The Garden Route

The Garden Route is South Africa’s ultimate road trip, with rugged coastlines, forests, wildlife, and winding mountain passes. From Cape Town to Addo, it’s a journey of beaches, wine valleys, and wild adventures that perfectly blend coast, culture, and safari.

Where is the Garden Route in South Africa?

The Garden Route stretches along South Africa’s southern coast between Cape Town and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth). Think rugged coastlines, suspension bridges in Tsitsikamma, dune hikes, and whale watching in Plettenberg Bay. It’s one of the country’s most scenic road trips but it’s also the one everyone does. That’s why we’ve reworked it in true Charlie’s Travels style, skipping the overhyped stops to uncover a side of the Garden Route most people miss. More connection, more adventure, more real.

Cape Town – where it all begins

Start your journey where mountains meet the sea. Hike Table Mountain, drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak, and explore the Cape Peninsula, where penguins waddle across Boulders Beach and waves crash below Cape Point. For watersport lovers, Blouberg’s steady winds make it a world-class kitesurfing hub, while Muizenberg’s colourful huts and gentle surf are perfect for beginners. Cape Town sets the tone for adventure, vibrant, scenic, and full of life.

The South African winelands – wine, food & mountain scenery

Just beyond Cape Town lies wine country at its finest. Explore the valleys of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Tulbagh, where world-class estates meet small, family-run vineyards. Sip cool-climate sauvignon blancs in Elgin, taste rich reds in Robertson, and pair farm-to-table dishes with mountain views. The Winelands are the perfect mix of elegance and laid-back charm, where every tasting tells a local story.

Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Stanford & Gansbaai – whales, wildlife & coastal charm

This stretch of the Whale Coast is pure South African magic. Watch southern right whales breaching off Hermanus, stroll among penguins at Betty’s Bay, or kayak along the Klein River in Stanford. Adventure seekers can head to Gansbaai, known for its marine life and responsible shark cage diving. Between ocean views, local wines, and beach braais, this coastline blends wild nature with small-town soul.

Swellendam & De Hoop – small Towns & big nature

Set at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is one of South Africa’s oldest towns and the perfect base for exploring nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve. Expect boutique cafés, wine tastings, and scenic day trips. In De Hoop, spot bontebok and Cape mountain zebra on guided drives or watch whales from the dunes along 70 km of untouched coastline. Quiet, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, this is the Overberg at its best.

The Karoo & Klein Karoo – wide skies & real South Africa

Head inland for red earth, winding mountain passes, and a silence that sinks into your bones. Follow Route 62 through Montagu, Barrydale, and Oudtshoorn, once the ostrich capital of the world. Learn to braai like a local, explore the veld with guides, and sleep under a sky so full of stars it hardly seems real. It’s raw, rugged, and the kind of South Africa most travellers miss.

Baviaanskloof – wild, remote & full of surprises

Hidden between George and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), this UNESCO World Heritage valley is 192,000 hectares of pure wilderness. Drive gravel passes, cross rivers, and hike to hidden waterfalls like Ceder Falls, where you can swim in natural pools and hear nothing but the wind. Stay in a treehouse or rustic lodge, meet local hosts, and watch the night sky light up above you, real wilderness with no filter needed.

Tsitsikamma National Park – forests, rivers & coastal trails

Known as the green heart of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is all about adventure. Kayak through Storms River Gorge, walk the suspension bridges, or hike trails through ancient forest to hidden waterfalls. Brave enough for the Bloukrans Bridge bungee? Go for it. Nearby Plettenberg Bay offers wildlife sanctuaries like Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, making this a must for families and nature lovers alike.

Addo Elephant Park & Gondwana Game Reserve – big 5 safari adventures

End your Garden Route journey with a true African safari. Addo Elephant National Park is home to more than 600 elephants, plus lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, and it’s one of the few places where you can also spot whales and great white sharks nearby. For a more exclusive experience, visit Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, where luxury lodges, open plains, and sunset drives bring the wild right to your doorstep.

Things to do on the Garden Route

The Garden Route is packed with adventure, relaxation, and everything in between:

Coastal hikes, forest walks, and long beaches
Canoe trips, lagoon kayaking, and whale watching
Safari drives and fireside braais under the stars
Mountain biking, ziplining, and bungee jumping
Wine tasting in Elgin, Montagu, or Robertson without the crowds
Visiting farm stalls, art galleries, and local markets along Route 62

Why the Garden Route is great for families

The Garden Route is malaria-free, easy to travel, and full of variety for all ages. Kids can run on beaches, hike in safe reserves, paddle through rivers, and spot elephants on safari. The short distances between stops make it perfect for road trips, and family-friendly lodges add comfort without losing the adventure. It’s the ideal mix of chill and thrill for families who love nature.

Our team lives and works in Africa

We develop our own routes

Your trip is tailor-made by us

100% insured while travelling

All your burning questions about the Garden Route answered

The Garden Route covers about 300 km from Mossel Bay to Storms River, but most travellers start in Cape Town and end in Gqeberha, making it around 700 km in total.

You can visit year-round. Summer (Nov–Mar) is great for beaches, while winter (Jun–Aug) is perfect for whale watching and fewer crowds.

Yes, it’s one of the safest and most scenic routes in South Africa. Roads are well maintained and towns are traveler-friendly.

Yes. Addo Elephant Park and nearby private reserves like Gondwana and Botlierskop offer Big 5 safaris within the Garden Route region.

Exactly. The Garden Route is the stretch between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), often combined with detours to Hermanus, Swellendam, or the Karoo.

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