The Garden Route in South Africa is probably the busiest road in the entire country. But that doesn’t surprise us, because countless cool places and highlights await you along this route. For us, the Garden Route in South Africa is a unique natural paradise, whose diversity and variety are hard to beat.
But the best is yet to come: From Cape Town, you can easily explore the entire route or just part of the South African Garden Route with a rental car. Even if you only have a few days. The Garden Route in South Africa “officially” stretches from the east of the Tsitsikamma National Park to Mossel Bay.
Opinions differ somewhat here, however. But hey…that doesn’t really matter, because as soon as you leave Cape Town, one of the most exciting and diverse sections along the coast to the Addo Elephant National Park begins.
What else you should know
- Best time to travel to South Africa
- Currency of South Africa
- South Africa Entry & Visa
- Round trip by rental carcarcar
- What else you should know
- 1. Duration of the Garden Route
- 2. Recommended route
- Some options for your route:
- 3. Our Garden Route highlights
- 3.1 Exploring Cape Town
- 3.2 Tour to the seal colony on Duiker Island
- 3.3 The diverse Cape Peninsula
- 3.4 Simon’s Town & Boulders Beach
- 3.5 Kalk Bay, St. James & Muizenberg
- 3.6 Detour to the Winelands
- 3.7 Clarens Drive, Kogel Bay & Stony Point
- 3.8 Whales in Hermanus
- 3.9 De Kelders & Walker Bay Nature Reserve
- 3.10 Southernmost point in Cape Agulhas
- 3.11 Sand dunes in De Hoop Nature Reserve
- 3.12 Cool café in Mossel Bay
- 3.13 Detour to Oudtshoorn
- 3.14 Wilderness & George
- 3.15 Beautiful lagoon town of Knysna
- 3.16 Plettenberg Bay & Robberg Nature Reserve
- 3.17 Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park
- 3.18 Nature’s Valley Resort
- 3.19 Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay
- 3.20 Windy City Port Elizabeth
- 3.21 Game Drive in Addo Elephant Park
- 3.22 Back to Cape Town via Route 62
- 4. Conclusion on the Garden Route in South Africa
- Garden Route in South Africa – Short FAQ
1. Length of Garden Route
The coast of South Africa is simply stunningly beautiful, and you could certainly spend many weeks on the Garden Route. However, many people rush through it, trying to see as much as possible in the shortest possible time. Don’t stress yourself and give yourself plenty of time.
For the approximately 700 kilometers from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and 10 to 14 days for the return trip. The more time you have, the better, of course. Spend more time in a few places instead of rushing from one to the next. We recommend at least 14 days for this region to experience the Garden Route in South Africa in a relaxed and intensive way.
It’s also always good to be flexible. This way, you can stay an extra day in a place you like. The weather can also play tricks on you at times, giving you another day in case of an emergency.
2. Route recommendation
It depends a bit on where you start. If you start in Cape Town, you can explore the Garden Route and drive to Port Elizabeth. If you’re driving back to Cape Town, we recommend Route 62. This tour takes you through the interior of the country, parallel to the N2, back to Cape Town.
This way, you don’t have to drive the same route again. The R62 takes you through the Karoo, past Oudtshoorn, Barrydale, and Monatgu, over stunningly beautiful passes to Paarl. Simply gigantic!
Some tourists come from the Kruger National Park, the Wild Coast, or the Drakensberg and fly or drive to Durban. From there, they often take another flight to Port Elizabeth. We definitely recommend the route between Durban and PE, as the so-called Wild Coast and Sunshine Coast are truly beautiful.
But that, of course, depends on how much time you have overall. Why not combine your trip with the north, for example, and explore the Krüger National Park, the Panorama Route, and Johannesburg?
Some options for your route:
3. Our Garden Route Highlights
We have already traveled the Garden Route in South Africa three times and are therefore very familiar with this region. On our last trip (winter 2025/2025), we explored many new places and experienced great highlights. It simply never gets boring on the Garden Route, we can promise you that.
Stunningly beautiful coastlines, charming towns, plenty of action, and gorgeous landscapes await you. So hop in the car and off we go. We’ll start the tour with you in Cape Town and take you to Addo Elephant Park in this article.
If you have enough time, you can drive back to Cape Town from there via Route 62. More on that later. Now grab your pen and notebook to jot down plenty of tips for your own trip. Have fun!
