Garden Route itinerary - a 5-day road trip - STINGY NOMADS

A highway journey on the Backyard Route is a not-to-miss factor in South Africa. The route is likely one of the hottest locations for locals and foreigners and deserves to be. The realm has lots to supply for any traveler. The steered Backyard Route itinerary is ideal for a honeymoon journey, a protracted weekend getaway, or a household vacation.

We’ve pushed the Backyard Route many occasions. Each time visiting new locations and doing various things. The under itinerary is a quintessence of our expertise. The journey will be mixed with the Cape City itinerary.

Rocky coast with forest and beaches with big boulders on the Garden Route — Spectacular coastal surroundings at one of many spots on the Backyard Route itinerary

Backyard Route with no automotive

Becoming a member of a mini-group tour on the Backyard Route is a good possibility for solo vacationers and people who don’t need to hire a automotive and do a self-drive journey. It’s a straightforward and enjoyable option to uncover the realm and go to the highlights of this Backyard Route itinerary.

If you happen to don’t need to hire a automotive or be a part of a tour you should utilize BazBus. It’s a hop-on-hop-off bus that drives from Cape City to Port Elizabeth and makes 14 stops on the Backyard Route.

An empty sandy beach between green hills on the Garden Route in South Africa — One in all many spectacular seashores on the Backyard Route in South Africa

Our 5-day Backyard Route itinerary

This itinerary consists of solely the Backyard Route, a 300-kilometer stretch alongside the coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Relying on the place you come from you would possibly want an additional day to get to the Backyard Route. If you happen to fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) you can begin your itinerary on the identical day.

If you happen to begin in Cape City it is perhaps simpler to drop off a rental automotive in Gqeberha and fly again. It saves you a day of driving.

Day 1. Mossel Bay

Our Backyard Route itinerary begins in Mossel Bay, a picturesque coastal city recognized for the gorgeous Santos Seashore, sandy seashores, St.Blaize Lighthouse and Dias Museum.

Mossel Bay has lots to supply for any traveler. It has loads of eating places and low retailers and lots of issues to do together with out of doors actions resembling mountain climbing or browsing. Enjoyable on the seashore and having fun with contemporary seafood is one other approach of spending your time in Mossel Bay.

What to do in Mossel Bay?

Hike St.Blaize path, a spectacular 14-kilometer path alongside the coast. It begins at Cape St.Blaize Cave and finishes at Pinnacle Level Golf Membership. There isn’t any entrance charge however it’s important to register on the Golf Property checkpoint because the path goes via its land. To get again to Mossel Bay you possibly can stroll or use a taxi/Uber. The path will be walked in each instructions.

You possibly can mix the hike with a go to to Level of Human Origins Cave, a well-known archaeological website. The cave will be visited solely with a information. It’s advisable to rearrange the go to prematurely.

A female cheetah on the grass in a game lodge near Mossel Bay — One a safari drive at one of many Recreation Lodges you possibly can see massive cats together with lions and cheetahs

Go on a safari drive within the Botlierskop Personal Recreation Reserve. The reserve is situated within the mountains, a 30-minute drive from Mossel Bay. Through the safari you possibly can see rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and different African animals.

Go to Dias Museum to seek out out extra concerning the city’s historical past and take photographs of the well-known Publish Workplace Tree.

If you happen to choose spending time within the sea Mossel Bay is an efficient place for browsing or studying to surf. You possibly can take a lesson or hire a board at Surfs Up Faculty at Diaz Seashore.

The place to remain in Mossel Bay?

Colorful sunset sky and its reflections in rocky pools on the beach in Mossel Bay, Garden Route — Sundown on the seashore in Mossel Bay

Day 2 (Choice 1). Mossel Bay – Cango Caves – Sedgefield, 250 km/155 mi

Driving route: Mossel Bay – Cango Caves – Oudtshoorn (ostrich farm) – Wilderness – Sedgefield

This feature will probably be fascinating for travellers with kids. We visited Cango Caves solely as soon as on our 3 journeys on the Backyard Route earlier than having a baby. On our final journey with a toddler we determined to cease there once more. The identical with an ostrich farm, it wasn’t part of our itinerary prior to now.

Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

It’s as much as you to maintain driving alongside the coast previous George to Wilderness or take a detour and go to Oudtshoorn. It provides 160 km (return) to your distance. The primary attraction there may be the Cango Caves, a formidable system of caves and tunnels. Some caves are enormous with many stalactites and stalagmites and weird rock formations, some are so slender that solely a slim particular person can get via.

