The Garden Route: Self-Drive

The jewel in the crown of the Garden Route is Cape Town, one of the world’s most distinct and beautiful cities. Cape Town is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the imposing Table Mountain on the other. Take the cable car and enjoy superb views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Those with an interest in history should visit the fascinating District 6 Museum and the Robben Island Museum – the former prison home of Nelson Mandela. A visit to the colourful Bo Kapp district and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well as the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Market are also recommended. 

If you’re interested in sampling South Africa’s exceptional wine, then look no further: Stellenbosch is surrounded by world-class wineries, and you’ll want to spend several days here to properly explore the region. The town itself is relatively small, so it is easily explored on foot. The nearby town of Franschhoek also boasts an impressive range of wineries, and offers a wine tram - where visitors ride a tourist tram in between different wineries along the route. It is one of our top recommendations! 

With more days of sunshine than any other town in South Africa, Oudtshoorn is easy to enjoy as you make your way along the Garden Route. The town is well-known as the Ostrich farm capital of Africa and we recommend visiting a farm. Another highlight of the Oudtshoorn area are the Cango Caves, an underground wonder. Here, you’ll find huge, natural limestone halls with towering formations of stalactites. Be sure to participate in one of the adventure tours within the caves.

Perfect for hikers, Knysna is an enchanting destination along the Garden Route that delights travellers with its natural wonders. The ancient forests located here are home to the rare forest antelopes and elephants. Be sure to visit the Knysna Elephant Park as well, especially if you weren’t lucky enough to glimpse the rare forest elephant in the wild. The Waterfront Knysna Quays offers boutique shops and charming restaurants on the harbourfront. Nature lovers may also be interested in visiting the Featherbed Nature Reserve, that offers visitors peace and quiet in a spectacular landscape, with great views of the lagoon.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a conservation project for the region’s land and the animals who live here. It is also a premier safari destination that blends luxury accommodation with sensational wildlife viewing opportunities. Here, spot the Big 5, as well as cheetahs, giraffes and many other wildlife species. Sunrise and sunset game drives are offered, as well as photographic tours and guided bush walks for the more adventurous. Rather uniquely, the reserve is also home to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and the Big Cat Sanctuary both of which offers informational experiences about the animals they’ve rescued from the African wild and from around the world.