Discover the Western Cape: A 2-week itinerary for an unforgettable trip along the Garden Route

When planning our Garden Route adventure, I dove into research mode. Hours of preparation went into crafting the perfect itinerary - and it paid off spectacularly. This stretch of coastline became a highlight of our African travels, rivaling even our epic self-drive journey through Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

From pristine beaches to lush forests and charming towns, the Garden Route packs incredible diversity into a compact area. In this guide, I'm sharing our discoveries - where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your trip. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a road trip lover, the Garden Route is bound to captivate you. Let's explore!

Is it safe to drive through South Africa?

Southern Africa, especially South Africa, has a somewhat dubious reputation when it comes to safety. But here's the truth - if you follow some basic rules and use common sense, you'll be perfectly fine. I (Laura) drove across the entire country with my best friend (also female) back in 2016. Sure, I was pretty anxious beforehand, but it turned out there was no real need to worry. Just stick to these guidelines and you'll be good to go.

First, avoid driving at night if possible. It's not just about the increased risk of carjacking (though that is a factor). The main issue is visibility - you can't see who or what might cross the road. There's a real chance of hitting wildlife or people using highways as walking routes at night.

Next, be smart with your belongings. Never leave valuables in the car, especially not in plain sight. If you can, always take everything with you. If you need to park outside your accommodation, do a quick safety check on the area first. Always lock the doors while driving, and don't fully roll down your windows, even at red lights.

This last bit isn't great, but it's important: we always stick to the rule of never stopping the car between destinations, unless it's clearly the police waving us down. And as much as it might go against your instincts, don't pick up hitchhikers. It's better to err on the side of caution.

Where to Rent Your Car

If you can swing it budget-wise, I'd recommend renting from big-name companies like Avis or Europcar. These larger agencies have offices all over South Africa, so if you run into any issues, they can help you out faster.

We decided to rent our car through Around About Cars, and to be honest, it was a bit of a mixed bag. When we landed at the airport around 11 PM, we found out that their partner agency, Tempest, had already closed up shop. Not exactly the welcome we were hoping for after a long flight! We ended up turning to Avis for help, but they didn't have our booking info from Around About Cars, so we had to fill out all the paperwork again. On top of that, the car they gave us was way too small for four people and all our luggage (we were traveling with friends). It was a bit of a hassle.

Eventually, we got everything sorted out, but it meant we had to extend our stay in Cape Town to fix the issues. The good news is that after that rocky start, we didn't have any more problems during our two-month rental. We even swapped our car for a new one after 30 days in Durban, and the local Avis team there was fantastic.

What to Know Before You Drive

International Driver's License: Don't forget to get an international driver's license before your trip. In South Africa, if your license isn't in English, you'll need one.

Check Your Vehicle: Make sure your rental car comes with a good spare tire. Flat tires aren't uncommon on South African roads due to potholes and gravel surfaces. We didn't get a flat ourselves, but it's better to be prepared.

Carry Enough Water: Always have plenty of water with you while driving, especially if you're heading into remote areas. We kept a 5 to 10-liter water jug in the trunk, just in case.

Fuel Up Regularly: Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and fill up whenever you can, even if you're not close to empty. In some rural areas, gas stations can be few and far between. If you're planning to explore very remote regions, consider carrying an extra fuel can.

Entertainment for Long Drives: South Africa is a big country, and you'll be covering long distances. To make those 8-hour driving days more enjoyable, we downloaded several audiobooks before our trip. Some of our favorites were "The Memory of Light" and "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets."

Load Shedding: Before you go, get familiar with the current load shedding schedule in South Africa. Load shedding is when power is cut off in certain areas to help manage the electrical grid. While many places now have generators or solar power, it's helpful to know when you might be without electricity. We found it useful to download a load shedding schedule app to stay informed.

Map Overview

Let's start with a quick overview of the main sights that you can choose to include in your itinerary of the Garden Route.

Week 1: From the Wine region along the coast

If you're looking for recommendations on what to do in Cape Town and the immediate surroundings, have a look at our article about exactly that. And if you're interested in getting a full list of our recommendations for hotels, restaurants and activities in this region of South Africa, check our Google Map!

Day 1 and 2

Kick off your adventure in the heart of South Africa's wine country. Base yourself in Stellenbosch, a charming town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Even if you're not a wine enthusiast, the natural beauty and the estates themselves are worth the visit.

Consider joining an organized wine tasting tour, or set out by yourself. We suggest visiting Vergelegen Wine Estate, Waterford Estate, and Rust en Vrede Wine Estate. If you can, don't miss lunch at The Table at De Meye. Dining outdoors in their garden is an experience in itself.

