Garden Route Self Drive Holiday | Family Friendly SelfDrive Western Cape
   
 
The Safari Co. home
The Safari Company - Africa Travel Guide Garen Route Self Drive Holiday
|
YOU ARE HERE: african safari self drive africa self drive south africa arrow self drive garden route follow us on:
  garden route self drive holiday
cape town to port elizabeth incl. winelands, whale watching, knysna, addo
 
contact a safari travel expert
print or save a copy of this travel guide
 
Garden Route, South Africa
 
     
 
self drive garden route - cape town to port elizabeth
 
     
 
   
     
 

NOTE: this is only a suggested route. Please confirm the road conditions with local tourism boards and operators from the area.

 
     
start: cape town
end: port elizabeth
 
duration: 7 days
 
This family-friendly self drive route starts at Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities and the hub of South Africa's tourism industry. There are loads to do here, so you need to add atleast 3 days to your itinerary to make the most of your time in Cape Town. Then it's off to the Cape Winelands where you'll be tasting exceptional wines and cuisine. Shoot down to the coast for some of the best shore-based whale watching from Hermanus. Back on the N2 highway it will take you past places like Oudsthoorn where you can experience some good old South African hospitality and spend time with ostriches. Further along the coast you'll discover places like Knysna where forest and sea brings forth incredible sights and experiences. Enjoy golf at any of the world-class golf courses along the Garden Route, or take a walk along pristine beaches and enchanting forests. If you're into 4x4 trails, you can test your skills on some of the mountain passes criss-crossing this beautiful region. Then end off your journey with a visit to a few game reserves to experience Africa's incredible wildlife! Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari Private Game Reserve and Kariega Priavate Game Reserve offers incredible wildlife experiences.
 
 
top attractions on this route
Cape Town's many sights and sounds (you'll need atleast 3 days to see some of the major attractions here)
Whale watching at Hermanus
Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands
Golf at the many world-class courses
Hiking in many of the unspoilt forests, beaches and mountains
Bungy jump off the Bloukrans bridge
Surf Jeffrey's Bay
Canoe in the beautiful gorges of the Stormsriver
A safari in Addo Elephant National Park. Shamwari or Kariega
 
 
best time to explore the garden route

This route stretches from Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. It can be traveled throughout the year. Best time to visit is during the summer months (October to March) when the temperatures are around 25 to 30ºC or higher offering beautiful sunny days. Rainfall is low during the summer. Winter months offer better wildlife viewing but it can get cold and rainy at times. Pack accordingly so include a scarf, beanie, rainproof jacket, fleece layers and warm boots.

 
Find more detail about when to visit South Africa
 
 
vehicle requirements for the garden route

Sedan vehicles can travel on all the roads that form part of this route.
Four-wheel drive with low range transfer case is only required if you choose to explore the Baviaans Kloof, or Bedrogberg 4x4 Trail in the northern section of Addo NP.
Higher vehicles (such minibus transporters or 4x4 SUV's) are better for game viewing in Addo. In private reserves such as Kariega and Shamwari all game viewing is conducted in all-terrain open game viewing vehicles.
Always take additional water with you in the car. You might just want to take a short hike into a forest or spend some time on a secluded beach.
Check spare tyre and tyre repair equipment

 
 
how self sufficient must we be on this route?

Along the Garden Route there are an abundance of restaurants, shops, grocery stores and accommodation.
Fuel is available along the route.
A wide selection of food is available in all the major towns along the way. This will be for travel days and snacks along the way.
Water is clean and drinkable throughout the route

 
 
safety and general warnings

Always have drinking water available as temperatures can sore during summer.
Use sun-screen and eye protection against the sun, especially when spending time on the beaches and outdoors.
There are large predators in the national parks and reserves (Sanbona, Kariega, Addo and Shamwari). Always obey the rules of the parks and never leave your vehicle if not in a safe, designated place while traveling in the game reserves.
The Knysna forest is ideal for a day hike. Have a daypack and hiking boots/trainers available, and carry enough water and snacks for the walks.
Be aware of your surroundings in cities and towns. It's best to keep your car doors lock.

 
 
is this route family friendly?

This route is a very family-orientated accommodated self drive holiday that offers activities for families with children. Children will have lots to learn about the wide variety of interesting places visited along the way. Many child-friendly lodges and accommodation are available to cater for children with lots to do and experience for young and old. Interesting family activities can be enjoyed along the way. Some of the wildlife experiences at places like Shamwari, Sanbona and Kariega includes animal behaviour, spoor identification and track moulds, child-focussed rangers, cooking, wildlife movies, child-minder services, interpretive centres, kiddies menus and play facilities. Addo Main Camp has interesting facilities available for children with a jungle gym in the shape of an elephant as well as lots os space to walk and play.

 
 
 
some of our other favourite south africa routes
greater addo family safari - click to read more
cederberg and westcoast 4x4 route - click to read more
 
     
 
 
     
  helpful tips for self drive camping holidays  
     
  vehicle preparation - here is a list of our preferred vehicle equipment  
     
  camping equipment - things you might need to make your 4x4 trip a pleasure  
     
  vehicle rental - find the right vehicle for your self drive family holiday  
     
  offroad trailers - choose a trailer that can take the punch  
     
 
     
 
tell us what you think of this self drive route
 
 
 
  Keeping it fresh: if you find any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know here  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 
our expedition partners - read more about our explorations into africa
  Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters National Luna Gabriel Shock Absorbers Flexopower Solar Energy CASKA Multimedia Systems MAXTRAX Recovery Equipment Metalian Trailers  
  ctek battery management k-way outdoor gear canvas camping gear islandtribe sun protection grant pitcher photography designhause multimedia agency yamaha southern africa  
                 
 
  Important notice :
The Safari Co. is NOT a booking agent - we provide useful information about Africa Travel and connect you directly with the best travel services in Africa, so that you get the best service at the best price. Deal direct and SAVE.
  For the traveler:   For the travel business:
Have fun planning your holiday in Africa - start here Be a part of what we do and turbo boost your business here
Help us keep it fresh - report incorrect and outdated information here Submit articles, videos or photos here
 
Copyright © The Safari Company - africa travel made easy
Garden Route Self Drive Holiday | Family Friendly SelfDrive Western Cape
Okavango Delta Map Top Destination in Africa Map of Namibia