Planning Your Garden Route Road Trip
The Garden Route is South Africa's most celebrated coastal drive, stretching approximately 200 kilometres along the N2 highway from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The route weaves through indigenous forests, dramatic coastal cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and charming towns, each offering distinct beaches, hiking trails, and adventure activities. Most travelers extend the journey by starting in Cape Town, adding a scenic 387-kilometre drive through the Overberg region.
Towns and Distances
Traveling east from Mossel Bay, the route passes through George (54 km), the region's largest town and the gateway to Outeniqua Pass. Next is Wilderness (64 km), a laid-back village famed for its lakes and paragliding. Sedgefield (87 km), officially a "Slow Town," hosts artisan markets and lagoon activities. Knysna (111 km) is the heart of the Garden Route, known for its lagoon, the iconic Knysna Heads, oysters, and ancient forests. Plettenberg Bay (141 km), often called "Plett," delivers pristine beaches, the Robberg Peninsula hike, and seasonal whale watching. The route concludes at Storms River (208 km), the gateway to Tsitsikamma National Park and the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump.
Key Distances from Mossel Bay:
- Mossel Bay: Start — Hiking trails, Dias Museum, beaches
- George: 54 km — Gateway town, golf, Outeniqua Pass
- Wilderness: 64 km — Lakes, paragliding, secluded beaches
- Sedgefield: 87 km — Slow Town, lagoon, artisan markets
- Knysna: 111 km — The Heads, lagoon, oysters, forests
- Plettenberg Bay: 141 km — Robberg Peninsula, whale watching, beaches
- Storms River: 208 km — Suspension bridges, Bloukrans bungee, Tsitsikamma
Top Attractions Along the Route
Knysna Heads: Dramatic sandstone cliffs framing the lagoon entrance, best viewed from the Eastern Head viewpoint. Robberg Nature Reserve: A spectacular peninsula hike near Plettenberg Bay with three trail options, seal colonies, and breathtaking ocean views. Bloukrans Bridge: The world's highest commercial bungee jump at 216 metres. Tsitsikamma National Park: Ancient forests, suspension bridges spanning the Storms River Mouth, and the famous multi-day Otter Trail. Cango Caves: Limestone caves near Oudtshoorn, accessible via a detour inland through the scenic Route 62. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden: Sanctuaries near Plettenberg Bay hosting free-roaming primates and exotic birds.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
- Duration: While the route can technically be driven in a single day, we recommend 5 to 7 days to properly explore the towns, hikes, and attractions.
- Best Time: Year-round destination. Summer (November–March) offers warm beach weather; winter (June–September) brings whale watching in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay.
- Accommodation: Book ahead in peak season (December and Easter). Options range from backpacker hostels to luxury boutique hotels.
- Add-Ons: Combine with an Addo Elephant Park safari or Eastern Cape Big Five for a complete wildlife experience.
Getting There from Cape Town
Most travelers begin in Cape Town, driving 387 kilometres southeast to Mossel Bay via the N2. The journey passes through Swellendam and can include a detour to Hermanus for whale watching (July–November). Alternatively, fly into George Airport (the region's hub) and rent a car locally.