Cape to Coast Explorer
Cape Town to Garden Route
HermanusβOudtshoornβKnysnaβPlettenberg BayβStorms RiverβMossel BayβGeorgeβCape Town
10 daysSpringEasyMid-range8 segments8 stops
This 10-day illustrated road trip winds along South Africaβs most iconic coastal corridor β from Cape Townβs dramatic Table Mountain to the lush forests, turquoise lagoons, and wild cliffs of the Garden Route. Youβll whale-watch in Hermanus, explore ancient caves in Oudtshoorn, hike misty trails in Tsitsikamma, and savor oysters in Knysna β all with mid-range comfort and scenic flexibility.
πΈ SpringEasyMid-Range10 days
8 segments 8 landmarks 22h 5mπ 1530 km
Day-by-Day Plan
1 / 10
Cape Town Arrival & Table Top Views
Day 1 Activities
- Ride the Table Mountain Cable Car
- Wander Bo-Kaap's colorful streets
- Taste local Cape Malay cuisine
StayCity center boutique hotel (e.g., The Silo or 12 Apostles area)
MealsBreakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: Bo-Kaap cafΓ©; Dinner: Traditional meal at Biesmiellah
β swipe between days β
Route Segments
1
Cape Town β Hermanus
π 2h 45mπ 120 km
2
Hermanus β Oudtshoorn
π 3h 30mπ 270 km
3
Oudtshoorn β Knysna
π 3h 15mπ 240 km
4
Knysna β Plettenberg Bay
π 1h 20mπ 75 km
5
Plettenberg Bay β Storms River
π 2h 20mπ 140 km
6
Storms River β Mossel Bay
π 2h 15mπ 150 km
7
Mossel Bay β George
π 1h 10mπ 85 km
8
George β Cape Town
π 5h 30mπ 450 km
landmarks
πΊοΈ
Plan This Trip
Affiliate links β we may earn a commissionπ Table Mountain
π Stoney Point Penguin Colony
π Cango Caves
π Knysna Heads
π Tsitsikamma
π Storms River Mouth
π§‘
Recommended Tours
Affiliate links β we may earn a commission
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Book Visit St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
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Gondola ride along the Grand Canal
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Book Gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice
Explore St. Mark's Basilica
Β· 1h
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L
Lake Tahoe White Water Rafting
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White water rafting on the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe with a professional guide.
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Β· 1h
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Cape to Coast Explorer
Cape Town to Garden Route
Segments8
Landmarks8
Distance1530 km
Duration22h 5m
Day-by-Day Plan
1
Cape Town Arrival & Table Top Views
- Ride the Table Mountain Cable Car
- Wander Bo-Kaap's colorful streets
- Taste local Cape Malay cuisine
Stay
City center boutique hotel (e.g., The Silo or 12 Apostles area)
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: Bo-Kaap cafΓ©; Dinner: Traditional meal at Biesmiellah
2
Hermanus Whale Watch & Coastal Charm
- Join a guided whale-watching tour
- Visit Stoney Point Penguin Colony
- Stroll the Cliff Path
Stay
Sea-facing guesthouse in Hermanus (e.g., Marine Place or Old Harbour Hotel)
Meals
Breakfast: Guesthouse; Lunch: Harbor-side fish & chips; Dinner: Fresh seafood at The Brass Bell
3
Oudtshoorn Oasis & Karoo Wonders
- Tour a working ostrich farm
- Descend into the Cango Caves
- Drive scenic Swartberg Pass (optional detour)
Stay
Historic guesthouse in Oudtshoorn (e.g., De Oude Meul or Cango Valley Lodge)
Meals
Breakfast: Farm-fresh eggs; Lunch: Ostrich fillet at Safari Ostrich Show Farm; Dinner: Braai at lodge
4
Knysna Lagoon & Heads Majesty
- Hike the Knysna Heads trail
- Kayak on the lagoon
- Explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve
Stay
Lagoon-view hotel or self-catering apartment (e.g., The Turbine or Pezula Resort)
Meals
Breakfast: Waterfront cafΓ©; Lunch: Oysters at Knysna Waterfront; Dinner: Fine dining at The Deck
5
Plett Beach Life & Forest Edges
- Relax at Robberg Beach
- Visit Plettenberg Bay's craft markets
- Short walk at Robberg Nature Reserve
Stay
Beachfront accommodation (e.g., The Plettenberg or On The Rocks Boutique Hotel)
Meals
Breakfast: Sea view terrace; Lunch: Seaside picnic; Dinner: Tapas & wine at The Local Bar & Grill
6
Tsitsikamma Wildness & Big Tree Trail
- Hike the Otter Trail access points
- Walk the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge
- Big Tree Walk in indigenous forest
Stay
National Park lodge or eco-cabin (e.g., Storms River Mouth Rest Camp or Tsitsikamma Village)
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge buffet; Lunch: Picnic at suspension bridge; Dinner: Game meat stew at lodge restaurant
7
Mossel Bay History & Fossil Coast
- Hike the St. Blaize Trail
- Explore the Point of Human Origins Cave
- Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
Stay
Heritage hotel or seaside guesthouse (e.g., The Mossel Bay Hotel or Cape Saint Blaize Lodge)
Meals
Breakfast: Sea breeze terrace; Lunch: Fish taco stand at harbor; Dinner: Seafood platter at Sardinia Bay Grill
8
George & Outeniqua Orchards
- Visit the Elgin Apple Museum
- Drive through fruit farms
- Explore Georgeβs historic cathedral and gardens
Stay
Central George guesthouse or nature lodge (e.g., The George Hotel or Oakhurst Country House)
Meals
Breakfast: Orchard-view veranda; Lunch: Apple pie & cider at Elgin farm stall; Dinner: Local lamb at The Greenhouse
9
Return to Cape Town via Winelands
- Stop at Franschhoek or Stellenbosch vineyards
- Wine tasting & lunch en route
- Relax at V&A Waterfront
Stay
Waterfront hotel or design boutique (e.g., The Silo or The Cape Grace)
Meals
Breakfast: Roadside cafΓ©; Lunch: Vineyard picnic; Dinner: Sunset cocktails & seafood at The Test Kitchen pop-up
10
Cape Farewell & Departure
- Last-minute souvenir shopping at Greenmarket Square
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Departure transfer
Stay
Same as Day 9 β final night in Cape Town
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel garden terrace; Lunch: Gourmet picnic at Kirstenbosch; Dinner: Farewell braai at hotel
Route Segments
| # | From | To | Transport | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Town | Hermanus | car | 2h 45m | 120 km |
| 2 | Hermanus | Oudtshoorn | car | 3h 30m | 270 km |
| 3 | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | car | 3h 15m | 240 km |
| 4 | Knysna | Plettenberg Bay | car | 1h 20m | 75 km |
| 5 | Plettenberg Bay | Storms River | car | 2h 20m | 140 km |
| 6 | Storms River | Mossel Bay | car | 2h 15m | 150 km |
| 7 | Mossel Bay | George | car | 1h 10m | 85 km |
| 8 | George | Cape Town | car | 5h 30m | 450 km |