Discover the Best Stops on South Africa’s Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, stretching along the southern coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River. From pristine beaches to lush forests, adventure activities to charming towns, this route has something for every traveler. Along the way, you’ll encounter cultural gems, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty, making it a must-do itinerary. Highlights include Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Storms River, and Addo Elephant National Park.

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How to Get to the Garden Route

✈️ By Plane: The Garden Route is usually started from either Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. Alternatively, you can also fly to George Airport. From either airport, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the region independently, or book a private shuttle service directly to your accommodation.

🚗 By Car: Driving is the classic way to experience the Garden Route. The route follows the N2 highway for roughly 600 km of coastline, forests, lagoons, and mountains. Starting from Cape Town, you can easily reach Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Storms River, stopping at scenic points along the way. Rent a car through Sunny Cars for an all-inclusive rental service.

🚍 By Bus or Shuttle: While private shuttles and bus tours operate along the route, self-driving is highly recommended for flexibility and the ability to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and towns at your own pace. Alternatively, especially if you are travelling by yourself, Baz bus is a great option. It is a hop-on hop-off bus service along the Garden route with different available travel passes.

🗺️ By Guided Tour (Multi-Day): If you’d rather not drive, you can join a guided multi-day tour starting from Cape Town. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, and curated stops at the highlights along the Garden Route. This is a perfect option if you want a stress-free way to see it all without planning every detail yourself.

Quick Guide to the Garden Route

Before diving into each stop in detail, here’s a quick overview of the Garden Route, including main stops, optional detours, distances, and suggested time at each destination.

Stop	Travel Time	Highlights	Suggested Stay
Cape Town	Starting point	Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, beaches, diving, vibrant food scene	4–7 nights
Stellenbosch	1 hr from Cape Town	Vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, wine tours, Franschhoek Wine Tram	1–2 nights
Hermanus	1.5–2 hrs from Stellenbosch (via R44)	Whale watching, Cliff Path, boat trips, seafood	1–2 nights
Oudtshoorn (optional detour via R62)	4.5 hrs from Hermanus	Ostrich farms, “ostrich massage,” Cango Caves, bike tours	1–2 nights
Mossel Bay (optional stop on N2)	3 hrs from Hermanus or 4 hrs from Cape Town	First official Garden Route town, beaches, history, shark cage diving	1 night
Knysna	2.5–3 hrs from Oudtshoorn via Outeniqua Pass or 5 hrs from Hermanus on N2	Lagoon, Knysna Heads, oysters, forest hikes	1–2 nights
Plettenberg Bay	30 min from Knysna	Beaches, Robberg Nature Reserve, ocean safaris	1–2 nights
Nature’s Valley (optional stop)	45 min from Plettenberg Bay	Untouched beach, lagoon, start/end of Otter Trail	Half-day to 1 night
Storms River / Tsitsikamma	40 min from Plett	Suspension bridge, kayaking, bungee at Bloukrans, forest hikes	1–2 nights
Jeffreys Bay (optional stop)	1 hr from Tsitsikamma	World-class surfing, laid-back vibe	1 night
Addo Elephant National Park	3.5 hrs from Tsitsikamma or 1 hr from Port Elizabeth	Elephants, lions, self-drive safari	1–2 nights
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)	1 hr from Addo	Airport hub, city beaches	Transit stop

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Your Guide to the Best Stops along the Garden Route

Cape Town

Cape Town is often the starting point for a Garden Route trip, but the city itself deserves plenty of time. It’s one of our absolute favorite cities in the world, and for good reason. From hiking up Table Mountain to spotting wildlife on the Cape Peninsula, from diving in the kelp forests to relaxing on the city’s many beaches, Cape Town truly has it all. We recommend spending at least four days here, though you could easily fill a week (or more) without ever running out of things to do.

From Cape Town, it’s about a 1-hour drive via the N1 and R44 to Stellenbosch, the first major stop on the Garden Route.

