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The Garden Route is known as one of the best drives in South Africa, taking you through charming coastal towns, lush forests, and incredible wildlife experiences, with endless opportunities for adventure. From relaxing on pristine beaches to spotting elephants on safari, or staying in a cosy sea-view lodge, this scenic route promises to be an unforgettable road trip.
Having driven this route twice, we’ve put together a 7-day itinerary designed to give you the ultimate self-drive Garden Route experience. In this guide, we share practical tips for driving the Garden Route from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park with must-see stops, recommended activities, and when is the best time to visit.
This guide focuses on driving the Garden Route yourself, covering safety tips, top activities, safari highlights, recommended lodges, and a complete itinerary you can follow.
For those wanting a more in-depth guide, our comprehensive Garden Route guide covers everything you need to know, including a full list of the best attractions and activities to help you create your own personalised itinerary.
READ NEXT | Ultimate Garden Route Guide
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Having driven the Garden Route twice, we can confidently say it is one of the most rewarding road trips you can take. It offers world-class wildlife experiences, jaw-dropping coastal scenery, and endless outdoor adventures.
Whether you only have a few days or two weeks, the route can be adapted to your schedule, allowing you to enjoy all the highlights at a comfortable pace and create a truly memorable journey.
The Garden Route is around 200km long, officially starting in Mossel Bay within the Western Cape, on the south coast of South Africa and finishing in Storms River.
For most visitors, a popular driving route is starting from Cape Town to Addo Elephant Park, near Port Elizabeth (also known as Gqeberha – pronounced ‘click-bear-gha’), making stops along the way like we did.
The route from Cape Town to Addo is around 750 km and takes 8.5 hours to drive without stops.
The best way to explore the Garden Route is to self-drive, giving you the freedom to stop wherever you like. Whether it’s spotting wildlife, taking in a scenic viewpoint, or exploring a charming town, you can personalise the trip to your own pace.
For most of the journey, driving the Garden Route follows a main coastal road that is tarmacked, regularly maintained, and suitable for all standard cars. Hiring a 4x4 is not necessary for this itinerary, although we have included a few optional stops that require off-road experience, which you can skip if you prefer.
You can hire a car in Cape Town or, if travelling in reverse, in Port Elizabeth.
The Garden Route is considered to be one of the best drives in the world. Embracing the Indian Ocean, it offers breathtaking views around every corner. The Outeniqua Mountains run parallel to the Garden Route, creating a dramatic setting for the never-ending ocean views.
Here are some tips for driving the Garden Route:
Drive on the left | If you’re visiting from the UK, you’ll feel right at home, as South Africa also drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Fuel stops | There are plenty of petrol stations along the way, most are found in small and larger towns en route.
Tolls | There are a few tolls along this route, so it’s best to carry some cash. The ones on this route are on the N1 Huguenot Tunnel (near Paarl), and along the N2 at Tsitsikamma and Keurboomstrand.
Navigation | Download offline maps before you go, as mobile signal can be patchy in more remote areas.
Keep flexible plans | The joy of a Garden Route self-drive itinerary is the freedom to stop spontaneously at a viewpoint, explore a local market or stumble across a hidden beach that catches your eye.
Speed cameras | Look out for speed cameras on the Garden Route, especially on the N2 between George and Wilderness, and there can be mobile speed camera units
Some may be hesitant to self-drive in South Africa, but the Garden Route is known as one of the safest parts of South Africa. The Garden Route is a popular route with visitors, making it one of the top things people do when they visit Cape Town or South Africa.
While this is the case, it’s worth being aware of the following safety tips, which apply when visiting other destinations:
Keep car doors locked when driving, and be vigilant at traffic lights
Don’t leave any valuables visible in the car
When carrying cash, only have small amounts
Avoid driving at night; short drives to and from the hotel are fine, just long drives at night are best avoided, especially on rural roads where there is no lighting
Before heading out, ask your accommodation about areas to avoid. Locals can provide the most current and relevant advice.
When planning a Garden Route road trip, you’ll need to decide whether to travel one-way (Cape Town to Addo) or do a round trip by driving back. Both options have their advantages; here’s a quick summary of each to help you choose:
ONE-WAY TRIP TO ADDO
e.g. Fly from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, drive along the Garden Route or reverse
This is the best option for solo travellers or couples who want to save time and avoid the fatigue of a long drive back.
Time efficient | Drive to Port Elizabeth and fly back to Cape Town (1h20 flight). Limited PE international connections mean Cape Town is usually the main hub. Alternatively, fly to George near Mossel Bay to save the 5-hour drive from Cape Town.
Drop-off fee | You’ll need to return your car rental in a different city, which usually holds a one-way rental drop-off fee (approx. R1800).
Lower Fuel costs | Skipping the return drive saves on fuel, but adds flight and one-way rental drop-off fees. This option is usually more practical for solo travellers or couples, with total costs often lower than driving both ways (see table below).
ROUND TRIP
e.g. Cape Town - Addo - Cape Town
Our preferred option is taking a round trip, best for those who have more time to explore, and potentially want to combine with the inland R62 on the return route with the Garden Route coastal route.
