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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Cape Town To Port Elizabeth Road Trip Itinerary

Trip Itinerary: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Coastal Adventure

Embark on a road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and experience the diverse beauty of South Africa's coastline. Starting with the majestic Table Mountain, you'll indulge in breathtaking views of Cape Town and beyond. Journey on to Hermanus to witness the majestic Southern Right Whales breaching in their natural habitat, and feel the excitement of spotting these gentle giants from the cliffs.

As you venture further, Mossel Bay invites you with its rich maritime history and lovely beaches. Absorb the sun, visit the historical Post Office Tree, and engage in water sports, revealing the town's vibrant spirit.

Travel through the heart of the Garden Route and stop in Knysna, a town framed by forested hills and a clear lagoon. Here, exploring the Knysna Heads is a must. Plettenberg Bay or 'Plett' is your next piece of paradise; luxuriate on sun-kissed shores and keep an eye out for playful dolphins.

Delve into the wilderness at Tsitsikamma National Park. Traverse hiking trails that wind through verdant forests and along rugged coastlines. Dare to conquer the highest bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge. Finally, the trip culminates in Port Elizabeth, the vibrant city that offers golden beaches, historical heritage, and a warm welcome from the locals. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take a short drive to nearby game reserves. This journey truly encapsulates the wonders of South Africa's landscape and wildlife.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is Cape Town's iconic landmark with panoramic views of the city and coastline, a rich biodiversity, and thrilling cable car rides.
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  • Hermanus offers some of the world's best land-based whale watching opportunities, especially during the Southern Right Whale migration season, and features scenic cliff paths.
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  • Mossel Bay is steeped in history with the famous Post Office Tree, beautiful beaches, and it forms part of the scenic Garden Route, offering numerous outdoor activities.
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  • Knysna is known for its lush forests, the Knysna Heads - two dramatic sea cliffs, and a beautiful lagoon, ideal for boating and fishing.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Plettenberg Bay

    Plettenberg Bay, or 'Plett', is renowned for its pristine golden beaches, a mild climate, and a range of marine life including dolphins, seals, and whales.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Tsitsikamma National Park

    Tsitsikamma National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty with rugged cliffs, indigenous forests, and offers activities like hiking along the Otter Trail and bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Jeffrey's Bay

    Jeffrey's Bay is famous for its consistent, high-quality surf waves, and is considered one of the best surfing locations in the world.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Port Elizabeth

    Port Elizabeth, known as the 'Friendly City,' offers a diverse range of attractions from beautiful beaches, historical heritage sites to game reserves nearby.
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Restaurants

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    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Dubbed as one of the world's best coffee shops, its Steampunk-inspired interiors offer a unique dining experience in Cape Town
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    Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper

    An open-air beach restaurant near Langebaan that offers a 10-course seafood feast cooked over open fires
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    Bientang's Cave

    Bientang's Cave

    A restaurant in Hermanus set within a cave on the ocean's edge, famous for seafood and whale watching opportunities
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    Bramon Wine Estate

    Bramon Wine Estate

    A vineyard near Plettenberg Bay that offers wine tasting with tapas in the middle of the vineyards
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    The Anchorage

    The Anchorage

    A cozy Knysna establishment recognized for its excellent seafood and local cuisine
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    The Heads Restaurant

    The Heads Restaurant

    Located on the edge of Knysna's famous Heads, this restaurant offers spectacular views and a menu to match
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    Storms River Mouth Restaurant

    Storms River Mouth Restaurant

    Situated within the Tsitsikamma National Park, it offers breathtaking views and dining in the heart of nature
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    The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

    The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

    A trendy coffee shop in Mossel Bay with quirky decor, known for its artisanal coffee and sea views
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Hotels

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    The Silo Hotel

    The Silo Hotel

    This luxury hotel in Cape Town is built in an historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
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    Turbine Hotel & Spa

    Turbine Hotel & Spa

    A boutique 5-star hotel in Knysna that was converted from an old power station while preserving its industrial architecture.
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    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Unique lodgings in Plettenberg Bay offering luxury suites high in the trees of an indigenous forest.
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    The Old Jail

    The Old Jail

    This quirky Willowmore hotel is a converted Victorian-era jail that promises a comfortable stay in a historical setting.
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    Gorah Elephant Camp

