Driving South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this incredible country. There are many spots to visit on the Garden Route road trip. Hence, planning your Garden Route itinerary can be a bit daunting if you don’t know where to begin.
Despite its relatively modest span of 300 kilometers (about 190 miles), the Garden Route packs a significant punch. This region is replete with breathtaking beaches, scenic hikes, and thrilling adventures waiting to be discovered. Our motivation for exploring South Africa was largely drawn from its rich natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. Eventually, this 7 day Garden Route itinerary exceeded our expectations!
Wondering where to start the Garden Route road trip? We started at Port Elizabeth where we got to from Johannesburg.
As you can see on this Garden Route map, you can plan, for example, a Cape Town to Port Elizabeth itinerary. You can visit all the same Garden Route highlights in another order.
For those with a keen interest in hiking the Garden Route, you’re in for a treat with the four hikes highlighted in this guide. This article will spotlight the essential Garden Route attractions, ensuring you know the prime spots to include in your travel plans.
While this guide doesn’t delve into game reserves and wildlife encounters along the Garden Route—having recently experienced a safari elsewhere—it’s worth noting that numerous game reserves and animal interactions are available for those not visiting Kruger Park for a comprehensive safari. Notably absent from my recommendations is the Addo Elephant Park, a destination we skipped after our recent elephant sightings in Kruger, but it’s certainly worth considering for your itinerary to enhance the experiences listed below.
As mentioned, we didn’t visit since we had just seen dozens of elephants in the wild in Kruger, but consider adding it on to your Garden Route Itinerary to complement the stops below.
Below we’ve provided our 7 day Garden Route itinerary. The journey starts from Port Elizabeth and ends in Oudtshoorn before continuing on to Stellenbosch.
Day 1: Launching from Port Elizabeth
Our adventure Garden Route itinerary stated from Johannesburg. Or to be more precise, with our arrival in Port Elizabeth, directly from Johannesburg. The early flight took roughly 1.5 hours, after which we landed at the quaint airport of Port Elizabeth and collected our rented vehicle.
Pro tip: South Africa offers the convenience of picking up and returning your rental car at different locations for an additional, minimal charge. Remember to specify this option when booking your car online.
Port Elizabeth serves as an excellent starting point for the Garden Route itinerary. Not necessarily for its own scenic beauty but as a pivotal location for exploring South Africa’s rich history through a township tour.
Port Elizabeth Township Tour
Our exploration included a township tour with Calabash Tours. While initially hesitant about this type of tourism, the positive feedback from various blogs and a recommendation from Lonely Planet convinced us of its value. Also it’s better not to venture into more dangerous areas of South Africa by yourself. The tour began with a city overview and an insightful background on apartheid’s impact in Port Elizabeth. The lingering effects of apartheid were starkly evident upon entering the townships.
The tour guide, a local from the township, showed us the vivid disparities in living conditions right across the streets from each other. Shanty homes without basic amenities on one side and suburban houses with all conveniences on the other. This stark contrast was both shocking and enlightening, making the township visit an essential experience in South Africa.
A particularly impactful visit was to a local elementary school, where we learned from the principal that it had been a decade since a student had passed away from malnutrition. This statement was startling, highlighting realities of life in the township. It instilled a deep appreciation for the privileges we often take for granted. The dedication of the school’s principal to improve the students’ chances for education was both inspiring and deeply moving. This was probably the most meaningful experience during our 7 day Garden Route itinerary.
Day 2: Discovering Jeffrey’s Bay
Jeffrey’s Bay, a haven for strong surfers or those keen to learn, is a one of the Garden Route highlights. However, we discovered, that the bay’s rocky sections posed a risk of injury. In the other part of the bay, you have more opportunities for beginner surfers. As someone of beginner skill, we realized this wasn’t our ideal surfing spot — Lombok is still our best option!
Beyond surfing, Jeffrey’s Bay (or J-Bay) serves as an excellent base for your Garden Route itinerary. You can easily explore the nearby Port Elizabeth and Cape St. Francis. While visiting J-Bay, there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Observing Surfers at Supertubes
J-Bay is renowned for Supertubes, a legendary surf spot where both amateurs and professionals showcase their skills. It’s also the site of an annual World Surf League competition, cementing its status as a surf haven. Notably, a shark attack during the 2015 competition and several incidents since the 1980s have made us content with just watching from the shore.
Surf Shopping in J-Bay
Inspired by the surfing culture? Explore the numerous surf shops in J-Bay, offering everything from RVCA to Quiksilver. It’s a paradise for surf enthusiasts, so prepare to indulge without emptying your wallet.
