3-Week South Africa Itinerary: Cape Town and Garden Route

South Africa is a country of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring the stunning coastline, spotting the Big Five on safari, or experiencing the rich history of Cape Town, South Africa has something for everyone. This travel guide provides you with the perfect 3-week South Africa itinerary. It includes one week in Cape Town and a 2-week road trip along the famous Garden Route. The itinerary covers all the highlights (and some alternative suggestions) to help you make the most of your South Africa visit. Visiting South Africa definitely is a trip of a lifetime and should be on everyone’s bucket list!

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South Africa certainly belongs to the most beautiful countries in the world. South Africa is not only known for incredible wildlife experiences but also amazing, diverse landscapes, great wines, endless beaches, and rich culture and history. The country offers unforgettable experiences for all different interests. If it’s your first visit to South Africa, this comprehensive travel guide will provide you with the perfect South Africa trip itinerary that covers the top places to visit and the best things to do in this beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a destination that can be visited all year round depending on your personal preferences and focus of the trip. The best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is from November to March (high season). During this time, you will have the best weather. However, if you would like to go whale watching, the best time is from June – November. In case you plan to combine your Cape Town and Garden Route trip with a visit of Kruger National Park, please note that the best months for wildlife viewing in the Northern game reserves are May to September.

How to Get Around in South Africa

The best and easiest way to get around in South Africa is by car. In South Africa you drive on the left side of the road. Before starting to drive, make sure to know where you are going as there are some areas that aren’t as safe as others. Always keep your car locked and don’t drive at night. When driving along the Garden Route it’s best to stay on the main roads. When keeping these things in mind, it’s definitely safe to drive around on your own in South Africa. We felt safe on the road at all times and were really happy with the flexibility that a rental car gave us.

Ultimate 3 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary – Overview

In the following, you can find a breakdown of our three weeks in South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA 3-WEEK ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

• Day 1 – 7: Cape Town
• Day 8 – 9: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl Wine Region
• Day 10: Bettys Bay & Hermanus
• Day 11: Cape Agulhas & Swellendam
• Day 12: De Hoop Nature Reserve
• Day 13: Mossel Bay
• Day 14 – 15: Knysna
• Day 16: Robberg Nature Reserve & Plettenberg Bay
• Day 17: Tsitsikamma National Park & Port Elizabeth
• Day 18 – 21: Addo Region
• Day 22: Oudtshoorn

Our 3-Week South Africa Itinerary in Detail

Day 1 – 7: Cape Town

Cape Town, also known as the ‘Mother City’, is the perfect starting point for every South Africa adventure. If you are visiting South Africa for the first time, exploring Cape Town is a must. Cape Town is the biggest city of the Western Cape province and known for its phenomenal mountain views (especially the iconic Table Mountain), rich history, and the famous waterfront. We spent 7 days in Cape Town because there is so much to do in the city and the surrounding areas.

In this blog post, I will give a short overview of the best things to do in Cape Town. Make sure to also check out my complete Cape Town Travel Guide.

What to do in Cape Town:

• Table Mountain Hike or Cable Car
• Lion’s Head Hike
• Signal Hill at Sunset
• V&A Waterfront
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market
• Free City Walking Tour
• Bo Kaap
• Camps Bay Beach
• Clifton Beaches
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
• Kloof Corner
• Little Lion’s Head Hike
• Chapman’s Peak Drive
• Boulders Beach (Boulders Penguin Colony)
• Muizenberg
• Cape Point
• Bloubergstrand Beach
• Robben Island (Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here)

💡 Click here to read my full Cape Town blog post, which includes more information on the top things to do, the best places to stay as well as the best tours.

Day 8 – 9: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Paarl Wine Region

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are surrounded by countless vineyards. A visit to South Africa isn’t complete without tasting some South African wine in this idyllic setting. Most wineries offer open wine tastings without any reservation. Prices range from $5 – $10 depending on the winery. Some wine tastings also include a snack pairing. It’s definitely worth to visit a couple of wineries to taste several wines and to explore different vineyards. I really fell in love with this beautiful region.

