Itineraries
Cape Town and Garden Route itinerary: 10 days by car
Four nights in Cape Town, then the drive east through Hermanus, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma, with an optional Addo safari.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 3 min read
Quick answer
- A 10-day Cape Town and Garden Route itinerary works well as four nights in Cape Town, then a self-drive east along the N2 to Wilderness, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma.
- Drive one way from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and fly home from there, adding Addo Elephant National Park for a safari; allow 12–14 days to take it slowly.
- December to February is warm and dry in Cape Town but windy and very busy over Christmas; whale season at Hermanus is June to November, outside the summer holidays.
| Ideal length | 10 days; 12–14 with Addo |
|---|---|
| Main road | N2 (Route 62 inland as an alternative) |
| Direction | Cape Town east to Gqeberha, one way |
| Hermanus whales | June–November |
| Robben Island | Book through the official museum only |
Days 1–4: Cape Town
Stay near the V&A Waterfront, in the City Bowl or Sea Point. On day one, explore the Waterfront and the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, respecting that it's a residential neighbourhood.
Keep Table Mountain flexible: ride the cableway or hike up on the first clear, calm morning, as the summer south-easter wind can close the cableway. Spend a full day on the Cape Peninsula: drive Chapman's Peak, visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, then see the African penguins at Boulders Beach near Simon's Town.
Robben Island ferries leave from the Waterfront for tours of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Book only through the official Robben Island Museum, and don't leave it to your last day, as wind can cancel sailings.
Day 5: the Winelands or Hermanus on the way east
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are 45–90 minutes from Cape Town, with wine estates and restaurants in mountain settings. Visit one as a tasting day trip from Cape Town with a driver, rather than trying to fit both into your driving day.
Heading east, Hermanus has a clifftop path and good seafood, though whales are mostly there from June to November. Wilderness is about four to five hours' drive on from Hermanus, so break the journey at Mossel Bay, where the Dias Museum has a full-size replica of Bartolomeu Dias's ship.
Days 6–8: Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
Wake up in Wilderness for lagoons, beaches and forest walks in Wilderness National Park, and stop at the Map of Africa viewpoint. Knysna, 40–50 minutes away, is set on a lagoon guarded by the cliffs of the Knysna Heads; take a lagoon cruise if the weather allows.
Base yourself for two nights in Knysna, for restaurants, or Plettenberg Bay, for beaches. Near Plett, the Robberg Nature Reserve has circular walks of different lengths along a peninsula with seals and seabirds; take water and sun protection, as it's exposed.
Days 9–10: Tsitsikamma and an Addo safari
Tsitsikamma, in Garden Route National Park, is about an hour from Plettenberg Bay. Walk to the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth, or try kayaking up the gorge.
Addo Elephant National Park, near Gqeberha, is about 2–3 hours further east and is the easiest place on the route for a safari, with large elephant herds. Self-drive on the park roads or join a guided game drive. Fly home from Gqeberha rather than driving back to Cape Town, and allow a spare day if you can.
Is it safe to drive the Garden Route, and which way?
The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most popular self-drive trips, mostly on the N2. Drive on the left, travel in daylight, keep doors locked and valuables out of sight, and use busy fuel stations. Watch out for animals and pedestrians on rural roads.
Driving east, from Cape Town to Gqeberha, lets you finish at Addo and fly out; check the one-way drop-off fee when you book the car. Route 62, inland through Montagu and Oudtshoorn, is a scenic alternative but adds time.
When is the best time to go?
December to February is summer: warm, dry and great for beaches and hiking around Cape Town. Christmas to early January is the peak South African holiday season, so book accommodation and cars early. February and March are quieter.
The south-easter, nicknamed the Cape Doctor, blows strongly in summer and can disrupt the cableway and boat trips, so keep plans flexible. Check your government's travel advice and SANParks notices before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Cape Town and the Garden Route?
About 10 days: four nights in Cape Town and five along the Garden Route. Allow 12–14 for the Winelands and a relaxed Addo safari.
Is the Garden Route safe to drive?
It's a well-travelled route for visitors. Drive in daylight, keep valuables hidden and follow local advice.
Can you combine Cape Town, the Garden Route and a safari?
Yes. End the drive at Addo Elephant National Park and fly home from nearby Gqeberha.
