10-Day Garden Route Road Trip South Africa

Garden Route, South Africa

This 10-day South Africa Road Trip on the Garden Route takes on an adventure to the famous route in South Africa. The Garden Route is a remarkable destination for nature lovers; hike along the Kingfisher Trail and explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Experience and explore the Thesen Island, Leisure Island and the many islands in between, you can experience island hopping of a special kind – ending with a breathtaking view from Knysna Heads.

If you are an animal lover, visit the gentle giants of the Knysna Elephant Park or swim with the Cape Fur Seals in Robberg Nature Reserve. In Monkeyland and Birds of Eden you can get closer to adorable furry and feathered creatures. For adrenaline junkies, head to Tsitsikamma National Park and Jeffrey’s Bay, where a zip line through the rainforest and board (for sand and water) will enchant you.

Highlights of 10 Days South Africa Road Trip on the Garden Route

Day 1: Arrival at George Airport and drive to Mossel Bay

Day 2: Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness

Day 3: Drive from Wilderness to Knysna

Day 4: Knysna

Day 5: Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

Day 6: Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma

Day 7: Tsitsikamma National Park

Day 8: Drive from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay

Day 9: Jeffreys Bay

Day 10: Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Flight back home

Detailed Itinerary of 10 Days South Africa Road Trip on the Garden Route

Day 1: Arrival at George Airport and drive to Mossel Bay

On arrival at George Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver-guide and be driven to Mossel Bay. The drive south is approximately 48 kilometers on the N2, and you will reach Mossel Bay in less than 35 minutes. Check in at your hotel and have a short rest.

Alternatively you can take a stroll to the Harbour or the lighthouse and a sundowner with your toes.

Mossel Bay is perched along the sunny shores of South Africa’s Western Cape, it is a harbour town that is known as the starting or end point of the famous Garden Route. With over 60 kilometers of sandy white beaches, a lively harbour and more than its fair share of sunshine.

Accommodation: The Point Hotel & Spa

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness

Today we embark on our first stretch of the Garden Route. The driver from Mossel Bay to Wilderness along the N2 highway is 60 kilometers and normally takes less than 45 minutes.

Framed by forested hills and endless stretches of sand, Wilderness is a seaside gem that lives up to its name-wild, beautiful, and blissfully unhurried. Start with a few lazy hours on the beach, then follow the shoreline to a peaceful lagoon where you can drift along in a canoe or take a scenic cruise on the Touw River. This small town is full of charm, with cosy cafes, artisan shops, lively restaurants, and a friendly buzz.

If you are a nature lovers, you will adore the Wilderness section of the Garden Route, where you can explore lush walking trails like the Kingfisher Trail, while those with a camera shouldn’t miss.

Accommodation: The Ocean View Guest House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 – 4: Knysna

Today we drive to Knysna, from Wilderness it is a journey of 47 kilometers on the N2 highway and takes about 40 minutes. If you are leaving Wilderness around lunchtime, it is a good idea to stop in Sedgefield along the way. This is a quaint seaside village set in the lakes district just between Wilderness and Knysna, and the Pilipili Restaurant with its forever-summer vibe is a great spot to kick off your shoes and enjoy a lovely beach lunch, cocktails and a variety of local craft beers served ice cold for the adults while the kids are having a ball and a pizza.

Knysna is a coastal gem where forest trails, white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage meet. The town’s story is deeply tied to the Houtunqua people, but today it is also known for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Start with the iconic Knysna Head – two dramatic cliffs guarding the lagoon’s month – perfect – perfect for breathtaking views and an obligatory sundowner. The next day, take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a walk or kayak trip through its shallow waters. Spend some time on the pristine shores of Buffalo Bay, and wrap up you visit at the bustling Waterfront, where boutique shops and mouth – watering eateries keep the vibe lively into evening.

Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

Today we drive to Plettenberg Bay which is a journey of 35 kilometers from Kysna. Also known as “Plett” as the the locals, Plettenberg Bay is where golden beaches, lush forests, enchanting lagoons and the dramatic Robberg Nature Reserve all meet in one postcard-perfect scene. Ocean lovers will be in for an adventure, take part in snorkeling colorful reefs, swim alongside plyaful Cape Fur Seals, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding the waves. From July to December, the bay turns into a prime whale-watching stage.

Accommodation: The Robberg Beach Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 6-7: Tsitsikamma National Park

Today we head to Tsitsikamma National Park which is a journey of approximately 57 km from Plettenberg. This beautiful park encompasses 80 kilometers of untamed coastline, dotted with glorious beaches, fynbos and evergreen coast forest. Today the thrills don’t come from spotting lions (although you might see whales from June to November), but from conquering epic hikes, walking the 2 kilometers long suspension bridge over the Storms River, plunging into waterfalls and trying exhilarating outdoor activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and tubing among others. For the adrenaline lovers, you can do the highest bungee jump in the world or exciting tree-top canopy zip-line tour.

Accommodation: The Fernery Lodge and Spa

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 8-9: Jeffreys Bay

Today, drive to Jeffreys Bay, which is a journey of 110 kilometers from Tsitsikamma – a drive of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Jeffrey’s Bay also known as J-Bay by the locals is a legendary surf town best known for its prime beaches, epic waves and laid – back surfers’ vibe. With world-renowned surf spots like Supertubes, Point and Kitchen Window, it is a mecca for surfers chasing fast, powerful breaks reaching up to 12 feet. You can also go sandboarding, stroll nature reserves, or visit the shell Museum.

Jeffrey’s Bay is also famous for its handmade leather goods, shell art and surf-inspired fashion, plus a cool craft beer brewery to match the scene.

Accommodation: On the Beach Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Flight back home

Today is the last day of your 10 Days South Africa Road Trip on the Garden Route, you will back to Port Elizabeth for your flight back home bringing your South Africa Holiday to an end.

End of 10 Days South Africa Road Trip on the Garden Route

Included