3.1 Exploring Cape Town
For us, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hardly any other city has captivated us so much. But how should we describe it? Cape Town is vibrant, modern, colorful, culturally diverse, historic, but also wild, sexy, and somehow so “cool urban.”
And the best thing about the city: You could probably do something different 365 days a year, because there’s definitely no shortage of activities. Especially outdoors, you can have incredible fun and experience amazing adventures. Often, you don’t even have to spend a lot of money!
We recommend at least 4 to 5 days in Cape Town so you can get a good first impression of the city. In addition to the sights in the city, there are also numerous highlights in the surrounding area, such as Blourberg Beach, the diverse Cape Peninsula, the beautiful Winelands, and much more.
You can easily get around the city by Uber, rental car, or MyCiTi buses. The popular hop-on hop-off buses* are also ideal for exploring the city.
- Our top Cape Town sights & highlights
- The best outdoor highlights in Cape Town
- Various excursions around Cape Town
- The best tours & Activities in Cape Town
- 5 great hikes on Table Mountain in Cape Town
3.2 Tour to the seal colony on Duiker Island
We recommend a stop in the fishing village of Hout Bay near Cape Town. The tours to Duiker Island, where there is a seal colony (approximately 4,000 to 5,000 animals), start from the harbor. During our last trip in winter 2025/2025, we spontaneously took a one-hour tour with Drumbeat Charters*.
We spotted an incredible number of seals in the water and on the island. That was really cool! The tours usually last only 50 to 60 minutes and are offered by various local operators. You can book a tour spontaneously on-site or online in advance (Book our tour here for €6*).
3.3 The diverse Cape Peninsula
As soon as you leave Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles behind you, you wind your way along the coast towards the Cape Peninsula. First, you pass the small fishing village of Hout Bay before reaching the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This toll road (a regular rental car costs R57 each way) is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world. There are some truly fantastic viewpoints from which you can take beautiful photos. At the end of the panoramic road, you’ll reach the dream beach of Noordhoek, which you definitely shouldn’t miss!
We also recommend a walk to the lighthouse in Kommetjie, as well as a detour to the beaches of Scarborough and the Misty Cliffs. On our last trip we were back in Cape Point National Park and visited, among other things, the lighthouse and the famous photo opportunity at the Cape of Good Hope.
Where we are, you can hike across a jetty to Diaz Beach, to Buffels Bay Beach or, like us, to two great shipwrecks at Olifantsbobs Beach. The Cape Peninsula has so much to offer, it’s best to plan at least 2 days. More about this here: Cape Peninsula in South Africa – Day Tour including Highlights & Insider Tips.
- Cape Town: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour*
- Hout Bay: Duiker Island Seal Colony Cruise*
- From Cape Town: Cape Point & Boulders Beach – Day Tour*
- From Cape Town: Cape Peninsula Day Tour including hotel transport*
3.4 Simon’s Town & Boulders Beach
Surely you’ve heard something about the penguins at Boulders Beach during your research, right? We were there again recently and really enjoyed the trip to see the penguins. It’s best to start between 7 and 8 a.m., when it’s not busy yet and you can observe and photograph the little animals in peace.
The current entrance fee is R176 per person (children R88). With this ticket, you can visit both viewing platforms and the back beach, where, with a bit of luck, you might even swim with the penguins. A truly fantastic experience—even for families with children.
3.5 Kalk Bay, St. James & Muizenberg
During our last trip, we spent a bit longer in St. James and Kalk Bay. We particularly liked Kalk Bay because of its cool cafés, restaurants, and shops. You can also take a relaxing dip in the tidal pool while gazing out to sea, or enjoy fresh fish and seal watching at Kalk Bay Harbour. From the colorful huts, you can stroll across the St. James Coastal Walk to Muizenberg. You’ll learn more about this area soon on our blog.
Muizenberg is a small, charming, and cozy town on the coast outside Cape Town. Here you can relax in a café, watch the waves, and even hop on a board and catch a wave or two.
You can rent surfing equipment from one of the surf shops right on the beach promenade. The long, wide beach is also home to the famous colorful wooden houses, although they currently look a bit run-down.
3.6 Detour to the Winelands
Before heading towards Mossel Bay, you should take a detour to the Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. This region is just a 60-minute drive from Cape Town. Countless wineries, great hotels, and restaurants await you here, where you can sample a few wines.
