It’s one of the most popular parts of South Africa for visitors both local and international. Stretching some 200km, a Garden Route road trip takes in national parks, dense forests, placid lakes and some outrageously beautiful beaches.
Known for its outdoor activities as much as its natural beauty, along the way you can learn to surf, leap into water-filled canyons, dive to shipwrecks, or simply sit on board a yacht admiring the view with a glass of local bubbly in hand. Starting from the west, follow this article for the ultimate South African road trip along the Garden Route.
Stop 1: Mossely Bay & the Sea
Most people use Mossel Bay as a leg-stretching stop en route from Cape Town to the heart of the Garden Route, but if you can spare an afternoon, there’s really quite a lot to keep you occupied. If you’re just lunching, try Kaai 4, an open-air braai restaurant, where traditional dishes are cooked over massive fire pits. If you have an hour or so, the Dias Museum offers a look into the Mossel Bay of 500 years ago, when European explorers landed on South African shores for the first time. If you do decide to stay the night, book ahead for a morning surf class – Mossel Bay’s top activity and a great way to revive before settling back in the car.
The highway between Mossel Bay and George is fairly busy and not exactly postcard-perfect, but from here things take a turn for the photogenic. George is the area’s largest town, primarily known for its amenities rather than attractions. If you are looking to stop in the area, head instead for one of George’s satellite towns, both clinging to the coast at the end of meandering roads. Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay are noted for their surf and little else to do, which is part of their appeal. If you’re not a surfer, opt for a simple seafood lunch while admiring the dramatic maritime views.
Stop 2: Wilderness & Garden Route National Park
Head back to the main highway and take the short but scenic drive to Wilderness. Make sure to pull over at Dolphin Point for a peek at the decommissioned train line below and for photos of the wild and blissfully undeveloped Wilderness Beach. Wilderness manages to remain under the radar for many Garden Route visitors. The town centre consists of little more than a supermarket and a few restaurants clustered around a gas station. However, the forest-meets-lake-meets-beach landscape makes it one of the loveliest places to stop on a route.
Renting a canoe in the Garden Route National Park is perhaps the best thing to do here to explore the lake system. If you’re looking for lunch, try the Timberlake Organic Village, right on the N2 highway. The restaurant here, Zucchini, is known for its fresh country cuisine; if you prefer a snack, a cluster of shops sells artisanal edibles.
Stop 3: Knysna & the Lagoon
The road dips and climbs slightly for 23km until you pass through Sedgefield, known for its busy Saturday morning market. As the road rises out of Sedgefield, the panorama changes to reflect the huge forest fire that affected the area in June 2017. Following ample winter rains, the forest is recovering, but the dense greenery that once lined either side of the highway will take years to fully heal.
Despite this, Knysna has emerged resilient, with hotels and homes rebuilt and nearly all of the forest-based activities back in action. While in town, do not miss the chance to hike through the forest and take a boat trip on the lagoon. The lagoon and its iconic Heads – sandstone headlands forming a narrow channel from lagoon to ocean – are the essence of this beautiful town, with the forest providing a vital backdrop.
Moreover, take time to engage with locals, sample traditional cuisine, and experience the clicks of the Xhosa language on a three-hour visit with Emzini Tours or join Brother Zeb for an insightful wander around Judah Square, a welcoming Rastafarian community.
Stop 4: Plettenberg Bay & Robberg Nature Reserve
Once you crest the hill housing the townships, enjoy a pleasant and scenic 35km drive to Plettenberg Bay, with various curiosities along the way. Plett, as it is often called, is an upscale holiday destination featuring fine restaurants and some of the coast’s best beaches. It’s an ideal spot to unwind on the sand; however, for those preferring to be in the ocean, consider swimming in the seal-infested waters of the Robberg Nature Reserve.
East of Plett, the towns start to thin out and nature takes over, making it feel wilder. Here, you can also indulge in gastronomic experiences at local wineries. Bramon was the first wine estate in the area, offering a marvelous lunch stop where you can savor a tasting paired with tapas among the vines.
Stop 5: Storms River & Tsitsikamma
The final segment of your journey takes you over dizzying bridges crossing canyons, past untouched forests, and into the Eastern Cape. The tiny town of Storms River exists almost entirely for tourists, yet still manages to charm with a grid of unpaved roads lined with various accommodations and eateries. Adventure sports thrive here thanks to the town’s proximity to what locals deem “the garden of the Garden Route,” Tsitsikamma.
Part of the extensive Garden Route National Park, Tsitsikamma is described by its Khoe-San ancestry as “place of much water.” Whether referring to wide rivers, crashing ocean waves, or the impressive rainfall totaling close to 1000mm annually, the name fits. This rain fosters magnificent landscapes where indigenous forests cling to mountains adjacent to rivers and the ocean below. Here, you can ditch the car and don your hiking boots for a trek that might last anywhere from 45 minutes to five glorious days.
