17 day itinerary
South Africa Garden Route
Personalized with:Make a road trip by carInclude hiking and nature sightsInclude swim friendly beachesMake it for nature enthusiastsExclude indoor sight seeing
Itinerary
A 17-day road trip along South Africa's Garden Route sounds like an incredible adventure! This region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Let’s dive into an itinerary that’s packed with nature, hiking, and some lovely swim-friendly beaches. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Pick up your rental car.
- Afternoon: Drive to the . Enjoy the scenic views and take a short hike to the lighthouse.
- Evening: Head back to and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: to
- Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours). Stop at to see the African penguin colony.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic coastal paths in . If it’s whale season (June to November), keep an eye out for the Southern Right Whales!
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the cliff paths and have dinner in town.
Day 3: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Go for a hike on one of the reserve’s trails. Look out for bontebok and other wildlife.
- Evening: Spend the night in the reserve, enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Day 4: De Hoop to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the Heads and take a hike in the surrounding area.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Waterfront.
Day 5: -
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Enjoy a guided hike with stunning views of the lagoon and ocean.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or swim in the lagoon.
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit for a hike along the coastal trails. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins!
- Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner.
Day 7: -
- Morning: Head to (about 40 minutes).
- Afternoon: Hike the famous Otter Trail (or a section of it) or the shorter Storms River Mouth trail.
- Evening: Camp or stay in nearby accommodation.
Day 8:
- All Day: Spend the day exploring more of Tsitsikamma. Consider activities like kayaking on the Storms River or zip-lining through the forest.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Day 9: Tsitsikamma to
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Hike the Trail and enjoy the beautiful beach.
- Evening: Camp or stay in a cozy guesthouse.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the for a guided tour (if you’re okay with a bit of indoor exploration) or hike in the Swartberg Mountains.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
Day 11: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore . Hike the Kingfisher Trail or relax on Beach.
- Evening: Stay in a guesthouse or campsite in .
Day 12: to
- Morning: Short drive to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Hike in the Outeniqua Mountains or visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in .
Day 13: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 40 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit the beautiful beaches and take a swim. Consider a hike along the St. Blaize Trail.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Explore the Lagoon and hike in the nearby nature reserves.
- Evening: Relax at a beachside café.
Day 15: to
- Morning: Return to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Spend the day at , swimming and enjoying the beach.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner in .
Day 16: to
- Morning: Drive back to (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way, like the Outeniqua Pass.
- Evening: Arrive in and enjoy a final dinner.
Day 17: Departure from
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit or take a stroll along the .
- Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen for your hikes.
- Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and try to meet some locals along the way!
This itinerary is designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of the Garden Route while allowing for plenty of hiking and beach time. Enjoy your adventure! 🌍🚗🌊