11-day road trip along the Garden Route
With South Africa Nomads, you can discover South Africa your way. Travel in a 4x4 with a roof tent, sleeping at unique campsites in nature or by the coast, or choose our lodge-to-lodge trip where you'll stay in carefully selected B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.
A road trip in South Africa is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for variety and unique experiences! Taste the wines of Franschhoek, kayak through the gorges of Tsitsikamma, learn to surf in Jeffreys Bay, and go on a safari in Addo Elephant NP.
Cape Town
Your road trip through South Africa begins in Cape Town. This city is known for its diversity and, of course, Table Mountain. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, hike up Lion's Head, or catch the sunset at Camps Bay.
Cape Town – Hermanus (160 km – 2h55)
Take the Clarence Drive to Hermanus. This charming coastal town is famous for the whales in the bay between June and November. If you're lucky, you might even spot them from the land.
Hermanus – Swartvlei (395 km – 4h30)
This place is a hidden gem. On a beautiful estate by the lake of the same name, you'll find the peace you need between all your adventures.
Swartvlei – Addo Elephant National Park (360 km – 4h40)
The next highlight of your road trip in South Africa is the famous Addo Elephant National Park. As the name suggests, this is the place for a safari.
Addo Elephant National Park – Jeffreys Bay (145 km – 2h)
This surfer's paradise, better known as J-Bay, attracts surfers from all over the world. You'll find great waves and a relaxed vibe here. Even if you don’t surf, it’s lovely to chill on the endless beach or at one of the cozy cafés.
Jeffreys Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park (145 km – 1h30)
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and kayak on the Storms River or walk across the suspension bridges over the river mouth. For hikers, there are several trails; read here about all the activities you can do in the park.
Tsitsikamma National Park – Mossel Bay (165 km – 2h15)
Mossel Bay is a charming coastal town where the warm Indian Ocean creates perfect waves for both beginner and experienced surfers along the pristine beaches. Discover what you can see and do here.
Mossel Bay – Franschhoek (355 km – 4h10)
Your road trip through South Africa ends in Franschhoek among the vineyards. This picturesque town has many great restaurants and various wineries where you can taste wine.
Discover here which destinations the ultimate tour through South Africa includes.
This vibrant metropolis is nestled between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The city offers a unique blend of liveliness and nature, with the famous Table Mountain as a backdrop. Visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood or check out the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. From spotting penguins at Boulders Beach to hiking on Lion's Head, there’s something for everyone in this versatile city.
The route to Hermanus via the spectacular Clarence Drive is an experience in itself. As you wind along the coastline, you'll get breathtaking views over False Bay. This charming coastal town is known as the whale capital of South Africa, where you can spot southern right whales between June and November as they come here to raise their calves.
Relax in Swartvlei. This place is a hidden gem during your trip through South Africa. From your rooftop tent, you can enjoy spectacular sunsets while the sounds of the African bush surround you. Take a refreshing dip in the lake, stroll around the estate, or share stories with other South Africa Nomads travelers during a group braai under the starry sky.
The next highlight of your tour in South Africa is the famous Addo Elephant National Park. Here, you can spot more than 600 elephants regularly at the watering holes. In addition to these impressive giants, the park is home to the 'Big Seven' – including southern right whales and great white sharks in the marine section of the park. You’re likely to see zebras, elephants, kudu, and hyenas here.
Jeffreys Bay, also known as J-Bay, is a legendary spot in the surfing world where the perfect waves of the so-called 'Supertubes' attract surfers from all over the globe. But even if you don't surf, this laid-back coastal town has a lot to offer. Stroll along sandy beaches, shop in the many surf stores, or enjoy fresh fish at one of the trendy restaurants. The authentic surf culture and the great vibe make J-Bay a relaxing place.
In Tsitsikamma National Park, you can enjoy all sorts of adventurous activities. The iconic suspension bridges over the wild Storms River are a must-see, and while kayaking between the steep cliffs, you'll feel small in this breathtaking nature. For hikers, there are several trails like the Waterfall Trail, which takes you through ancient forests where colorful birds like Knysna Loeries flutter among the trees.
Mossel Bay is a great stop along the route near the Robberg Nature Reserve. This peninsula is home to hundreds of seals and offers beautiful hikes. In Mossel Bay, there are perfect waves for both beginner and experienced surfers. The town has a rich history as one of the first places where European sailors encountered the African continent, and you can still visit the 500-year-old Post Office Tree where early explorers left their messages.
Your South African adventure ends in style in the picturesque Franschhoek, the culinary heart of the Cape Winelands. Hop on the unique wine tram that takes you past historic wineries and taste the local wine for yourself. The main street is home to many award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and colonial architecture. The combination of French flair and African hospitality makes this the perfect place to wrap up your journey.
We offer two accommodation options in 2026.
