Cape Town & Garden Route 🇿🇦
"Dramatic mountain peaks dropping directly into two different oceans."
Cape Town offers the iconic Table Mountain for hiking and the stunning beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. A short drive takes you to the Garden Route for more rugged coastal mountain scenery and whale watching.
A breathtaking journey from the urban peaks of Cape Town to the lush, wild coastlines of the Garden Route, blending world-class wine, wildlife, and coastal hiking.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Table Mountain and City Views
Morning — Arrive in Cape Town and check into your hotel in Camps Bay or Gardens. Start with a walk along the Sea Point Promenade.
Afternoon — Take the cable car or hike up Table Mountain for 360-degree views of the Atlantic Seaboard. Down on the ground, stroll through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap.
Evening — Enjoy a seafood dinner at the V&A Waterfront while watching the sunset and the bustling harbor activity.
💡 Book Table Mountain cableway tickets online in advance to skip the long queues.
Day 2 · Penguins and Dramatic Coastal Cliffs
Morning — Head to Boulders Beach in Simon's Town to see the resident African Penguin colony.
Afternoon — Drive the stunning Chapman's Peak Drive toward Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, where the mountains meet the sea.
Evening — Relax at a trendy bistro in Bree Street, the heart of Cape Town’s culinary scene.
💡 Buy the 'Wild Card' if you plan on visiting many SANParks sites to save on entry fees.
Day 3 · Winelands and Mountain Valleys
Morning — Drive 1 hour inland to the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch or Franschhoek) for a morning tasting amidst mountain backdrops.
Afternoon — Explore the sculpture gardens and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a historic estate like Babylonstoren or Delaire Graff.
Evening — Return to Cape Town for a quiet evening watching the sunset from Signal Hill.
💡 Consider the Wine Tram in Franschhoek for a hop-on-hop-off experience without driving.
Day 4 · Scenic Drive to the Garden Route
Morning — Depart Cape Town early for the scenic drive along Route 62 or the N2 toward the Garden Route.
Afternoon — Check into your lodge in Wilderness and head to the beach or go canoeing on the Touw River through the indigenous forest.
Evening — Dine at a local restaurant in George or Wilderness overlooking the ocean.
💡 Stop at 'Peregrine Farm Stall' for a legendary venison pie on your way out of the city.
Day 5 · Lakes, Rivers, and Ancient Forests
Morning — Drive to the 'Map of Africa' viewpoint for a panoramic look at the Kaaimans River loop.
Afternoon — Hike the 'Half Collared Kingfisher Trail' to a hidden waterfall within the Wilderness National Park.
Evening — Enjoy a braai (South African BBQ) at your accommodation under the stars.
💡 Bring sturdy water shoes if you plan on canoeing and hiking near the river.
Day 6 · The Heads and Lagoon Life
Morning — Drive 40 minutes east to Knysna. Visit the Knysna Heads for dramatic views of the ocean surging into the lagoon.
Afternoon — Take a boat cruise across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve or visit the nearby Noetzie Beach to see the 'castles'.
Evening — Feast on fresh Knysna oysters at the Waterfront.
💡 The East Head viewpoint is free; the West Head is part of a private nature reserve.
Day 7 · Suspension Bridges and Wild Coasts
Morning — Drive to Tsitsikama National Park. Experience the 'Big Tree' and the lush coastal vegetation.
Afternoon — Walk across the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge for some of the most iconic mountain-meets-sea photography in the country.
Evening — Drive to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) for your evening departure or overnight before flying out.
💡 Allow 2-3 hours for the Storms River Mouth hike to account for photo stops.