Garden Route & Eastern Cape Travel Guide

One of the most iconic and picturesque road trips in the world, South Africa’s Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth encompasses a range of breathtaking scenes. As your journey unfolds, you will discover pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, magnificent mountain ranges and rugged forests.

There is no better way to finish your Garden Route journey than with the outstanding Eastern Cape game reserves close to Port Elizabeth.

Plan your holiday

Discover the Garden Route

Whether you want to explore the Garden Route at your own pace and plan a self-drive holiday or would prefer to join an escorted tour, our Africa experts can help you plan everything from accommodation to car hire to the day tours in between.

Things to do along the Garden Route

• Experience old South Africa in the gateway town of Montagu
• Explore Swellendam, the third oldest settlement in South Africa
• Stay on a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
• Spectate the playful meerkats as they rise with the sun
• Delve into the depths of the Cango Caves with their impressive tunnels and formations
• Drive the mighty Outeniqua Pass taking in its beautiful views
• Visit Knysna Lagoon and its surrounding nature reserves
• Relax on the unspoiled beaches of Plettenberg bay
• Spot the ‘Big 5’ on safari in the Eastern Cape

Getting There

By Air – Whether you choose to start in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, flights from the UK will get you there in around 15 hours.

By Road – The Garden Route is simple to drive, with well planned routes and maps provided. Depending on where you choose to stop, drives between locations can be between 2 and 5 hours.

Eastern Cape Game Reserves

No visit to South Africa would be complete without the thrill of seeing the country’s wildlife at close quarters. In the Eastern Cape you’ll find some game reserves and lodges, which make the perfect start or finish to your holiday in this region. With a wide choice of accommodation and game experiences, you are sure to find one to suit your taste.

Each lodge differs in style and experience, so whether you are looking for top level accommodation or a more economical base, there is something to suit you. We have listed the various activities in the lodge description to help you decide. Your Freedom consultant will be happy to help select the place that suits you best.

The added bonus is that all Eastern Cape Game Reserves are malaria free, so an ideal spot for your first African game experience. The city of Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Eastern Cape and makes an interesting stopping point at either end of your visit. There are regular scheduled flights from here which connect to almost anywhere in the country.