Stellenbosch

Known for its vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, and gourmet food, Stellenbosch is the perfect first stop for wine tasting and cultural experiences. With so many wine estates scattered across the valleys, it’s impossible to visit them all in one trip. If you’re passionate about wine, consider joining a guided wine tour, where local experts take you to a curated selection of estates for tastings.

Another fun option is the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on hop-off tram that runs through the Franschhoek Valley. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to discover multiple vineyards in a single day, without needing to drive.

On our visit, we chose Stark-Condé Wines, a picturesque estate surrounded by mountains and set around a small lake. What makes this vineyard stand out, apart from the setting, is its family story: Stark-Condé is run by a South African–Japanese family, bringing together different cultural influences that shape both the estate and its wines. Their Postcard Café is an excellent spot for lunch, and enjoying a glass of wine with those views felt like the perfect Stellenbosch experience.

Other iconic estates worth considering include Delaire Graff Estate, famous for its luxury setting, art collection, and panoramic views; Spier Wine Farm, one of South Africa’s oldest estates combining wine with farm-to-table food and art; and Babylonstoren, where beautifully maintained gardens and Cape Dutch heritage complement the wine experience.

From Stellenbosch, continue your trip to Hermanus, about 1.5–2 hours’ drive via the R44, a scenic coastal road. Along the way, stop at the Peregrine Farm Stall for fresh pastries, or visit the African penguin colony at Betty’s Bay, a quieter alternative to Boulders Beach near Cape Town.

Hermanus

Hermanus is best known as the whale watching capital of South Africa, and for good reason. Every year, southern right whales migrate close to shore, and with a bit of luck you might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, or even seals. You can see plenty from the Cliff Path, but heading out on a boat trip gets you even closer to the action. Beyond the whales, Hermanus offers stunning coastal scenery, fresh seafood, and laid-back small-town charm. It’s the perfect stop to slow down, enjoy the ocean views, and experience one of South Africa’s most unique wildlife encounters.

From Hermanus, you can head inland to Oudtshoorn (about 4.5 hours via the R62), a town famous for its ostrich farms, Cango Caves, and dramatic mountain passes. It’s a great detour if you want to experience the Little Karoo’s landscapes and culture.

If you prefer to continue along the coast, skip Oudtshoorn and drive about 5 hours via the N2 straight to Knysna, one of the most popular towns on the Garden Route. Known for its lagoon, oysters, and the Knysna Heads, it makes a perfect next stop before continuing on to Tsitsikamma or Addo Elephant Park.

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, in the Little Karoo, is famous as the ostrich capital of the world. Visiting an ostrich farm is a fun way to see these impressive birds up close. One memorable experience is the “ostrich massage”, where you hold a bucket of food and the birds peck around your shoulders and back.

The Cango Caves are another highlight, with vast halls, limestone formations, and adventurous passageways. You can choose between a standard walking tour or a more challenging “adventure tour” through narrow tunnels.

Oudtshoorn also offers a wildlife ranch and zoo, including the chance to enter the water in a cage with crocodiles. We tried it ourselves and found it thrilling, though we remain cautious about animal welfare. Opinions vary, so decide what feels right for you.

We explored the area on a bike tour, which made it easy to visit ostrich farms, scenic spots, and the caves in a more active, eco-friendly way. With its unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Oudtshoorn is definitely worth a stop on your Garden Route journey.

From Oudtshoorn, continue east along the N2, a drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours to Knysna, passing through rolling hills, lush forests, and the dramatic Outeniqua Mountains.

Knysna

Nestled between lush forests and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is one of the most popular towns on the Garden Route. The town is centered around its tranquil lagoon, best admired on a boat trip or from the dramatic Knysna Heads, two towering cliffs that guard the lagoon’s entrance. Knysna is also known for its oysters, so make sure to try them fresh at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Beyond the lagoon, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities. You can explore the indigenous forests that inspired many local legends, hike scenic coastal trails, or relax on nearby beaches such as Buffalo Bay. Knysna has a laid-back vibe that makes it an ideal place to slow down for a couple of days, enjoying both nature and small-town charm.