On our last trip, we visited several beautiful wineries, which we can highly recommend. Click here for the article: Our Top 5 Wineries & Tours. We’ll soon be adding many more wineries that we visited on our last trip.
We particularly enjoyed the magical landscapes of the Winelands. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, lush green meadows, and vineyards, we were able to enjoy the unique flair of this region. Recommended starting points are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, and according to some guidebooks, Worcester, Tulbagh, Robertson, and Swellendam.
Wine tastings are generally quite affordable. Prices average around €3 to €6 (depending on the wine tasting). Many wineries also offer various tours, picnics, guided tours, or other activities.
In the Winelands, you can not only drink wine but also explore nature. The beautiful landscapes are ideal for numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, safaris, climbing, scooter tours, or city tours. How about an e-bike tour* through the picturesque landscapes, including a wine tasting at one or more wineries? Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
3.7 Clarens Drive, Kogel Bay & Stony Point
If you’re planning to drive to Hermanus, we recommend taking the R44. This panoramic road (called “Clarens Drive”) awaits you with spectacular viewpoints over the deep blue sea. Along the way, you’ll also pass one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches, Kogel Bay Beach. The view from the road itself is simply spectacular, with the imposing mountain range in the background.
If you continue along the road, you will soon pass Betty’s Bay. Be sure to check out the penguin colony that lives in the Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay. Entrance fee is just R30-R40 per person, depending on the time of year. Hundreds of penguins frolic among the rocks and along the shore, making for great observation and photography from the wooden walkways.
3.8 Whales in Hermanus
Hermanus – the world capital of whale watching! This town is a very beautiful place right on the coast. Here you’ll find numerous accommodations, many bars and restaurants, as well as supermarkets, small boutiques, and shops. Everything feels so cozy, like a seaside resort.
The blue-green Atlantic, the bright blue sky, the rugged coastline, and the fresh breeze rushing around your ears – welcome to Hermanus. If you’re in the right place at the right time (June to November), you can watch whales in the bay from land. We were lucky and saw some. Amazing!
Whale-watching tours usually last 2 to 3 hours, and in addition to whales, seals and dolphins can also be spotted. But remember: no one can guarantee that you’ll spot these giants of the sea. We watched the whales from the coast. Since they often come very far into the bay, you can also sit on the bench with binoculars and watch the spectacle.
Whale Watching Tours:
- From Cape Town: Whale Watching Boat Trip in Hermanus*
- Hermanus: Whale Watching Boat Tour*
- Gansbaai: Whale Watching Boat Trip*
In addition to the unique whale watching experience, there is also a beautiful trail along the coast, the so-called “Cliff Path Trail.” This picturesque path winds its way along the sea for around 10 kilometers. Time and again, you will see meter-high waves crashing against the rocky coast. Along the way, you will pass Grotto Beach, one of the locals’ favorite beaches. More about this here: Our best tips for Hermanus.
3.9 De Kelders & Walker Bay Nature Reserve
After our time in Hermanus, we took a great trip to De Kelders. This small coastal town is ideal for whale watching, as you can easily spot the whales in the bay from the mainland during the season.
Right next door is the beautiful Walker Bay Nature Reserve, which we explored on our last trip. The trail to Klipgat Cave and its stunning beaches is highly recommended. Simply stunning! The entrance fee currently costs R60 per person.
3.10 Southernmost point in Cape Agulhas
Why do all the holidaymakers and travelers always come here? It’s simple! Cape Agulhas is home to the famous “Southernmost Point,” the southernmost point of the African continent. Geographically speaking, this is where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. And if you stroll a few hundred meters further along the coast from this point, you’ll come across several shipwrecks in the sea.
Reader’s tip: Another highlight in Cape Agulhas (Struisbaai) are the giant stingrays in the harbor. In the evening, the fishermen return and dump their fish waste into the sea. Naturally, some rays don’t miss the chance to see them. Update 02/2020: The rays were recently seen in the water again by a reader.
If you don’t necessarily want to travel alone and would rather join a tour, you can find several different providers. Private day tours from Cape Town* are also offered. You don’t need to plan too much time for this area either. The walk from the lighthouse to the said point takes around 20 minutes.
If you also want to see the lighthouse itself, as well as the shipwreck, you should plan a total of about 2 hours for Cape Agulhas. You can find out more here: Our best tips for Cape Agulhas.
