Perfect 7-10 Day Garden Route Itinerary for First-Timers
I always start from Cape Town, but you can fly into George Airport for efficiency. Rent is $50 to $150/day; a car is being rented. Renting a car is essential for freedom. My go-to route hits highlights without rushing, based on three full traversals.
Day 1-2: Mossel Bay to Wilderness (Coastal Kickoff)
Day 3-4: Sedgefield to Knysna (Lagoon Paradise)
Sedgefield’s wild beaches feel untouched I surfed here for a week straight. Knysna’s lagoon stole my heart: take a ferry to Thesen Island, hike Elephant Walk, or take an oyster farm tour (R250/person). Stay waterfront; I loved Pezula Resort (4.8/5). Heads Beach nearby is perfect for picnics.
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay (Beaches and Whales)
Robberg Peninsula hike (2-4 hours, 4.6/5): seals, dolphins, maybe whales (seasonal). I spotted a pod from the viewpoint; magical. Lunch at Emily Moon (river views, R300 mains).
Day 6-7: Tsitsikamma National Park (Adventure Central)
Bloukrans Bridge bungy (world’s highest, R1500, 5/5 thrill). The Storms River Mouth suspension bridge is my top photo spot. Hike the Otter Trail section (book ahead via SANParks.org). Camp or glamp at Storms River Village (R500-1200/night).
Day 8-10: Add-Ons—Oudtshoorn and Route Extensions
Detour inland to Cango Caves (R150 entry, 4.5/5) and ostrich farms I rode one as a teen, hilariteen; it was hideous. Extend to Addo Elephant Park for safaris (R400 entry). Total drive: 5-7 hours back to Cape Town.
Top Garden Route Attractions Ratings and Local Reviews
From my visits and 500+ TripAdvisor/Google aggregates:
Tsitsikamma (4.8/5)
“Hiking trails redefined adventure for me—suspension bridges over gushing rivers.” Local review via Google Maps.
Knysna Waterfront (4.6/5)
UGC: “Sunset cruises (R200) with fresh oysters—pure bliss,” from Instagram user @GardenRouteVibes.
Robberg Nature Reserve (4.7/5)
“Seal colonies and whale sightings—worth the hike,” per TripAdvisor top review.
Best Places to Stay Along the Garden Route
I mix budget hostels with splurges. Book via Booking.com or direct.
Budget: Island Vibe Backpackers, Plett (R300/night, 4.5/5)
Pool parties, beach access—my first solo stay.
Mid-Range: Turbine Boutique Hotel, Knysna (R1200/night, 4.8/5)
Waterfront luxury on a budget.
Luxury: Fancourt Hotel, George (R3500/night, 4.9/5)
Golf and spa heaven.
Typical Costs, Suggested Budgets, and Money-Saving Hacks
Average daily spend (rates, per Stats SA tourism data): R800-2500 ($45-140 USD). Fuel was cheap; it was R25/liter.
Backpacker Budget: R800/day
- Hostel: R300
- Food: R200 (street eats)
- Fuel/Activities: R300
Comfort: R1500/day
- B&B: R800
- Meals: R400
- Car/Tours: R300
Luxury: R3500+/day
- Hotel: R2000
- Dining/Tours: R1500
My Savings Tips: Cook braais (R100/meal), use Baz Bus for no-car option (R600/hop), and visit free beaches. Avoid peak Dec (prices +30%).
How to Get Around the Garden Route Efficiently
Self-drive N2 highway (paved, scenic). Rent from Hertz.co.za (R450/day incl. insurance). Baz Bus for backpackers. Shuttles via +27 83 444 5555.
Best Time to Visit the Garden Route
Nov-Apr (summer, 20-28°C, whale season). I prefer shoulder Mar-May/Sept-Oct for fewer crowds. Winter (Jun-Aug) is rainy but has lush forests.
How to Get to the Garden Route from Anywhere
Fly to Cape Town (CPT) or George (GRJ) via FlySAA.com. From CPT: 4-5hr drive. Bus via Intercape (R500).
Recommended Tours and Experiences
Book Thompsons Africa for guided drives (R2500/day). Knysna Elephant Park (R800, ethical). My pick: Tsitsikamma canopy tour (R600, ziplines over forest).
Essential Safety Tips and Emergency Contacts
The Garden Route is safe (low crime vs. cities), but lock cars and avoid night drives. Weather: check SAWeather.co.za.
- Police: 10111
- Ambulance: 10177 or 081 122 0222
- Roadside: 0800 000 534 (AA)
Pro Tip: Download offline maps; I once navigated fog without signal.
Pros and Cons of Visiting the Garden Route
Pros
- Diverse landscapes: ocean, mountains, forests
- Family-friendly adventures
- Year-round appeal (5M visitors/year, per Wesgro)
Cons
- Peak season crowds/price hikes
- Long drives (wearisome without breaks)
- Weather-dependent outdoor activities
Things to See and Do Nearby
Extend to Baviaanskloof (hiking), Hermanus (whales), or inland Karoo. Local favorite: Knysna Forest drives.
Ideal Length of Stay
7 days minimum for the core route; 10-14 for extensions. I did 10 days solo—perfect pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Garden Route
How long does it take to drive the Garden Route?
Core 300km Mossel Bay-Storms River: 5-6 hours straight, but plan 7-10 days with stops. I spread it over a week for immersion.
Is the Garden Route safe for solo travelers?
Yes, very—stick to main roads, and use apps like Namola for emergencies. I’ve traveled solo multiple times without issues.
What’s the best budget for a Garden Route trip?
R800-2500/day per person. Save by camping and self-catering, as I did on my first trip.
Can you do the Garden Route without a car?
Yes, via Baz Bus or tours, but a car offers flexibility. Public transport is limited.
What are the must-see stops on the Garden Route?
Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Oudtshoorn—prioritize based on adventure vs. relaxation.