One of our favorite experiences was a hop-on hop-off tour with the Franschhoek wine tram. You can get off at different winieries and try a variety of wines and food pairings (wine tastings and pairings are not included in the ticket price). We took the Blue Line and visited four different wine estates. I can highly recommend this experience if you are a wine lover. You can either book a ticket directly with the wine tram or in case you are staying in Cape Town, you can book this tour option including transport to the wine tram from/to Cape Town.

Moreover, when visiting the wine region, you should take some time to visit Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. The old, historic buildings in the central cultural district look very impressive and there are many cute shops, cafés and restaurants to explore. If you have time, you should visit De Warenmarkt and Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden.

If you are looking for accommodation in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl, please click here for Stellenbosch, here for Franschhoek, or here for Paarl. We stayed at Perle Du Cap in Paarl and really loved the design of our room, the amazing view from our balcony, and the beautiful pool area.

Day 10: Betty’s Bay & Hermanus

From Stellenbosch it’s a 2-hour scenic drive to Hermanus via Betty’s Bay. The coastal town of Betty’s Bay is known for its African penguin colony. You can spot countless penguins at the beach and on the rocks right by the water when you walk along the coast. Compared to the penguin colony at the famous Boulder’s Beach, this place is much less crowded and the scenery is amazing. We took a long walk along the beach and just enjoyed the views. If you want to enter the boardwalk, you have to pay a small entrance fee (around $1).

From Betty’s Bay, a beautiful coastal road leads to the fishing village of Hermanus. We stopped many times along the road because the views were so stunning. Hermanus is a famous whale watching spot. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit during the right season (June – November), so we just stayed for one day (otherwise I would recommend staying for 2 days).

We still loved to explore the laid-back town and its shops, market, seafood restaurants, and art places. I really loved the vibe of this seaside village. We also walked and drove along the Cliff Path, which is an 11km (6.8 miles) long trail with amazing views and whale watching spots.

💡 Tip: In case you visit Hermanus during whale season, I can highly recommend doing a Whale Watching Boat Tour. It’s such an unforgettable experience!

We stayed at the Windsor Hotel Hermanus and I really loved the spectacular sea views and the central location of this hotel. Also, the big breakfast buffet was amazing!

To search for other hotels in Hermanus, click here.

Day 11: Cape Agulhas & Swellendam

Cape Agulhas is the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean as well as the southermost tip of Africa. It’s a lovely stop on the way to Swellendam for taking a short walk and exploring not only this famous point but also the charming lighthouse nestled in this scenic spot, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in South Africa. The views at this place are simply amazing! If time permits, I highly recommend visiting Cape Agulhas.

Note: If you’re looking to save some time on your South Africa road trip, it is also possible to skip this stop and drive directly to Swellendam via the inland road instead of taking the coastal road via Cape Agulhas.

In Swellendam we just spent the night and didn’t do any sightseeing. If you have enough time you can visit Bontebok National Park just outside of Swellendam. This park is the smallest National Park in South Africa and is famous for its rare bonteboks. You can also see mountain zebras and other animals in the park. It’s possible to drive through the park with your own car.

Looking for accommodation in Swellendam? Click here.

Day 12: De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of my favorite places in South Africa. This place is a true hidden gem. To get to De Hoop Nature Reserve you have to drive a long gravel road (approximately 35km/21.8 miles), which was well maintained at the time of our visit. At the gate you have to pay a small conservation fee (around $2 per person).

We started the day early and spent a whole day in the Nature Reserve. First we walked along the white sand dunes and beaches. The coastal area is absolutely incredible. I didn’t expect to find such clear turquoise bays in South Africa. Make sure to bring enough water and sunglasses to protect your eyes because the strong wind tends to blow the sand from the dunes. If you are in South Africa during whale season (June – November), De Hoop Nature Reserve is also a great place to spot whales along the coast.

After exploring the coast in De Hoop, we drove around the Nature Reserve to spot some animals. We saw plenty of wildlife like zebras, ostriches, baboons, bonteboks, and elands. It was such an amazing experience!

