Garden Route Road Trip - 7 Days

Begin your Garden Route adventure with morning pickup of your rental vehicle in Cape Town (alternative: fly into George and start eastward). Depart Cape Town around 8:00-9:00 AM driving east along the spectacular N2 highway. First major stop: HERMANUS (120km, 1.5 hours from Cape Town) - self-proclaimed "Whale Watching Capital of the World." WHALE SEASON (July-November): Southern Right Whales migrate to Walker Bay to calve and nurse in sheltered waters. Hermanus offers the world's best land-based whale watching - no boat needed! Walk the 12km Cliff Path scanning for whales breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping just meters from shore. The town has a "Whale Crier" (world's only!) who blows a kelp horn announcing whale locations. Peak whale season: September-October when 100+ whales populate the bay simultaneously. NON-WHALE SEASON (December-June): Still beautiful coastal scenery, excellent restaurants, wine estates, beaches, and Fernkloof Nature Reserve hiking (60km of trails, fynbos flora, mountain views). Visit Old Harbour Museum (maritime history), explore craft shops and galleries along Main Road, taste wines at Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson estates (Hermanus is acclaimed cool-climate wine region - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay excel). Lunch at waterfront restaurant enjoying fresh seafood - Hermanus has exceptional linefish, calamari, and crayfish (lobster). After 2-3 hours exploring, continue eastward (160km, 2 hours) to MOSSEL BAY - your overnight destination. Mossel Bay is historically significant: Bartholomeu Diaz landed here in 1488 (first European contact with Southern African coast). Visit Diaz Museum Complex featuring full-scale replica of Diaz's caravel ship, Maritime Museum, Shell Museum (world's fourth-largest collection), and 500-year-old Post Office Tree (milkwood tree where sailors left letters). Watch sunset from Santos Beach or Cape St. Blaize Cave (ancient human occupation site). Check into guesthouse/hotel and enjoy dinner at local restaurant. Mossel Bay offers oysters (oyster farms nearby), grilled seafood, and traditional South African cuisine. Total driving: ~280km (3.5-4 hours).

After breakfast, depart Mossel Bay mid-morning (9:00 AM) driving 45km east (40 minutes) to WILDERNESS - enchanting village surrounded by lakes, rivers, indigenous forests, and pristine beaches. Wilderness National Park protects a chain of lakes (Wilderness Lake, Langvlei, Rondevlei, Swartvlei) connected by Touw River creating unique ecosystem. ACTIVITIES: Canoe/kayak on mirror-like lakes (rentals available), hike Kingfisher Trail (7.5km through forest to waterfall), Pied Kingfisher Trail (shorter family-friendly option), or simply relax on 8km of sandy beach perfect for swimming. Wilderness is renowned birdlife haven: 79 waterbird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers (5 species), herons, grebes. After 2-3 hours in nature, continue 45km (40 minutes) to SEDGEFIELD - small Slow Town (international Cittaslow movement) famous for Saturday Wild Oats Community Market (if visiting weekend - organic produce, crafts, food stalls) and serene lake. Quick stop then proceed 25km (25 minutes) to KNYSNA - crown jewel of Garden Route and tonight's destination (arrive early afternoon). KNYSNA (pronounced "NYZ-nah") is beautifully situated on estuary/lagoon flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs called "The Heads" guarding the Indian Ocean entrance. After checking into waterfront hotel/guesthouse, explore KNYSNA WATERFRONT - pedestrian-friendly harbor area with restaurants, craft breweries (Mitchell's Brewery taproom), boutiques, galleries, and boat operators. Late afternoon: SUNSET CRUISE on Knysna Lagoon (included in tour) - 1.5-2 hour cruise passing working harbor, luxury houses, oyster farms, sailing to The Heads for spectacular views as cliffs turn golden in sunset light. Learn about Knysna's history: timber industry (yellowwood trees harvested for ships), gold rush (not discovered), George Rex mystery (rumored illegitimate son of King George III who settled here). Return to waterfront for SEAFOOD DINNER (included) - Knysna is famous for oysters! Try Knysna Oyster Company or 34 South for fresh-shucked oysters, mussels, linefish, and local wines. Optional evening: Visit Knysna Elephant Park (small sanctuary), walk Knysna Quays, or relax at accommodation. Total driving: ~115km (2 hours).

