10 things to do on the Garden Route Roadtrip

The 300 km long Garden Route in South Africa starts in Mossel Bay and ends near the Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Along the route, you will see soothing strips of green on either side of the road, scattered by estuaries and lakes – hence giving it the name of the garden route.

Even though we will cover some exhilarating things to do on the Garden Route, in this article, we would like to go beyond! Destinations such as Cape Town, Hermanus, Addo Elephant National Park and Port Elizabeth are some of the most touristic spots in South Africa and will be a valuable addition to the garden route road trip! Spots outside the garden route have an incredible amount to offer in terms of touristic activities and adventure sports!

As you can see in the map above, we have designed an itinerary with 10 stops each having 1 different outdoor activity for you to try. The stops are marked in numerical order, with the trip starting in (A) Cape Town, heading East, and ending in (J) Addo Elephant National Park.

You will go from abseiling 1000 meters above sea level on Table Mountain to diving into the depths alongside great white sharks. Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer a gentler adventure, there is something for everyone on this road trip!

And if you want to discover even more unforgettable outdoor activities in Cape Town, be sure to check out our blog article Things to do in Cape Town: Top 10 Activities, where we highlight the best adventures along South Africa’s stunning landscapes to inspire your next journey.

(A) Abseiling down Table Mountain in Cape Town

Wild Horizons: Cape Town Abseil

We commence our list of things to do on the Garden Route in South Africa, with Cape Town! If you are visiting South Africa, chances are you’ll have Cape Town on your bucket list but if that’s not the case, Cape Town is located on the South-West coast of the country and is a 2-hour flight away from Johannesburg in the north of the country.

Selecting one activity for Cape Town was a mammoth task. South Africa’s second-most populous city has a plethora of outdoor activities to offer, but we have selected one that lets you escape the city’s hustle and bustle and admire the bird’s eye view – abseiling from Table Mountain. Table Mountain is less than a 20-minute drive from the city center of Cape Town via the Tafelberg Road.

Abseiling, as you can see in the picture above, is an activity where you make a controlled descend from a rocky structure (mountain or hill), using a rope. Abseiling from Table Mountain means descending from 1000 meters above sea level in the company of the Atlantic Ocean and the Signal Hill. You will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes if you decide to go abseiling down Table Mountain.

As we mentioned earlier, Cape Town has a host of thrilling outdoor activities like paragliding, zip-lining, and even skydiving to offer. If you want to discover more exciting experiences without breaking the bank, check out our blog article about cheap activities to do in Cape Town and get inspired to try something new while making the most of this incredible city.

(B) Horseback riding in Hermanus

African Horse Company

Our next destination on the list of things to do on Garden Route takes us to the seaside town of Hermanus which is 1.5 hours East of Cape Town via the N2 Highway. The Voëlklip Beach and the broad Grotto Beach, overlooking Walker Bay are popular tourist attractions, along with the Whale House Museum – which, dramatically, has a whale skeleton, suspended from the ceiling that gives a glimpse of the town’s deep connection to the ocean.

As exciting as it may sound, paleontology isn’t part of the agenda in Hermanus, but horseback riding sure is. Horseback riding in Hermanus is an unforgettable way to experience the region’s rolling hills and panoramic views of Walker Bay. Horseback riding excursion in Hermanus will take you through scenic trails where the mountains meet the coastline, allowing you to soak in the fresh air, spot wildlife along the way, and capture stunning photos of this breathtaking corner of South Africa.

(C) Whale watching in Gansbaai

Marine Dynamics Whale Tours

From Hermanus, it’s just a scenic 45-minute drive along the N2 Highway to the coastal town of Gansbaai, one of South Africa’s most famous whale-watching destinations. Between June and November, the waters of Walker Bay come alive with southern right whales, offering visitors the chance to witness these majestic giants breaching, tail-slapping, and gracefully gliding alongside your boat. Guided whale watching tours in Gansbaai provide an up-close and safe experience, while knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into whale behavior and conservation efforts.

The thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is matched only by the beauty of the surrounding coastline. Towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and sparkling ocean waters create the perfect backdrop for photography and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether a gentle spout, a playful breach, or a mother swimming with her calf, every moment on the water is a reminder of the awe-inspiring wildlife that defines the Garden Route.