We also had lunch at the restaurant of the reserve. In the late afternoon, we left De Hoop to get to Mossel Bay before sunset.

Day 13: Mossel Bay

In Mossel Bay, we hiked the popular St. Blaize Trail along the cliffs. The trail starts at Cape St. Blaze Lighthouse and boasts splendid views of the coast. We didn’t hike the whole trail though (it’s around 13.5km/8.4 miles long) because we also wanted to relax a bit at the beach. We went to Santos Beach, which is a beautiful beach directly in Mossel Bay.

In case you are looking for more adventurous activities, you could also join a boat tour or do any of the extreme activities that Mossel Bay has to offer (e.g. skydiving, zip-lining, sand boarding, …).

To search for accommodation options in Mossel Bay, please click here.

Day 14 – 15: Knysna

Knysna is only a short drive from Mossel Bay. On the way there, we stopped in Wilderness and at the Map of Africa view point. This famous landmark is known for the fantastic view over a naturally occurring outline of the African continent, literally a ‘Map of Africa’ (see below).

In Knysna, we visited Knysna Heads, which offers amazing views over the area. Originally, we planned to do a lagoon boat cruise but because it was raining the whole time we decided to skip the boat tour. If you are more lucky with the weather, make sure to check out these boat tours:

• Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruise
• Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruise with Oyster Tasting
• Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Wine & Light Dinner

In the evenings, we always had dinner at the Knysna Waterfront, which is home to some of the best seafood restaurants (Try the famous oysters!). If you visit Knysna on a Saturday, make sure to visit the Wild Oats Community Farmers market. And in case you decide to stay a bit longer in Knysna, you can also visit some of the nearby beaches or animal parks.

If you are looking for accommodation in Knysna, please click here.

We stayed at Knysna Pocket Breaks Unit 5, which includes two bedrooms (suitable for 4 persons), a balcony, and a kitchen. The apartment is located within walking distance to the waterfront. Click here to check prices & availability for this apartment.

Day 16: Robberg Nature Reserve & Plettenberg Bay

Robberg Nature Reserve and Plettenberg Bay are only a short 30-minute drive from Knysna. We started the day early to explore the Nature Reserve before the crowds arrive. Robberg Nature Reserve is not only a beautiful nature reserve with incredible views from the cliffs over the blue water but also a World Heritage Site. The entrance costs around $3 per person.

In the Nature Reserve, there are three different trails: The Gap (2.1 km/1.3 miles), Witsand (5.5 km/3.4 miles) and The Point (9.2 km/5.7 miles). We decided to do the middle hike (Witsand), which took us around 3 hours including two breaks. We made our first stop to watch a seal colony down at the cliff edge and the second stop to have a small picnic at the beach in front of ‘The Island’. It’s truly a beautiful nature reserve you don’t want to miss.

After the hike, we explored Plettenberg Bay, which is a laid-back seaside town with many shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stroll a bit through the streets and to have lunch. After that, we went to Lookout Beach to relax at the beach and dip into the refreshing sea.

Looking for accommodation in Plettenberg Bay? Click here.

If you have more time, you could also do one these fun activities while visiting Plettenberg Bay:

• Eco-Certified Tour: Swim with Seals
• Guided Sea Kayak Tour
• Canyoning Trip

Day 17: Tsitsikamma National Park & Port Elizabeth

On the way to Port Elizabeth we originally planned to stop in Tsitsikamma National Park, which is known for its beautiful hiking trails and kayaking tours in the middle of nature. You can see big yellowwood trees, incredible wildlife, and an impressive suspension bridge. The entrance fee is around $13.50 per person. You can also join a Guided Hike in the National Park. Moreover, the Tsitsikamma National Park is a great place for adventure-filled activities:

• Tsitsikamma Zipline Canopy Tour
• Tsitsikamma Blackwater Tubing
• Experience one of the highest Bungee Jumps in the World

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time for hiking, kayaking, or any other activities that day because it was New Year’s Eve and we had to check-in at our accommodation in Port Elizabeth earlier than expected. A good reason for us to go back to South Africa one day to visit this National Park next time. Before going to Port Elizabeth, we made a quick stop in Jeffreys Bay (see pictures below).