Dining in Jeffrey’s Bay
Despite its small size, J-Bay boasts a variety of excellent dining options.
For breakfast or lunch:
- InFood Bakery & Deli: A must-visit for some of the best coffee and delicious meals in town. Note its early closing time in the afternoon. Its location near surf shops makes it perfect for a combined shopping and dining excursion.
- J-Bay Bru Co: My posts wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this microbrewery. J-Bay Bru Co is a favorite for both breakfast and lunch. Their offerings range from avocado toast to burgers and pizzas.
For lunch/dinner:
- Nina’s Real Food: With a vast menu that has something for everyone, from Poke Bowls to pies. Nina’s is a culinary delight.
- Kitchen Windows: Named after a local surf spot, this restaurant offers a more romantic setting. Opt for fish to enjoy some of the freshest catches in one of South Africa’s prime fishing locales.
Exploring Cape St. Francis
Cape St. Francis is a mere 25-minute journey away from J-Bay. It’s another highlight on the Garden Route in South Africa. Our goal was to enjoy a coastal walk, and Cape St. Francis, known for its breathtaking beauty, did not disappoint. The area offers a variety of hiking trails to suit any preference.
Visitors during the whale season, spanning from June to November, might be lucky enough to spot whales breaching off the coast. Remarkably, we managed to observe whales in late November, a rare and thrilling experience.
Following our coastal exploration, we ventured into the charming town of Cape St. Francis. The town boasts uniformly white-painted houses, adding to the serene ambiance.
For a delightful lunch, we stopped at St. Francis Brewing Company. Enjoying a meal and a craft beer before heading out and continuing your Garden Route itinerary.
Day 3: Discovering Tsitsikamma National Park
A journey along the Garden Route or any South African adventure wouldn’t be complete without visiting the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park. Even if you happen to visit on a rainy day, the beauty of the area is undeniable even in less-than-ideal weather. You must include Garden Route National park bucket list.
We embarked on the Waterfall trail hike. The trail involves navigating over numerous sharp and slippery rocks. The vistas of the coastline and the ocean were breathtaking. It’s important to note that the Waterfall trail is quite challenging, involving rock scrambling and requiring careful navigation.
Pro tip: The trail is marked by little yellow footprints painted on rocks, a crucial detail to ensure you don’t lose your way.
Had the weather been more favorable, kayaking up the Storms River mouth and canyon was on our wish list, offering a unique perspective of the canyon coupled with a bit of physical activity.
Another must-do on a Garden Route Itinerary is crossing the suspension bridges of Tsitsikamma and walking the Mouth Trail. While it’s the most traveled path due to its accessibility, adding the challenge of crossing the bridges and reaching the lookout point rewards you with nearly 360-degree panoramic views.
Given another chance, we’d tackle the Otter Trail, a five-day, four-night coastal trek spanning 45km. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Tsitsikamma is also near Bloukrans Bungy, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world.
Day 4: Exploring Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known as Plett among the locals, emerged as a highlight of our Garden Route self drive journey. Its proximity to Tsitsikamma National Park makes it a convenient next stop, with the drive taking approximately an hour and twenty minutes.
Hiking Adventures in Plettenberg Bay
Plett, a popular holiday destination for many South Africans, boasts a welcoming community, stunning residences, and an extensive beachfront. However, the highlight of Plett is undoubtedly the Robberg Peninsula hike. This trek is an essential part of any Garden Route adventure, offering both thrilling and scenic routes. For a full experience, we recommend the complete 9km circuit around the peninsula, though shorter options are available. Hiking in South Africa is always a treat, and Robberg Peninsula stands out as a particularly memorable spot.
Accommodations in Plettenberg Bay
Our Plettenberg lodging was the Sea Breeze Beach House, located a short stroll from the beach and conveniently near both Robberg Peninsula and the town’s dining hub. Our stay at Sea Breeze Beach House was a highlight of our three-week South African tour, charmed by its unique touches like animal-head door pulls—a whimsical reminder of our recent safari. The cozy rooms, fluffy towels, comfortable beds, and delicious breakfast added to our delightful experience.
Day 5: A Day in Knysna
Rather than staying overnight, we ventured to Knysna from Plettenberg Bay for a day trip. Given the close proximity of destinations along the Garden Route, it’s quite convenient to base yourself in one location, like Plettenberg Bay, and explore surrounding areas from there.
Knysna was on our must-see list, though we decided not to spend the night. Instead, we dedicated a day to explore this elegant beachside town.