(D) Shark diving in Mossel Bay

White Shark Africa

The next destination on our list of things to do on the Garden Route will officially mark your entry on the Garden Route. Mossel Bay is the starting point of the Garden Route and is 3.5 hours East of Gansbaai via the N2 Highway. Mossel Bay is home to Santos Beach and the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, which offers bay views. You could also visit the Maritime Museum or botanical gardens in this quaint little harbor town.

Shark diving in Moseel Bay is a deadly activity, to say the least…only on paper. In reality, it is a great way to observe an apex predator in its natural habitat, in a very safe and protected environment. You will be descended into the sea, a cage, in order to be totally secure. The sharks will circle around you and be at an arm’s length at times, without actually harming you in any way. When you are diving with sharks, it won’t hurt you to know the basics of swimming.

(E) Paragliding over Wilderness National Park

Let's Fly Paragliding

The next stop on our Garden Route adventure is the stunning Wilderness National Park, just about a one-hour drive from Mossel Bay via the scenic N2 Highway. The route takes you through the charming city of George and the lush foliage of Witfontein Nature Reserve, setting the tone for the natural wonders that lie ahead.

Your arrival might be on land, but the next activity will see you soar high in the sky. As you may have guessed from the picture of the happy gents above, paragliding is our recommended choice of activity in the Wilderness National Park. The “Map of Africa” – an extraordinary viewpoint, literally shaped like the continent of Africa with scenes of the Indian Ocean, Outeniqua Mountains, and Kaaimans River from your view.

Tandem paragliding over the Wilderness National Park doesn’t require you to have any prior experience. Whether you’re gliding above the treetops or exploring the park from the ground, Wilderness National Park promises adventure, awe, and unforgettable scenery at every turn.

(F) Zipline throught the Knysna forest

Knysna Ziplines

First things first, for those of you who are wondering, the name of our next destination is pronounced: NIZE-na. A 35-minute drive East of Wilderness National Park via the N2 Highway, Knysna is a coastal tourist town and also a retirement home. The combination of the two means life is laid back in Knysna – a bit like an island. Characterized by golf courses and breweries, Knysna is home to hikers, swimmers, and fishermen.

But Knysna isn’t just about taking it easy—it’s also a place where adventure comes alive. One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the area is by soaring through the Knysna Forest on a monster-size zipline. Suspended high above the treetops, you’ll race along steel cables while looking down at a sea of ancient yellowwood trees, lush valleys, and sparkling streams that weave through the greenery.

Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or simply craving a new perspective of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, ziplining in Knysna delivers an unforgettable fusion of nature and adventure.

(G) Snorkelling with seals in Plettenberg Bay

Offshore Adventures

Before you, quite literally, dive into the next activity…let’s talk about how you can get there. A very short and scenic 30-minute drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay will take you through the Garden of Eden, via the N2 Highway. The Garden of Eden has long hiking trails, including one for those in a wheelchair (800 m long), and is flooded with tall Stinkwood Trees amongst other tree species of the moister forest types.

When it comes to things to do on the Garden Route, snorkeling with seals could easily be, without exaggeration, the most joyous things you will do. These sea mammals are amongst the friendliest creatures on the planet and love a bit of human interaction. Think of them as water dogs, with similar playful traits and pleasant personalities. 30 minutes may sound like a long time to be snorkeling but parting ways with those adorable seals will not be easy. Tropical fish are also on the menu…the viewing menu, of course.

The activity demands you to be a decent, if not an amazing swimmer,but snorkeling with seals in Plettenberg Bay is an unforgettable encounter. These playful creatures twist and glide around you, filling the ocean with energy and charm.

Bonus: One of the World’s Highest Bungee Jumps from Bloukran’s Bridge

Face Adrenalin

Don’t be frightened by the picture above, rather think about the beautiful journey from Plettenberg Bay to Bloukran’s Bridge. Although the drive is only 30 minutes via the N2 Highway, you will discover the Keurbooms River, the Kiaruna Nature Reserve, and the Garden Route National Park! We encourage you to make a quick detour and visit the Garden Route National Park – known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail.