In Port Elizabeth, we spent a nice New Year’s Eve at a beautiful old cottage (see pictures below). The name of this charming place is Manor 38. I can highly recommend staying there. You can click here to check prices & availability for this beautiful cottage. We didn’t do any sightseeing in Port Elizabeth on New Year’s but if you have time you can visit the Donkin Heritage Trail, The Boardwalk, or one of the many beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Port Elizabeth is also a great place to go shopping. Moreover, you can find many animal parks around Port Elizabeth but we didn’t visit any of the parks because we planned to spend our safari days in the Addo region.

Pictures taken at Manor 38

To search for other hotels in Port Elizabeth, please click here.

Day 18 – 21: Addo Region

We decided to spend a couple of days in the Addo region because we wanted to have 3 full safari days. It was hands down the highlight of our South Africa trip. We stayed at Valley Bushveld Country Lodge close to Addo Elephant National Park. The lodge offers amazing views, a small pool, and you can see animals like giraffes and zebras around the lodge. Click here to check prices & availability for this lodge.

Addo Elephant National Park is the third biggest national park in South Africa. Make sure to book your accommodation for the Addo region as early as possible because there are not too many options that come at an affordable price. You can click here to search for accommodation options close to Addo Elephant National Park. Another option is to stay in Port Elizabeth and do safari day trips to Addo from there, like this Full-Day All Inclusive Safari.

We did two game drives in Addo Elephant National Park: one self-drive safari with our own car and one guided game drive (‘Sundowner Tour’). Next time we would also love to do a morning game drive. To enter the National Park you have to pay a conservation fee of around $18 per person per day.

We saw so many different animals in Addo, it was absolutely breathtaking! Especially driving around with our own car and looking for the animals was so much fun. We spotted elephants, lions, zebras, warthogs, different antelope species, a yellow mongoose, black-backed jackals, the endangered flightless dung beetle, and many more animal species…

My favorite moment was to watch elephants bath at a waterhole. I could have watched them for hours. It’s definitely an experience that I will never forget.

Our third safari day we spent in Schotia Private Game Reserve. In Schotia, you can only do guided game drives but I can highly recommend visiting this reserve (even if it’s a bit more expensive with around $130 per person).

In Schotia, we saw cape buffalos, giraffes, rhinos, a hippo, a crocodile, three cute little lion cubs, and much more (in addition to many animals that we also saw in Addo). We were able to spot 4 out of the ‘Big 5’ during our day in Schotia. The day ended with a cozy evening around the fire and nice a dinner with a view, followed by a short night game drive. A day to remember!

— My Travel Photography Gear —

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GoPro: GoPro Hero11 Black
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Camera Tripod: Rollei Compact Traveler No. 1 Carbon
Phone Tripod: Lammcou Tripod

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Day 22: Oudtshoorn

From Addo it’s a 4-hour drive to Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is worldwide famous for its ostriches and thus is known as the ‘Feather Capital of the World’. We visited an Ostrich Farm (around $10) to learn more about the largest bird species in the world.

In case you have more time in Oudtshoorn you can also visit the Cango Caves (limestone formations and cave halls) or the Swartberg Pass (incredible mountain scenery). For us, it was just a short stop on our road trip.

We stayed at the Riverside Guest Lodge for the night, which I can highly recommend. It’s such a charming place with amazing views from the terrace, beautifully decorated rooms, and one of the best breakfasts we had in South Africa. I wish we could have stayed longer. Click here to book your stay at the Riverside Guest Lodge.

For other accommodations options in Oudtshoorn, click here.

After visiting Oudtshoorn we made our way back to Cape Town, which is a 4.5 to 5-hour drive through the beautiful Little Karoo (semi-desert). It’s a really scenic inland drive!

In Cape Town you can either finish your South Africa trip or if you have more time, take a flight to Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. We saved this area for our next South Africa visit.

I hope you liked this road trip itinerary and that it will be helpful for you if you are planning a trip to South Africa.

FAQ – 3 Weeks in South Africa

Make sure to also check out my other South Africa travel guides.

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