More flexible | Keep the same car and have the freedom to stop at places on the way back.
More affordable for groups| Avoids one-way rental fees and flights, fuel costs are shared among passengers, making it the most cost-effective, especially for couples, large groups or families
Longer drive time | Driving both ways doubles the distance. While it’s possible in one day, splitting the return over two days makes the journey safer and more enjoyable.
Scenic return option | Take the inland R62 for a strikingly different route, featuring Karoo mountains, semi-desert landscapes, and charming small towns.
ONE-WAY VS ROUND TRIP COST COMPARISON
The table below compares the main travel options for the full Cape Town to Port Elizabeth route. Costs are estimates in GBP (£) per person, including fuel, flights, and any car rental drop-off fees.
The main difference between the options is time and convenience. Driving both ways is slightly cheaper, while flying one way saves several hours but may include a drop-off fee. Without the drop-off fee, total costs are very similar, so the choice largely depends on how much time you have.
The Garden Route officially begins in Mossel Bay, about 400 km (5 hours) from Cape Town. Driving all the way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth takes over 10 hours one way.
3–5 days | Enough to see the highlights of the Garden Route itself, but it can feel rushed once you factor in travel time from Cape Town.
7 days | A good balance. This gives you time to reach the route, explore beyond just the main highlights, and enjoy a more in-depth experience of the coastline.
14 days | Perfect for a slower pace. Spend two nights in key locations, enjoy longer stays and more safari experiences at Addo, and take extra time to explore the R62 inland route on the return journey.
While the Garden Route, which stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River, can be done in 3–5 days, it’s well worth considering adding extra time for travel days and ideally extending to Addo Elephant Park for a complete itinerary.
The Garden Route is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. For sunny, warm weather to enjoy beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures, October to March is ideal.
Whale watching is best from July to December, while other wildlife can be seen throughout the year. If you want a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November are perfect.
This 7-day self-drive itinerary takes you on a scenic journey from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park and back via the R62, combining coastal highlights, wildlife experiences, and Karoo landscapes.
This itinerary can be enjoyed any time of year, with wildlife experiences available year-round and seasonal highlights like whale and bird watching.
It’s designed to balance driving and sightseeing, giving you enough time to enjoy hikes, beaches, wildlife safaris, and lovely towns without feeling rushed. It can be done at any time of year, which ma
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the Garden Route, from Botlierskop game reserve and Tsitsikamma forests to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Addo, finishing with a scenic inland drive back to Cape Town.
Summary of route
Day 1 - Cape Town to Wilderness
Day 2 - Wilderness to Knysna
Day 3 - Plettenberg Bay
Day 4 - Tsitsikamma
Day 5 - Addo
Day 6 - Oudtshoorn
Day 7 - Montagu via R62 back to Cape Town
Distance | 440 km
Driving time | 5 hours
Depart Cape Town in the morning and enjoy the scenic drive through the Western Cape. Arrive at Botlierskop Private Game Lodge for a guided game drive, horseback safari, or a relaxing spa session. You can stay overnight at Botlierskop or visit as a day guest; it’s a memorable introduction to the Garden Route’s wildlife.
Continue to Wilderness and stay at Escape to the Beach, a boutique hotel with sweeping views of Wilderness Beach. Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s charming restaurants and take in the relaxed coastal vibe. Early morning offers golden light and, if you’re lucky, dolphins playing in the waves, while at night bioluminescent algae create a magical glow along the shore.
Distance | 46 km
Driving time | 45 minutes
Only a short drive from Wilderness, spend the day exploring Knysna Village and the scenic Knysna Lagoon. Here are several nature reserves where you can spot the beautiful sunbirds. These include Pledge, Eastford, and Steenbok Nature Reserve. Alternatively, take the ferry to Featherbed for coastal and breathtaking views of the estuary.
Don’t miss the Knysna Heads, offering dramatic views of the lagoon and ocean, or visit Knysna Elephant Park, a sanctuary focused on the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
Stay overnight in either Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. We stayed at the Alkantmooi’s self-catering apartments in Keursee 4, located just outside Plettenberg Bay, approximately 30 minutes from Knysna, perfect for couples for a honeymoon or romantic getaway in nature.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve
If you’d rather stay in Knysna, then consider the Turbine Hotel & Spa, a stylish boutique hotel on Thesen Island with comfortable rooms, excellent spa facilities, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Turbine Hotel & Spa in Knysna
Distance |67 km
Driving time |1 hour
If you spent the night staying in Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve, get out on a hire boat and explore the scenic Keurbooms River. You’ll find the most scenic hikes in Robberg Nature Reserve, with its cliffside views and a chance to spot seals and dolphins, and even great white sharks.
Visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to rescued and rehabilitated birds, and combine it with Monkeyland and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary for a full wildlife experience. These attractions are enjoyable for visitors of all ages, making them perfect for families, couples, or anyone interested in immersive wildlife encounters.
Stop at Old Nick Village to browse local crafts, explore artisan shops, and enjoy a bite at the quaint café before leaving Plettenberg Bay for your next destination.
Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River for your overnight stay, at the heart of the Garden Route’s wild coast. Options include Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa, offering comfortable lodge-style rooms with spa facilities and a pool.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa in Storms River
Or consider the SANParks Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, which has both cabins and campsite spots with ocean views and easy access to walking trails. Book in advance, especially during holiday periods, to secure your preferred option.
Distance | 204 km
Driving time | 2 hours
Tsitsikamma National Park is a haven for adventure and nature lovers. Hike through lush temperate forests and explore the unique fynbos plant life, or take the relatively easy Storms River Suspension Bridge walk, which takes about an hour along mostly boardwalk trails and offers stunning views over the river. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like the cute-looking dassies.
Thrill-seekers can try the famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump, Treetop canopy tours, or kayak along the Storms River, discovering hidden beaches and waterfalls along the way.
The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour takes you high among ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, with opportunities to spot chameleons, sunbirds, and the Knysna Loerie, while zip-lining from platform to platform for a unique rainforest perspective.
After a day of adventure, continue along the Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park. You can choose to stay inside the park at Addo Main Camp, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the Addo herd by the waterhole lookout.
The main camp offers a range of accommodations, all bookable through the SANParks website. Alternatively, several lodges and guesthouses just outside the park offer comfortable stays while still being close to the action.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Addo Main Camp inside Addo Elephant National Park
Our most eastern stop on this road trip takes you to Addo Elephant National Park, home to around 600 African elephants as well as zebras, buffalo, and warthogs.
If you stay in the park, you’ll benefit from early morning game drives, being the first to spot the main sights and record your sightings on the viewing boards. There is a Cattle Baron restaurant next to the reception, and picnic and braai facilities are found throughout the park.
Visitors staying outside the park can still enjoy a full self-drive safari, with early mornings and late afternoons offering the best wildlife viewing. If you prefer not to drive yourself, guided safari drives are available to make wildlife spotting easy and stress-free.
After your safari, you can explore nearby walking trails, relax at your lodge, or simply enjoy the peaceful bush surroundings. Spend the night at a comfortable lodge or guesthouse near the park, such as Ndlovu Addo River Lodge, an eco-friendly place in a peaceful setting next to the river.
Distance | 379 km
Driving time | 4-5 hours
This morning, you’ll start the journey west along the iconic Route 62, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. Take the R329 through Glenconnor, Kleinpoort, Steytlerville and Willowmore. It’s a quiet tarred road with gravel passing places. The route winds through vineyards, dramatic mountain passes, and charming Karoo towns, making the drive an experience in itself. Just before Oudtshoorn, the village of De Rust is a peaceful stop with local cafés and shops.
Alternatively, you could detour via Jeffreys Bay, a surfing hub, before heading inland on the R62. This route is busier during peak season and takes about an hour longer than the R329 option.
After around 4.5 hours driving, you’ll reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and gateway to the Cango Caves. This impressive network of caverns can be explored on a standard walking tour, or for the more adventurous, you can try and squeeze through the ‘letterbox’.
For your stay, Le Petit Karoo, near Oudtshoorn, offers cosy rooms with a pool, on-site restaurant, and breathtaking scenery, perfect for both relaxation and adventure.
Distance | 420 km
Driving time | 4.5-5 hours
On your final day, drive west along Route 62, with opportunities to stop for coffee, browse local markets, or enjoy a wine tasting at one of the vineyards along the way.
The route passes through the scenic Little Karoo, and the town of Montagu is a highlight, surrounded by dramatic mountains with a Wild West feel.
Montagu is known for hiking, rock climbing, hot springs, and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, making it a charming stop before returning to Cape Town. By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive back in Cape Town, completing your Garden Route adventure.
Optional detour for 4x4 vehicles| For an unforgettable off-grid escape, head into the hills above Montagu to Abrikoos Kloof Private Pod Reserve. The Life House is a modern cabin perched high in the mountains, offering sweeping views, complete privacy, and every comfort for a truly memorable stay.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Abrikoos Kloof Private Pod Reserve
NEXT | Read our Where to Stay in Cape Town
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Yes. You’ll find tolls on the N1 Huguenot Tunnel (near Paarl), and along the N2 at Tsitsikamma and Keurboomstrand. Most toll booths accept cash, but international cards are not always reliable. Ask your rental company about an electronic tag (e-tag) for a smoother journey. Carry small cash just in case.
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Daytime driving is best. Main roads are generally safe, but rural roads often lack lighting and wildlife or livestock can cross unexpectedly. Short evening drives to dinner are fine.
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No. All main routes on the Garden Route are tarred and well-maintained. A standard car is suitable. A 4x4 is only useful for optional off-road detours.
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Popular stops include Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma, Addo, and Oudtshoorn. Each offers unique activities and a range of accommodation to choose from.
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Yes, but signal can be patchy in rural areas, especially around Tsitsikamma and Addo. Download offline maps before starting your trip.
Use our interactive map below to explore boutique hotels, apartments, and guesthouse options along the Garden Route. Simply zoom in on the area you’d like to stay, and you’ll see a variety of choices pop up.
READ NEXT | Combine this itinerary with our complete Where to Stay on the Garden Route guide
