilderness and George, the Swartvlei Beach and Lakes, the Groenvlei Lakes, and the Goukamma Nature Reserve are wonderful places to enjoy the beauty of nature.
If you’re passing by on a Saturday, do yourself a favor and stop at the Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market in town.
There, you’ll find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local crafts.
5. Knysna
Knysna is my favorite destination on the Garden Route! This iconic town is a non-negotiable stop in your itinerary.
Start your visit at the Knysna lagoon to see the Heads of Knysna, 2 dramatic sandstone cliffs. The view there is breathtaking.
Knysna Market is ideal for discovering local crafts and products, as well as tasting delicious oysters. Shop at the Knysna Waterfront, and visit the Knysna Elephant Park to learn more about elephant conservation and see these giant creatures up close.
Knysna is another great place to stay, as the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is directly on the lagoon waterfront, offering a great view. It costs as little as 10,000 Marriott points per night (or 8,000 points per night if you stay 5 nights).
6. Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay, often referred to as Plett, is a surfer’s paradise. I cannot decide which one of Robberg Beach, Lookout Beach, or Central Beach is the best!
Not only can you enjoy all the water activities available in other towns along the Garden Route (kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, etc.), but you can also visit attractions like Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
For adrenaline junkies, Plettenberg Bay offers activities like zip-lining, bungee jumping and quad biking. The Bloukrans Bungy (a 45-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay) is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world, with a height of 216 meters!
For shopping and visiting art galleries, head to the Old Timber Shed or the Old Nick Village.
7. Tsitsikamma National Park
The amazing Tsitsikamma National Park is home to the Otter Trail, one of South Africa’s most famous hiking trails, stretching for about 42 kilometers.
Don’t miss out on the impressive Storms River Mouth bridge for spectacular views of the coastline and crashing waves below. In Nature’s Valley, you can explore the region’s native forests.
Tsitsikamma National Park is often considered one of the Garden Route’s endpoints, especially when traveling from Cape Town to the east.
Bonus: Flora and fauna along almost all the Garden Route
Along the route, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore a unique floral kingdom called the Fynbos Biome. It’s home to many plants found only in this region, such as the splendid protea, the national flower of South Africa.
(That’s where Marriott’s Protea hotel chain takes its name from, as it originated in South Africa!)
The fauna of the Garden Route is also very rich, and many travelers have had the chance to spot animals like exotic birds, bushpigs, baboons, and vervet monkeys. The luckiest have seen leopards and caracals but that’s more rare.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the Garden Route
Here are a few commonly requested answers.
Where is the Garden Route located?
The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer (about 186 miles) road along South Africa’s southern coast, officially starting in Witsand in the west and ending at Tsitsikamma Storms River in the east.
Almost the entire route goes through the Western Cape province, with the Tsitsikamma National Park on the western end of the Eastern Cape province.
Where to start a Garden Route itinerary?
The Garden Route is easily accessible from Cape Town (west) or Gqeberha (east). Both cities have airports, but Cape Town generally attracts more travelers and has cheaper flights.
My recommendation is to also visit Cape Town, as it’s an amazing city. It’s where I lived for 7 years so you might think I’m biased, but it’s often been called one of the best cities in the world to visit. You can read my detailed guide on exploring that city.
An alternative is to start directly on the Garden Route, as there’s a commercial airport in George (GRJ). It only offers domestic flights within South Africa though.
How much time should I spend on this Garden Route itinerary?
Driving the entire Garden Route takes just 5 to 6 hours without stopping, but it would be a shame to miss out on all its beauty and attractions by rushing through!
Most travelers spend several days to 1 week there to make the most of it. My road trips on the Garden Route have never lasted more than a weekend, and that’s clearly not enough time to see everything!
But don’t worry: even if 2 days is all you have, it will still be worth it.
When is the best time to do a Garden Route itinerary?
The best time to visit really depends on your interests. If you prefer warm weather to enjoy the beaches, summer is best. That’s December to February — the Garden Route and all of the country are in the Southern Hemisphere.
If you want to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices, consider visiting during autumn (March to May) or winter (June to August). For whale watching and blooming flowers, spring is the perfect time (September to November).
What is the weather like on the Garden Route?
The area has an oceanic climate, meaning that summers are mild to warm (the temperature rarely exceeds 28°C) and winters are mild to cool (the temperature rarely dips below 10°C). There’s also no season with more rain than the others.
Where to stay on the Garden Route?
Apart from the Marriott hotel options mentioned for those who have the best hotel points for Canadians (or those who get some before their trip), there are plenty of accommodation options along the Garden Route.
We’ll soon continue our accommodation feature with a guide on South Africa options, which will include the Garden Route destinations.
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Summary
If you plan a trip to beautiful South Africa, a road trip on the iconic Garden Route will allow you to experience one of the best itineraries in the country. You’ll get stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and moments of pure bliss.
What would you like to know about the Garden Route road trip itinerary in South Africa? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Mossel Bay and Knysna, South Africa (photo credit: Wesley Eland and ZA Tourist)
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South Africa is so far away. That’s why it’s so exciting. I thought I was going to go there “someday”, then a deal came up and I just bought my tickets for January 2025. Can’t believe it’s happening. But thank you for this. I am planning it into my 3-week itinerary!
Awesome, I hope you have a great time 😀