Cape to Coast Garden Route
Cape Town to Garden Route
HermanusโSomerset WestโKnysnaโPlettenberg BayโOudtshoornโGeorgeโMossel BayโStorms RiverโCape Town
10 daysSpringEasyMid-range9 segments7 stops
This scenic 10-day road trip winds along South Africaโs iconic Garden Route, blending dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient forests, whale-rich bays, and charming towns. Youโll experience vibrant culture, world-class wine, indigenous wildlife, and breathtaking natural landmarks โ all at a relaxed, mid-range pace.
๐ธ SpringEasyMid-Range10 days
9 segments 7 landmarks 24h 20m๐ 1745 km
Day-by-Day Plan
1 / 10
Cape Town Arrival & Tabletop Views
Day 1 Activities
- Ride Table Mountain Cable Car
- Explore Bo-Kaap colorful houses
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
StayCentral Cape Town (e.g., V&A Waterfront or City Bowl)
MealsBreakfast: Hotel buffet, Lunch: Bo-Kaap cafรฉ, Dinner: Winery restaurant in Stellenbosch
โ swipe between days โ
Route Segments
1
Cape Town โ Hermanus
๐ 2h 45m๐ 120 km
2
Hermanus โ Somerset West
๐ 3h 15m๐ 160 km
3
Somerset West โ Knysna
๐ 2h 30m๐ 290 km
4
Knysna โ Plettenberg Bay
๐ 1h 20m๐ 75 km
5
Plettenberg Bay โ Oudtshoorn
๐ 2h 40m๐ 170 km
6
Oudtshoorn โ George
๐ 1h 15m๐ 65 km
7
George โ Mossel Bay
๐ 2h 20m๐ 140 km
8
Mossel Bay โ Storms River
๐ 2h 30m๐ 165 km
9
Storms River โ Cape Town
๐ 5h 45m๐ 560 km
landmarks
๐บ๏ธ
Plan This Trip
Affiliate links โ we may earn a commission๐ Table Mountain
๐ Hermanus Whale Watching
๐ Knysna Heads
๐ Cango Caves
๐ St. Blaize Trail
๐ Storms River Mouth
๐งก
Recommended Tours
Affiliate links โ we may earn a commission
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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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Book Visit Doge's Palace in Venice
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Cape to Coast Garden Route
Cape Town to Garden Route
Segments9
Landmarks7
Distance1745 km
Duration24h 20m
Day-by-Day Plan
1
Cape Town Arrival & Tabletop Views
- Ride Table Mountain Cable Car
- Explore Bo-Kaap colorful houses
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
Stay
Central Cape Town (e.g., V&A Waterfront or City Bowl)
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet, Lunch: Bo-Kaap cafรฉ, Dinner: Winery restaurant in Stellenbosch
2
Whales & Coastal Charm in Hermanus
- Morning whale watching tour
- Walk the Cliff Path
- Visit Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Stay
Hermanus town center or coastal guesthouse
Meals
Breakfast: Seaside cafรฉ, Lunch: Picnic on Grotto Beach, Dinner: Ocean-view seafood restaurant
3
Coastal Drive to Somerset West
- Scenic drive over Sir Lowryโs Pass
- Helderberg Nature Reserve hike
- Local farm stall stop
Stay
Somerset West or Strand waterfront
Meals
Breakfast: Guesthouse, Lunch: Picnic with local cheese & fruit, Dinner: Vineyard bistro
4
Knysna Lagoon & Heads
- Boat cruise through Knysna Lagoon
- Hike to Knysna Heads viewpoint
- Featherbed Nature Reserve tour
Stay
Knysna waterfront guesthouse or boutique hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Waterfront cafรฉ, Lunch: Oyster bar on Thesen Island, Dinner: Riverside fine dining
5
Plettenberg Bay Beaches & Tsitsikamma
- Relax on Robberg Beach
- Hike Robberg Peninsula trail
- Visit Tsitsikamma National Park entrance
Stay
Plettenberg Bay beachfront lodge or eco-cottage
Meals
Breakfast: Beachside cafรฉ, Lunch: Surf shack picnic, Dinner: Beachfront grill with fresh fish
6
Oudtshoorn Ostriches & Caves
- Tour Cango Caves
- Ostrich farm visit and photo op
- Explore Oudtshoornโs historic Dutch Reformed Church
Stay
Oudtshoorn guesthouse or Karoo-style lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Farmhouse, Lunch: Ostrich steak at local bistro, Dinner: Traditional Karoo braai
7
George Apple Country & Wine
- Visit Elgin Apple Museum
- Taste wines at Georgeโs boutique vineyards
- Stroll through Outeniqua Park
Stay
George city center hotel or vineyard stay
Meals
Breakfast: Orchard-side cafรฉ, Lunch: Vineyard picnic, Dinner: Local wine-paired dinner
8
Mossel Bay History & Coast
- Hike St. Blaize Trail
- Visit Point of Human Origins Cave
- Explore Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
Stay
Mossel Bay coastal hotel or heritage guesthouse
Meals
Breakfast: Harbour cafรฉ, Lunch: Seafood market stall, Dinner: Family-run seaside eatery
9
Storms River Adventure & Forest
- Cross Storms River Mouth suspension bridge
- Raft or kayak the river
- Guided forest canopy walk in Tsitsikamma
Stay
Storms River Mouth rest camp or riverside guesthouse
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge garden, Lunch: Riverside braai, Dinner: Campfire storytelling & barbecue
10
Return to Cape Town & Farewell
- Scenic N2 drive back to Cape Town
- Stop at Franschhoek for wine tasting
- Final shopping at V&A Waterfront
Stay
Cape Town city-center hotel (e.g., De Waterkant or City Bowl)
Meals
Breakfast: Franschhoek cafรฉ, Lunch: Winery lunch, Dinner: Farewell dinner at waterfront restaurant
Route Segments
| # | From | To | Transport | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Town | Hermanus | car | 2h 45m | 120 km |
| 2 | Hermanus | Somerset West | car | 3h 15m | 160 km |
| 3 | Somerset West | Knysna | car | 2h 30m | 290 km |
| 4 | Knysna | Plettenberg Bay | car | 1h 20m | 75 km |
| 5 | Plettenberg Bay | Oudtshoorn | car | 2h 40m | 170 km |
| 6 | Oudtshoorn | George | car | 1h 15m | 65 km |
| 7 | George | Mossel Bay | car | 2h 20m | 140 km |
| 8 | Mossel Bay | Storms River | car | 2h 30m | 165 km |
| 9 | Storms River | Cape Town | car | 5h 45m | 560 km |