The caves are stunning and spectacular. You possibly can go to the caves solely with a tour. A typical tour features a guided go to to the principle giant caves. An adventurous tour consists of going via slender tunnels that result in tiny caves. If you happen to’re an enormous particular person or fearful of closed areas, relatively skip the final half. Exploring the caves is numerous enjoyable.

Ostrich Farm, Oudtshoorn

After the caves you possibly can go to an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. It’s one other place that may be fascinating for youngsters. They’ll do a tractor tour, go to a workshop and a manufacturing unit, and see ostrich eggs and little chicks. Within the peak summer season vacation season, it’s higher to purchase entrance tickets prematurely.

Extra excursions and actions in Oudtshoorn

A cave with bizarre structures, stalactites and stalagmites with yellow and white lights — One of many bigger caves at Cango Collapse Oudtshoorn

Day 2 (Choice 2). Mossel Bay – Sedgefield, 95 km/59 mi

Driving route; Mossel Bay – George – Wilderness – Map of Africa – Ebb and Circulation – (7 Passes) – Sedgefield

Wilderness and Sedgefield are simply 1-hour drive from Mossel Bay. A really quick drive which supplies you loads of time to discover each locations. You drive via George, the largest city on the Backyard Route. We by no means cease there bur the Backyard Route Mall is on the best way. It’s an excellent place for grocery purchasing as a result of your choices in Wilderness and Sedgefield are relatively restricted.

Morning

You possibly can cease at Inexperienced Shed Roastery for espresso and breakfast.

After breakfast drive to the Map of Africa lookout level for spectacular views.

Afternoon

Then go to Ebb and Circulation Relaxation Camp for some out of doors actions and hikes.

Get again to the automotive and drive the scenic route of seven Passes that begins at Ebb and Circulation.

Night

Finish your day on the seashore in Sedgefield.

Map of Africa

It’s a scenic lookout level overlooking the canyon of the Kaaimans River. The form of the valley created by the river reminds the form of the African continent. The views are spectacular; lush inexperienced mountains on the correct and the Atlantic coast on the left.

Ebb and Circulation Relaxation Camp

After the lookout go to Ebb and Circulation Relaxation Camp. It’s situated contained in the Wilderness part of the Backyard Route Nationwide Park. The camp is open for day guests. It’s an awesome place to cease if you wish to go mountain climbing.

There are 5 trails in Ebb & Circulation, from 3 km/1,8 mi to 10 km/6,2 mi. The Big Kingfisher path to a hidden waterfall and Bosduif Loop Path to the perspective on the highest of the mountain are our favorites.

On a scorching day you possibly can swim or kayak within the Touws River.

A River canyon between the green mountains with a camping ground at Ebb and Flow on the Garden Route — Ebb and Circulation Relaxation Camp and the river from the lookout level on the Bosduif path

The 7 Passes drive

You possibly can add the Seven Passes, an outdated scenic highway, to your itinerary. The flip off to the Seven Passes highway is at Ebb and Circulation. Driving via all 7 passes takes loads of time as a result of a lot of the highway just isn’t paved. I counsel going over the primary two passes and on the finish of the tar highway turning proper in direction of the coast.

Sedgefield

Sedgefield is understood for its seashores. To be sincere these are a few of our favourite seashores on the Backyard Route. Relying on whenever you arrive you would possibly nonetheless have sufficient time to spend on the seashore. Lengthy white-sand seashores are nice for stress-free, swimming, paddling, and watching sundown or dawn.

The place to remain?

Staying by the ocean

Staying in nature

As an possibility, you possibly can keep in Wilderness and go to the seashores of Sedgefield the subsequent morning.

We stayed at each locations and liked them. They’re two of our favourite campsites on the Backyard Route. The primary one is ideal for tenting in a tent or camper van, the second is a tremendous glamping expertise.

A secluded sandy beach with a bay in Sedgefield, Garden ROute — Myoli Seashore in Sedgefield, an ideal place to chill out

Day 3. Sedgefield – Knysna, 30 km/19 mi

Driving route: Sedgefield – Knysna – Knysna Heads – your lodging in Knysna

It’s an gratifying quick drive alongside the coast with some gorgeous views.

