When I discovered the idea of the Gardens Route in South Africa it was a bit of a mystery to uncover. What I did know is that there was a road trip filled with glorious natural sights, obviously I was intrigued and what transpired was pure magic. If you’re feeling adventurous read on.
The route obtains its name from Gardens Route National Park, which is scattered throughout various towns along the way – officially starting in Mossel Bay and ending in Storms River. There is room for customization, my make your own route began in Port Elizabeth, added on Addo Elephants National Park, and ended in Cape Town. This is a trip that benefits from planning because simply taking the N2 (which is fully paved) isn’t the most exciting part – you have to delve into the little towns, down to the coast, up into the mountains, and find all of the treasures that make this journey unforgettable.
Good to know:
+A straight drive without stopping can be done less than three hours, but I recommend at a minimum three days to take in the sights, a full week is even better.
+Car rental is essential, remember South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
+There are many accommodations, hotels, hostels, on the route – Airbnb worked best for me and if you don’t have an account already use my referral code to get a discount on your first stay.
+Restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations are plentiful.
+If you’re planning on visiting the national parks along the Gardens Route, on safari, and around the rest of the country it might be cost effective to buy a Wildcard which is used in lieu of admission price.
Sample itinerary:
I flew in from Kruger to Port Elizabeth so my trip went east to west ending in Cape Town, but the route can be taken in either direction.
Day 1: Addo Elephants National Park to add a safari adventure to your road trip.
Day 2: Storms River Mouth for fantastic hiking and an overnight farm stay.
Day 3: Nature’s Valley to Plettenberg Bay has unforgettable landscapes to discover.
Day 4: Knysna to Wilderness will wow with views and unique trails.
Day 5: Mossel Bay to Cape Agulhas to reach the southernmost tip of Africa.
Day 6: Hermanus to Cape Town ends with whale watching before reaching the city.
My guide is primarily driven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, but there are other ways to enjoy the Gardens Route which is a haven for foodies (ex Knsyna oysters, South Africa’s best cheesecake) and adrenaline seekers (ex one of the worlds highest bungee jumps, great white shark cage diving), as well.
Have you been on the Gardens Route? What were your favorite spots?