South AfricaThe Garden Route stretches approximately 700 kilometers and takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the number of stops. It's a route for those looking to combine beach relaxation, safari, gastronomy, and active hiking. The route runs along the Indian Ocean coast, through forests, lagoons, and mountain passes. While there are many tourists here, the infrastructure is well-developed, making the journey comfortable.
Route start
Cape Town, South Africa
End of route
Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), South Africa
Waypoints
Cape Town – Mossel Bay – Wilderness – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park – Port Elizabeth
Will see
– Table Mountain in Cape Town
– Chapman's Peak Drive (scenic coastal road)
– Mossel Bay Beaches
– Knysna Lagoon and Oysters
– Robberg Nature Reserve
– Tsitsikamma National Park (suspension bridges, tropical forests)
– Safari in Addo Elephant Park
Roads
The roads are excellent, paved, and well-marked. Toll roads are rare. The speed limit is 100–120 km/h on highways and 60 km/h in populated areas. Speed cameras are present, especially at the entrances to cities. Gas stations and service stations are regularly located, and paid parking is required in tourist areas.
What to travel on
Any car will do, but for more freedom, a crossover or SUV is best. For those who enjoy the experience, rent a camper. The route is also popular by motorcycle, especially among bikers.
Budget
The average budget per traveler is USD 1500–2500 (approximately ZAR 27,000–45,000). This includes car rental, fuel, accommodation, meals, and excursions.
Placement
– Cape Town: Cape Grace Hotel
– Mossel Bay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
– Knysna: The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
– Plettenberg Bay: The Plettenberg Hotel
– Tsitsikamma: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
– Port Elizabeth: Radisson Blu Hotel
Food
– Cape Town: Gold Restaurant (African cuisine)
– Mossel Bay: Delfino's Restaurant (ocean view)
– Knysna: 34 South (oysters and seafood)
– Plettenberg Bay: The Fat Fish (fish and sushi)
– Tsitsikamma: Marilyn's 60's Diner (retro cafe)
– Port Elizabeth: Ginger Restaurant (fusion cuisine)
Security
The region is considered safe for tourists. Petty theft is common in cities, so don't leave belongings in your car. Police are reliable, and speeding fines are high.
Best time to travel
September – April. This is the dry season, with comfortable temperatures and less rain.
Tips and Warnings
Avoid driving on the highways at night due to wild animals. Book hotels in advance in popular areas. Be sure to try oysters in Knysna and walk across the suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma. The downside of the route is the high traffic during peak season.
South AfricaThe Garden Route stretches approximately 700 kilometers and takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the number of stops. It's a route for those looking to combine beach relaxation, safari, gastronomy, and active hiking. The route runs along the Indian Ocean coast, through forests, lagoons, and mountain passes. While there are many tourists here, the infrastructure is well-developed, making the journey comfortable.
Route start
Cape Town, South Africa
End of route
Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), South Africa
Waypoints
Cape Town – Mossel Bay – Wilderness – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park – Port Elizabeth
Will see
– Table Mountain in Cape Town
– Chapman's Peak Drive (scenic coastal road)
– Mossel Bay Beaches
– Knysna Lagoon and Oysters
– Robberg Nature Reserve
– Tsitsikamma National Park (suspension bridges, tropical forests)
– Safari in Addo Elephant Park
Roads
The roads are excellent, paved, and well-marked. Toll roads are rare. The speed limit is 100–120 km/h on highways and 60 km/h in populated areas. Speed cameras are present, especially at the entrances to cities. Gas stations and service stations are regularly located, and paid parking is required in tourist areas.
What to travel on
Any car will do, but for more freedom, a crossover or SUV is best. For those who enjoy the experience, rent a camper. The route is also popular by motorcycle, especially among bikers.
Budget
The average budget per traveler is USD 1500–2500 (approximately ZAR 27,000–45,000). This includes car rental, fuel, accommodation, meals, and excursions.
Placement
– Cape Town: Cape Grace Hotel
– Mossel Bay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay
– Knysna: The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
– Plettenberg Bay: The Plettenberg Hotel
– Tsitsikamma: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
– Port Elizabeth: Radisson Blu Hotel
Food
– Cape Town: Gold Restaurant (African cuisine)
– Mossel Bay: Delfino's Restaurant (ocean view)
– Knysna: 34 South (oysters and seafood)
– Plettenberg Bay: The Fat Fish (fish and sushi)
– Tsitsikamma: Marilyn's 60's Diner (retro cafe)
– Port Elizabeth: Ginger Restaurant (fusion cuisine)
Security
The region is considered safe for tourists. Petty theft is common in cities, so don't leave belongings in your car. Police are reliable, and speeding fines are high.
Best time to travel
September – April. This is the dry season, with comfortable temperatures and less rain.
Tips and Warnings
Avoid driving on the highways at night due to wild animals. Book hotels in advance in popular areas. Be sure to try oysters in Knysna and walk across the suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma. The downside of the route is the high traffic during peak season.