The Knysna Heads
A visit to Knysna wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Knysna Heads. This spot offers stunning views of the town, the ocean, and the dramatic cliffs. Reaching the Knysna Heads involves driving through a neighborhood dotted with picturesque beach houses until you arrive at the summit. There, you’ll find parking (managed by an attendant) before embarking on a tour of the various lookout points to soak in the spectacular vistas.
Following your time at the Knysna Heads, make a point to descend to Coney Glen Beach. We found it remarkably serene and nearly deserted, providing a peaceful setting to fully appreciate the natural beauty. Whether you’re up for a picnic, sunbathing, or simply capturing a few dozen photos against the scenic backdrop, Coney Glen Beach is the place to be.
For a delightful lunch, head over to East Head Cafe. Securing a table on their patio offers mesmerizing views over the water, making for a perfect way to revel in the day’s experiences.
Day 6: Exploring Wilderness
The name “Wilderness” intrigued me long before our visit. Contrary to what one might expect from its name, Wilderness isn’t overly wild. It’s just an enchantingly beautiful place for a short stay. There was an undeniable vibe to Wilderness that reminded me of beach towns in California.
Trekking Through Wilderness
Though compact, Wilderness is home to its own national park, providing a compelling reason for our visit. We embarked on the Half-collared and Giant Kingfisher Trail, a 7km loop trail that took us around 3 hours to complete. The path meanders along the river, involves a river crossing, and leads to enchanting waterfalls. There you can picnic or simply bask in the sunshine on the large boulders. The trail is fairly accessible, with no steep climbs, making it suitable for hikers of all ages.
Accommodations in Wilderness
Our accommodation in Wilderness was Tequila Moon, a cozy retreat boasting views of the Wilderness lagoon and featuring a luxurious bathtub. Located a brief drive from Wilderness’s center (under 10 minutes) and equally close to the hiking trails in Wilderness National Park, Tequila Moon provided the perfect base for our adventures in the area.
Day 7: Journey to Oudtshoorn
Leaving Wilderness, our Garden Route journey took a turn, as often happens at this stage. While some travelers might head towards Gansbaai for shark cage diving en route to Cape Town, we chose a different path towards Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo desert. After nearly a week by the sea, venturing inland presented a refreshing change, revealing a vastly different way of life.
Our primary motive for visiting Oudtshoorn was its famed ostriches, making it known as the ostrich capital of the world. Surprising, isn’t it, to think of an ostrich capital? Beyond its feathery fame, Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo have much more to offer, from the stunning red/orange hues of the earth to the vivid greenery and the backdrop of purple mountains. This landscape, dotted with the world’s largest birds, provides a surreal experience.
Oudtshoorn once thrived on ostrich farming, especially during the fashion peak of ostrich feathers. Today, while feathers might not be as fashionable, ostrich farming continues for meat and souvenirs, including feather dusters.
Exploring Highgate Ostrich Farm
In Oudtshoorn, we opted to visit Highgate Ostrich Farm, a decision driven by their ethical treatment of animals and the unique opportunity to witness ostrich races. The tour at Highgate, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes, offers insights into ostrich breeding and concludes with a traditional ostrich race. Although we passed on riding an ostrich, intimidated by their size, the experience was nonetheless unforgettable.
The tour allows visitors to feed ostriches, delve into the breeding process, and possibly meet some adorable ostrich chicks. A visit to an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn is undoubtedly a remarkable adventure.
Staying in Oudtshoorn
Our accommodation in Oudtshoorn was at Miles B&B Guesthouse, a family-run haven offering cozy and welcoming lodgings. They kindly arranged our transportation for dinner, enhancing our stay. The guesthouse, charming and snug, starts your day with breakfast prepared by a delightful elderly couple.
From Oudtshoorn, we continued our exploration of South Africa, heading towards the winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, a drive of about 4.5 hours. Stellenbosch led us eventually to Cape Town, where climbing Table Mountain and hiking Lion’s Head were unforgettable highlights.
Conclusions on the Ultimate 7 Day Garden Route Itinerary
Concluding our 7-day adventure along South Africa’s Garden Route, each destination offered its own unique charm and array of activities, from the serene beaches of Plettenberg Bay to the thrilling ostrich experiences in Oudtshoorn. This journey provided not only a deep dive into the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of South Africa but also an opportunity to engage with the country’s rich history and vibrant cultures.
For travelers looking to explore South Africa, the Garden Route offers a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re hiking through national parks, surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay, or exploring the unique ecosystem of Wilderness, there’s something for every type of traveler.