3.11 Sand Dunes in De Hoop Nature Reserve
For us, the De Hoop Nature Reserve is definitely one of the most beautiful places on the South African coast and also the most beautiful sandbox in the entire country. Here on the Indian Ocean, you’ll find enormous white sand dunes, which, together with the turquoise sea, form a stunning backdrop.
The reserve also offers the best conditions for spotting whales. We were lucky again and were able to watch a whale frolicking for almost half an hour. It was certainly a magical moment for both of us. You can find detailed information in our article about the reserve: All highlights and information about De Hoop Nature Reserve.
In the reserve itself, you can take various hikes, visit the unique wetland “De Hoop Vlei”, or explore the reserve on various mountain bike routes. The access to De Hoop is via a well-maintained gravel road, easily accessible with a small car.
The drive takes approximately 75 minutes from the N2 turnoff. It’s worth it! Don’t miss this sandbox! Entrance is only R50 per person. The park is open Saturday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays, the gates are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cool accommodations in and around De Hoop
- De Hoop Collection*
- Potteberg Guest Farm*
- Tides River Lodge*
3.12 Cool café in Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is located directly on the coast and is a popular holiday resort in South Africa. And did you know that it has the second-best climate in the world after Hawaii? According to online climate charts, the climate is pleasant year-round, so you can basically stop here any time of year.
Mossel Bay is located between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – pretty much in the middle and marks the official start of the Garden Route in South Africa. Many people don’t like the place, but we’ve discovered a few cool spots here.
Our tips: Santos Express Train* (overnight stay on a train; now a bit dated), the Blue Shed Coffee Roastery, a walk to the lighthouse, and the stunning St. Blaize Hiking Trail, which runs directly along the water.
With a bit of luck, you might even see some dolphins and whales in the sea. Mossel Bay was the perfect stop for an overnight stay by the sea (okay, we were actually here for a whole five days and got a bit stuck).
We did some research and found out that there’s also the opportunity to spot the Big 5 on safari around Mossel Bay. In addition to the Garden Route Game Lodge* (20 km) and the Gondwana Game Reserve, there’s also the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve* (20 km). These reserves offer day tours. As you can see, this city is diverse and offers the perfect mix of beach, adventure, and enjoyment.
Cool Accommodations in Mossel Bay
- The Lookout Guest House*
- Bay Lodge on the Beach*
- New Stone Manor*
- Diaz Hotel and Resort*
- Ocean Breeze*
3.13 Detour to Oudtshoorn
Admittedly, Oudtshoorn isn’t exactly on South Africa’s Garden Route, but a detour into the interior is still worthwhile. From Mossel Bay, it’s only about 90 minutes via Robinson Pass to Oudtshoorn. This town was once the center of the ostrich farming industry.
At that time, the great ostrich barons made a fortune with ostrich feathers. A single feather cost just under €23 back then! Today, you can find many ostrich farms here, such as the Ostrich Show Farm.
Oudtshoorn itself isn’t particularly exciting, but there are a few great highlights in the surrounding area. For example, there are the unique Cango Caves, which you can explore on a guided tour. The caves are among the largest cave systems in the world and are truly spectacular!
Also popular are tours to small meerkat colonies, a visit to an ostrich farm* or a game drive in the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve*, where you can see elephants, hippos, zebras, lions and rhinos. Be sure to plan a day for the Swartberg Pass and Prince Albert. You can find out more here: All Highlights of Route 62 in South Africa.
Cool Accommodations in Oudtshoorn
- Karoo Retreat*
- Old Mill Lodge*
- Klein Karoo Game Lodge*
- Thabile Lodge*
- Surval Boutique Olive Estate*
3.14 Wilderness & George
Wilderness is a small village directly on the Garden Route with numerous accommodations, great chalets, campsites, restaurants, a few shops, and the Wilderness National Park. The place itself isn’t particularly spectacular, but you can take many great tours from here.
The surrounding area, with the Wilderness Lake Area and the excursion destinations from Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay, make this place at the mouth of the Touws River so attractive. Steep mountains, dense and ancient forests, a kilometer-long white sandy beach, and beautiful lagoons await you. If you’re lucky, you might also see humpback whales, southern right whales, and dolphins. We enjoyed our time in Wilderness to the fullest!
