April 6, 2026
High on the list for many Cape Town visitors is the chance to experience one of the world’s most spectacular drives. We were no exception and couldn’t wait to hit the 200-mile scenic road which winds around South Africa’s southeastern coastline. Here are five places I think should be added to your itineraries as ‘must visit’ stops on the Garden Route in South Africa. As you cruise along this African paradise you’ll wish you had more time there for sure!
A Cape Town itinerary
We drove from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth past forested mountains, sprawling wetlands, beautiful lagoons and white-sand beaches with charming towns dotted all along the route. It’s the place for adventure seekers and nature lovers with plenty of opportunities to spot some incredible wildlife and experience thrill-seeking activities. Being a malaria-free zone it’s a firm favourite for families too. Hurrah to not dealing with pesky mozzies.
Read Next: 10 Reasons Cape Town Stole My Heart
The first town on the Garden Route of South Africa
Mossel Bay
The first town along the spectacular Garden Route is Mossel Bay. Its year-round mild climate is only one reason why it’s popular as a holiday town. The pastel-coloured buildings, surfer dudes hanging out and old-school ice-cream vans give it an aura of the Cornish town Newquay.
Although with a golf course perched atop a cliff with dramatic views of the Indian Ocean, golfing enthusiasts are big fans of the area too.
For the daredevils among you, Mossel Bay is also one of the only two places in South Africa from which visitors can go cage diving with great white sharks. If you dare?!
Knysna
Knysna lagoon
When you drive alongside the impressive lagoon on your approach to Knysna town, it’s easy to see why many call it the unofficial capital of the Garden Route.
Sandwiched by the lagoon and the lush forest you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Knysna specifically outdoor activities. Whether it’s hikes and short strolls in the forests or canoeing, fishing and sailing on the waters.
Knysna Heads
We were only there for a day trip so headed straight for the famous landmark the Knysna Heads, a pair of sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna lagoon from the surging ocean. There’s also the gorgeous East Head Cafe overlooking these fantastic views. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and the girls were happy with the small outside play area. Obviously, it’s incredibly popular, so book in advance.
Book Now: Knysna Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour
Plettenberg Bay
The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as it’s commonly known, will treat your eyes to mountains, pristine beaches and the deep blue Indian Ocean. We spent two nights in a Plettenberg Bay hotel called Hog Hollow Country Lodge. Located in a private nature reserve, it provided a great base to explore the area.
Plett is known for its incredible beaches. Our sand and bucket day turned out a bit grey, but it didn’t deter us.
The temperatures were still mild enough for the girls to frolic around on the beach in their swimsuits whilst Mr S and I drank in the truly impressive coastline vistas. The coastline here is also where many encounter whales in their natural environment.
Book Now: Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise
With our Plett accommodation set on the edge of an indigenous forest near an area known as The Crags, we took the opportunity to explore the unique activities on offer. Animal lovers can get up close and personal with a number of sanctuaries in the area. You have Monkeyland, home to 11 different species and Birds of Eden the largest free-flight aviary in the world. It’s a great treat for kids and adults alike.
I couldn’t resist booking a visit to The Elephant Sanctuary, where we had the opportunity to feed, massage with a brush down and walk hand in truck with the gentle giants.
The elephants often rescued from atrocious conditions or orphaned will live out their lives here, as they would no longer survive out in the wild. It was the most incredible experience as a family and left us with memories to last a lifetime.
Read Next: The Elephant Sanctuary – Plettenberg Bay
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Tsitsikamma forest stretches east along the coast from Plettenberg Bay. The most enchanting vision of giant trees, dramatic mountains, deep river gorges and picturesque valleys.
From zip-lining on a canopy tour to hiking through winding nature trails or bungee jumping from the world’s highest (216 metres) commercial bungee jump location at Bloukrans Bridge. Trust me, there’s plenty to tempt your adventurous side.
Book Now: Tsitsikamma – Bungee Jump with Zipline and Sky Walk
We followed a trail to The Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, which is a remarkable piece of architecture.
It hangs over the churning waters of the Storms River Mouth, spanning 77 metres. Originally built in 1969 and has since been rebuilt to ensure its safety.
It was thrilling to stand a mere seven metres above the burbling river as it enters the frothy Indian Ocean. I could have stood forever mesmerised by the beautiful seascape if it wasn’t for the constant stream of people walking across.
Book Now: Tsitsikamma National Park: Storms River Kayak and
Lilo Tour
Addo National Elephant Park
Drive a little further past Port Elizabeth and you’ll arrive at Addo National Elephant Park, home to the Big Five and one of the densest elephant populations in the world!
Read Next: 7 Tips For an Incredible Family Safari
On our three-day safari, we saw four – the elephant, lion, cape buffalo and rhino. The fifth, the leopard is so elusive even the lodge staff asked us to radio in if we spotted one, so they could drive out! We were lucky enough to experience a true David Attenborough moment, an incredible lion kill. You can read about it in my post 7 tips for an incredible family safari.
