GARDEN ROUTE WITH RENTAL CAR
The Garden Route is the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), world-renowned for its outstanding nature and diverse landscapes. From fynbos-clad hills and dramatic mountain passes to semi-desert and turquoise coastlines – this stretch offers it all. Perhaps most charming is the encounter with small towns full of history, culture and local soul. Along the way, the region offers exceptional food and drink – such as local Karoo lamb, wine and, fresh seafood and oysters from Knysna. With well-maintained roads and safe conditions, this is an ideal route to experience by rental car.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
The journey begins in beautiful Cape Town. Here you will stay in the heart of Cape Town, along the popular V/A Waterfont. Here you are within safe walking distance of a number of restaurants, bars and shops.
If you arrive in time, we recommend taking the cable car up to Cape Town's landmark, Table Mountain, and enjoying the sunset over the city and down towards the Cape of Good Hope. A perfect start to your holiday!
DAY 2–3: CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. Spend the day exploring the city and Cape Town has something to offer for everyone. If you are a history buff, we recommend a visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for most of his years. We also recommend a trip to the Cape of Good Hope with a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach. Explore the "mother city" on your own or with a guide. Feel free to ask us for good advice - we know Cape Town!
DAY 4 THE WINE REGION
With a rental car you travel into South Africa's wine region. Wine is one of South Africa's prides, and the country has its own grape that is used by many vineyards – Pinotage.
We are happy to give you recommendations on which vineyards to visit and where to have lunch; there are many great places to choose from. Accommodation either in Stellenbosch or beautiful Franschhoek.
DAY 5: THE WINE AREA or HERMANUS
Spend the day exploring the wine region.
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Before you travel on, we can also recommend a detour to Hermanus – the whale capital. The best time for whale watching is June to November and a fantastic experience. Optionally add accommodation at Grootbos – a completely unique nature reserve with an outstanding biodiversity and landscape that combines ancient milkwood forests, rolling fynbos-clad hills and views of the sun sinking over the sea. Here you can join “botanical safaris” and experience the “Marine Big 5”
DAY 6-7: OUDTSHOORN
Next stop is the Klein Karoo region, with Oudtshoorn at its centre – known as the “ostrich city”. Ostriches and the popularity of ostrich feathers created the city’s heyday, and it’s still possible to learn about this history at working ostrich farms. Cango Caves also await, with impressive stalactite caves that open up during guided tours. An incredible natural phenomenon!
For those who want an early start, a guided morning desert walk is recommended to see meerkats waking up and playing in the sunrise!
DAY 8–9: KNYSNA
The drive continues over the Outeniqua Pass – one of the most scenic stretches of the Garden Route – and leads to Knysna – a beautiful lagoon town characterised by dense forest, dramatic coastal scenery, charming cafes and an exciting history, including links to the Norwegian timber trade in the 1800th century.
Here guests can enjoy fresh seafood such as Knysna oysters, explore the fjord by boat, stroll the nature trails or simply relax in beautiful surroundings.
DAY 10: PLETTENBERG BAY or TSITSIKAMMA
The day can be spent on the coast at Plettenberg Bay, which offers some of South Africa's most beautiful beaches and is known for its relaxed coastal life, seasonal whale watching, kayaking and great hiking opportunities along the Robberg Peninsula - a nature reserve with impressive views.
Alternatively, continue east to Tsitsikamma National Park – a wild and dramatic part of the Garden Route. Here, dense coastal rainforest, deep gorges, suspension bridges over the Storms River and ancient forests await. Hike among the majestic yellowwood trees, “The Big Trees”, – considered the oldest and tallest in Africa.
No matter your choice, spectacular scenery and memorable experiences await.
DAY 11: GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)
After breakfast, the trip continues to Gqeberha. The day can be spent exploring beautiful beaches along the coast, visiting the surfers' mecca Jeffreys Bay - known for world-class surfing waves and lots of cozy cafes.
Then we head back to Gqeberha for an overnight stay at a cozy guesthouse.
DAY 12: HOME TRAVEL OR SAFARI
The journey concludes with a return trip from Gqeberha Airport after returning the rental car.
For those wishing to extend their stay, we recommend going on safari. Safari experiences can either be arranged in the nearby areas or by flying to Durban for a safari in Zululand.
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