Take a trip to the “Map of Africa” Viewpoint. From up here, you have a beautiful view of the gorge-like and very winding valley of the Kaaimans River. The view from the Dolphin Point Lookout is also spectacular. Victoria Bay is also popular with surfers. The peak season for surfers is from May to August, i.e., in the winter months.
You can also enjoy numerous outdoor activities in the region, such as paragliding*, canyoning*, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking*, abseiling*, horseback riding, and golf. We also highly recommend a hike in Wilderness National Park. You can read all about our time in Wilderness here: Our best tips for Wilderness.
Cool accommodations in Wilderness
- Oceans Wilderness*
- The Wild Farm Backpackers*
- 7 Passes Camp*
- River View*
- On the Water @ Pirates Creek*
3.15 Beautiful Lagoon Town of Knysna
The route along the Garden Route inevitably leads through the beautiful town of Knysna (pronounced “Nei-sna”). Almost everyone stops here to enjoy the beautiful lagoon landscape. We were recently there again for five days and thoroughly enjoyed our time.
There are great cafes and restaurants there, cool shops, and a beautiful scenic backdrop. For us, Knysna is a must-see on any trip along the Garden Route in South Africa.
We recommend the East Head Viewpoint, from where you have outstanding views of the lagoon, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, the town, and the sea. The impressive Knysna Heads cliffs restrict the access to the lake to less than 200 meters wide. It’s best to book the Eco Marine Tour* and discover the lagoon and the coast from the water.
This way, you’ll have a great view of the steep cliffs and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins, whales, and seals. We did a tour like this recently (January 2025). However, other tours and trips (book a boat tour here*) with kayaks*, boats, scooters, and SUPs are also offered.
Oysters are also still farmed in the lagoon – fans of this seafood will get their money’s worth here. In July, the popular and well-known Oyster Festival takes place in Knysna. Over two weekends, there’s a big celebration and the oyster is honored. More about it here: Knysna in South Africa – The Top Highlights & Travel tips.
Cool accommodations in Knysna
- Abalone Lodges*
- Lagoon View Cottage*
- Rexford Manor Boutique Hotel*
- Adventure Pads at Pezula*
- Knysna Hollow Country Estate*
3.16 Plettenberg Bay & Robberg Nature Reserve
The cozy town of Plettenberg Bay (also called “Plett”) is known for its expansive sandy beaches. This is precisely why you can stop for a swim while passing through. Keurboom Beach, located to the northeast, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa.
Look Out Beach and Central Beach are also ideal for a swim break. If you’ve had enough of the beach life, you can dive into the water with goggles and a snorkel.
A dive trail has even been set up on the main beach. The bay is also popular with dolphins. You’ll find great trails and beautiful views above the water’s surface in the Robberg Nature Reserve. Three hiking trails of varying lengths await you in the Robberg Nature Reserve.
Be sure to visit the resident seal colony and the beautiful beaches. Other activities we discovered during our online research include swimming with seals*, canyoning tours*, whale watching tours*, and horseback riding safaris. You can find out more about Plettenberg Bay here: Our detailed Plettenberg Bay Guide.
Cool accommodations in Plettenberg Bay
- Urban Plett*
- Hillcrest Lodge Tents – Sandstone*
- Dolphin Circle Bed and Breakfast*
- Villa Villekula*
- La Vista Lodge*
3.17 Hiking in the Tsitsikamma National Park
What an oasis! The Tsitsikamma National Park is part of the Garden Route National Park and is definitely one of our absolute Garden Route highlights. Here you’ll find cool trails along the Storms River for exploring nature. One popular path in the Tsitsikamma National Park is the Waterfall Trail, which takes you to a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool in around 90 minutes.
Do you have even more stamina? How about the 5-day Otter Trail? The Otter Trail is one of South Africa’s most famous hiking trails and one of the most popular Garden Route highlights. The path takes you along the untouched South African coast.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Plunge into the depths from the Bloukrans Bridge! We did the highest bridge bungee jump in the world and it was definitely an unforgettable adventure (book here*). Watch our video here. Or rent a kayak and paddle through the Storms River estuary or experience lots of action tubing*.
Cool accommodations in and around the park
- The Fernery Lodge & Chalets*
- Trogon House and Forest Spa*
- Beyond Urban Cottages*
- Swallows Nest Country Cottages*
- Meraki Guest House*
3.18 Nature’s Valley Resort
Not far from Tsitsikamma National Park, we found the beautiful Nature’s Valley. This small resort is located right on the sea with a beautiful, expansive beach. We actually only wanted to stay near the Bloukrans Bridge and unexpectedly ended up at the super cool Rocky Roads Backpackers.
