10 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: ROAD TRIPPIN' ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

Perched along the sunny shores of South Africa’s Western Cape, Mossel Bay is a harbour town that is known as the starting or end point of the famous Garden Route. Craving a lazy day? You’ve struck gold. With over 60 kilometres of sandy white beaches, a lively harbour and more than its fair share of sunshine, it’s made for kicking back and letting the world drift by. But it’s not all about the beach towel – here you can climb the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and wander through its lush botanical gardens, or explore the UNESCO-listed Point of Human Origins, where ancient caves whisper stories between the crashing sounds of the waves.

Framed by forested hills and endless stretches of sand, Wilderness is a seaside gem that lives up to its name – wild, beautiful, and blissfully unhurried. Start with a few lazy hours on the beach, then follow the shoreline to a peaceful lagoon where you can drift along in a canoe or take a scenic cruise on the Touw River. The town centre is small but full of charm, with cosy cafés, artisan shops, lively restaurants and a friendly buzz. Nature lovers will adore the Wilderness section of the Garden Route, where they can explore lush walking trails like the Kingfisher Trail, while those with a camera in hand shouldn’t miss the Map-of-Africa viewpoint – a twist in the river that really does look like the continent from above.

Knysna is a coastal treasure where forest trails, white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage meet. The town’s story is deeply tied to the Houtunqua people, but today it’s also known for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Start with the iconic Knysna Heads – two dramatic cliffs guarding the lagoon’s mouth – perfect for breathtaking views and an obligatory sundowner. The next day, take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a walk or kayak trip through its shallow waters. Spend some time on the pristine shores of Buffalo Bay, and wrap up your visit at the bustling Waterfront, where boutique shops and mouth-watering eateries keep the vibe lively well into the evening.

Plettenberg Bay – or ‘Plett’ as the locals like to call it – is where golden beaches, lush forests, enchanting lagoons and the dramatic Robberg Nature Reserve all meet in one postcard-perfect scene. Ocean lovers will be in their element here: snorkel colourful reefs, swim alongside playful Cape Fur Seals, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding the waves. From July to December, the bay turns into a prime whale-watching stage. And here’s an insider secret: Plett is South Africa’s smallest wine region, with 57 kilometres of boutique vineyards dotting the coast from Packwood to the Crags. Order a crisp local white, sink your toes into the sand, and let the good life come to you.

Meet Africa’s gentle giants at Knysna Elephant Park, the first facility in South Africa to care for orphaned elephants, with over 40 rescued and raised since 1994. Here, elephants roam freely without fences, and you’re invited to interact with them respectfully, on their terms. The experience is both unforgettable and educational, offering insight into the elephants’ personalities, stories, and social bonds. Book the 8 AM or 4 PM Elephant Experience, and walk alongside them while learning fascinating facts from expert guides. The morning session includes breakfast! Located just off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, it’s a perfect and heartwarming stop – and yes, you can even sponsor your favourite elephant!

The Tsitsikamma National Park encompasses 80 kilometres of untamed coastline, dotted with glorious beaches, fynbos and evergreen coastal forest. Today the thrills don’t come from spotting lions (although you might see whales from June to November), but from conquering epic hikes, walking the 2 kilometres long suspension bridge over the Storms River, plunging into waterfalls and trying exhilarating outdoor activities… scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and tubing to name a few. And the adrenaline lovers among us can do the highest bungee jump in the world or an exciting tree-top canopy zip-line tour. Adventures galore!

Jeffreys Bay – or J-Bay to the locals – is a legendary surf town best known for its prime beaches, epic waves and laid-back surfers vibe. With world-renowned surf spots like Supertubes, Point and Kitchen Window, it’s a mecca for surfers chasing fast, powerful breaks reaching up to 12 feet. But there’s more: go sandboarding, stroll nature reserves, or visit the shell museum. J-Bay is also famous for its handmade leather goods, shell art and surf-inspired fashion (go shopping in Surf Village!) - plus a cool craft beer brewery to match the scene. And don’t leave without trying the local calamari, fresh from the ocean and straight to your plate.

All good things come to an end. This is your last day, and it's time to catch your flight home from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town or Tshwane (Pretoria) and add a few days to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, hiking the Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.