Within the morning go to the seashore in Sedgefield to benefit from the stunning dawn. If you happen to occur to be there on a Saturday try Wild Oats Farmers Market, it’s open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Knysna is likely one of the highlights of the Backyard Route. The Heads and Leisure Island are our favourite elements of the city and among the finest areas to remain. Knysna might be essentially the most romantic place on the Backyard Route.

A wooden lookout point overlooking the coast at Knysna Heads — A lookout level on the highest of Knysna Heads, a must-include within the Backyard Route itinerary

What to do in Knysna?

Drive as much as Knysna Heads for a surprising view of the realm. Sundown and dawn are the most effective occasions however the views from the highest are nice any time of the day.

Go to the Noetzie seashore, a picturesque unspoiled sandy seashore, 10 km west of Knysna.

Uncover the fantastic thing about the Knysna Lagoon on a ship cruise.

Spot marine animals on a whale-watching cruise. Really useful within the season (June – October) if you wish to see Southern Proper whales.

Do an adventurous zipline tour and luxuriate in the most effective views of the realm.

Go for a hike in Diepwalle, the Knysna part of the Backyard Route Nationwide Park. There are three mountain climbing trails of 7km, 8km, and 9km.

Benefit from the sundown on the crusing cruise with mild dinner & bubbly

The famous Noetzie Beach near Knysna with the mansion on the slope of the hill — The picturesque Noetzie Seashore in Knysna

The place to remain in Knysna?

Our favourite locations to remain in Knysna are very totally different. The primary one is tenting decks within the forest at Diepwalle tenting decks. It’s a special stage of tenting; spacious picket decks hidden within the forest with a roofed space and a fire.

The second is Beneath Milkwood Resort, picket chalets by the lake with a picturesque sandy seashore. This place is an actual paradise. You possibly can chill out on the seashore, swim within the lagoon, or kayak.

Extra locations to remain in Knysna

A wooden bungalow under a big tree next to the beach in Knysna — Wood chalets by the seashore at Milk Wooden Resort in Knysna

Day 4. Knysna – Plettenberg Bay, 34 km/21 mi

Driving route: Knysna – Backyard of Eden – Wolf Sanctuary/Elephant Park/Journey Land – Plettenberg Bay

A brief driving day which supplies you loads of time to discover Plettenberg Bay.

On the best way, cease at Harkerville forest to stroll within the well-known Backyard of Eden. It’s a straightforward and quick 1-kilometer route on a boardwalk within the stunning Knysna forest.

There are a few stops between Knysna and Plettenberg that is perhaps fascinating for vacationers with kids.

In case you are in search of some enjoyable water actions in your youngsters Journey Land is the place for you. Waterslides and swimming pools for various ages will deliver loads of pleasure on a scorching summer season day.

For an animal expertise go to Knysna Elephant Park the place you are able to do elephant walks and Backyard Route Wolf Sanctuary to see wolves, and another animals.

Rocky shore, cloudy sky colored by the sunset in Robberg Nature Reserve — Climbing path alongside the cliffs at Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg

What to do in Plettenberg Bay?

Plettenberg Bay is perhaps the spotlight of the Backyard Route itinerary for many who take pleasure in open air and journey actions. Yow will discover many thrilling issues to do in Plettenberg.

Go to Robberg Nature Reserve. There are a number of mountain climbing trails from 30-minute walks to a 4-hour hike across the peninsula. Beautiful surroundings; rocky cliffs, stunning seashores, dramatic drops, and a whole bunch of seals on the rocks and within the water.

Do a ship tour to identify a whole bunch of Cape fur seals. There are over 6000 seals within the colony. You’ll undoubtedly see them.

Discover Plettenberg Bay on a guided sea kayak tour. Through the tour, you get an opportunity to see seals, dolphins, and even whales.

A cape fur seal swimming under the water near the sandy bottom in Plettenberg Bay — Snorkeling with seals in Plettenberg Bay you possibly can see dozens of them within the water

If you happen to don’t thoughts getting moist you possibly can go swimming with seals. Wetsuits, masks, and fins included. We liked snorkeling with these guys they’re very playful and curious and are available fairly near individuals to verify them out.

Be a part of a whale-watching boat tour. Don’t miss an opportunity to come across these stunning giants. The very best time to see Southern Proper Whales within the space is from mid-July to mid-September. Dolphins and seals will be seen all yr spherical.

