Discover the Garden Route

The Garden Route (N2 between Mossel Bay and Storms River) is South Africa's answer to the Great Ocean Road and the Amalfi Coast — only wilder, more diverse, and cheaper. The name comes from the lush vegetation: subtropical forests, fynbos heath, blooming gardens, and a biodiversity among the highest in the world.

Most travelers drive the Garden Route as a rental car road trip in 5–7 days, either from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or vice versa. You can rush through it in 2 days, but that would be a crime — the Garden Route thrives on stops, detours, and spontaneous discoveries.

Plan for at least 5 days. If you include Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, and Jeffrey's Bay (recommended!), you'll need 7–10 days.