Why South Africa’s Garden Route is a road-trip classic

Most visitors are introduced to South Africa either through the lens of its two largest cities—Johannesburg and Cape Town—or through a safari. But as a road-trip aficionado who has completed long, multi-day drives around the world, I can say with absolute confidence that driving the iconic Garden Route is not only one of the best ways to get to know South Africa—it’s one of the best road trips you’ll find anywhere. The scenery is dramatic, the roads are (generally) smooth and free from traffic, and you really get a taste of how South Africans live outside of the major cities.

Technically, the Garden Route begins in Witsand in the Western Cape, but with so many flights and rental cars to be found in Cape Town, it makes sense to start your journey just a little further west. I drove from west to east, starting in Cape Town and finishing in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

As you’ll find out, there really are no right or wrong ways to do the Garden Route. Here, I’ve broken it down into a four-day itinerary—paced so that you feel like you’re covering a lot of ground, but still enjoying unhurried stretches of time in the car to take in the unbelievable landscapes and make the most of what road trips are all about.

Total mileage: 75 miles

You could spend weeks exploring all the history, restaurants, beaches, and culture of Cape Town, but if I had to choose one thing to see before heading out to the Garden Route, it would be the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the east side of Table Mountain, away from downtown’s main hubbub. I loved the serene morning atmosphere at the garden and it was also enormously educational, tackling all of the unique plant life you’ll see in this southern part of South Africa. You can grab a quick breakfast at the Fynkos Tea Room, too, and then it’s on to the N1 for a drive to the winelands.

The city of Cape Town quickly disappears in the rearview mirror and idyllic farmlands and vineyards start to crop up on this route. Again, South Africa’s winelands are a place where you could spend days exploring—but if you want a quick taste before heading further east, a stop at Babylonstoren is essential. It’s one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the country, and has been turned into a stunning hotel and wine farm. Squeeze in a tour and a farm-fresh lunch at the Greenhouse restaurant—even if you aren’t an oenophile, the experience here is super emblematic of this region’s rich agricultural history.

It’s not much farther on to the beach enclave of Hermanus, a holiday town where the mountains meet the sea. This region is known for its floral diversity, so if you arrive before sunset, make sure to pull off the road at some point and admire some of the wildflowers during golden hour—the Cape Floral Kingdom is home to some of the most biodiverse and beautiful plants in the world.

I relished in the laid-back vibe in Hermanus, a town known for its retirees and family weekenders. I started the evening with a dinner of small plates paired with local wines at Pear Tree, then walked over to The Gecko for a nightcap, and found an energetic local atmosphere with live music and gorgeous water views. There isn’t a ton going on in Hermanus—but for a single night, it’s perfect.

Total mileage: 194 miles

I ordered some delicious eggs and bacon, then took a strong cup of coffee to go from Groves Cafe. If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Saturday morning, check out the Hermanus Country Market before you leave—I wasn’t there on the right day, but the baked treats and artisan goods make for fantastic road-trip snacks. Once you’re ready to hit the road, hop on the R43 down to the Cape l’Agulhas Lighthouse, Africa’s southernmost point. It sounds like an overhyped, underwhelming spot, but I promise, there’s something really momentous about looking out across the horizon and knowing that the next closest landmass is Antarctica.

Head back out on the road towards Swellendam, a great midway point to stop for refueling, snacks, and bathroom breaks. To break up the drive and stretch my legs, I also paused for a stroll around the Drostdy Museum, a former government building transformed into a museum containing a multitude of 18th- and 19th-century Cape Colony artifacts. In particular, I found the furniture amazing—I walked away with plenty of interior decorating inspo to bring home.

When I arrived in Mossel Bay, I drove straight to the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse to catch the sunset. It’s amazing—there are so many great ocean views along the Garden Route, but somehow each one feels unique and worthwhile. Once you’ve basked in the views, grab a fresh seafood dinner at Café Gannet. The sushi was some of the best I’ve ever had.

Total mileage: 84 miles

One of my favorite stops on the entire Garden Route was an unassuming local spot called The Nursery Coffee Shop—which, as its name implies, is a plant nursery and café. Grab a coffee and a scone, walk around, admire the plants, and eavesdrop on locals comparing gardening notes. Don’t linger too long, though, as the day is full of classic Garden Route vistas and sightseeing.

My favorite town on this road trip was Wilderness, an unusual waypoint that feels like the beating heart of the Garden Route’s tourism scene. It’s a gorgeous town nestled between the ocean and the forest, and everyone here seems to be a visitor or catering to visitors. You’ll find all sorts of operators from mountain biking guides to kayak tours— I settled on a guided horseback ride for several hours down some forested trails and couldn’t recommend it more. On your way out of town, instead of sticking to the N2, take the scenic route: Seven Passes Road, a dramatic byway filled with twists and turns and historic bridges over deep gorges.

By evening, the journey brings you to Plettenberg Bay, an elegant beach town filled with adorable shops, cafés, and charming streets to explore. I had a beautiful dinner at Nguni, where South African cuisine is the main event—think springbok and ostrich filets, fresh fish, bobotie (a type of spiced meatloaf), and plenty of local wines.

Total mileage: 102 miles

Residents in “Plett” are all about their morning routines, which usually begin (as mine did) with a hearty breakfast at the Thyme & Again farm stall, and then a stroll on the beach. I went to Robberg 5 beach, which felt non-touristy and filled with locals walking their dogs and basking in the area’s natural beauty. If you want more of a relaxing day, spend as much time here as you like—it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Garden Route—but if you’re looking to break a sweat, then pack up and hit the road, because one of the best adventures awaits a little further east.

A short drive from Plettenberg Bay brings you to the amazing natural wonders of Tsitsikamma National Park. There are tons—and I mean tons—of hiking trails to choose from. Check in at the main entrance gate for maps, and a rangers’ station where you can inquire about which trails are best for your ability. This area is also home to Bloukrans Bungy, a bungee-jumping experience from the top of Africa’s largest bridge. Just thinking back makes my heart race and my anxiety spike—I’m glad I did it, but I can only recommend it to the bravest thrill seekers.

This is probably the most adventurous day of the Garden Route, so by the time you roll into the small, unpretentious town of Jeffreys Bay, you’ll be ready to relax. After adventuring all day, I like to indulge in some comfort food—and I found just that at Brouhaha Craft Beer Restaurant, a gastropub serving up awesome locally made craft brews and pizzas, burgers, steaks, and ribs. While the town isn’t west-facing, I still found that the sunset here was spectacular. It was the perfectly serene, low-key place to go for a beach stroll and unwind before the short drive on to Gqeberha to catch my flight the next day.

I had sailed across the Garden Route at a good clip, but felt like I had done it at the right pace—and saved plenty of adventures for a return trip.