The long way there
The drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route is South Africa's most celebrated road trip. Journey through wine country, cross dramatic mountain passes, and follow a coastline of indigenous forests, pristine beaches, and charming towns. This is where mountains meet the Indian Ocean.
Where to pull over
Stellenbosch
50 km inHistoric wine capital with Cape Dutch architecture
Hermanus
120 km inWorld's best land-based whale watching
Storms River Mouth
480 km inSuspension bridges and ancient forests
Tsitsikamma
500 km inCoastal national park with bungee jumping
Plettenberg Bay
530 km inUpscale beach town with marine wildlife
Driving tips
- 1
Visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for world-class wine tasting
- 2
Whale watching in Hermanus peaks July-November
- 3
Stop at Storms River for the dramatic suspension bridge walks
- 4
Book Bloukrans bungee jump—world's highest commercial bridge jump
- 5
Continue to Addo for Big 5 wildlife on an extended trip
Other ways through
N2 direct route
R44 coastal road via Hermanus