From Knysna, it’s only about 30 km (a 30-minute drive) east along the N2 to Plettenberg Bay, a popular stop known for its beaches, marine life, and nature reserves.

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, often simply called Plett, is where the Garden Route slows down into a rhythm of sun, sea, and sand. The town is famous for its long stretches of golden beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing. Robberg Nature Reserve is a highlight, offering rugged coastal hikes with sweeping views and the chance to see seals, dolphins, and even whales in season.

For wildlife lovers, Plettenberg Bay is also a base for ocean safaris, where you can head out by boat to spot dolphins and, between June and November, migrating whales. Snorkeling with seals is an absolute must-do when you are here. Learn more about diving possibilities in our South Africa diving guide.

With its mix of outdoor adventure, marine life, and laid-back beach town charm, Plettenberg Bay is a spot where you’ll want to spend at least two nights, either to relax by the ocean or use it as a base to explore the surrounding nature reserves.

From Plettenberg Bay, it’s about a 40-minute drive (50 km) east on the N2 to Storms River, the gateway to Tsitsikamma National Park.

Tsitsikamma & Storms River

Storms River is the heart of Tsitsikamma National Park, one of the most dramatic sections of the Garden Route. Here, lush indigenous forests meet rugged coastline, creating a playground for adventure. The park’s most famous attraction is the suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth, a short but scenic hike that takes you across swaying walkways with waves crashing below.

For those looking for more thrills, this is also the region of adventure sports. You can go kayaking up the Storms River Gorge, try the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, or explore hiking trails ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks like the famous Otter Trail.

Tsitsikamma is also a paradise for nature lovers, with opportunities to spot dolphins and whales along the coast or simply enjoy the peaceful forests and rivers. Staying overnight in or near the park allows you to experience both sunrise and sunset in this magical setting, and we recommend at least one to two nights here to make the most of the activities.

From Storms River, continue along the N2 towards Addo Elephant National Park, about 3.5 hours’ drive (240 km) to the east.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is the ultimate way to end a Garden Route trip. Just outside Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), this reserve is home to over 600 elephants, along with lions, buffalo, zebras, and a wide range of antelope. Driving through the park, it won’t take long before you spot entire herds of elephants crossing the road or cooling off at waterholes.

Unlike Kruger, Addo is compact and easy to navigate, making it ideal for a self-drive safari even if you only have limited time. Most visitors spend one or two nights here, which is enough to explore the main game-viewing roads and enjoy the unique Eastern Cape landscapes. You can also join a guided tour to have a more relaxing experience with a knowledgeable guide.

From Addo Elephant National Park, it’s about an hour’s drive to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). When planning this journey, be aware that Google Maps often suggests the R335 as the fastest route. This road passes through the township of Motherwell, which has seen several safety incidents in recent years. For a safer and more reliable drive, we recommend taking the N2 via Paterson.

Where to Go After the Garden Route

If you’ve reached the end of the Garden Route, your South Africa adventure doesn’t have to end. This journey is just a glimpse of what the country offers — from safaris and mountains to coral reefs and wild coastlines. Head north to Kruger National Park for an unforgettable safari among the Big Five, with options for self-drive or guided tours.

If you love the ocean, travel to South Africa’s east coast, where warm waters and vibrant marine life await. Dive in Sodwana Bay or around Durban to spot sharks, mantas, and turtles. For more tips, explore our South Africa dive guide.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and ancient rock art. You can even cross into Lesotho via the winding Sani Pass for a true high-altitude adventure.

For something wilder, the Wild Coast offers rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and traditional Xhosa villages, perfect for those craving remoteness and authenticity.

Whether you go north for wildlife, east for diving, or inland for mountain trails, each destination reveals a new side of South Africa. Plan your next steps with our South Africa itinerary guide.

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