Do a canyoning journey, and luxuriate in an awesome day of abseiling, leaping, zip-lining, mountain climbing, and swimming in a gorgeous canyon surrounded by the indigenous forest. It’s not a really excessive however a enjoyable journey.

Campbell jumping from a high rock into the river near the cave — Campbell on a canyoning journey in Plettenberg Bay

The place to remain in Plettenberg Bay?

Day 5. Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park, 77 km/49 mi

Driving route: Plettenberg Bay – Monkeyland/Birds of Eden – Natures Valley – Bloukrans Bridge – Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park (Storms River Mouth Relaxation Camp).

That is our favourite day on the Backyard Route itinerary. You drive via a few gorgeous bridges over the slender deep canyons, together with the well-known Bloukrans Bridge with the best bridge bungee soar on this planet.

Monkeyland and Birds of Eden

Simply exterior Plettenberg Bay, there are three fascinating animal sanctuaries Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, and Jukani Wildlife. You should buy a single entrance ticket and go to all three of them. They’re situated subsequent to one another. In simply a few hours, you’ll get to see 11 totally different species of free-roaming monkeys, 200 species of birds, and see lions, leopards, cheetahs, Siberian tigers, pumas, and extra. A lot of the animals at Jukani are rescued.

Two lemurs sitting on the ground and eating fruit in Monkeyland Park on the Garden Route — In Monkeyland you possibly can see many species of monkeys and lemurs

Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is a small city with a spectacular seashore surrounded by the mountains lined in forest. If you happen to flip from N2 to R102 which ends up in Nature’s Valley you drive via the gorgeous Grootrivier Go. It’s price doing a little bit of a loop to see the seashore and get some gorgeous views alongside the go.

Bloukrans bridge

It’s 100% price of cash, it’s one of the adrenaline-pumping actions you are able to do on the Backyard Route with unimaginable surroundings. The free fall is kind of quick, 3 sec. max however it’s sufficient to make you tremendous excited and agitated. I’m certain you are able to do it again and again and each time your coronary heart will beat like loopy. Guide now your Tsitsikamma Bungee Soar with Zipline and Sky Stroll tour.

A long high bridge between the two side of the green canyon on the Garden Route — Bloukrans Bridge from the perspective on the bungee soar place

Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park

Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park is a must-see place in your Backyard Route itinerary. The surroundings contained in the park is unbelievable; lush inexperienced forest, rocky swimming pools, massive and small waterfalls, secluded seashores, and breathtaking lookout factors. When you’ve got time you possibly can keep right here for an additional day to have sufficient time to discover the realm.

Wildlife within the park is kind of spectacular. You possibly can see dolphins, whales, otters, monkeys, genets, forest deer, and lots of birds. It’s an actual paradise for animal and nature lovers. I’d advocate venturing a bit deeper into the park additional away from the crowds following one of many mountain climbing routes.

A grassy area for camping at the rocky coast in Tsitsikamma National Park — Storms River Relaxation Camp at Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park

There are a lot of thrilling journey actions you are able to do in Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park

Storms River tubing and paddle boarding tour is relatively a calming exercise with no rapids or sturdy currents that lets you benefit from the gorgeous and peaceable Storms River canyon. It’s the one approach you possibly can see it there isn’t any highway or mountain climbing path alongside the canyon.

Stroll throughout the suspension bridges. It’s a stroll to 2 stunning bridges throughout the river mouth with nice views of the canyon.

Climb as much as the perspective. After the final suspension bridge, there’s a path that goes all the best way to the highest of the mountain. The views from there are gorgeous. The path is kind of difficult, it takes about 1.5 hours to go up and down.

A river canyon and pedestrian bridges from the high viewpoint in Tsitsikamma National Park — A view of the river and suspension bridges from the lookout level in Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park

Benefit from the Waterfall hike. The path begins on the caravan park and goes alongside the coast to the waterfall and the rocky pool. It takes about 2-3 hours. The route includes some rock hopping and a little bit little bit of climbing, not appropriate for mountain climbing with young children.

Spot whales and dolphins. Through the season between September and December, you possibly can see Southern Proper Whales from the shore. Dolphins and otters will be noticed all yr spherical.

There’s a massive restaurant contained in the park, a store and braai locations for day guests you possibly can have lunch by the ocean or BBQ your meat.

Our 5-day Backyard Route itinerary ends right here. When you’ve got extra time you possibly can prolong it by including Jeffrey’s Bay, Hermanus and Cape Agulhas, or Addo Nationwide Park. See ideas under.