11 days • €1175 per person
Are you choosing for adventure? Traverse South Africa in a Suzuki Jimny, a well-equipped 4×4 jeep that easily tackles all roads. The car is automatic and comes with a rooftop tent and camping gear.
During the trip, you will spend the first night in a hotel in Cape Town. You'll pick up the car so you can explore the city center and unwind after your journey. Then, each evening, you'll stay at a lovely campsite in nature or by the coast with all necessary facilities. Here, you can completely relax after a day full of adventures.
11 days • €1295 per person
Want to relax after a day full of adventure? Opt for overnight stays in carefully selected guesthouses and hotels. Here, you'll enjoy comfort and hospitality while traveling in a comfortable car, a Volkswagen Polo automatic or similar.
You’ll stay in a cozy room with a private bathroom, and every day a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you (vegetarian options available). The only exception is during your stay in Cape Town, but you'll find plenty of great eateries nearby the hotel.
This is the overview of your 11-day road trip through South Africa. Our route will take you to the most beautiful spots in the country. The overnight stays are already set, but during the day you choose which attractions you want to visit and how much time you want to spend there.
Are you looking for some extra experiences during your road trip? Complete your adventure with one or more activities tailored to your itinerary!
Note: only bookable between October and November.
Head out onto the ocean for an unforgettable whale watching tour! You'll be searching for whales in the open Atlantic Ocean on a catamaran. Spot Southern Right whales, humpbacks, or Bryde’s whales. There's a good chance you'll also encounter dolphins, seals, and seabirds, and if you're lucky, even the African penguin. The tour lasts an average of 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the ocean conditions. Every day is different, but the experience is fantastic nonetheless!
Would you prefer to be driven around Addo Elephant National Park with a guide? There are several safaris available to book.
Early Safari - Addo Elephant National Park
Are you an early bird? Then go on a safari in the early morning when the animals are the most active. The guide will tell you all about the animals and knows the best spots to see them in their natural habitat. This tour lasts about 3.5 hours.
Price: €85
Half Day Safari - Addo Elephant National Park
If you want to be on safari a bit longer with a guide, choose a half day safari. What you encounter will be a surprise, but there's a good chance you'll spot elephants. Other animals you might see in the park include lions, Cape buffalo, zebras, warthogs, kudu, and red hartebeests. This tour lasts about 4.5 hours.
Price: €80
Full Day Safari -Addo Wildlife Private Game Reserve + Schotia Reserve
Want to get the most out of your safari? Book a safari to both Addo Elephant NP and the Schotia Private Reserve. In this reserve, you'll spot even more different animals like hippos, giraffes, rhinos, or crocodiles. Schotia aims to provide a natural, ethical living environment for the animals. It was the first reserve in the region with free-roaming lions that hunt naturally instead of being fed. You'll spend the whole day on an unforgettable safari. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are included.
Price: €192
Have you always wanted to take a surf lesson? You can do that in Jeffreys Bay, one of the best surf spots in the world. The town is filled with surf culture, featuring annual surf competitions like the World Surf League and a laid-back lifestyle centered around the ocean. Surf shops, local surf spots, trendy cafes, and a close-knit surf community make it a unique and relaxed surfer's paradise. The lesson lasts 1.5 hours and is for all skill levels.
Discover Tsitsikamma from the water! Paddle along with a guide on the Storms River, going under the suspension bridge and deeper into the untouched nature. Further along the river, you'll swap your kayak for a lilo, an inflatable boat. Here, you can also swim and jump from cliffs. The guide will share all the amazing information about the unique nature and the animals that live here. When the ocean is too rough, you'll hike the first part of the tour, a trail with stunning views. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is easy to do. An unforgettable experience!
Want to get better at surfing during your road trip?
Then opt for a surf package with 3 surf lessons, where you’ll learn to surf at three iconic surf spots: Muizenberg, Mossel Bay, and Jeffreys Bay.
With the surf package, you get 3 lessons of 1.5 to 2 hours each at three different locations, including rental of a surfboard & wetsuits. The lessons are available for every level, and the cost is €99 per person.
Your journey begins in Cape Town.
We expect you on the first day between 1 PM and 4 PM at the airport to pick up your car.
There are several options to get to Cape Town. You can choose to book your flights through us or book your own flights.
Prefer to arrange your own flight? You can do that for all our other editions:
If you're booking your own flights, make sure the flight times match the start time of the tour. See here for more information.
On day 1, you can pick up the car between 1 PM and 4 PM at our starting point at Cape Town airport. Here, you'll receive detailed instructions about the car and any camping gear. From here, your road trip can really begin.
On day 11, you need to return the car between 8 AM and 11 AM at the same location.
Your first hotel is located in Cape Town, about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Our new road trips take place between March to May 2026.
Pre-register now to be the first to book on September 9!