9 Days • 8 Nights
Garden Route Self-Drive: Cape to Tsitsikamma
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The freedom of the open road along the glorious Garden Route is an exhilarating highlight of this journey. Self-driving lets you savour one of the world's great coastal routes entirely at your own pace, on excellent, well-signed and easy roads. You set your own rhythm, lingering at a viewpoint over the ocean, detouring to a hidden beach or a mountain pass, pausing at a farm stall for local cheese and preserves, or stopping in a pretty village whenever the mood takes you. The scenery unfolds mile after mile: indigenous forest, shining lagoons, rolling hills, dramatic passes and endless sweeps of coast, with the Indian Ocean glittering alongside.
- Watching southern right whales at Hermanus is a magical highlight of this journey in season. Hermanus, an appealing seaside town on Walker Bay, is celebrated as the finest land-based whale-watching spot on earth, and from roughly June to November southern right whales come remarkably close to shore to calve and mate. From the cliff paths that wind along the town's edge you can watch these vast, gentle giants breach, lobtail and roll just metres from the rocks, sometimes with calves at their sides, while a quirky 'whale crier' sounds a kelp horn to announce the best sightings. A boat trip can bring you closer still.
- Beautiful Knysna, jewel of the Garden Route, with its lagoon and dramatic Heads, is a scenic highlight. Set on a tranquil, forest-fringed lagoon that opens to the sea between two towering sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads, Knysna is the loveliest town on the route. You take a cruise across the calm lagoon to the Heads, feast on the town's famous Knysna oysters, and explore the indigenous forests nearby, home to ferns, giant yellowwood trees and the ghost of the last Knysna elephants. You wander the lively waterfront, browse craft shops and galleries, and drink in views over water and forest.
- The beaches and marine wildlife of Plettenberg Bay are a beautiful highlight of this journey. 'Plett', the golden heart of the Garden Route, boasts some of South Africa's finest beaches, long, clean sweeps of pale sand lapped by the Indian Ocean and backed by green hills. You walk the wild Robberg peninsula, a nature reserve where a spectacular cliff path leads past a huge Cape fur seal colony, with dolphins often surfing the swells offshore and, in season, whales close by. You relax on the beach, swim, kayak or take a marine cruise in search of seals, dolphins and whales, and savour the laid-back, sunny atmosphere.
- The towering forests and dramatic coast of Tsitsikamma are a spectacular highlight of this journey. At the eastern end of the route, Tsitsikamma National Park protects ancient indigenous forest, deep river gorges and a wild, cliff-lined coast where the Storms River mouth meets the pounding Indian Ocean. You walk forest trails among giant yellowwoods and ferns, cross the swaying suspension bridge over the dramatic Storms River mouth, and gaze out over surf crashing against black cliffs. The adventurous can zipline through the forest canopy or, at nearby Bloukrans, take on the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump. The raw beauty and adventure are exhilarating.
- Above all, this journey offers the freedom and astonishing variety of the Garden Route in one flexible self-drive, an exhilarating adventure. In nine days you travel from the Mother City through whale-watching Hermanus, lagoon-set Knysna, beach-blessed Plettenberg Bay and forested Tsitsikamma, savouring ocean, forest, lagoon, mountain and beach, with the freedom to linger wherever beauty calls. Southern right whales, playful dolphins, Cape fur seals, penguins and endemic birds share the coast, while farm stalls, oyster bars and seaside cafes tempt at every turn. Excellent, easy roads and comfortable stays make the driving a pleasure. The freedom, beauty and variety are unforgettable.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Your Garden Route adventure begins as your flight lands in beautiful Cape Town, where you are met and transferred to your hotel beneath Table Mountain. The Mother City, cradled between mountain and sea, is one of the loveliest cities on earth, and its beauty and easy warmth are felt at once. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps strolling the lively V&A Waterfront, riding the cableway up Table Mountain if the weather is clear, or watching the sun sink into the Atlantic from Camps Bay. This evening a welcome dinner introduces you to Cape cuisine and to the exhilarating self-drive ahead along the Garden Route. As the city lights come on beneath the mountain, its magic takes hold. Rest well, ready to enjoy a day in Cape Town before you take to the open road.
Today you enjoy the Mother City before setting out on the road. You might ride the revolving cableway to the summit of Table Mountain for breathtaking views over the city and two oceans, walk the boardwalks at Boulders Beach among African penguins, or drive the wild Cape Peninsula to dramatic Cape Point. Alternatively, explore the colourful Bo-Kaap, the lively V&A Waterfront and the Company's Garden, or relax on a beautiful beach. You collect route notes and get comfortable with your plans for the drive ahead. The beauty and variety of Cape Town are captivating. As the day ends, you savour a final city evening, perhaps dining at the waterfront or in a buzzing city bistro. Rest well, for tomorrow your Garden Route self-drive begins in earnest as you head east along the coast towards Hermanus.