Here we stayed in a large safari tent with a double bed and a bedside table. It was a kind of “African glamping”. The whole resort is fantastic, and the owner is also in a great mood. There are, of course, many other accommodations in Nature’s Valley.
3.19 Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay
Jay Bay is THE address on the Garden Route when it comes to surfing. Surf junkies from all over the world meet here. Not only because the place itself is really relaxed and cool, but also because you can surf some of the best waves in the world here. For example, the so-called “Super Tubes.” These waves can reportedly reach up to 3 meters high and 800 meters long – pure adrenaline, right? So how about a beginner’s surfing course*? Be sure to try sandboarding in the dunes, it’s a lot of fun (book here*).
Update 02/2025: We had to cut our last trip (winter 2022/2025) short due to family reasons and unfortunately couldn’t visit Jeffreys Bay again! Therefore, we cannot provide you with current information and tips.
Cool accommodations in Jeffreys Bay
- Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay*
- Surf Lodge South Africa*
- Dreamland Beach House*
- Dolphin Sunrise*
- Stone Olive*
3.20 Windy City Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth awaits you with some beautiful beaches, historical buildings and a variety of leisure activities. The most popular beaches include Humewood Beach, Kings Beach, Hobie Beach, and Sardinia Bay in the south, with its magnificent sand dunes. Thanks to the favorable wind conditions, you can also enjoy sailing and windsurfing here, as well as surfing, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and much more.
Nearby attractions include the popular Addo Elephant National Park, the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve, the Colchester Dunes, and the popular surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay. More information here: Our best tips for Port Elizabeth. Unfortunately, in our opinion, PE hasn’t yet managed to shake off its industrial charm. The city is okay for a short stop, but then you can move on straight away.
Cool Accommodations in Port Elizabeth
- Singa Lodge*
- Kragga Kamma Game Park*
- Ibhayi Guest Lodge*
- The Boardwalk Hotel*
- No 5 by Mantis*
3.21 Game Drive in the Addo Elephant Park
One of the highlights along the Garden Route is the Addo Elephant Park, which is located just 80 kilometers from PE. The great thing about this reserve: You can easily drive through the park in your own rental car. There are also several accommodations and places to spend the night in the area.
In Addo Elephant National Park you have the opportunity to see zebras, lions, water buffalo, elephants, hyenas, and much more in the wild! Only giraffes do not live in this national park. Currently, the entrance fee is R376 per adult (children receive a discount), including a map of the area. Be sure to pack binoculars as well as plenty of snacks and drinks.
We found the Addo Elephant Park really beautiful and thoroughly enjoyed our first safari experience there. Popular game reserves such as the Amakhala Game Reserve and the Shamwari Game Reserve are nearby. Here you can experience exclusive safari adventures.
Cool accommodations in and around the park
- Gorah Elephant Camp*
- ParkView Safari Lodge*
- Woodall Country House and Spa*
- Dungbeetle River Lodge*
- Africanos Country Estate*
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3.22 Back to Cape Town via Route 62
Don’t want to drive back the same way? Then explore Route 62, which runs parallel to the N2 through the interior of the country. On this route, you’ll find charming villages and towns, a seemingly endless wine route, countless ostrich farms, imposing mountain ranges with deep gorges, adventurous mountain passes, green valleys, and breathtaking landscapes.
The semi-desert landscape (Little Karoo) offers a very special charm, and in many places, you’ll feel like you’re on Route 66 in the USA. In the following article, we’ll take you on a virtual journey and show you the most beautiful places, sights, and highlights along Route 62 in South Africa. More about this here: R62 in South Africa.
4. Conclusion on the Garden Route in South Africa
As you can see, there are numerous highlights in South Africa, especially between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. South Africa is and remains an incredibly diverse country with breathtaking nature. You shouldn’t miss the South African Garden Route. This route is one of the most beautiful routes in the entire country. This area is highly recommended, especially for newcomers to South Africa. Plan 10 to 14 days for the route and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Garden Route in South Africa – Short FAQ
Is the Garden Route worth visiting? How long should I plan for the Garden Route? Is the Garden Route safe? Are there safari opportunities along the Garden Route? When is the best time to travel to the Garden Route?