Attempting one of the world’s highest bridge bungee jumps from 216 m is a feat to boast about for generations to come! The Bloukran’s bridge was built in 1983 and was the launch spot for the first-ever bungee jump on the African continent. It is not unusual for people to take a step back once they’ve gauged the height at the location but those who went ahead with it experienced an extreme dose of adrenaline!

By bungee jumping off the Bloukran’s Bridge you’d be following in the footsteps of an illustrious list of people like Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Thabo Mbeki, the Zuma family, Bobby Skinstad, Hansie Cronje, Fanie De Villiers, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons. If you acquire a taste for it, you could go for the record of 107 bungee jumps in the period of 24 hours from the Bloukran’s bridge, set by Scott Huntley.

(H) Sea kayaking in Jeffreys Bay

Wacky Wipeouts

Our next destination on the list of things to do on the Garden Route is also the last. Hold your tears because we have a bonus tenth destination after this stop but more on that later. Continuing on the N2 Highway from Plettenberg Bay, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Jeffreys Bay for some sea kayaking. The coastal town is something out of a painting and its scenic beauty includes golden beaches, the calm waters of the Kabeljous Lagoon, and surrounding dunes and salt marshes teeming with birdlife.

After bungee jumping from 216 m, your nerves have earned a well-deserved break on the calm waters of the Kabeljous Lagoon. Sea kayaking across the Kabeljous Lagoon, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping dunes, salt marshes, and an abundance of birdlife, from elegant flamingos to stately herons. Each paddle stroke draws you deeper into this tranquil estuary, where the pace slows and nature takes center stage.

(I) Sandboarding in Port Elizabeth

Sundays River Adventures

Port Elizabeth isn’t officially part of the Garden Route but if you’ve made it this far…it’s definitely worth checking out. Continuing on the N2 Highway east of Jeffreys Bay for about 1 hour and 15 minutes will bring you to Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches like the Humewood beach and the Kings beach, the impressive Storms River bridge, the Donkin reserve (known for its lighthouse and pyramid), and other attractions!

Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding with the only obvious difference being that the surface you’re sliding down is not snow, but sand. No compromises are made in terms of how much fun is to be had, in fact, sandboarding allows you to work on that tan while you have a great time! The Alexandria Dunefield is where you will go when you go sandboarding in Port Elizabeth, having the largest sand dune in South Africa!

(J) Wildlife experience at Addo Elephant National Park

Just Safaris

No Garden Route adventure would be complete without a visit to Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Located just over an hour from Port Elizabeth, this national park is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature photographers alike.

Exploring Addo Elephant National Park is an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Every turn could reveal a new spectacle, from a matriarch leading her young elephants to lions resting under the shade or warthogs playfully crossing your path. The well-maintained trails allow you to immerse yourself in nature while keeping a respectful distance, blending thrill and tranquility into a truly memorable safari experience. Whether on a guided tour or a self-drive adventure, a wildlife experiences in Addo Elephant National Park is the perfect finale for the Garden Route journey we propose.

And for those craving even more excitement, you could try a nearby zipline in Addo Elephant National Park, soaring above the canopy and adding a thrilling bonus to your unforgettable outdoor adventure in South Africa along this extended Garden Route.

Garden Route: An adventure to remember

Table Mountain Treks and Tours

From Cape Town’s rugged cliffs to the elephants of Addo, the Garden Route is more than just a road trip, it is a tapestry of outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and encounters you’ll never forget. Each stop offers its own magic, whether it is the thrill of bungee jumping at Bloukrans, the serenity of horseback riding in Hermanus, or the wildlife spectacles that crown your journey at Addo Elephant National Park.

Traveling the Garden Route is not only about the destinations, but about the sense of wonder that grows with every curve of the N2 Highway. It is a journey that balances adventure and tranquility, adrenaline and awe, and leaves you with stories to share for a lifetime.

And if your South African adventure is just beginning, make sure to discover the best outdoor activities in Cape Town. After all, Cape Town is where many Garden Route journeys begin, and the city itself is packed with unforgettable outdoor experiences waiting to be explored.