Today your self-drive begins as you collect your car and head east from Cape Town along a beautiful coastal road. You wind past the fishing villages and cliffs of the Whale Coast to Hermanus, celebrated as the world's finest land-based whale-watching town, set on lovely Walker Bay. In season (roughly June to November) you walk the cliff paths at the town's edge to watch southern right whales breach and play remarkably close to shore, sometimes with calves, while the quirky whale crier sounds his kelp horn. Out of season you enjoy the coastal scenery, wine estates and beaches of the bay. The beauty and wildlife are wonderful. As the day ends, you settle into your Hermanus guesthouse overlooking the sea. Rest well to the sound of the waves, for tomorrow you continue east along the coast.
Today you enjoy a longer, scenic drive east to Knysna, jewel of the Garden Route. You follow the coast and countryside, perhaps detouring to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, or pausing in pretty towns and at farm stalls for local cheese, preserves and coffee. As you enter the true Garden Route, the scenery softens into forest, lagoon and green hills. You arrive in Knysna, set on a tranquil, forest-fringed lagoon that opens to the sea between the dramatic sandstone Heads. You settle in and explore the lively waterfront, perhaps savouring the town's famous oysters. The scenery and flavours are captivating. As the day ends, you relax by the lagoon, the water glowing at sunset. Rest well in beautiful Knysna, ready to explore it tomorrow.
Today you explore beautiful Knysna at leisure. You take a cruise across the tranquil lagoon to the dramatic Knysna Heads, the towering sandstone cliffs that guard the narrow, surging channel to the sea, learning about the town's history and marine life. You might explore the indigenous forests nearby, walking among giant yellowwood trees, ferns and birdlife on shaded trails, or visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the western Head. Back in town you feast on famous Knysna oysters, browse craft shops and galleries, and drink in the views over water and forest. The tranquillity and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you relax on the waterfront, perhaps with sundowners over the lagoon. Rest well in Knysna, for tomorrow you continue east to the golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay along a short, scenic stretch of the route.
Today you drive a short, scenic stretch east to Plettenberg Bay, the golden heart of the Garden Route. 'Plett' boasts some of South Africa's finest beaches, long sweeps of pale sand lapped by the warm Indian Ocean and backed by green hills. You settle into your seaside stay, then relax on the beach, swim in the surf, or stroll the shore. You might take a marine cruise in search of dolphins, Cape fur seals and, in season, whales close to shore, or simply savour the laid-back, sunny atmosphere of this beloved holiday town. The beauty and ease are wonderful. As the day ends, you watch the sun set over the bay, perhaps dining on fresh seafood by the sea. Rest well in beautiful Plett, ready for more coast and wildlife tomorrow.
Today you explore the wild beauty and marine wildlife of Plettenberg Bay. A highlight is the Robberg Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula where a spectacular cliff-and-beach trail leads past a huge, noisy Cape fur seal colony, with dolphins often surfing the swells offshore and, in season, whales close by. You choose your route among the trails, drinking in dramatic ocean views. Back in town you might relax on the beach, kayak the lagoon, take a marine safari cruise, or visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary. The beauty and wildlife are exhilarating. As the day ends, you savour a final Plett evening, perhaps with sundowners above the sea and fresh seafood for dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you reach the towering forests and dramatic coast of Tsitsikamma, the wild eastern finale of your Garden Route drive.
Today you drive east to Tsitsikamma, the spectacular forested finale of the Garden Route. You enter Tsitsikamma National Park, where ancient indigenous forest, deep river gorges and a wild, cliff-lined coast meet the pounding Indian Ocean. You walk forest trails among giant yellowwoods and ferns, then follow the boardwalk to the swaying suspension bridge over the dramatic Storms River mouth, where surf crashes against black cliffs. The adventurous can zipline through the forest canopy or, at nearby Bloukrans, watch or take on the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump. The raw beauty and adventure are exhilarating. As the day ends, you settle into your forest or clifftop stay, the ocean thundering below. This evening, savour the wild setting and reflect on your glorious drive. Rest well amid the forest and sea of Tsitsikamma, ready to depart tomorrow.
