South Africa's Southern Coast Spoils
Experiences
Highlights
From the fynbos filled mountains in Cape Town to the astonishing Karoo, this trip will romance you with stunning biodiversity. You’ll be lured in by the enticing Winelands and swayed along the Garden Route, all the way to the beguiling Eastern Cape.
Best time to travel
Trip route
Trip overview
Driving from Cape Town’s airport to the Atlantic Seaboard is a short 25-minute trip with a very direct route. There are a number of places to rent cars from at the airport and a gas station to fill up at. The drive offers great views of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak.
Thanks to the massive variety of attractions, the Atlantic Seaboard is one of Cape Town's premier tourist spots. There are many ways to explore this vibrant part of the Mother City; however, it’s best to do it on foot.
Hotel
Compass House
A stunning luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Bantry Bay
From the Atlantic Seaboard, you’ll get onto either the N1 or N2 highway, which will take you most of the way. The drive is short, but we encourage you to enjoy the various Capetonian suburbs along the way.
Stellenbosch is South Africa's 2nd oldest town and is surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. Stellenbosch is best known for its impeccable wines. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.
Hotel
Majeka House
Opulent guesthouse located in Paradyskloof in Stellenbosch
On this trip, you’ll take the N2 alongside iconic mountain ranges and through magnificent sceneries. Stop in Riviersonderend to fill up, but don’t worry too much about snacks - Swellendam has more than enough to keep you satisfied.
Swellendam, found halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, is a charming stop-over. Along the Main Road, the historic town blooms into a bustling centre of activity that nestles up to the mountain with several quaint shops and restaurants worth visiting.
Hotel
The Robertson Small Hotel
A contemporary boutique hotel found along the world’s longest wine route
This drive will show you the stunning Langeberg Mountain Catchment Area and, as you near Oudtshoorn, remarkable rolling hills. Stop in the quaint town of Barrydale for an iconic milkshake at Diesel & Crème along the way.
In the heart of the Klein Karoo lies Oudtshoorn, once the ostrich capital of the world and today an exceptional destination with many natural attractions. The area is home to the Cango Caves, the largest show cave system in Africa, and part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.
Hotel
Rosenhof Country House
5-star boutique hotel with stylish rooms and an elegant Karoo country charm
Wave goodbye to the parched Karoo because you’re heading to the best of lush forests and breathtaking lagoons. By the time you spot the ocean, you will already be in the thick of it.
The beach resort town of Plettenberg Bay is often the start (or end) point of any Garden Route road trip, has immaculate beaches, vibey restaurants and ample hiking opportunities, and is an ideal place to base yourself when exploring this part of the world.
Hotel
Tsala Treetop Lodge
A treetop lodge in the lush forests between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
Travelling from Plettenberg Bay to Addo Elephant National Park, you’ll exchange one diverse landscape for another with its own unique features, but not before you’ve zoomed past kilometres of scenic coastline to get there.
Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third largest national park and has fantastic conservation and biodiversity programmes to protect its beautiful flora and fauna. Stretching from the coast of the Eastern Cape all the way to the Karoo in the north over the Zuurberg Mountains, the park is made up of woodland, grassland, and coastal areas, forming a rich biodiverse landscape.
Hotel
Gorah Elephant Camp
A classic safari experience in luxury tented suites
After you’ve exited Addo Elephant National Park, you can expect to travel along a rugged landscape boasting rich vegetation and indigenous flora, leading to the shimmering ocean and lagoon views of Knysna.
The town’s focus is the beautiful Knysna Lagoon, ringed by forested hills dotted with vacation homes. However, there are several walking and mountain bike trails too, many offering tremendous views back over the ocean.
Hotel
Alkira Lodge
Hover above the clouds and beautiful Knysna scenery at this stunning lodge
Driving out of thickly wooded Knysna, it's a smooth road west. The route passes through many quaint little towns, like George, Mossel Bay, and Stanford – all worth a stop.
A pleasant hour-and-a-half drive from Cape Town, and found at the foot of the Olifantsberg Mountains, the quaint seaside town of Hermanus boasts incredible natural beauty. It’s also one of the best places to see Southern Right whales during calving season.
Hotel
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
An abundant, ecological gem set in between secluded milkwood trees
This drive passes along vineyards and farmlands, as well as the occasional farm stall. There’s a lovely view at Sir Lowry’s Viewpoint, then it’s over the pass, with the ocean sparkling in the distance.