14 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: GARDEN ROUTE PLUS ADDO ELEPHANTS

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.

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.

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.

Redberry Farm in George is a fantastic family-friendly stop between Mossel Bay and Wilderness, especially for a fun-filled lunch break. Kids can go wild with pony rides, go-karts, strawberry picking, rabbit feeding, a giant hedge maze, and even climb inside a giant strawberry! Entry is free, and activities are pay-as-you-go. No booking needed, just grab your tickets at the farm stall. While the little ones release some energy, parents can unwind on the terrace with firewood pizza, fresh drinks, and sweet berry treats (don’t miss the ice cream!).

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.

Knysna’s two island suburbs – Thesen and Leisure Island – are both special and well worth a visit. Which one to choose depends on your mood and interests!
Thesen Island is a buzzing hub of 19 man-made isles connected by charming bridges. It's home to stylish boutiques, trendy restaurants, posh wineries and lively cafés set along tranquil canals; perfect for those who love elegance, culinary delights and waterfront views. Leisure Island, just six kilometres from central Knysna via George Rex Drive, is the more laid-back option. This peaceful village-like island offers calm lagoon views and a family-friendly beach with warm, shallow waters ideal for young kids.

The Knysna Heads are two towering sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, separated by just 300 metres of water. Formed over 180 million years ago during the breakup of Gondwana, they’re one of the most iconic natural landmarks on the Garden Route. The Eastern Head is easily reached by car and offers jaw-dropping viewpoints over the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon, and the Outeniqua Mountains—no wonder the Sea Rescue Institute built its lookout here! You’ll also find easy access to tide pools, beaches, and walking trails from the east side. The Western Head, on the other hand, is only accessible by ferry and is part of the protected Featherbed Nature Reserve. Together, they frame some of the most scenic vistas on the South African coast.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve, set on Knysna’s untouched Western Head, is a private eco-paradise only accessible by ferry. A must-do 4-hour excursion departs daily from the Knysna Waterfront and includes the return ferry, a scenic 4x4 drive to the top of the headland and an optional 2.2 kilometre guided walk through lush coastal forest, fynbos, and ancient sea caves. The walk isn’t too demanding, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Along the way, expert guides share fascinating insights into local ecosystems, plant life and lagoon wildlife. It’s an unforgettable nature experience suitable for all ages - just wear comfy shoes, bring a camera, and dress for the season. Pre-booking is essential, and you can even add a delicious lunch to round off your trip!

If you’re a beach lover, Buffalo Bay – or Buffelsbaai as the locals say – is a must on your Garden Route itinerary. This laid-back seaside village is famous for its sweeping views, golden sunsets, and one of the safest swimming beaches in the region. Just a short drive from Knysna and Sedgefield, it offers an ideal mix of family-friendly fun, great surf, and a mellow coastal vibe. Feeling energetic? Take a scenic beach walk all the way to Brenton-on-Sea and keep an eye out for colourful murals, mosaics and surfboard art, as Buffalo Bay is part of the Knysna Art Route. There are also a handful of beach cafés and restaurants, perfect for lingering over lunch or catching a stunning sundowner.

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!

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.

Spend a relaxing afternoon in Plettenberg Bay exploring Monkeyland and Birds of Eden – two neighbouring sanctuaries that make up part of the world-renowned Sanctuary Alliance. Buy a combo ticket and enjoy both experiences in one go! Start with a 1-hour guided forest walk through Monkeyland, home to over 550 free-roaming primates who were rescued from captivity and now live happily in a 12-hectare indigenous forest. Then wander through Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight aviary on the planet – where more than 3,500 birds from 220 species flutter freely through lush forest and over a waterfall. You can explore the 1.2km canopy walkway at your own pace, or request a free guided tour for insider stories.

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!

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!

Paddle, float, and leap...that sums up the Kayak and Lilo Adventure at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2 to 3 hour trip begins with either kayaking across the ocean under the suspension bridge or hiking through the forest to start higher up, depending on sea conditions. You paddle through the gorge, passing caves, cliffs, and long stretches of still water before switching to a lilo to float deeper into narrow sections of the river. The return adds an optional round of cliff jumping into the deep pools, or you can simply enjoy the calm drift back.

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.

The Surf Village in Jeffreys Bay is a laid-back outdoor shopping hub packed with surf stores, factory outlets, homeware, yummy restaurants and a dash of pampering. It's been a retail hotspot since the '80s, celebrating J-Bay’s iconic surf and skate culture. Just a short stroll from Dolphin Beach, it’s perfect for finding Billabong bargains, grabbing a cold craft beer or enjoying a chilled family lunch. A must-visit for anyone wanting that relaxed, salty-air shopping vibe!

Ready for some high-speed fun on golden dunes? Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay is perfect for all levels, with gentle beginner slopes and thrilling steep runs for the brave. It’s like snowboarding, just warmer – and with ocean views over St Francis Bay that might even include dolphins or whales (in season). Your 2-hour adventure starts at the Wacky Wipeouts Sandboarding Shack at Marina Martinique Beach parking, with all gear and instructions provided. Tours run daily at 10 AM and 2 PM, and you can even book an add-on kayaking trip or SUP on the lagoon for an extra splash of fun!

Addo Elephant National Park is the country’s third-largest game reserve, located right along South Africa's iconic Garden Route (meaning your drive already takes your breath away!). The park is home to more than 600 elephants AND to the Big Seven. Wait, what now? Yes, you read that right, the Big Seven! In Addo, the famous Big Five family of large safari animals extends its reach into the ocean to include the humongous southern right whale and the great white shark. And Addo is the only place where you have a chance to see them all!

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.