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1: What is the Garden Route
The Garden Route (Garden Route Municipality)in South Africa is a breathtakingly scenic stretch of coastline that spans approximately 300 kilometers, stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape.
Stunning vistas, lush forests, golden beaches, and charming coastal towns. This iconic route is adorned with indigenous flora and fauna, a bird watchers paradise and catering for the most adventurous among us. Along the way, you'll encounter charming villages, world-class golf courses, adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, and opportunities to explore serene lagoons and estuaries. This is also home to some of the best surfing spots in Africa.
2: Why renting a car is the best way to travel on the garden route.
Flexibility: The Garden Route is known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and various attractions. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. You can stop wherever you want, stay longer in places you find interesting, and deviate from the standard tourist routes.
Scenic Drives: The Garden Route offers some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world. With a rental car, you can enjoy these drives to the fullest, stopping at viewpoints and taking in the beauty of the coastline, forests, and mountains.
Access to Remote Areas: There are many hidden gems along the Garden Route that might not be easily accessible by public transportation. Having a rental car allows you to reach these remote areas and discover less crowded, off-the-beaten-path locations.
Convenience: Public transportation might not be as frequent or reliable in some parts of the Garden Route. With a rental car, you won't have to wait for buses or trains and can travel according to your own schedule.
Exploration of Small Towns: The Garden Route is dotted with charming small towns, each with its own unique character. Having a car enables you to explore these towns easily and experience local culture, cuisine, and attractions.
Luggage Space: If you're traveling with luggage or sports equipment, like hiking gear or surfing boards, having a rental car provides the necessary space to store your belongings securely.
Cost-Effectiveness: Depending on the number of travelers and the length of your stay, renting a car might actually be more cost-effective than relying on other forms of transportation, especially if you're splitting the rental cost among a group.
Privacy and Comfort: Renting a car gives you privacy and comfort that public transportation can't provide. You can enjoy conversations without worrying about disturbing others, and you can customize the temperature and music to your liking.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Driving Regulations: South Africa has specific driving regulations and road conditions that might be different from what you're used to. Make sure you're familiar with the local rules, road signs, and driving etiquette.
Insurance: It's important to have proper insurance coverage for your rental car to avoid any potential issues in case of accidents or damage.
Navigation: While modern navigation systems and smartphone apps can help you get around, it's a good idea to have a reliable GPS or map, especially if you plan to explore remote areas with limited connectivity.
Here are four reliable rental agencies in South Africa.
3: Accommodation
The garden Route is filled with incredible accommodation options. There are amazing hotels and incredible homes to rent like the one above (wwww.oblivionaccommodation.com).
For Hotels Booking.com would be best and for home rentals like the one above airbnb.com would be the best option. Accommodation in South Africa is significantly cheaper than in Europe for the most part. You can easily book a very luxurious experience for $250-$300 per night. Obviously there are much cheaper options that will still tick all your boxes.
4: Popular Coastal Towns to visit.
1: Cape L'Agulhas | https://goo.gl/maps/tVq7n6tpys7DK2Af7
2: Still Bay and Jongensfontein | https://goo.gl/maps/DUr7qAMcHTFE2TwA8
3: Mossel Bay | https://goo.gl/maps/TurjCVDKFXYzgRBaA
4: Oblivion | https://goo.gl/maps/FodYJdVZfzJecjCT8
5: Wilderness | https://goo.gl/maps/RqL2wf3TwWS6pg3G8
6: Knysna | https://goo.gl/maps/EMVVvQmjxkK7LpyE7
7: Plettenberg bay | https://goo.gl/maps/dsDfgeGffSm7Vu4F7
8: Nature's Valley | https://goo.gl/maps/fDz865rWSMgfvcNTA
9: Jeffreys Bay | https://goo.gl/maps/fDz865rWSMgfvcNTA
10: Port Elizabeth | https://goo.gl/maps/hB1MwKnPi72Ke75g7
5: Time to Spend on the Garden Route
We would recommend at least 5 days on the Garden Route. It is bigger than you think and has so much more to offer than what you think. In a next post we will post an ideal 5 day itinerary from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
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