South Africa boasts some incredible landscapes, from rolling vineyards and safaris offering chances to see animals like lions, elephants and buffalo, as well some bustling and vibrant cities.
But, stretching nearly 471,500 square miles, seeing it all is almost impossible.
Luckily, this incredible road trip allows visitors to experience everything the country has to offer.
Stretching for 124 miles through the Western Cape between Mossel Bay and Storms River, the Garden Route is suitable for both seasoned road-trippers and first-timers.
With countless detours and pitstops on offer, you can even extend the four-day trip to up to a fortnight.
The Garden Route is usually accessed from Cape Town but officially starts in Mossel Bay. Before the road trip even commences, drivers are treated to the incredible coastal scenes of Betty’s Bay and pitstop cafes selling fresh local snacks and essential supplies.
After a long day of travel, stretch your legs on the St Blaize Trail, a rugged nine-mile (one way) coastal route from a cave below Cape St Blaize Lighthouse to Dana Bay.
From here, it’s on to George, a historic timber town that boasts a stunning Botanic Garden, recognised by UNESCO for its impressive biodiversity. While the region only makes up 0.5% of Africa, incredibly it is home to 20% of its plant species.
From George, exit the main highway and visit Wilderness National Park or head further inland on the Seven Passes, which snakes through the canyons of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Wilderness National Park is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, with campsites, hiking routes between waterfalls and even kayaking opportunities. Boasting wetlands rich in exotic birds, make sure to bring along your binoculars on one of four trails named for local kingfisher species, ranging from two to six miles.
Next on the route is the town of Knysna, renowned for its culinary scene and 10-day Oyster Festival in late June. As if plucked straight from a painting, the town overlooks a stunning lagoon dotted with sailing boats.
Here you can stay for several days, exploring its surrounding landscapes via mountain bike or on foot and tasting its local produce in its restaurants.
Half an hour further east is Plettenberg Bay, known for its breathtaking beaches. This is both a surfers’ and a naturalists’ paradise, with sandy coves and waters filled with migrating whales and dolphins.
Further eastwards, be sure to stop in at Birds of Eden – the world’s largest free-flight aviary – home to over 3,000 exotic birds reduced from cages.
The penultimate stop on the Garden Route is Storms River Village, a further 50 minutes from Plettenberg Bay. As its name suggests, the smooth coast gives way to rocky outcrops and the denseTsitsikamma Forest. Here, you can partake in zip-lining experiences, kayaking expeditions through gorges and the world’s highest bungee jump (709 feet), if you’re brave enough.
Most end their road trip in Gqeberha, or Port Elizabeth, a beachside city that offers whale-watching trips and a chance to explore its British-colonial architecture, like the main public library, built in the Victorian Gothic style.
According to The Telegraph, Responsible Travel’s Beyond the Garden Route package offers a slow pace from £2,170 per person, including car hire, activities and full-board accommodation. Flights not included.