After a final morning amid the forests and cliffs of Tsitsikamma, perhaps a last walk to the sea, you drive to the nearest airport (typically George or Port Elizabeth), drop off your car, and connect for your onward departure. You leave having driven the whole glorious sweep of the Garden Route: the whales of Hermanus, the lagoon and oysters of Knysna, the golden beaches and seals of Plettenberg Bay, and the towering forests and dramatic Storms River of Tsitsikamma, all at your own liberating pace. The images stay vivid long after you land, whales close to shore, the Knysna Heads, the Robberg cliffs, and the swaying bridge over the surging river mouth. The Garden Route offers freedom, forest, ocean and wildlife in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the beautiful Cape coast of South Africa.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring, game drives and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides and ranger-trackers
- Park, reserve and site entrance fees as per itinerary
- car hire for the self-drive with unlimited mileage, detailed route notes and maps, a Knysna lagoon cruise, a whale-watching briefing in Hermanus, national park entry to Tsitsikamma, and all listed accommodation
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel, tolls and car-hire excess or extra insurance
- Most lunches and dinners, optional whale-watching boat trips, ziplining and bungee, and tips
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities (including UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia) receive a visa-free visitor's permit on arrival in South Africa for tourism, typically up to 90 days; a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond departure with two or more blank pages is required. Rules vary by nationality and can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for you and advise on any eVisa or permit needed
- Currency: The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, towns, hotels, restaurants and shops, and ATMs are plentiful. Carry some cash for markets, tips, curio stalls and rural areas. Tipping is customary, roughly ten percent in restaurants, and gratuities for safari rangers, trackers, guides and drivers are appreciated
- Best time to visit: South Africa is a year-round destination. May to September (dry winter) is prime for Big Five safari in Kruger and the lowveld, as thinning bush and water holes concentrate wildlife; November to March (summer) is warm and sunny for Cape Town, the beaches and the Winelands. June to November brings the southern right whales to Hermanus and the Garden Route coast. We tailor timing to your priorities
- Language & etiquette: South Africa has eleven official languages; English is widely spoken and understood everywhere in tourism. This is a warm, diverse, welcoming 'Rainbow Nation' with a rich and complex history; a respectful, open-minded interest in its cultures, from Zulu and Xhosa heritage to the story of apartheid and reconciliation, is deeply rewarding. A friendly greeting goes a long way
- Getting around: Distances are large and touring is by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with expert guides and drivers, or by self-drive on good roads (we can arrange either); light aircraft connect Cape Town, Johannesburg and the bush to save time. South Africa drives on the left. On safari, open 4x4 game-drive vehicles with a ranger and tracker are used within the reserves
- Health & safety: Consult your doctor about routine vaccinations and, for the lowveld and Kruger during summer, antimalarial precautions (the Cape, Winelands and Garden Route are malaria-free); bring insect repellent, sun protection and any personal medication. Tap water is safe to drink in cities and towns. Use normal city-travel common sense, keep valuables discreet, and follow your guide's advice, particularly on foot in urban areas at night
- Culture & wildlife etiquette: On game drives, follow your ranger's instructions at all times, stay seated and quiet near animals, and never stand up or leave the vehicle unless told it is safe. Keep a respectful distance, avoid flash near wildlife, and take only photographs. When visiting townships, communities and cultural sites, go with trusted local guides who ensure visits are respectful, safe and genuinely beneficial
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V; South Africa mainly uses the large three-round-pin type M plug (and increasingly type N and type C), so bring a universal adapter. Occasional scheduled power cuts ('loadshedding') can occur, though hotels and lodges typically have backup generators. Bring layers for chilly early-morning and evening game drives, sun protection, and neutral-coloured clothing for the bush
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garden Route easy to self-drive?
Yes. The Garden Route follows excellent, well-signed tarred roads, mostly the smooth N2 highway, with easy, scenic driving and short daily distances, making it one of the most enjoyable and relaxed self-drives in the world. South Africa drives on the left; your hire car and full route notes, maps and support are provided. We plan comfortable stages so you have plenty of time to stop, explore and enjoy, rather than rush. Guided or chauffeured options are available if you prefer not to drive.
When can I see whales along the route?
Southern right whales visit the Cape coast roughly from June to November, peaking around September and October, when they come remarkably close to shore at Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and elsewhere, often with calves. Hermanus offers the world's best land-based viewing from its cliff paths, and boat-based whale watching is available in season. Dolphins and Cape fur seals can be seen year-round. If whales are a priority, we plan your travel dates for the peak season and build in the best viewing spots.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary. On safari at game lodges, stays are typically fully inclusive, with all meals plus daily game drives, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. In Cape Town, the Winelands and along the Garden Route we usually leave lunches and some dinners free so you can explore South Africa's superb, varied food and wine scene, and we gladly recommend the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable vehicle in the cities, Winelands and Garden Route, and shared open 4x4 game drives with a professional ranger and tracker at the safari lodges (private vehicles can be arranged). This gives you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you. South Africa's knowledgeable guides bring its wildlife, landscapes, wine and complex history vividly to life.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, receive a free visa-free visitor's permit on arrival for tourism, typically up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure, with two or more blank pages, is required. Requirements vary by nationality and can change, so we confirm the exact, current process for you and advise on any eVisa or permit needed before you travel.
Is South Africa safe to visit?
South Africa is a rewarding and well-established destination that welcomes many visitors each year, and travelling with a good operator makes it smooth and safe. We use trusted guides, drivers and lodges, arrange secure transfers, and brief you on sensible precautions, much like in any major world city: keep valuables discreet, avoid walking alone in quiet urban areas at night, and follow local advice. On safari you are in expert hands with professional rangers at all times.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on your priorities. May to September (dry winter) is prime for Big Five safari, as thinning bush and water holes concentrate the wildlife; November to March (summer) is warm and sunny for Cape Town, its beaches and the Winelands. June to November brings southern right whales to Hermanus and the coast, and September adds spring wildflowers. Many combine the Cape and the bush year-round; we tailor the timing to what matters most to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, Winelands, coast and safari, upgrade to luxurious lodges in the Sabi Sand, add the Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Zulu heritage, Addo Elephant Park, or extend beach time, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the astonishing variety of South Africa.
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