Full day exploring Knysna and surrounding attractions without long drives. After breakfast, morning options: OPTION 1 (Active): Drive to nearby Harkerville Forest (20km, 25 minutes) for CANOPY TOUR - 2-3 hour zipline adventure gliding through indigenous forest canopy on series of slides, platforms, and suspension bridges ($45, thrilling perspective of yellowwood and stinkwood trees). OPTION 2 (Scenic): Drive/walk up to KNYSNA HEADS for panoramic views - narrow cliffs flanking lagoon entrance create dramatic setting. Visit Featherbed Nature Reserve on Western Head (accessible by ferry from waterfront - 4×4 tour, nature walk, restaurant with views). Eastern Head viewpoint accessible by road (Leisure Isle). OPTION 3 (Cultural): Explore KNYSNA TOWN: Browse Long Street antique shops, visit Millwood House Museum (gold rush history), Knysna Fine Arts gallery, Old Gaol complex. Mid-morning/lunch: Visit KNYSNA OYSTER COMPANY for oyster farm tour (learn about cultivation), fresh oyster tastings, seafood lunch overlooking working oyster beds. Afternoon adventures: OPTION A (Nature): Explore indigenous FORESTS that made Knysna famous. Drive Phantom Pass to Diepwalle Forest Station (45 minutes north) - starting point for forest hikes including Big Tree (800-year-old yellowwood giant), Elephant Walk (commemorating extinct Knysna elephants - only 1-3 possibly remain), Gouna Forest Walk. These ancient forests feature towering yellowwoods, stinkwoods, ferns, and ethereal atmosphere. OPTION B (Adventure): Pledge Nature Reserve offers mountain biking, hiking trails, zip-lining. Turbine Water Sports provides jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking on lagoon. OPTION C (Relaxation): Noetzie Beach - unique beach accessed via steep descent featuring romantic "castles" (eccentric 1930s holiday homes built like medieval castles on beach). Buffalo Bay - pristine swimming beach 20km west. Evening: Free time to explore waterfront, enjoy dinner at one of many excellent restaurants (34 South for seafood, East Head Café for lagoon views, Ile de Pain bakery for pastries/breakfast items). Knysna offers vibrant dining scene reflecting Garden Route's multicultural heritage: Cape Malay curries, Portuguese peri-peri, traditional braais, contemporary fusion.

After breakfast, depart Knysna driving 32km east (30 minutes) to PLETTENBERG BAY (affectionately called "Plett") - upscale beach resort town with stunning beaches, marine life, and outdoor activities. Plett's beaches rank among South Africa's finest: CENTRAL BEACH (Blue Flag status, safe swimming, restaurants), LOOKOUT BEACH (surfing, scenic), ROBBERG BEACH (quieter, seal colony nearby). Morning activity: ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE hike - spectacular peninsula jutting into ocean offering three hiking options: Gap Trail (2km, 45 min return, easy), Witsand Trail (5.5km, 2 hours, moderate), Point Circuit (9km, 4 hours, strenuous but spectacular coastal views, seal colony, ancient caves). The peninsula is geological wonder: 120-million-year-old rock formations, fossil sites, diverse flora. Marine wildlife: Cape fur seals (1,200+ colony), dolphins (bottlenose and common dolphins frequently seen), whales (Southern Right June-November, Humpback November-January). Optional activities: Whale/dolphin watching cruise ($40-60), Ocean Blue Adventures boat trips, Monkeyland (free-roaming primate sanctuary), Birds of Eden (world's largest free-flight aviary), Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary. Lunch at Plett beachfront (The Fat Fish, Emily's for Mediterranean, or seafood at Central Beach). Early afternoon (2:00 PM), continue driving 70km east (1 hour) to TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK - protected coastal stretch preserving ancient forests and dramatic rocky coastline. "Tsitsikamma" means "place of abundant water" in Khoisan language (indigenous people). Check into STORMS RIVER accommodation (rest camp chalets, guesthouses, or adventure lodge). Late afternoon: Enter Tsitsikamma and hike to STORMS RIVER MOUTH SUSPENSION BRIDGE - iconic Garden Route highlight. The 1km trail descends through coastal forest, crosses three suspension bridges spanning rocky gorge where Storms River meets Indian Ocean. Final bridge (77m long, 7m above churning waves) offers exhilarating experience - waves crash below, river flows through narrow gorge carved over millennia. Photograph dramatic coastline: rocky outcrops pounded by massive swells, indigenous forest clinging to cliffs, marine birds soaring. Return via same trail (2km total, 1 hour including photo stops). Evening: Dinner at Tsitsikamma Village Inn or accommodation restaurant (included) enjoying regional specialties. Total driving: ~102km (1.5 hours).

Full day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park and adventure activities. Morning ADVENTURE OPTIONS: OPTION 1 (Ultimate Adrenaline): BLOUKRANS BRIDGE BUNGEE JUMP ($90) - world's highest commercial bungee at 216 meters! The bridge (Bloukrans River Bridge, 20km west of Storms River) spans dramatic gorge. Even if not jumping, walk the bridge catwalk for views and watch jumpers free-fall. OPTION 2 (Canopy Tour): TSITSIKAMMA CANOPY TOUR ($45) - 2.5-3 hour guided zipline experience through indigenous forest canopy. Glide platform to platform among ancient yellowwood trees learning about forest ecology. Suitable for ages 7+, thrilling yet safe. OPTION 3 (Water Adventure): BLACKWATER TUBING on Storms River - float/swim through gorge in wetsuit and inner tube navigating rapids, pools, and mini-waterfalls. Fun moderate adventure. Or SEA KAYAKING from Storms River Mouth exploring coastline, caves (depending on swell conditions). OPTION 4 (Hiking): Extend yesterday's Suspension Bridge hike with WATERFALL TRAIL (3km return from Storms River Mouth, beautiful forest path to waterfall), or tackle OTTER TRAIL (world-famous 5-day coastal backpacking trail - requires advance booking months ahead, but you can day-hike the first section 6km return for taste). Afternoon options: NATURE DRIVE on N2 through Tsitsikamma (forests touch highway - incredibly scenic), stop at BIG TREE (36m tall, 800+ years old outeniqua yellowwood), Tsitsikamma Village crafts, or NATURE VALLEY - pristine village where Groot River lagoon meets ocean (7km beach, tranquil alternative to busier beaches). Late afternoon: If energy permits, visit BLOUKRANS BRIDGE (even without jumping) for spectacular sunset over gorge and mountains. Evening: Relax at accommodation recounting day's adventures. Storms River area attracts adventure travelers and nature lovers. Despite adrenaline activities, area retains wild untouched character - perfect Garden Route balance.