The place to remain?

Storms River Mouth Relaxation Camp is an apparent possibility. You possibly can camp in a tent/camper van or keep indoors in one of many forest huts or chalets.

If you happen to’re in search of one thing extra unique verify The Fernery Lodge & Spa. It’s a tremendous place on the highest of the cliffs overlooking the ocean subsequent to a spectacular waterfall.

Rugged orange cliffs in a stormy weather at Robberg Nature Reserve, South Africa — Tough sea and rocky cliffs at Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay

Have extra time? Prolong your Backyard Route itinerary

You possibly can prolong your Backyard Route itinerary by a day or two by including extra locations exterior of the Backyard Route.

Hermanus and Cape Agulhas

If you happen to drive from/to Cape City you possibly can add Hermanus and Cape Agulhas to your itinerary. Be sure to drive to Hermanus alongside the coast previous Betty’s Bay it’s one of the scenic drives in Cape City.

Hermanus is a small coastal city has many thrilling issues to do. It’s referred to as probably the greatest locations for whale watching in South Africa. Within the season (between August and December) you possibly can see Southern Proper Whales even from the shore. For a greater viewing go on a whale watching boat tour.

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost level of African continent. It’s a gorgeous space with a few sandy seashores, a lighthouse, and a monument marking the southern level of Africa. If you happen to go to Struisbaai harbor you possibly can see one or two big sting rays. They typically come to the harbor.

The drive from Cape City to Mossel Bay (the start of the Backyard Route) via Hermanus and Cape Agulhas is 540 km/335 mi. You possibly can cease at Cape Agulhas (260 km/160 mi) and subsequent day proceed to Mossel Bay (280 km/173 mi).

Rugged rocky coast in Hermanus, South Africa — Spectacular coastal surroundings in Hermanus, a city you possibly can add to your Backyard Route itinerary

Jeffrey’s Bay

This small city is called browsing capital of South Africa. It’s located east of Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park, 80 km west of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Jeffrey’s Bay is a good spot for skilled surfers. If you happen to’re a newbie you possibly can be taught browsing at one of many native colleges.

Addo Elephant Nationwide Park

If you wish to expertise a safari in an enormous Nationwide Park Addo is an ideal place. It’s situated 40 km east of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). You possibly can keep contained in the park (tenting or bungalows) and do self-guided safari drive or be a part of a tour. As you possibly can guess from the identify you possibly can see many elephants right here. Different African animals within the park embrace lions, zebras, buffalos, hyenas, totally different antelopes, warthogs, many smaller mammals, bugs, and birds.

A female African elephant in Addo National Park in South Africa — A detailed viewing of an elephant in Addo Elephant Nationwide Park

How lengthy is the Backyard Route?

The full distance of the usual Backyard Route drive is 300 km/186 mi.

If you happen to add to it a 160-kilometer loop via Oudtshoorn the whole distance will probably be 460 km/285 mi.

The place does it begin and finish?

The Backyard Route formally begins in Mossel Bay (Western Cape), a coastal city 380 km east of Cape City. It finishes within the small city of Storms River (Jap Cape).

What number of days do you want?

I’d say you want 4-5 days to do a highway journey on the Backyard Route. Something much less would possibly lead to spending extra time driving than exploring.

If you happen to drive from Cape City and again 7 days is the advisable period of the journey. When you’ve got extra time it’s nice you’ll discover loads of issues to incorporate in your Backyard Route itinerary.

A glamping tent surrounded by the nature at Africamps in Wilderness — Our glamping tent at Africamps Oakhurst in Wilderness

By which path to drive?

The Backyard Route will be pushed both approach beginning in Cape City and ending in Storms River or the opposite approach round relying in your journey itinerary. If you happen to begin in Cape City you possibly can mix the highway journey with one of many scenic coastal drives.

You possibly can mix the drive with a go to to stunning wine farms in Stellenbosch. You’ll want 1 or 2 extra days to go to the Cape Winelands. Winetasting just isn’t the one exercise within the area; there are many different issues to do in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Journey insurance coverage in your Backyard Route highway journey

Contemplating journey insurance coverage in your journey? World Nomads affords protection for greater than 150 journey actions in addition to emergency medical, misplaced baggage, journey cancellation and extra.

Backyard Route itinerary planning sources

The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack relatively than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.

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