How many days do you need to explore the Garden Route?
The ideal length of a Garden Route trip depends on your travel style, interests, and how much time you have. A 3-day itinerary offers a quick introduction, covering highlights like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma, while a 5 to 6-day journey allows for a more immersive experience, including Wilderness, Oudtshoorn, and Addo Elephant Park.
For those with 10+ days, the Garden Route becomes a dream road trip with ample time for wine tasting, coastal hikes, whale watching, and wildlife safaris. If you're starting in Cape Town, consider adding stops like Hermanus (famous for whale watching) or Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa) for an extended, unforgettable adventure.
Garden Route Itinerary Ideas
14-Day Self-Drive Luxury Itinerary
Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route
Experience the Garden Route at a relaxed pace, staying in luxury boutique hotels and elegant country guesthouses while enjoying the best food, wine, and scenery South Africa has to offer.
Explore Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula, and the V&A Waterfront. Enjoy world-class dining and scenic coastal drives.
Spot whales (July–November), visit a penguin colony at Betty's Bay, and enjoy coastal walks along the Cliff Path.
Relax on Blue Flag beaches, hike the Robberg Nature Reserve, explore the Keurbooms River by kayak, and visit wildlife sanctuaries.
Discover the famous Cango Caves, visit an ostrich farm, and drive along the spectacular Swartberg Pass.
Indulge in wine tasting, fine dining, and historic charm in South Africa's culinary capital.
5-Day Guided Budget Itinerary
Canoeing adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park
Perfect for adventure travellers looking for a well-organized, affordable way to experience the Garden Route's top highlights.
- Scenic coastal drive from Cape Town with stops at Hermanus, Cape Agulhas, and Betty's Bay
- Whale watching (seasonal: July – November) and an African penguin colony visit
- Explore Route 62, South Africa's longest wine route, known for quirky farm stalls and vineyards
- Adventure in Wilderness – Canoe along tranquil waterways in Wilderness National Park
- Knysna & Tsitsikamma – Walk the iconic suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth, explore lush forests, and enjoy fresh seafood at the Knysna Waterfront
- Oudtshoorn – Visit an ostrich farm
- Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump – The world's highest commercial bungee jump for thrill-seekers
- Addo Elephant Park Safari – Spot the Big Five on a guided game drive in one of South Africa's top malaria-free wildlife reserves
