Travel Route South Africa: The ultimate route along the Garden Route & Wine Lands

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8x the most beautiful destinations along the coast of South Africa

Do you dream of an unforgettable road trip through South Africa? An adventure alongside whales, elephants, and through the wine regions? Then we have the perfect itinerary mapped out for you. Discover the highlights of the famous Garden Route and the most beautiful spots in the Cape Winelands. From the vibrant Cape Town to the rugged nature of Tsitsikamma – this itinerary through South Africa combines the best the country has to offer.

On a road trip through South Africa with South Africa Nomads, you'll explore the most stunning places along the Garden Route in your own 4×4 jeep with a rooftop tent. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the perfect itinerary for your adventure.

Top Tips from the team

  • Plan enough time for spontaneous stops
  • Decide in advance which route you'll take
  • Check which roads you should avoid
  • Only refuel at large gas stations
  • Check the app from South Africa Nomads for the best tips

1. Start in the vibrant Cape Town

Your journey through South Africa starts in the vibrant Cape Town. The city is dominated by the impressive Table Mountain, which you absolutely have to hike for a spectacular view of the city and the ocean. In the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, you can experience the Cape Malay culture, and at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, you'll feel the energy of this global city. You can even spot wildlife in Cape Town: penguins at Boulders Beach!

2. Whale watching in Hermanus

From Cape Town, you drive to Hermanus, the whale capital of South Africa. Especially between June and November, this is a magical place when the southern right whales come here to give birth to their young. During a boat tour, you'll come face to face with these majestic marine mammals. You can also try to spot whales from the coast along the famous Cliff Path.

3. Relax at Swartvlei

A hidden gem during your journey through South Africa is Swartvlei. On a beautiful estate by the lake of the same name, you'll find the tranquility you need between all your adventures. Here, you won't encounter tourists, but an authentic South African experience. The lake is perfect for a refreshing swim, and the sunsets are unforgettable.

4. Wildlife spotting in Addo Elephant National Park

The next highlight of your trip in South Africa is the famous Addo Elephant National Park. As the name suggests, this is the place to spot elephants – but you can also encounter lions, zebras, and countless other animals here. During a game drive in the early morning or late afternoon, you have the best chance of seeing the Big Five.

5. Surfing in Jeffreys Bay

After the wildlife in Addo, it's time for some action in Jeffreys Bay, better known as J-Bay. This surfer's paradise has one of the best right-hand breaking waves in the world. Even if you don't surf, it's wonderful to relax on the endless beach or in one of the cozy cafés. The sunrise here is one of the most beautiful of your entire trip.

6. Adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park

A road trip in South Africa isn't complete without a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park. Here, you can kayak on the Storms River, where the river flows through a deep gorge. The suspension bridges over the river mouth offer stunning views. For hikers, there's the famous Otter Trail, but shorter walks also take you along the breathtaking coastline.

7. The Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay

In the Robberg Nature Reserve, you'll find one of South Africa's most beautiful coastlines. A walk here is a must-do, with three different routes ranging from 2 to 9 kilometers. The most popular route (5.5 km) takes you along dramatic cliffs where you can spot seals and, during the season, see whales breaching. Along the way, you'll pass deserted beaches and a spectacular 'gap' – a narrow land spit with steep cliffs on both sides. On clear days, you can see dolphins playing in the waves, and hundreds of seabirds circling above you. Don't forget your binoculars and camera!

8. Closing in the Wine Lands

Your round trip through South Africa ends in style in Franschhoek, the heart of the Cape Winelands. This picturesque town, founded by French Huguenots, is known for its excellent restaurants and world-famous vineyards. Take the Wine Tram to visit various wineries and enjoy the spectacular mountainous scenery.

The trip of your dreams

A round trip through South Africa with South Africa Nomads is an adventure you'll never forget! We've designed this route to help you experience the best of South Africa: from the culinary delights in Franschhoek to the wild elephants in Addo. You'll be traveling in your own 4×4 jeep, and we'll take care of all the practicalities.

We intentionally travel in the spring and autumn when the weather is perfect, giving you the best chance to spot wildlife. This way, you can enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer without a worry in the world.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Check out our departure dates and join us for an unforgettable trip through South Africa!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here you'll find frequently asked questions about the weather and climate in South Africa

When is the rainy season in South Africa?

This varies greatly by region. In Cape Town and along the west coast, most of the rain falls in winter (June-September). The east coast and northeastern regions, including Kruger Park, have a summer rainy season (December-March). The Garden Route has a reasonable chance of short rain showers throughout the year, while the central interior and the Karoo are very dry with minimal precipitation.

What is the best time for a safari in South Africa?

April/May and October/November are ideal for a safari. The weather is mild and the animals are very active. In Addo Elephant National Park, you have the best chance to spot (some of) the Big Five. It's no coincidence that we organize our South Africa Nomads safari adventures during this time! In the South African winter, there are fewer mosquitoes in Kruger Park.

When is the best time to go whale watching in Hermanus?

From June to November, you can spot whales along the southern coast. The Southern Right whales gather in the bay to mate and give birth during this time.

Is December a good time to travel to South Africa?

December is peak season with warm weather. Great for sunbathing in Cape Town or surfing in Jeffreys Bay, but expect higher prices and more crowds along the Garden Route. The other regions are also very warm and get busy during this time. We recommend visiting during the quieter transitional seasons for the best experience.

Are there a lot of mosquitoes in South Africa?

This depends on the region and the season. In the tropical northeast (Kruger and surrounding areas), you'll have the most trouble with mosquitoes during the warm, humid summer season. Along the coast, mosquitoes are less of an issue. During the dry winter months, you'll encounter few mosquitoes throughout the country. Always bring insect repellent just in case, especially for the evenings.

What kind of clothing should I bring in the spring or autumn?

Light clothing for the daytime, but also bring a warm sweater and long pants for the evenings. A raincoat is handy for a local shower.

Can I swim in South Africa in spring and fall?

The water temperature varies greatly by coast. The Indian Ocean on the east coast is warm enough for swimming all year round (20-25°C). The Atlantic Ocean on the west coast is significantly colder (13-17°C). The south coast, with popular beaches along the Garden Route, falls in between with pleasant temperatures of 18-22°C.

How is the traffic on the Garden Route during the quieter seasons?

In April/May and October/November, it's a pleasure to drive. You mostly have the roads to yourself, especially during the weekdays. Parking at attractions is easy, and you can be more spontaneous without needing to book everywhere in advance.

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