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

From $6162 USD* / 10 days

Itinerary

Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Day 1

Arrival at George Airport and drive to Mossel Bay

Welcome to George, the second-largest city in the Western Cape, right on the Garden Route. Fetch your rental car and get ready for the first part of your road trip – a short and sweet one, because today is all about relaxing! Drive south on the N2 for 48 kilometres, and you'll reach Mossel Bay in less than 35 minutes. Check into your hotel and find your beach slippers and shorts. The sandy white beaches are waiting for you, and the most important thing for today is a lazy stroll to the harbour or the lighthouse and a sundowner with your toes in the sand!

Activities:

: 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.

Accommodations:

Silver African Oceans Manor on the Beach
Gold The Point Hotel and Spa
Platinum The Village Lodge @ Botlierskop

Day 2

Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness

Silver

Today you're driving your first stretch of the Garden Route! The drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness along the N2 highway is 60 kilometres and normally takes less than 45 minutes. Feel free to spend some time in Mossel Bay after breakfast before your next destination calls. If you are travelling with kids, it's a great idea to stop in George along the way (after 40 kilometres). The Redberry Farm offers plenty of child-friendly activities, and you can pick a basket of strawberries before indulging in a delicious farm-fresh lunch.

Activities:

: 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 retaurants 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.

Accommodations:

Silver

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Wilderness to Knysna

Silver

Gold

Platinum

The drive from Wilderness to Knysna is 47 kilometres on the N2 highway and takes a mere 40 minutes. If you are leaving Wilderness around lunchtime, it's a good idea to stop in Sedgefield along the way. This is a quaint seaside village set in the lakes district just between Wilderness and Knysna, and the Pilipili Restaurant with its forever-summer vibe is a great spot to kick off your shoes and enjoy a lovely beach lunch – think decadent cocktails and a variety of local craft beers served ice cold for the grown-ups while the kids are having a ball (and a pizza).

Activities:

: 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.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 5

Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

Silver

Gold

Platinum

It's 35 kilometres from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, so you should be able to reach your next destination in half an hour. In case you didn't tick off all the boxes in Knysna, you can stick around there in the morning. But if you're keen to visit the Knysna Elephant Park, it's better to make an early start and book the 8 AM Elephant Experience; it's on your way to Plettenberg Bay, and it includes breakfast! Either way, Plettenberg's stunning beaches are waiting for you!

Activities:

: 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.

Accommodations:

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Day 6 - 7

Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma

Silver

Gold

The drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park is 57 km and shouldn't take more than 40 minutes. However, if you get hungry along the way, stop at Ristorante Enrico - a lovely Italian restaurant in Keurboomstrand (which is on your route). It's a prime site for watching dolphins and whales with swooping views across the bay, all the way to Robberg, and it's very kid-friendly.
Or drive to Brampton wines for a lovely wine tasting and a picnic overlooking the Tsitsikamma mountains. When you arrive at your destination, Robberg Nature Reserve and the Monkeyland & Birds of Eden sanctuaries make great activities to get you started!

Activities:

: 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!

Accommodations:

Silver Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Gold The Fernery Lodge and Spa
Platinum Misty Mountain Reserve (Misty Domes)

Silver

Gold

Day 8 - 9

Drive from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay

Gold

It's a 110-kilometre drive from Tsitsikamma National Park to Jeffreys Bay, which shouldn't take more than 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, you might want to make a quick stop in St. Francis Bay and visit the lighthouse, admire the fancy marina or enjoy a relaxing canal cruise. From there, it's just a half hour's drive to J-Bay, the surf capital of South Africa!

Activities:

: 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.

Accommodations:

Silver The Ocean Bay Luxury Guesthouse
Gold On the Beach Guesthouse
Platinum Canal Guest House - Waterfront Accommodation

Gold

Day 10

Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

From Jeffreys Bay, you reach Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in one hour and after around 80 kilometres. Say goodbye to the Cape Recife and the Cape St Francis and hello to the green, rolling hills of the Longmore State Forest, which you pass on your way. On the way, you can think back to the unforgettable memories you made in J-Bay and brush the last grains of sand off your feet.

Activities:

: 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.

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