Your Guide to a Garden Route Road Trip Journey

Jump in – we’re going on a Garden Route road trip! After seeing depictions of azure ocean lapping flawless shores, thick forestry, dizziness-inducing mountain passes, and historical landmarks, South Africa’s most popular route is on many adventurers’ bucket lists. But why is it all the rage, and what can you expect to see and do along the way? Follow along as we take you on the ride of your life…

Life is a Highway, I Want to Ride it All Night Long

Lauded as the ultimate road trip for good reason, the Garden Route is a coastal ride that starts in Mossel Bay and weaves its way through spectacular stops and scenery all the way to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. 

This route will take you through 300 kilometres (190 miles) of pit stops at quaint farm stalls, have you marvel at the natural wonders along the way, and stretch your legs by partaking in exhilarating adrenaline-fueled fun. Whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, paragliding and bungee jumping or want to take things slow with nature and beach walks or canoeing, the Garden Route will deliver and then some. 

However, we like to extend the journey by embarking from our home city Cape Town, as that’s our recommended arrival destination for you. Besides, you really don’t want to miss out on our Mother City’s grandeur!

Changing Lanes and Making Names

Why has this route been praised by local and international publications? Well, where do we even start? We could quote them all, saying how “beautiful”, “action-packed”, and “wildlife-rich” it is. However, from our personal experience, telling it straight from the heart is best. As we’ve cruised along this route many times ourselves, we know it better than anyone else! 

Flourishing Forward

Why is it called the Garden Route? Well, the area's prominent indigenous vegetation gave it this name.  It's part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is a bit of an anomaly. On the one hand, it's the smallest of Earth's six floral kingdoms. However, on the other hand, it has a baffling diversity of more than 9,000 different plant species. Moreover, 69% of these are only found in South Africa and nowhere else on the planet. 

Malaria-Free Safaris 

One of the top reasons our guests request a Garden Route road trip is to enjoy easy access to malaria-free safaris. There are many excellent game reserves, like Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Gondwana Private Game Reserve, and Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, which is located near the route. 

We especially love recommending the Garden Route for families travelling with the elderly, children, or pregnant women, as there's no need to stress about malaria. Furthermore, many of these lodges are geared specifically for multi-generational families. 

Where Did You Go, My Lovely?

Now, the Garden Route is just that, a route. So, the fun is in the journey and making as many stops as possible! But where should you stop on the Garden Route, and how many days do you need to spend in the area?

We recommend you set aside an absolute minimum of three to four days to explore the Garden Route. Besides, it should be a road trip, not a road rush! If you're able to, we suggest you spend as much as two weeks to ensure you have enough time at each destination along the route. But you can keep yourself busy for many more weeks!
Here's where we recommend you go on your exciting Garden Route road trip.

All About Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is an oddly stunning place, the ostrich capital and home to the Cango Caves. Set on Route 62, it’s a cultural hub and home to the annual national Klein Karoo arts festival and is part of the Klein Karoo Wine Route.

As the biggest town in the Klein Karoo and a sun-drenched area of 250km long and 70km wide featuring multiple twists and turns with breathtaking mountain passes, it offers a scenic showdown around every turn. 

What to Do in Oudtshoorn 

Here are a few of our favourite things to do when visiting Oudtshoorn. 

Explore the Cango Caves

As one of the great natural wonders in South Africa, exploring the Cango Caves is a must. This is Africa's largest cave system and is filled with weird and wonderful lime formations. The Heritage Tour is an easy walk. However, if you want something more challenging, you can go on the Adventure Tour, where you'll have to crawl and slide through narrow spaces.

Witness Ostriches Galore

Have you ever been close enough to observe the eyelashes on an ostrich or the complex scale patterns on their legs? Well, this is your opportunity to see many ostriches up close. Home to the largest ostrich farm in the world, you’ll be able to come face to face with these giant birds.

Drive the Swartberg Pass

Take the twists and turns along the Swartberg Pass to catch the spectacular views of the Klein Karoo from above. Although it’s highly rated for its dramatic viewpoints, this narrow, winding dirt road with a steep gradient drive can be a little hair-raising, so be sure to have an experienced driver with no fear of heights behind the wheel.

Botanist Safari

Especially for those who love plant life, two large wilderness areas just north of Oudtshoorn will make your succulent plant dreams come true. Spend some time in nature in the Swartberg Nature Reserve or Gamkaberg Nature Reserve.

Gorgeous George 

Oh boy, it's gorgeous in George! Historically established as a timber hub, this picturesque town is perfectly located as a resting point on your road trip. After roughly a five-hour drive from Cape Town, you'll find yourself in the gateway to the Garden Route, making it the ideal hub should you wish to explore the surrounding towns (which we suggest).

You'll feel as though the hills are alive, with the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains and lush alpine forest. Along with being a nature-lovers paradise, George offers world-class golf courses designed by PGA professionals. You're also in luck if your visit coincides with one of its popular annual events, namely the Old Car Show, Cheese Festival, and NMB Sevens Premier League.

What to Do in George 

Here's how to stay entertained during your stop in George.

Play Golf 

The grass is definitely much greener on one of the world-class golf courses in the area. Take a swing at improving your handicap on the Oubaai, Le Grand George and Fancourt Golf Course.

Pass Through More Passes 

We just can't get enough of the views, and almost invincible, butterflies-in-stomach feeling of driving through the Garden Route's mountain passes. Most notably, we love the Montagu Pass and Outeniqua Pass.

Outeniqua Transport Museum

If you love a dose of history and trains, then remember to stop at the Outeniqua Transport Museum. Here, you can take your time admiring vintage steam locomotives and carriages and learn more about the advancements made in transport.

Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park 

Love hiking? Then you'll enjoy the famous Otter Trail found in the Tsitsikamma National Park. A popular and challenging five-day hike, just make sure you book way in advance.

Feeling Swell in Swellendam 

Known for its artistic flair, small-town charm and historical tributes, Swellendam is nothing short of enchanting. Gift yourself (and your family) a leg stretch to experience our country’s third-oldest town, which packs a wild punch with its nearby nature reserves and trails for you to explore.

What to Do in Swellendam

Here's what we love doing when we're in town.

Creative Crawl

Spend time appreciating the town’s finest art at the Bukkenburg Pottery Studio, Kunstehuijs Fine Art Gallery, and the Village Market, where you may even walk away with a purchase or two. Why not practice your artistic hand, capturing one of the most photographed churches in South Africa – the town’s Dutch Reformed Church? 

Pay Homage to History

Learn about the town’s long history at one of its historical sites, such as the Drostdy and Mayville House Museums.

Action-Packed Activities

Get active in the nearby Marloth Nature Reserve and Bontebok National Park, where you can hike, mountain bike, and horse ride.