Our safari home was at River Bend Lodge, a charming homestead offering the perfect beginner’s safari for families.
You don’t even have to leave the lodge sometimes to view the wildlife. I adored hanging out on the cottage veranda with a cup of rooibos watching herds of elephants amble by – spellbinding!
Read Next: Safari Luxury at River Bend Lodge
Book Now: Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park (6-Day Safari)
We were all completely seduced by the breathtaking natural beauty of this region sweeping eastwards along the coast of the Cape to Port Elizabeth.
Make sure you visit as many as you can but if not all then at least my top 5 stops on the Garden Route of South Africa .. it’s certainly a road trip not to miss when visiting this amazing country.
Have you driven along The Garden Route? Would you consider it? Let me know in the comments box below.
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Jon says:
South Africa is such a lovely place and these photos really show it off!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
We had the best family holiday. So welcoming too.
Sonia Cave says:
These places are all so stunning and beautiful. Thankyou for sharing I had no idea about them
Sima Sthanakiya says:
I was completely blown away by all our stops along the route. Now you can out them on your wanderlust list too Sonia.
Dean of Little Steps says:
That looks absolutely amazing! Would do anything to be there right now especially since it looks really warm and inviting 🙂
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Oh gosh me too. Wish I had a rewind button.
Justine says:
Love the photos. The places you visited look simply gorgeous.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thank you Justine, such a beautiful part of the world.
Lyndsey O'Halloran says:
I don’t really know that much about South Africa. It looks beautiful though
Ana De- Jesus says:
The TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK looks absolutely magical and I love how you can go ziplining too! Such beautiful photos x
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thank you Ana. I wish we had more time there though there was so much to do!
DJT @ Thinking Thrifty says:
Looks like a beautiful place to visit. Your photos are stunning!
Angie says:
We stayed in Plettenberg bay but we were gutted that we didn’t see anything cos the weather was so bad!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Oh no, that’s a shame Angie. Ensuring that that there is always a next time!
Nadia says:
I visited SA many years ago with my family. My stepdad was born there so he knew his way around. It was a beautiful country back then, too. Gorgeous photos!
Anosa says:
It looks absolutely gorgeous! Its really nice to see you have gone to a sanctuary rather than somewhere that rides elephants, it makes me so mad when people do that. My husband is form Zambia and we plan to go soon so I can meet the family and then explore some nearby countires including this great one!
Charlotte says:
wow! These places are stunning and definitely giving me the wanderlust! I now have a few new places to add to the bucket list!
Kara says:
The Elephant Sanctuary looks amazing, they are my favourite animals and those views in your photo’s – wow!
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays says:
Wow that looks like an amazing drive although I think that I will give diving with sharks a miss if that’s OK? I love the beware elephants road sign. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Yes, I’d loved the elephants signs too. Love to have one for my home!
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says:
Wow – the safari sounds incredible. I saw four of the big five in Etosha, Namibia, but I didn’t get to any of the South African wildlife parks. I’d like to change that! Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Oh Namibia is on my list of places to go, especially along the skeleton coast.
scots2travel says:
My husband would love to do this, but I just want to ask if you felt safe at all times? Every country has its risks but when I’d advised that it’s a great place to visit, as long as you’re in your hotel before darkness falls it puts me off, especially with kids. #CulturedKids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
We felt totally safe on our holiday from being in Cape Town to driving along the Garden Route. There is nothing to fear when you’re on the tourist paths. A lot of the things you hear and read is scaremongering half of the time. Like travelling anywhere in the world you need to be sensible and have your wits.
Katy says:
Sima, I had never heard of many of these places until now and as a result I’m itching to go. The elephant sanctuary sounds amazing and the nature is incredible. #culturedkids
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Ahh Katy…love inspiring wanderlust in others.
Leona says:
I love the garden route. We didn’t do the elephant sanctuary but wish we had
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Yes, so beautiful, where did you stop off Leona?
Maggie says:
I was literally reading about The Garden Route today! Definitely need to add South Africa to the 2018 Travel Bucket list! xx
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Oh you do! It’s such a gorgeous drive to do with some great stop off points.
Annabel says:
Sounds like a lovely trip. The coastline looks stunning. I might pop over to your post about safaris now, I’m interested to hear how you got on with young kids in tow! #Culturedkids
Reena @ The Lifestyle Enthusiast says:
Ah you ALWAYS give me wanderlust! South Africa looks so epic and it’s now super high on my bucket list. The Elephant Sanctuary experience sounds out of this world – i’d love to do it! Maybe South Africa honeymoon..!? Will have to send this to the Doc 🙂
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Definitely need to slip my South African adventure posts to the Doc. It would be an amazing honeymoon destination! x
Glyn Bawden says:
Great post Sima. We were fortunate to travel the Garden Route for my wife’s birthday last year. We went from Cape Town to Botlierskop Game Park and back to Hermanus. I’d love to return and you’ve given me some great ideas for future trips.