THE GARDEN ROUTE & EASTERN CAPE
This iconic stretch is defined by lush indigenous forests, pristine beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs, flowing into the rugged beauty and rich Xhosa heritage of the Eastern Cape. It’s an adventurer’s playground, offering everything from Big Five safaris to bungy jumping and serene seaside escapes.
Why Visit The Garden Route & Eastern Cape?
The World’s Best Road Trip: Drive the famously scenic N2, connecting charming towns, lagoons, and national parks, offering unparalleled views.
Accessible Big Five Safaris: Experience malaria-free Big Five reserves near the coast, offering a convenient, high-quality safari experience.
Adventure and Nature: From the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at Bloukrans to hiking the Tsitsikamma coast and exploring ancient forests.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March–May, September–November): This is the perfect time for hiking and outdoor activities. You will find warm, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation value than in peak season.
Deep Off-Season (June–August): This is the Whale Season. You will find the best value for accommodation and good weather for wildlife viewing. The coast remains mild, though it can be wet.
Peak Season (December–February): The weather is hot and sunny—ideal for beach holidays. Book all accommodation and major activities well in advance, as the region is extremely popular with both local and international tourists.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Garden Route Towns: Mossel Bay, George, Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
The heart of the region, featuring picturesque lagoons, pristine beaches, and verdant forests. Knysna is famous for its Heads and oysters, while Plettenberg Bay offers high-end luxury and marine safaris.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the natural beauty, allocate time for a scenic drive off the N2 through the forests between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (like the Prince Alfred Pass) instead of just sticking to the main highway
Addo Elephant National Park & Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Home to the densest population of elephants in the world, Addo offers a fantastic and affordable self-drive safari experience. The surrounding area features numerous world-class, malaria-free private game reserves.
Your Smart Tip: The private reserves here offer a premium safari experience, including walking safaris and night drives, which are not allowed in Addo. Combining a few days in Addo with a stay at a private lodge is the best way to see the Big Five.
Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River
This section of the Garden Route is characterized by rugged coastline, deep gorges, and ancient ‘Big Tree’ forests. It is the start of the famous Otter Trail and home to the iconic suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth.
Your Smart Tip: Book the Storms River Mouth accommodation well in advance, as the sea-view chalets are incredibly popular. Even a day visit to walk the suspension bridge is a must-do.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) & Makhanda (Grahamstown)
Gqeberha is a relaxed coastal city with historic routes and excellent beaches, serving as the gateway to the Eastern Cape. Makhanda is a beautiful, historic university town known for its strong academic and arts community.
Your Smart Tip: Use Gqeberha as your base to fly in and out of. Don’t miss the city’s Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) nature reserve—a beautiful space for a walk or run.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a mild, temperate climate. The Garden Route has the second-mildest climate in the world, with generally mild, dry winters and warm, sunny summers. The Eastern Cape can be hotter inland but remains pleasant on the coast.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: The main languages spoken are English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa (isiXhosa). A greeting in Xhosa, such as Molo (‘hello’), is always appreciated.
Tipping: It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service in restaurants. You should also tip car guards (R5-R10) and petrol attendants (R5-R10).
Safety: The region is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in city centers. Do not leave valuables visible in your car.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30), mid-range guesthouses/B&Bs ($60–$120), luxury lodges/hotels ($180+). Safari lodges are significantly higher.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($8–$15), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($20–$40 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: Car rental ($20–$40/day for a compact car), intercity bus/shuttle ($30–$50).
Activities: Park entry fees ($5–$15), Big Five game drive ($40–$100+), bungy jump ($80+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$110 (hostels, self-catering/casual meals, public/shuttle transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (B&Bs, nice restaurants, car rental, one paid activity).
- Luxury: $250+ (Boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours, private safari lodge).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the only recommended way to truly explore the Garden Route and Eastern Cape, allowing you the freedom to stop at viewpoints and small towns.
By Shuttle/Bus: Intercity coach services (like Intercape or Baz Bus) connect the main towns, but limit your flexibility to explore off-the-beaten track.
By Air: Airports in George (GRJ) and Gqeberha (PLZ) connect you to Cape Town and Johannesburg, making it easy to start or end your trip.
Must-Try Food
Knysna Oysters: Widely considered some of the best in the world, often served fresh with a squeeze of lemon.
Braai (BBQ): A social, South African-style barbecue, usually featuring lamb chops, boerewors (boor-uh-vors) – a coiled farm sausage, and steak.
Mieliepap: A traditional porridge made from maize meal, often served as a staple side dish in the Eastern Cape.
Biltong: A cured and dried meat snack (similar to jerky, but usually thicker cut) made from beef, game, or ostrich.
Vetkoek: Deep-fried bread dough, usually stuffed with savory mince or cheese.
Peri-Peri Prawns: Large prawns grilled and smothered in a spicy chili and lemon sauce, a Portuguese-Mozambican influence.
Fish and Chips: Freshly caught deep-fried fish (often Hake or Kingklip) from one of the many fishing harbors.
Gatsby: A massive sub-style sandwich, often stuffed with chips, steak, and sauce—a popular, affordable Cape/Eastern Cape specialty.
Milk Tart (Melktert): A sweet dessert pie with a creamy milk filling, dusted with cinnamon.
Koeksister: (koo-ek-sister) A sticky, braided dough, deep-fried and dunked in a cold, sweet syrup.
Must-Try Drinks
Local Craft Beer: South Africa has a vibrant craft beer scene. Look for local breweries in Plettenberg Bay or along the Garden Route.
Chenin Blanc: South Africa’s most widely planted white grape, producing fruity, refreshing, and food-friendly wine.
Pinotage: A unique red wine grape crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, known for its smoky, earthy, and bold flavors.
Amarula: A cream liqueur made with sugar, cream, and the fruit of the African Marula tree (the ‘elephant tree’).
Rooibos Tea: (roy-boss) A caffeine-free herbal tea with a distinct red color, grown only in South Africa’s Western Cape region, served hot or cold.
South African Gin: Numerous small distilleries are using local botanicals like Fynbos (fine-bos) to create unique, high-quality gins.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Often blended with Merlot to produce the famous ‘Bordeaux blends’ from the nearby Cape Winelands.
Fizzy Drinks: Look out for local brands like Sparletta Creme Soda or Stoney Ginger Beer.
Dom Pedro: A dessert cocktail made with ice cream, a liqueur (often Kahlua or Whiskey), and topped with cream.
Shandy: A mix of beer and lemonade or ginger beer, a popular, light summer drink.