If you've got some extra time, check out Old Nectar Gardens and the Dylan Lewis Studio & Sculpture Garden.

Day 3

Leave Stellenbosch and drive to Hermanus. I recommend taking the scenic route along the shores of False Bay via Pringle Bay — it's a bit longer but the views are totally worth it.

If you're visiting between June and November, you're in whale-watching season! Book a boat or canoe trip to get up close. Even from the shore, you're likely to spot these majestic creatures. The Hermanus Cliff Path is a fantastic spot for this. If horseback riding is your thing, Heaven and Earth Trails offers lovely rides through picturesque farmland.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Cape Agulhas and visit the Southern Tip of Africa. Yep, you'll be standing at the southernmost point of the continent! Spend the night nearby.

Day 4

Today, make your way to Wilderness, stopping in Swellendam for a coffee or lunch break — it's a cute town that's perfect for stretching your legs. On the way, consider a pit stop in Mossel Bay to explore the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex.

If you're up for a slight detour and the weather's clear, head to the Outeniqua Pass Lookout Point. The mountain views along the coast are simply breathtaking.

Once in Wilderness, take a leisurely stroll along the beach. Feeling adventurous? Get a surfing lesson at Vibe Surf School. For a quirky little side trip, visit the Map of Africa. Trust me, it's cooler than it sounds. Spend the night here to soak in the relaxed vibe.

Day 5

On day five, drive along the coast with your first stop at Gericke's Point for a refreshing morning hike.

When you reach Knysna, you can't miss the Knysna Heads. The views are absolutely stunning as you watch the waves crash from high above. If beach time is calling your name, Brenton Beach is a beautiful spot to relax.

Continue your drive to my favorite place along the Garden Route: Plettenberg Bay!

Day 6 and 7

Two days in Plettenberg Bay will give you a taste of why this place is so special. Start one morning by booking a tour to go swimming with seals. It's an unforgettable experience!

In the afternoon, head to Robberg Nature Reserve. Allocate 2-3 hours to walk the Witsand Circuit—it's a moderately challenging hike with incredible ocean views. Make sure you're back in time to catch the sunset at Lookout Beach.

On your second day, explore the Tsitsikamma National Park. Don't miss the hike across the suspension bridge to Storms River Mouth—it's a must-do. We also took a kayak adventure with Untouched Adventures, which was a fun way to see more of the park.

If you're up for some adrenaline-pumping activities, Plettenberg Bay won't disappoint. Go abseiling (highly recommended!), try bungee jumping, take a surfing lesson, or go horseback riding. For something a bit different, visit Birds of Eden or the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary.

If you have extra time and love hiking, consider the multi-day Otter Trail. It's a 2-3 day trek that's totally worth the effort.

Don't forget to check out our Google Map for tips on where to stay and eat in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and Wilderness!

Week 2: Addo NP to Cederberg Mountains

Day 8

On day eight, continue your journey along the coast. Take your time driving to Addo Elephant Park. Along the way, stop at Cape St Francis and hike the Wildside Trail. If you love surfing, you might want to spend some time in Jeffreys Bay — a world-renowned surf spot.

In the evening, settle into your accommodation near Addo Elephant Park.

Day 9 and 10

Spend the next two days immersed in the wilderness of Addo Elephant Park. On one day, take a self-drive safari — you can explore most of the park on your own, and a regular car is just fine. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. The elephants here are the stars of the show.

On another day, join a guided game drive. The experienced guides will help you spot wildlife you might miss on your own and share fascinating insights about the animals.

Day 11

After your safari adventure, start making your way back towards Cape Town. Drive to the quaint town of Prince Albert, nestled at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. It's a bit of a drive (4h 30min / 450km), so start early. Use the afternoon to explore Prince Albert, maybe stop by Fernskloof Wines for a tasting.

Day 12

Hit the road again and drive to the Cederberg Mountains (5h / 380km). You can choose to stay in Clanwilliam or somewhere deeper into the mountains like Mount Ceder Lodge.

Day 13

While in the Cederberg, make sure to do at least one hike. If you're feeling adventurous, the day hike to the Wolfberg Arch is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Just be cautious—the temperatures can soar, making the hike even more strenuous.

Alternatively, cool off with a swim in the Maalgat Rock Pool and visit the Stadsaal Caves. The cave paintings here are among the oldest in the world, depicting human figures and elephants, some dating back 8,000 years.

Day 14

All good things come to an end. Drive back to Cape Town, return your car, and catch your flight home.