    Gorah Elephant Camp

    An exclusive safari lodge in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park, famous for up-close wildlife viewing.
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    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    An extraordinary retreat in the Cederberg Mountains offering unique cave suites, beautifully integrated with the natural sandstone formations.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2024
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    Atlantic Starr Live

    Atlantic Starr Live

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2024
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    The Magic of Rob Lake

    The Magic of Rob Lake

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Oct 2024
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    Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

    Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Nov 2024
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    Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

    Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Nov 2024
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    Cigarettes After Sex

    Cigarettes After Sex

    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Mar 2025
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    Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
    Map IconDHL Stadium in Cape Town (239.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Jan 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    I want to drive (or perhaps uber or train) from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth mainly to enjoy the Garden Route that falls in between. However, google maps say that the driving t...

    Driving from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth - advice please

    I want to drive (or perhaps uber or train) from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth mainly to enjoy the Garden Route that falls in between. However, google maps say that the driving t...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello! My wife and I are coming to town for Ironman South Africa at Port Elizabeth, and we plan to drive to Cape Town afterwards stopping at towns along the way for hiking, to...

    Driving from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. Places to see/avoid ...

    Hello! My wife and I are coming to town for Ironman South Africa at Port Elizabeth, and we plan to drive to Cape Town afterwards stopping at towns along the way for hiking, to...

    /r/southafrica
  • Reddit Icon

    Doing a road trip from PE to CT and staying overnight in Knysna 2 nights - wondering if theres anything worth seeing between PE and Knysna (restaurants, small shops, cute area...

    Is there anything worth stopping for between Port Elizabeth and Knysna ...

    Doing a road trip from PE to CT and staying overnight in Knysna 2 nights - wondering if theres anything worth seeing between PE and Knysna (restaurants, small shops, cute area...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    I drove from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route for a couple weeks and never felt safer. Granted, it was a mostly touristy area, but between the quality road c...

    Am I a fool to be driving across South Africa by myself?

    I drove from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route for a couple weeks and never felt safer. Granted, it was a mostly touristy area, but between the quality road c...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    If Cape Town is our biggest attraction, then the Garden Route probably takes a very close second - and it should. It's an awesome road trip, and the scenery is great as well. ...

    Is there much to do between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth?

    If Cape Town is our biggest attraction, then the Garden Route probably takes a very close second - and it should. It's an awesome road trip, and the scenery is great as well. ...

    /r/southafrica
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone! Me and 2 friends (all 24M from Belgium) are planning to do a roadtrip starting and ending in Cape town with port Elizabeth as our most eastern point. Now, I only ...

    Is it safe to road trip Cape town/ garden route in september?

    Hi everyone! Me and 2 friends (all 24M from Belgium) are planning to do a roadtrip starting and ending in Cape town with port Elizabeth as our most eastern point. Now, I only ...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Ed...

    Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Trip (Addo Elephant National Park)

    Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Ed...

    /r/southafrica

Music for Your Journey

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    TOTO - Africa

    TOTO - Africa

    This classic by Toto captures the spirit of the continent and is perfect for setting the mood for an African road trip.
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    Train - Drive By

    Train - Drive By

    With its catchy beat and lyrics about journeying, this song by Train is great for long stretches on the road.
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  • Music Icon

    The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

    The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

    An energetic and fun track by The Proclaimers that's sure to keep spirits high and everyone singing along.
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A classic road trip tune by Willie Nelson that celebrates travel and the joy of hitting the road.
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    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman's reflective and hopeful song about escape and the promise of a better life pairs well with long drives.
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Tom Cochrane's rock anthem is all about living life to the fullest and is a great soundtrack for an adventure.
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    Edith Whiskers - Home

    Edith Whiskers - Home

    This feel-good song by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is about the notion of home, which can resonate with travelers.
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  • Music Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd's Southern rock hit will have everyone tapping their feet and appreciating the journey, no matter where you're headed.
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  • Music Icon

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver's beloved song invokes a sense of nostalgia and belonging, perfect for driving through scenic landscapes.
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  • Music Icon

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen's anthem is about the desire to break free and hit the open road, making it a powerful addition to your playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
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