This Road Trip Route Is A Great Way To See The Best Of South Africa's Landscape
South Africa is home to the bustling cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as wildlife and unique landscapes people often go on safaris to explore. It's a vibrant country with rich cultures, delicious food, and an important history. A road trip is a fantastic way to see it all — or at least catch a good glimpse of it.
The Garden Route, a roughly 125-mile-long journey between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth, is an ideal path. You'll weave through charming towns, explore the region's natural environment, and have the opportunity to learn about local wildlife at stops along the way. The Garden Route is great for anyone who loves a good road trip. Along the route, you'll find that most people speak English, so if that's your native tongue or just a language you feel comfortable speaking, you'll feel right at home.
This road trip takes several days rather than hours. You can be selective about your stops and pack it all into a weekend, or you can take your time and make more stops over the course of two weeks.
Fun for nature lovers and thrill seekers
For lovers of the outdoors, we recommend whale watching and visiting a nature reserve. Hermanus is a charming coastal town with several whale-watching tour operators, some charging between $45 and $80 per adult. You are likely to see southern right whales from June to December, and other sea life like dolphins and fur seals year-round. Visiting the Ruitersbos Nature Reserve is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and step into Africa's wild environment. The forested area is suitable for birdwatching, walking, and seeing South Africa's national flower, the protea.
Thrill seekers, we have an adventure for you. Head to Bloukrans Bridge for bungee jumping and a skywalk. You'll get your heart rate racing as you jump off the 709-foot bridge or when you walk along the edge of the skywalk.
For those who want to shop and explore local cultures, stop in Knysna. It's a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a bunch of fun activities. You can view local art galleries, go diving, or grab a meal with plenty of oysters, which are famous in the region.
More to do
The Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn are a must-visit. There, you can take a tour through the caves that have been around for millions of years and see the long and fascinating stalagmites and stalactites coming from above and below.
Go to Tsitsikamma National Park to see monkeys, birds, gigantic trees — including one that's over 800 years old — and more at this breathtaking park. Hike, go horse riding, have a picnic, or kayak, the possibilities are endless.
We've only mentioned a handful of stops you can take while on the magnificent Garden Route. You can customize your road trip, which is the perfect way to travel and see new places, to fit your interests. You'll enjoy gorgeous coastal views along the way and pass through some charming towns. Next time you're looking for an adventure, make your way to South Africa and fill up your car's tank for the Garden Route.