4-Day Garden Route Express: Cape Town to Knysna Scenic Drive

Tour Overview

Experience the stunning beauty of South Africa’s Garden Route on this 4-day express scenic drive from Cape Town to Knysna, from the dramatic cliffs of the Cape Peninsula to the whale-watching capital of Hermanus, the beautiful lakes and forests of Wilderness, the stunning lagoon of Knysna, and the dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma. The Garden Route is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, with its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Cape Town & Hermanus

Arrive in Cape Town (or start from your hotel in Cape Town). Begin your Garden Route adventure with a drive along the stunning False Bay coastline. Visit the Cape Peninsula (if time permits): Table Mountain (one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, with its flat top and stunning views of Cape Town and the ocean, take the cable car to the top for panoramic views), the Cape of Good Hope (the southwesternmost point of Africa, with its dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery, part of the Table Mountain National Park), Cape Point (with its iconic lighthouse and stunning views), Boulders Beach (home to a colony of African penguins, where you can get up close to these adorable birds), and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, with its collection of indigenous South African plants and its stunning setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain). After the Cape Peninsula, drive along the beautiful coastline to Hermanus (approximately 1.5 hours from Cape Town), the whale-watching capital of South Africa (and one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world), where southern right whales come to mate and calve from June to November. Visit the Hermanus Cliff Path (a beautiful coastal path with stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs, and excellent whale-watching spots), the Old Harbour (a historic fishing harbor with its beautiful setting and the famous Hermanus Whale Crier (the only whale crier in the world, who blows a kelp horn to alert visitors to the presence of whales)), and the Hermanus Museum. Visit the nearby Grotto Beach (a beautiful blue flag beach with its white sand and clear water). After lunch, continue driving along the Garden Route, passing through the beautiful towns of Stanford, Gansbaai (the great white shark capital of the world, where you can go shark cage diving), and Betty’s Bay (with its penguin colony at Stony Point). Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the way, with the dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and the ocean. Evening arrive at your lodge or guesthouse in the George/Wilderness area. Dinner with South African cuisine including braai (barbecue), biltong (dried meat), bobotie (a spiced meat dish), and fresh seafood. Overnight in George/Wilderness area.

Day 2: Wilderness, Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Morning explore the Wilderness area (a beautiful town on the Garden Route, known for its stunning lakes, beaches, and indigenous forests). Visit the Wilderness National Park (a beautiful park with its lakes, beaches, forests, and the Touws River, with its diverse wildlife including the rare Knysna elephant, the Cape clawless otter, and many species of birds). Take a walk or hike through the park, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lakes, beaches, and forests. Visit the Map of Africa viewpoint (a beautiful viewpoint where the river has carved a shape resembling the map of Africa into the landscape). Visit the nearby town of Sedgefield (a beautiful coastal town known for its weekly Saturday market, its beautiful beaches, and its lakes). After lunch, drive to Knysna (approximately 30 minutes from Wilderness), one of the most beautiful towns on the Garden Route, located on the shores of the stunning Knysna Lagoon (a beautiful estuary with its clear water, surrounded by lush forests and the iconic Knysna Heads (two dramatic sandstone cliffs that form the entrance to the lagoon from the ocean). Visit the Knysna Heads (the iconic landmarks of Knysna, with their dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the ocean and the lagoon, take a walk to the Eastern Head for the best views), the Knysna Waterfront (a beautiful waterfront area with its shops, restaurants, and the famous Knysna oysters (Knysna is famous for its oysters, which are farmed in the lagoon), take a boat cruise on the lagoon, or visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve (a beautiful nature reserve on the Western Head, accessible by ferry, with its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and beautiful trails). Visit the Knysna Forest (one of the largest indigenous forests in South Africa, home to the rare Knysna elephant, the giant yellowwood trees, and many species of birds and animals). After exploring Knysna, drive to Plettenberg Bay (approximately 30 minutes from Knysna), a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife. Visit the Robberg Nature Reserve (a beautiful nature reserve on a peninsula, with its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife including seals, dolphins, and whales (in season), and the ancient San Bushman rock paintings), the Central Beach (a beautiful blue flag beach), and the Lookout Beach (a beautiful beach with its stunning views). Visit the nearby Birds of Eden (the largest free-flight aviary in the world, with its beautiful forest setting and hundreds of birds), the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary (a beautiful sanctuary for free-roaming primates), and the Elephant Sanctuary (where you can interact with African elephants). Evening arrive at your lodge or guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay or the surrounding area. Dinner with fresh seafood and local cuisine. Overnight in Plettenberg Bay area.