Today's journey leaves coast, heading inland over spectacular Outeniqua Mountains to Klein Karoo semi-desert and Route 62 wine region. Depart Storms River after breakfast driving 140km west (1.5 hours) through Tsitsikamma and Plettenberg Bay, then turn north at Uniondale onto Route 62 (or take Outeniqua Pass from George - equally scenic). ROUTE 62 is South Africa's longest wine route (850km total, you'll drive ~150km section) - less famous than Stellenbosch/Franschhoek but equally delicious with fewer tourists. The scenic route winds through dramatic mountain passes, Karoo landscapes, charming dorps (small towns), and wine estates. Stop at 2 wine estates (included tastings): GRUNDHEIM WINE ESTATE or BARRYDALE CELLAR - taste unique Muscadel dessert wines, ports, and dry wines adapted to semi-arid climate. Klein Karoo dessert wines are world-renowned. Lunch at Barrydale or Calitzdorp (Route 62 villages with farm-to-table restaurants, Karoo lamb dishes, biltong, rusks). Continue north arriving OUDTSHOORN mid-afternoon (total ~220km, 3-3.5 hours including stops). Oudtshoorn is "Ostrich Capital of the World" - ostrich farming created wealth here in Victorian era when ostrich feathers adorned European fashion. The boom left architectural legacy: sandstone "Feather Palaces" line streets. Check into guesthouse, then visit OSTRICH FARM (included) - tour shows ostrich lifecycle, feeding habits (watch ostriches swallow stones for digestion!), racing demonstrations, and opportunity to sit on/ride ostrich (optional, controversial animal welfare). Learn fascinating facts: ostriches are world's largest birds (up to 150kg), can run 70km/h, kick with lethal force, eyes bigger than brain! Sample ostrich products: leather goods, biltong (dried meat), eggs (one ostrich egg equals 24 chicken eggs!). Late afternoon: CANGO CAVES guided tour (included) - spectacular limestone caves 30km north of Oudtshoorn. Standard tour (1 hour) explores vast chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains formed over millions of years. Most famous: Cango 1 chamber (16m high, ancient concert venue). Adventure tour (1.5 hours, not included, claustrophobic) involves crawling through tight passages including "Devil's Chimney" and "Lumbago Alley." Return to Oudtshoorn for dinner trying Karoo specialties: lamb sosaties (kebabs), waterblommetjie bredie (waterlily stew), ostrich steak. Total driving: ~220km (3-3.5 hours).

Final day returns to Cape Town (or alternative: drive to George for flight). Two route options: OPTION A (Faster): R62 west to Worcester, then N1 to Cape Town (420km, 5-5.5 hours) - good if you have afternoon flight or want more Cape Town time. OPTION B (Scenic): Route 62 west, then cut south over Tradouw Pass to Swellendam, along N2 through Caledon, Hermanus area, back to Cape Town (480km, 6-6.5 hours) - spectacular mountain scenery, historic Swellendam (third-oldest European town in South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church, Cape Dutch architecture). RECOMMENDED OPTION B with morning leisure: Depart Oudtshoort 8:00 AM, drive scenic Tradouw Pass (completed 1873, spectacular engineering through mountains, gradient changes, hairpin bends, viewpoints). Stop SWELLENDAM (100km, 1.5 hours from Oudtshoort) for coffee and historic town exploration: Drostdy Museum (Dutch East India Company magistrate residence 1747, period furnishings, Cape Dutch architecture), Old Gaol, main street Cape Dutch buildings. Continue via Caledon and N2 to BOTRIVIER/KLEINMOND (wine estates and coastal scenery), possibly quick stop Hermanus if time allows. The route follows mountain ranges: Langeberg, Riviersonderend, Hottentots Holland. Dramatic passes: Tradouw, Houwhoek. Arrive Cape Town mid-late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM depending on stops). Drop rental car at airport or city location per rental agreement. ALTERNATIVE: If flying from George Airport instead, drive 50km (45 minutes) from Oudtshoort to George for midday/afternoon flight (this shortens trip but misses return scenery). Your 7-day Garden Route road trip concludes with unforgettable memories: dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, charming towns, adventure activities, whale watching, wine tasting, and the freedom of the open road. The Garden Route showcases South Africa's incredible diversity - why it's among world's most scenic coastal drives. Total driving (Option B): ~480km (6-6.5 hours including stops).