19 de January de 2024

A complete guide to exploring South Africa’s Garden Route

From Cape Town to Port Elizabeth , from the heart to every sense. South Africa's Garden Route is considered by countless travelers to be the most famous road trip in the world . The reasons are endless, the experience is unparalleled, and traversing its 750 kilometers is an unforgettable adventure .

In this comprehensive guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to travel South Africa's Garden Route .

What is South Africa's Garden Route?

This stretch of coastline, framed by stunning bays, dreamy beaches and renowned natural parks, has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO .

The journey along the N-2 highway has evolved over time. Now, it encompasses secondary roads leading to places like Outsdhoorn, Gansbaai, and the Little Karo desert . This unique itinerary caters to the needs of tourists, providing an unforgettable experience for those wishing to explore Southern Africa by car.

While its name might suggest it's all green spaces, it's so much more than that. Along the way, you'll see beaches, idyllic bays, snow-white sand dunes, picturesque towns with coastlines where you can admire whales and great white sharks, forests, farms, and much more .

Driving on the left in South Africa is strongly advised, as is assessing road conditions, and nighttime travel is discouraged . The suggested routes are barely over 300 kilometers long.

The sections of the Garden Route

The following list shows the three sections that make up South Africa's Garden Route. It's important to clarify that the total distance covers more territory than the route itself, due to the vastness of the territories. The Garden Route truly begins in Mossel Bay, near Cape Town.

Cape Town – Cape Agulhas (269 kilometers)
Cape Agulhas – Mosselbaii (275 kilometers)
Mosselbaii – Port Elizabeth (366 kilometers)

Garden Route Map — Map of the coast in South Africa, Garden Route (Google Maps)

How many days do you need to travel around it?

Determining the length of your Garden Route adventure is crucial. While seven days are typically recommended for a quick trip and 10 days for a more relaxed experience, flexibility is key . With 750 kilometers to cover, even a five-day trip can be sufficient if you limit excursions and stops.

It's important to keep in mind that distances and road conditions may result in relatively low average speeds . However, the spectacular scenery will be an invitation to stop again and again, offering the chance to admire the panoramas and observe different animal species.

What to see from Cape Town

Cape Town , with its vibrant blend of history, culture, and nature, serves as the ideal starting point for the Garden Route. Beyond iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the Waterfront, the city is home to Robben Island , home to sea lions and the remains of a former prison, now open to visitors.

Leaving the metropolis behind, the Garden Route unfolds like a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes. Gordon's Bay marks the start of the adventure, and as we move away from the coast, the road reveals its secrets, leading us to Bettysbai , 89 kilometers from Cape Town. The penguin colony at Stony Point steals the show.

Stony Point Penguins — Penguins of Stony Point.

Continuing towards Hermanus , 48.6 kilometers away, the route transforms into a whale-watching spectacle . The town is famous for its exciting excursions, ranking among the top 10 whale-watching destinations in the world according to the WWF. The season, which runs from June to November, peaks between September and October.

Further along, Gansbaai , 43 kilometers away, becomes the perfect destination for intrepid travelers seeking offshore adventures in search of the majestic great white shark . It is also renowned for its excellent seafood restaurants.

The journey to Cape Agulhas , 88.9 kilometers away, takes us to the southernmost point of Africa. Although not strictly part of the traditional Garden Route, this place is a visual paradise with its ancient lighthouse and the waters where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Also located there is Suiderstrand , with its bays of crystal-clear water and rocky headlands.

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The "official" start of the Garden Route

The true Garden Route begins in Mosselbay , a town with a fascinating historical past. Here, the Portuguese, led by Bartolomeu Dias, landed in 1488, and Pinnacle Point Cave reveals archaeological remains of Homo sapiens dating back 167,000 years. This tradition is reflected in its cuisine.

National Route 2 , which runs parallel to the coast, offers views of cereal fields and leads to the charming Swellendam , home to Bontebok National Park and this unique species.

Bontebok National Park. — Bontebok family group.

This route immerses us in a world of miles of beaches and rivers that form lakes at their mouths. From Hartenbos Lagoon to the spectacular Klein Brakrivier River , every corner is an invitation to explore natural beauty.

The journey to Port Elizabeth , 366 kilometers away, is the most breathtaking part of the Garden Route. Wilderness , 58.3 kilometers away, serves as a gateway to national parks and nature reserves. Places like Diepwalle Forest , known for its elephant trail, and the town of Knysna , with its picturesque estuary location, offer unique experiences.

Tsitsikamma National Park stands as the jewel in the crown of South Africa 's Garden Route. Trails winding through coastal forests, exciting activities like canoeing on the Stormsrivier , and exploring small coves with white sand make this park an unmissable destination.

From here, it's 185 kilometers to Port Elizabeth, but every stretch of coastline is an opportunity to stop and appreciate the stunning beauty of Oyster Bay, the Gamtoos Mouth dunes, and the breathtaking Marine Drive .

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The world's highest bungee jump

An exhilarating experience awaits you at the Bloukrans Bridge, famous for offering the world's highest bungee jump . Located near Nature Valley along the Garden Route , this jump from a height of 709 feet (216 meters) above the Bloukrans River gorge promises a unique adrenaline rush. Don't forget to capture this unforgettable moment with stunning photos!

Traveling the Garden Route in South Africa is more than just a road trip. It's an unforgettable adventure that reveals the diversity of this majestic corner of the world. Every stop along the 750 kilometers will be etched in your memory, and the memories of this journey will last a lifetime. You'll be the next one sharing stories from this route.