Day 3: Tsitsikamma, Cango Caves & Oudtshoorn

Morning drive to the Tsitsikamma National Park (approximately 1 hour from Plettenberg Bay), one of the most beautiful national parks in South Africa, located at the end of the Garden Route, with its dramatic coastline, ancient forests, and the famous Storms River Mouth. Visit the Storms River Mouth (a beautiful river mouth where the Storms River flows into the ocean, with its dramatic cliffs, the famous suspension bridge (a 77-meter-long suspension bridge high above the river, with stunning views), and the beautiful hiking trails). Take a walk along the Waterfall Trail (a beautiful trail along the coast to a waterfall, with stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs), or take a kayak and lilo adventure up the Storms River (a unique experience paddling up the river through the narrow gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water). Visit the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour (a beautiful zip-line canopy tour through the ancient forest, with its stunning views and thrilling experience). After exploring Tsitsikamma, drive inland to Oudtshoorn (approximately 1.5-2 hours), the ostrich capital of the world, located in the beautiful Klein Karoo (a semi-arid region between the coastal mountains and the Great Karoo, with its unique landscapes and wildlife). Visit the Cango Caves (one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world, located in the Swartberg Mountains near Oudtshoorn, with its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and beautiful chambers, including the famous Cango Hall (one of the largest cave chambers in the world) and the various beautiful formations. Take a guided tour of the caves, enjoying the stunning beauty of the underground world. Visit an ostrich farm (Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world, with numerous ostrich farms where you can learn about these fascinating birds, see the ostrich chicks, and even ride an ostrich (if you dare)). Visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch (a beautiful wildlife ranch with its diverse wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, lions, crocodiles, and many species of birds and reptiles). Evening arrive at your lodge or guesthouse in Oudtshoorn or the surrounding area. Dinner with local cuisine including ostrich steak (a local specialty), lamb, and South African wines. Overnight in Oudtshoorn area.

Day 4: Route 62 & Return to Cape Town

Morning explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding area. Visit the Swartberg Pass (one of the most beautiful mountain passes in South Africa, a dramatic gravel road climbing over the Swartberg Mountains, with stunning views of the Klein Karoo and the Great Karoo, and the beautiful mountain scenery). Visit the nearby town of Prince Albert (a beautiful historic town at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, with its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, olive farms, and peaceful atmosphere). After exploring the area, drive back to Cape Town via the famous Route 62 (one of the most scenic drives in South Africa, a beautiful route through the wine lands, the Klein Karoo, and the mountains, with its charming towns, beautiful scenery, and many wineries). Route 62 is known as the longest wine route in the world, with many wineries along the way where you can stop for wine tastings. Pass through the beautiful towns of Montagu (a beautiful town known for its hot springs, fruit orchards, and beautiful mountain scenery), Robertson (a beautiful wine town known for its excellent wines and brandy), Worcester (a beautiful town in the Breede River Valley, known for its wines and beautiful scenery), and Paarl (a beautiful wine town in the Cape Winelands, known for its excellent wines and the famous Afrikaans Language Monument). Stop at a winery along the way for a wine tasting and lunch, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Cape Winelands. After lunch, continue driving back to Cape Town, arriving in the late afternoon. Do some last-minute shopping for South African products including wine (South Africa is famous for its wines, especially from the Cape Winelands), biltong, rooibos tea, traditional crafts, and souvenirs. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight, or return to your hotel in Cape Town. Concluding your 4-day Garden Route express scenic drive.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses