Garden Route South Africa: My personal highlights

My highlights of the Garden Route after 3 visits

The Garden Route in South Africa is the most popular route in the country and is one of the world's dream routes for road trips. For me, it's no wonder, because this tour from Cape Town offers numerous highlights that show you the diversity of South Africa in an excellent way. For me, it is also the easiest road to travel in South Africa and therefore ideal for self-drivers and families. Are you travelling to South Africa for the first time? Then you will find the best tips for the Garden Route round trip here !

In just a few days with a few stops you can travel from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in just a few days. At the end the Addo Elephant National Parkwhere you can see wild animals (especially elephants) in the wild.

For us, however, it doesn't matter at all. If you start in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, you will automatically pass the Whale Route (Hermanus), the De Hoop Nature Reserve and also Swellendam.

Are you visiting South Africa for the first time and don't have time for the Kruger National Park? Or don't have enough budget to visit expensive private game reserves or lodges with animals? Then you should make a stop in the Addo Elephant Park (the third largest national park in South Africa!).

I have travelled the Garden Route three times and have always visited new places and activities. That's why you'll find my travel tips here with both routes, all the highlights and sights along the Garden Route, as well as tips for excursions in Cape Town and the surrounding area and an overview map with all highlights and stops.

Have fun reading!

The "official" Garden Route starts in Mossel Bay and ends shortly before Port Elizabeth at the Tsitsikamma National Park. However, in my experience, everyone draws their Garden Route boundaries a little differently.

How much time should I allow for the Garden Route?

You should plan at least 7 to 10 days for the Garden Route. On average, most people take 10 days. If you want to relax on the beach at the coast in between, you should allow 14 days, because you don't want your trip to turn into stress!

You don't have to include all the activities in every place. Some places are ideal for staying overnight and (for me) don't offer any special highlights (Swellendam, Mossel Bay or Hermanus outside the whale season).

I find the Garden Route "beautiful" and ideal, for the first trip to South Africa. However, I personally find other places and regions much more exciting (Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, Kruger National Park or the Hluhluwe National Park in the Eastern Cape).

The 14-day route can be completely organised and booked with the specialist Diamir: Click here for the individual tour along the Garden Route. They will advise you on everything concerning the round trip. I cannot offer free advice, only my experience after many trips to South Africa.

BOOKING WITH TRAVEL SPECIALISTS????
We often receive emails with questions about itineraries and the fear of planning everything on our own. That's why there are travel specialists like DIAMIR. This agency will tailor-make your trip (either individually or as a group trip) so that you have the best experience on the trip. We have also travelled with DIAMIR and can recommend this sustainable provider to you. → Directly to DIAMIR

Recommendation for routes

We have travelled along the Garden Route several times as self-drivers. First think about where you want to start. I have already started in Cape Town and also in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Both are possible and for me, neither direction offers any particular advantages over the other.

Here are routes with stops that we recommend:

Roundtrip Garden Route: with start & end in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.

This tour is a suggestion for a round trip (start and end in the same place). However, you can also drive in one direction only and fly on. This way you save time to visit for example the Kruger National Parkthe West Coastthe Northern Cape or other regions of South Africa.

Domestic flights to Cape Town or Port Elizabeth are available from 80 euros, even during the high season in December and January.

Cape Town - Cape Peninsula - Hermanus (especially between July and November) - Cape Agulhas (southernmost point of Africa) - De Hoop Nature Reserve - Swellendam - Mossel Bay - Plettenberg Bay (with Robberg Nature Reserve, possibly excursion to Knysna) - Tsitsikamma National Park (Stormsriver and Nature's Valley) - (Jeffreys Bay) - Port Elizabeth - Addo Elephant Park. Back via the R62 (Wine Route) - semi-desert Karoo - Oudtshoorn - Hottentots-Holland mountain range and the Winelands (Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek).

We chose the route along the sea several times. I visited the semi-desert Karoo on my road trip from as part of my road trip from Cape Town to the Northern Cape. (My personal insider tip, which unfortunately is not yet followed by too many tourists).

Distances between the individual places

Here you can find the distances and our travel times between the different places. Stops along the way are already included.

Overview with distances and travel times:

Distances between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth

Map of the Garden Route

Here you can find my drawn map of the route with all the stops that are worthwhile along the Garden Route:

Map of the Garden Route South Africa for self-drive tours. Highlights: Which stops are worthwhile on the Garden Route?

Here are our highlights and tips for places worth seeing with activities along the Garden Route.

Inshort, the Top 10 Garden Route Highlights (from Cape Town), in any order:

1. De Hoop Nature Reserve

2. Tsitsikamma Park

3. Plettenberg Bay

4. Robberg Nature Reserve

5. Addo Elephant Park

6. Knysna (Fetherbed Reserve and Knysna Heads)

7. Cape Agulhas

8. Hermanus

9. Oudtshoorn

10. Cape Town

We don't sugarcoat anything and instead give you tips on the best places to stay and which ones to pay a quick visit. You can trust our tips. We haven't written anything off anywhere, but report on our honest and very personal experiences after driving this route several times and many other trips to southern Africa.

Note: Again and again we receive mails from you asking whether your chosen route fits (with route attached).

Unfortunately we cannot answer this question. We only describe our experience. We do not know you. Neither do we know your travelling speed and interests. Everyone feels differently. These tips for the Garden Route are based on our experiences and impressions.

HOTEL WANTED? ????

For the search for a good hotel we recommend the platform booking.com. We always book our accommodation on this platform or directly with American Express, as we get additional discounts with the American Express Platinum credit card (see details here, only worthwhile for frequent travellers).

Port Elizabeth

(Renamed Gqeberha in 2021) - The fifth largest city is considered "The Friendly City".

Port Elizabeth (also P.E.) is for most people the place where you pick up or drop off your rental car. You can visit the historic centre of Port Elizabeth or the beach. Personally, however, I find other places more worth seeing.

The city is also known colloquially as the windy city. I don't think it's windier here than in other places along the Garden Route.

Our tip: Keep driving into nature!

If you have any tips for Port Elizabeth, please write them in the comments at the end of the article.

My tip: Book a rental car? This is what you have to look out for

Port Elizsbeth Beach South Africa Garden Route Addo Elephant Park

A highlight for elephant lovers

For many, Addo Elephant National Park is one of the highlights of their trip. The park is only 30 minutes away from Port Elizabeth and is therefore ideal for those who do not have enough time for other national parks in South Africa.

You can take a day tour in Addo with your own rental car. In the park itself, self-catering accommodation is available from SAN Parks and you can also find reasonably priced accommodation in the surrounding villages.

The park is best known for its large elephant population, as the name suggests. However, there are also zebras, antelopes, buffalos, hyenas - and if you are lucky, you might even see one of the few lions!

More info on Addo Elephant Park

• Admission: 344 Rand per day (adults, season until end of October 2021)

• Opening hours: 7.30 - 18.30 hrs

• Recommended length of stay: 2 nights

• Other activities: Sandboarding or hiking over sand dunes at Woody Cape

• Accommodation in Colchester (with indoor pool!); Update: Sorry, offer no longer exists.

• Distance Port Elizabeth - Colchester: 45 km

Elephants gather around one of the waterholes in Addo Elephant Park. So beautiful! Huge sand dunes ending in the sea at Woody Cape in Colchester near the Addo Elephant Park. Jeffreys Bay

Knownworldwide as a surf spot.

Jeffreys Bay is popular and well known mainly among surfers. The place is considered one of the best surf spots in the country and offers some of the best waves in the world.

We really liked the flair in Jeffreys Bay on both visits. We always stopped by the sea, but never stayed overnight. Why not, we don't really know ourselves. Maybe next time!

More info about Jeffreys Bay

• Recommended length of stay: For surfers as long as they want, otherwise one stopover is enough.

• Food & Drink: Fifth Wave

• Distance Jeffreys Bay - Port Elizabeth: 82 km

Jeffreys Bay Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park

In the heart of the Garden Route. The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is in the heart of the route. For me, this national park is one of the most beautiful places in the southern Cape.

The Tsitsikamma National Park includes an 80 km long(!) rocky coastline with spectacular seaside landscapes. In addition, there is a mountainous region with remote valleys and fynbos (a form of vegetation: from the Dutch "fijnbosch", meaning "fine bush"), large forests with yellowwood trees and deep gorges with rivers leading to the sea. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word (early inhabitants of the region) meaning "place of water".

Did you know that one of the last virgin forests in South Africa is waiting for you here? You will find a true paradise for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and beach lovers.

Another highlight is the Otter Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in South Africa. The trail is only accessible to 12 people per day, is divided into 5 daily stages, 42.5 km long and leads along a part of the Garden Route National Park that is closed to the public. For more information on the hike and the Tsitsi, read my detailed report on one of my favourite places:

More info on the Tsitsikamma National Park.

• Entrance fee: 262 Rand per day (adults, season until end of October 2021)

• Opening hours: 7 am - 6 pm, day visitors until 9.30 pm

• Recommended length of stay: minimum 1 - 2 nights

• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, canopy (zipline), beach swimming, bungee jumping, Bloukrans Bridge, mountain biking.

• Accommodation in Tsitsikamma National Park: Storms River Mouth Rest Camp (Oceanettes with sea view, bookable at SAN Parks. Attention: booked out quickly)

Accommodation in Stormsriver: Andolemi Forest Lodge

• Food & drink: Tsitrus Café (with sweet shop included), Tsitsikamma Cattle Baron (in the National Park)

• Distance Port Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma NP: 181 km

• Distance Tsitsikamma National Park - Plettenberg Bay: 62 km (to Knysna 92 km)

Hiking on the Stormsriver Mouth Bridge in the Tsitsikamma Stormsriver Mouth Bridge Tsitsikamma Plettenberg Bay

Before our first trip along the Garden Route, we had a hard time deciding: Knysna or Plettenberg? At that time, we decided on Knysna. Today, however, I would definitely choose Plettenberg.

Why? "Plett", as the place is affectionately called by locals, is simply
much nicer and cosier. Knysna is rather "chic" and especially the front at the harbour is very touristy.

In contrast to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay is not located in a lagoon, but directly on the turquoise blue sea and offers endless white sandy beaches. It is not without reason that Plett is one of the most popular bathing resorts along the Garden Route.

Here you will find great beaches and waves for surfing!

Tips for eating and drinking in Plettenberg Bay

• Nguni Restaurant - great terrace and good food in the evening.

• The Fat Fish - seafood.

• La Cafeteria - snacks and great salads.

• Look Out Deck- snacks right by the sea.

More info about Plettenberg Bay

• Recommended length of stay: Minimum 1 - 2 nights.

• Activities: Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, surfing, snorkelling with sea lions, bungee jumping (Bloukrans Bridge), mountain biking.

Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay: Long Story Guest House (best accommodation on the Garden Route, great hostess, best breakfast!!!)

• Distance Tsitsikamma NP - Plettenberg Bay: 62 km from National Park entrance

• Distance Plettenberg Bay - Knysna: 62 km (to Knysna 33 km)

View of Plettenberg Bay from Robberg Nature Reserve Robberg Nature Reserve

Themost beautiful hike on the Garden Route. The Robberg Nature Reserve can be reached in a few minutes from Plettenberg. For us, the nature reserve offers the most beautiful hiking route on the Garden Route.

We recommend the long hike to the Lighthouse and "The Point". But only if you dare to climb a little! This is necessary here and may not be easy for some.

With a bit of luck, you may see sharks, whales or seals (Cape Fur Seal) in the water. The latter are actually always there and you will even smell them before you see them!

One of the most beautiful walks in South Africa: Robberg Nature Reserve: The Point, approx. 9 km.

There are three hiking trails here, the only difference being that they are of different lengths:

• The Gap: Short hike to the view. 2.1 kilometres, approx. 30 minutes

• Witsand: Medium, leads down a long sand dune to "Die Eiland". Here you can swim. 5.5 kilometres, approx. 2 hours

• The Point: Long hike, climbing required. 9 km, about 4 hours (pure walking time: 2.40 h).

All three hiking trails connect to each other. So if you choose the longest route, The Point, you automatically do the other two.

This hike is doable for anyone who is normally fit. You will be rewarded with great views. The hike is 9 km long and takes about 4 hours with breaks and photo stops. For example, we took a break at the Lighthouse and had some snacks.

More information about Robberg Nature Reserve

• Entrance fee: 50 Rand (adults, season until end of October 2021)

• Opening hours: 1 October - 30 April 7 am - 8 pm ; 1 May - 30 September 8 am - 6 pm.

• Extra tip: Take enough to drink! You can fill up water bottles at a tap right at the start of the hike.

• And be sure to wear sunscreen! Wear a T-shirt or possibly even a long-sleeved shirt. There is no shade along the route.

• Pack your swimwear. Tip: The Eiland or Nelson Bay. But be careful: the current can be strong here!

View from "The Gap" in Robberg Nature Reserve. So beautiful! Map of the Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route Knysna

Knysna (it is pronounced "naisnah") lies in a beautiful 20 square kilometre lagoon flanked by the Knysna Heads at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. Knysna itself is very touristy. Probably also because many South Africans have their yachts and boats here.

Knysna is really a beautiful town, you can stroll along the waterfront and shop in small shops. There are also many fish restaurants, cafés, small boutiques and souvenir shops. However, it is often difficult to get a seat in a nicely located restaurant in the evening without a reservation, and there is a long wait.

Knysna is also famous for its oysters. There is a 4 ha oyster farm in the lagoon. You can try them in the surrounding restaurants (if you make a reservation in time). If we had to choose between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, however, we would go for the latter.

Featherbed Nature Reserve

After the reserve was almost completely burnt down by a fire in 2017, you can now take tours to the Featherbed Nature Reserve again.

The tour takes you by boat to one of the Knysna Heads. Here, a hiking trail leads to the top. You will get beautiful views over the lagoon, the roaring sea and the nature with its mighty Milkwood trees.

With a bit of luck, you might also spot a blue duiker - South Africa's smallest antelope species. On our tour we saw one jump across the road just in front of us, but unfortunately none of us could pull out the camera so
quickly!

Info about the Featerbed Nature Reserve Tour

• Tour at 10 am: Duration 4 hours, with lunch for 780 Rand (adults, as of March 2021)

• Tour at 2.30 pm: Duration 3 hours without lunch for 575 Rand (adults, as of March 2021)

• The exit of the tour is not at the Waterfront but about 500 metres further on, when you turn right in a grey building.

• Tickets and current prices, see official website: knysnafeatherbed.com

• We took the 4-hour tour at 10 am.

Speed Boat Tour through the Knysna Heads

For a good dose of fun, take the Speed Boat Tour through the Knysna Heads! This tour may be postponed or cancelled due to weather or surf.

Even when we go on the tour, it is not sure if we will be able to go through. The waves are about 2-3 metres high and break extremely dangerously from both sides at 4-6 metres.

Thanks to an experienced captain, however, all no problem. We had a lot of fun!

• Book a tour on the official website: knysnaribadventures.activitar.com

Note: If you have back problems, this tour is less suitable.

After the Speed Boat Tour it is unfortunately time for us to leave for Mossel Bay via Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness (Map of Africa Viewpoint) and George.

With the speedboat through the Knysna Heads to the open sea

Tips for eating and drinking in Knysna

• Many restaurants and cafes on the Waterfront. Very touristy, but locals also eat here. In the evening, expect a wait if you haven't booked a table.

More info about Knysna

• Recommended length of stay: stopover or overnight in Plettenberg Bay / if you stay, 1 night is enough.

• Activities: Hiking in Featherbed Nature Reserve, Speed Boat Tour Knysna Heads.

Accommodation in Knysna: The Rex Hotel

• Distance Knysna - Wilderness: 46 km

Wilderness & Wilderness National Park

Popular: Map of Africa Viewpoint

This popular seaside resort is idyllic, but benefits from the increasing number of tourists. Every time we visited the Garden Route, we stopped here to look at the viewpoint of the"Map of Africa" landscape formation.

This is a viewpoint over a landscape shaped like the outline of the continent of Africa. However, the signposting to the view is quite poor.

Note: Better follow our directions!

Just past the lake, turn into George Road, then immediately left into Waterside Road, which becomes Hoogte Road. This narrow road winds up the hill.

At the top, a sign (easy to miss) points left onto a dirt road. You are in the right place! Drive up to the big sign marking the location of the Map of Africa. Then you have arrived! The view of the Kaaimans River really looks like looking at Africa. Doesn't it?

Map of Africa Garden Route: Looks like the continent of Africa, doesn't it?

On the other side of the path is a gate. Paragliders often take off from the large meadow here, of course only when the thermals are good. From the meadow you also have a wonderful view of Wilderness and Wilderness Beach.

View of Wilderness and Wilderness Beach

Tip: Viewpoint Dolphins Point

From here you have an even better view of Wilderness and Wilderness Beach! Coming from Wilderness towards Cape Town, Dolphins Point is located on the N2 after a sharp right turn. The car park for Dolphins Point is located in this bend. You can watch dolphins from here almost all year round.

Giant Kingfisher Trail

If you feel like a hike, I recommend the Giant Kingfisher Trail, which is about 7 km long. You should allow 3 - 3.5 hours for the loop trail, which is part of Wilderness National Park.

Accommodation in Wilderness: The Dune Guest Lodge

Originally we wanted to stay at "The Dune Guest Lodge". The accommodation is located directly on the beach and has a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean. If you are travelling during whale season, you might be lucky and be able to watch whales and dolphins right from your terrace! However, we were here out of season and unfortunately didn't have a day left to stay here.

But check out the pictures of this great accommodation anyway.

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is the official starting point of the Garden Route. Mossel Bay is about halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The town, with a population of about 130,000, is ideally situated for a stopover.

In our opinion, however, there is not much to do in Mossel Bay itself. Activities like whale watching, kite surfing or shark cage diving (we are advocates of these) can be better experienced elsewhere on the Garden Route.

Nevertheless, we have a few special tips for you:

Sandboarding on South Africa's longest dune.

The Dragon Dune in Vleesbaai is 240 metres long and is situated on a private property about 35 km outside Mossel Bay. The dune is in super condition thanks to the strong south-westerly winds. The sun burns down on the sand from above, making it a sweaty affair as you walk up. On the belly board, 90km/h have already been reached here on the descent!

The tour takes about 2.5 hours and costs 400 Rand if you book directly through the Dragon Dune website.

Surfing the Dragon Dune - sandboarding is really fun! Mossel Bay on the Garden Route, South Africa

The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

On our first trip to South Africa, we were looking for good coffee. What is now often no longer a problem was actually a big one back then! That's when we discovered the Blue Shed Coffee Roastery. For that reason alone, we had to have a coffee here on our second trip along the Garden Route, eat scones and muffins and could only continue towards Swellendam afterwards.

Take a closer look at the grounds and the café: There are old cars, tin sculptures, thrown-together furniture everywhere and people from all over the world come here for that too.

What else can you do in Mossel Bay?

• Whale watching from May to October (I find Hermanus more ideal for this).

• Hike the St Blaize Hiking Trail. About 14 km from Mossel Bay to Dana Bay.

• Hike on the 47 km Oystercatcher Trail.

• Enjoy the view from Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and, if you are lucky, watch whales. We have been here every time outside the whale season.

Tips for accommodation in Mossel Bay

Normal budget: Lavandula Manor

On our 2nd visit to Mossel Bay we stayed at the Lavandula Manor guesthouse. Good breakfast, very large rooms and a small pool with a view. What more could you want? During our visit, there were actually only German guests. I don't know why this is, as the hotel is not currently ranked number 1 on booking platforms in terms of ratings.

View accommodation here

Cheap accommodation: Mossel Bay Backpackers

The Mossel Bay Backpackers is so cosy that we never left (except to buy food). We relaxed on the loungers by the pool, wrote travel diaries and had a barbecue in the evening with other backpackers and travellers from all over the world. We also had to play a few rounds of table football with my brother.

Attention: As of April 2021, no bookings are possible!

More info about Mossel Bay:

• Recommended length of stay: 1 night

• Other activities: Sandboarding, hiking and whale watching

• Distance Mossel Bay - Swellendam: 168 km, approx. 2 hours

Swellendam

Historic town in the Cape Dutch style. Swellendam is the 3rd oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. The Cape Dutch buildings in the centre of this idyllic town are beautiful. Ideal for taking a day out.

On our 2nd visit we stayed at the fairly new accommodation A Riverbed Guesthouse accommodation. The pool is ideal to relax in between. There is also a great café and restaurants in Swellendam! So your all-round well-being is well taken care of.

Tips for accommodation in Swellendam:

A Riverbed Guesthouse

Great new accommodation with a large bathroom, room and a terrace by the pool. We had the room at the very end. There is often "through traffic" at the front as guests just have to walk past. But it is very quiet and the hosts are very friendly.

Small kitchenette in the room, breakfast to make yourself in the fridge and coffee in the room. What could be better?

View accommodation at booking.com

De Companjie

If you prefer something a little more upmarket, you should take a look at the really luxurious accommodation "De Companjie", located in the middle of Swellendam. The Bed & Breakfast is built in a modern country house style. Our "room" is more like a small maisonette-style flat.

The bathroom and a small coffee corner with couch are downstairs, the bedroom upstairs is spacious and leads directly onto a small terrace in the quiet courtyard. Here there is a kind of open-air lounge with fireplace and garden. We had an excellent meal in the adjoining restaurant. Even though it was a bit more expensive, it was worth it!

View accommodation at booking.com(Attention: as of April 2021, no bookings are possible)

Accommodation in Swellendam on the Garden Route (South Africa).

Activities in and around Swellendam

• About 6 kilometres south of Swellendam is the small Bontebok National Park. This was established to protect the last of the bontebok antelopes. In the 19th century, bontebok were almost extinct here. Now there are about 200 bontebok in the park again. There are also mountain zebras, roe antelopes, springboks, hyenas and crowned duikers. And in addition, you can observe over 200 different bird species here!

• The Marloth Nature Reserve is only 2 km from Swellendam. Here you can go on wonderful walks. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for that either, so after a hearty breakfast and shopping at the supermarket, we continue on to the southernmost point of South Africa.

• De Hoop Nature Reserve is ideally accessible from Swellendam and one of the most beautiful places along the Garden Route (see detailed description in the next point)!

• River rafting or canoeing on the Breede River.

Church in Swellendam (Garden Route Highlights in South Africa)

Further information about Swellendam

• Recommended length of stay: 1 night

• Restaurants: Field & Fork (alternating 3-course menus - very tasty, make sure to book) or De Companjie

• Café: Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli - greatest café along the Garden Route (with small shop).

• Other activities: Historical tour of Swellendam, Bontebok National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, canoeing or rafting.

• Distance Swellendam - De Hoop: 50 km. Swellendam - Cape Agulhas: 110 km. Swellendam - Cape Town: 230 km.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

The "jewel" of the Western Cape - our highlight! How could we have missed this wonderful place on so many previous South Africa trips ignored? Finally, we too have made it to the paradisiacal De Hoop Nature Reserve!

Again and again we receive emails with questions about beautiful beaches on the Garden Route. Here comes the unequivocal answer: De Hoop. The current can be a bit stronger depending on the season, but you have the beaches almost to yourself.

The nature reserve is only 50 km from Swellendam and 138 km from Hermanus. The "Jewel of the Western Cape", as De Hoop is also called, is indeed one. Pristine beaches, sand dunes and in whale season, whales are also visible right on the coast!

In addition, there are kudus, zebras and ostriches (be careful when driving, because ostriches often run across the road uncoordinated and unexpectedly).

The approach from Swellendam and Hermanus is via an unpaved road. It was possible even without an SUV, but we were still glad that we had one, so we could drive much more comfortably than others. In general, however, a four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for the Garden Route.

Extra tip: Plan more time for the short approach on Google Maps.

More info on De Hoop Nature Reserve

• Recommended length of stay: Stop over for 1 day or 1 night in the park.

• Take enough to drink.

• Be sure to bring sunscreen and apply sunscreen! There is no shade on the beach.

• Pack your swimwear. But be careful: the current can be strong here!

• Food and drink: At the sand dunes there is a small house in addition to toilets. In front of it is a food wagon that sells food and drinks. Unfortunately it was closed for us, I don't know why. In De Hoop Village there is the Fig Tree Restaurant.

• Activities in De Hoop: The Whale Trail (5-day hike), mountain biking and short day hikes. A map is available at the entrance.

Entrance fee: 50 Rand for day visitors (children 30 Rand), if you stay overnight 40 Rand per night (children 20 Rand). As a holder of the Wild Card free of charge. (as of April 2021)

• Opening hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., except Fridays until 7 p.m.

• Roads in the park: More and more roads are tarred, but there are also gravel roads, in some places a lot of sand on the road due to the wind.

• Accommodation in the park is available at De Hoop Collection. However, we were too spontaneous, everything was fully booked.

• Distance De Hoop NR - Cape Agulhas: 85 km. De Hoop NR - Hermanus: 137 km.

One of the most beautiful places on the Garden Route South Africa: De Hoop Nature Reserve Cape Agulhas

Southermost Tip of Africa. Cape Agulhas is the place where you can't go any further south on the African continent. Next mainland? Antarctica. The "Cape of Needles", as the windy little place Cape Agulhas was christened by Portuguese sailors, is made up of sharp rocks from the offshore reefs. These were particularly feared by sailors in ancient times.

The small village of Cape Agulhas is about 230 km from Cape Town. You reach it via the N2 coming from Cape Town. If you are coming from De Hoop Nature Reserve or Swellendam, as we did, you drive through Bredasdorp to get to Cape Agulhas. The nearest towns are L'Agulhas and the small fishing village of Struisbaai.

L'Agulhas Lighthouse and Museum

Here stands the second oldest lighthouse in South Africa, opened in 1848. The museum on the ground floor shows photos of all 56 lighthouses in South Africa, lamps and old focusing mirrors.

For those who are free from giddiness, you can also go up to the platform of the tower, from where you get a great panoramic view of the Agulhas National Park.

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse (Cape Agulhas)

Africa's southernmost point, the Southernmost Tip of Africa

If you want to take the "typical tourist photo" like we did, you have to park in front of it. The last few metres to the monument at the Southernmost Tip of Africa can only be reached on foot. The path along the coast over wooden planks is idyllic (if a little windy) to walk.

Our souvenir from the first visit on the memorial stone, on which the dividing line between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans are marked:

The southernmost point of South Africa is also the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet

Shipwrecks along the coast

If you continue along the coast after visiting the southernmost point, you will come across a shipwreck a few minutes later. This is the Meisho Maru 38, which was caught in a bad storm at the Cape on 16 November 1982 and capsized at Cape Agulhas. Since then, the wreck has been rusting away on the shore and serves as a welcome photo motif for us tourists.

Shipwreck of the Meisho Maru 38, which was caught in a violent storm on 16 November 1982 and capsized at Cape Agulhas.

More info on Cape Agulhas

• Recommended length of stay: Ideal for a stopover coming from Swellendam or De Hoop.

• The visit to the southernmost point in Africa is free of charge.

• Food & Drink: Fish & Chips at L'Agulhas Seafoods ideal for a stopover.

• Entrance fee lighthouse with museum: 13,70 Rand

• Distance Cape Agulhas - Hermanus: 127 km.

Hermanus

Hermanus is the "Whale Capital of the World". Did you know that Hermanus even has a full-time "Whale Crier"? Originally intended as a marketing stunt, the job of whale crier is now well established in Hermanus. Whenever whales appear, he blows his horn and signals to the tourists that whales can be seen in the bay. Except on Wednesdays between 10 am and 4 pm. Then he is on break.

The Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary has been established since 2001. Since then, fishing and the number of whale watching boats here has also been strictly limited.

The best months for wh ale watching in Hermanus are between June and November. The best spots for whale watching are Roman Rock, Siever's Point and Old Harbour.

Book tip for anyone visiting Hermanus: The Whale Crier by Zakes Mda. I left the book behind in South Africa. Who knows, you might find my copy there somewhere?

Our visits to Hermanus: Always in December, when unfortunately it was not whale season. There is always a reason to return.

On our first visit to Hermanus, we especially liked the beautiful Cliff Path Trail along the coast. Here, one postcard motif really does chase the next.

In fact, our visit fell on 23/24 December. You can't plan a visit more unlucky, because on these days the city is overrun with South African tourists.

Especially in restaurants, tourists in shorts with flip-flops did not always seem welcome. In short, we did not get a table anywhere. The supposedly reserved tables all remained empty. At that time, the flat we had booked on Airbnb was also not as advertised on the internet.

On our second visit, however, we were much luckier: a great place to stay that we can highly recommend: Bed & Breakfast The Whale on Main B&B.

The owners served us breakfast in the courtyard with freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade jam and the room was also wonderful.

In Hermanus you will find the usual shops: Pick N'Pay, Woolworth and souvenir shops to great ice cream parlours (expensive) and busy fast food chains.

The whale is the symbol of Hermanus. The whale town in South Africa on the Garden Route.

Our highlight in Hermanus: Cliff Path Trail

We especially liked the Cliff Path Trail. It is a beautiful 6 km long path along Walker Bay with fantastic views and peace and quiet in front of the overpopulated city.

The path leads along the sea through fynbos vegetation, rock formations and small hidden (bathing) bays. Again and again there are benches along the way so you can enjoy the view of the sea and the whales.

We start at Grotto Beach and walk to the end in the suburb of Voelklip. We take our time and stop again and again to enjoy the postcard motifs. The water is constantly rushing up in high fountains. We regularly have to stop and linger.

The great thing about the Cliff Path is that it is protected under trees in the shade almost all the time. A pleasant change in temperatures of around 30° Celsius.

More info about Hermanus

• Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights (outside whale season with excursion to Gaansbai), otherwise longer.

• Accommodation in Hermanus: Bed & Breakfast The Whale on Main B&B.

• Distance Hermanus - Bettys Bay: 127 km, Hermanus - Cape Town: 250 km

Grotto Beach in Hermanus

Kilometre-long Grotto Beach in Hermanus (Garden Route South Africa) The Cliff Path in Hermanus is the most beautiful walk in the village. Gaansbai

At the end of Walker Bay are De Kelders and the small fishing village of Gansbaai. Our tip: Book the Dyer Island boat tour!

Dyer Island Tour

We do the Dyer Island boat tour to a seal colony. Even outside the whale season, you have a small chance of spotting whales here. You will also get to see dolphins from time to time.

As cute as the seals on Dyer Island are to watch, their smell is even worse. When we arrive, we smell the animals before we see them. We also spot a few rare African penguins (outside Betty's Bay and Simon's Town) on the cliffs of the island.

The tour takes about 2.5 - 3 hours. The departure time changes several times due to the tides and we are always called. As we are flexible, this is no problem for us.

• You can book the tour directly with Dyer Island Cruises.

• Outside the Whale Season Eco Tour and the Whale Watching Tour.

• What to bring: Camera, warm jumper, sunscreen and seasickness tablets in case you have problems at sea and get seasick quickly.

Notice. Please do not do: White Shark Tours - Dive with a great white shark in a cage!

White shark tours are very popular with tourists in Gansbaai. We are very much against these tours. Why? You are then hanging in a cage on the boat for a few minutes and can dive - not worth it. Besides, the sharks are attracted with fish oil, which does not correspond to natural behaviour. Nature conservation is different.

I am an opponent of: White Shark Tours in Gaansbai

Franskraal Beach

4 km outside the centre of Gansbaai lies the seemingly endless Franskraal Beach. A hotspot for bird watching and also for beach lovers. Anglers and snorkellers also get their money's worth here.

But be warned: don't go into too deep water unless you want to suddenly encounter a great white shark near the shore! Don't worry, the locals know their stuff and how far you can venture into the water. Just follow their lead.

Betty's Bay

A must for all penguin fans!

On the way out of Cape Town, you have to take the coastal road for beautiful views.
Now follows the most beautiful section between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

There is a compulsory stop at Betty's Bay with its main attraction: the penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, the penguins come very close to the beach, in front of the entrance to the Nature Reserve, that you can watch them for free.

Betty's Bay is also home to many dassies and cormorants. Nature lovers will love it here!

Scenically, Stony Point can't quite match Boulders Beach with its big rocks.
The good thing about it is that far fewer tourists stray here than at Boulders Beach, which is often very crowded.

Extra advantage: The entrance fee to visit the penguins is cheaper than at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula. There, prices are regularly increased drastically to refinance other national parks in South Africa. This is not the case at Betty's Bay.

Tips and info on visiting the penguins at Stony Point:

• How to get there: Leave the R44 towards Betty's Bay and look out for the penguin signs (very easy to miss). Follow the signs to Stoney Point

• Entrance fee Stony Point Nature Reserve : 25 Rand. Children 15 Rand, under 6 years free. The Wild Card is not valid here. See website capenature.co.za for current prices.

• Opening hours: 8 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.; last admission is at 4 p.m.

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