The Garden Route
A coastal drive of forests, lagoons and small towns between Mossel Bay and Storms River, taken at your own pace.
Overview
The Garden Route follows the N2 along South Africa’s southern coast, roughly from Mossel Bay to Storms River, through Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. It suits families, couples and travellers who enjoy driving and slower travel.
It is the natural add-on to Cape Town for anyone with a week or more. We plan the overnight stops so no driving day is too long, and you can fly home from George or Gqeberha instead of driving back.
What the trip looks like
Built around your dates. There is no fixed itinerary. These are the lengths of stay most of our travellers choose, and we plan the detail with you.
Fly in, one base
Fly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to George and stay in Knysna or Plettenberg Bay.
Classic road trip
Cape Town along the coast to Tsitsikamma, then fly home from Gqeberha.
Coast and Karoo
Add an inland loop through Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves.
Cape Town and the Garden Route
The city, the Winelands and the coast in one trip.
Experiences
Knysna
The lagoon, the Heads at its mouth, and forest walks nearby.
Tsitsikamma
Coastal trails and the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth.
Plettenberg Bay
Long beaches and boat trips; whales and dolphins in season, never guaranteed.
Wilderness
Lakes, rivers and forest walks, with paddling on calm water.
Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves
A detour over the mountains to the Klein Karoo.
Mossel Bay
The western start of the route, with beaches and a historic harbour.
Where you'll stay
Choose a level and we match properties with availability on your dates. Specific hotels are confirmed on your quotation.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses and B&Bs in each overnight town.
Four-star hotels
Established hotels on the lagoons and beaches.
Boutique lodges
Smaller lodges in the forest or on the coast.
Top lodges
High-end lodges and hotels, sometimes with private game reserves nearby.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Best period
- Good / shoulder
- Quieter or wetter
Warm weather for beaches and walks. December and January are the busiest weeks.
Mild and quieter, with good value.
Cooler and quieter. Rain can fall at any time of year on this coast.
Southern right whales visit the coast in these months, depending on the year.
Getting there
Drive from Cape Town
Mossel Bay is about four hours from Cape Town along the N2. South Africa drives on the left.
- Carry your driving licence; an International Driving Permit is recommended
- We suggest stops so no day is too long
Fly to George or Gqeberha
Domestic flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg to George, near the western end, or Gqeberha to the east.
- Saves the drive from Cape Town
- Suits a one-way road trip
Ask us to plan a routing that fits your dates.
What we arrange
What we arrange
- Car hire with route notes
- Overnight stops, booked in advance
- Domestic flights
- Activities and boat trips
- Flights from Nairobi
- Travel insurance
What varies by trip
- Number of nights and stops
- Car type and insurance
- Hotel level
- One-way or return routing
- Activities chosen
- Season
Your written quotation lists exactly what is included for your dates.
Gallery
Where you'll be
The Garden Route runs along the N2 between Mossel Bay and Storms River. George and Gqeberha have the nearest airports.
Pricing
What changes the price
- Travel dates
- Number of stops
- Hotel level
- Car hire and insurance
- Domestic flights
- Activities
Final pricing depends on dates, traveller numbers, accommodation and availability.
Interested in The Garden Route?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A consultant will come back to you with options and a firm quotation.
- Only name and email are required
- No obligation; a travel advisor replies, not an automated sequence
- Flights, hotels, transfers and visa guidance handled together
Prefer to talk it through? Talk to a travel advisor on +254 727 443840 or email travel@travellifectm.com.
The Garden Route: good to know
How many days do I need?
A week from Cape Town is comfortable. With three or four nights, fly to George and stay in one place.
Do I need to drive?
A self-drive trip is the usual way. We can also arrange a driver or flights for part of the route.
What do I need to hire a car?
Your driving licence; an International Driving Permit is recommended. South Africa drives on the left.
When is the best time?
October to April for the beaches. June to November for the chance of whales.
Do I need a visa?
Kenyan passport holders can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities vary, and your passport needs at least two blank pages. Our visa centre confirms the detail.
Can Travel Life Africa arrange flights and transfers?
Yes. Regional and domestic flights, car hire or drivers, hotels and activities are booked together as one trip.
Other places to explore.
Photos via Unsplash (Unsplash Licence). Images show the type of place and experience and are not from a specific Travel Life Africa trip or property.