South Africa

09 Jun 2026Updated last time

Cape Town To Port Elizabeth Road Trip Itinerary

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Road Trip Overview

This scenic road trip along South Africa’s southern coastline is a journey through dramatic landscapes, charming seaside towns, and unforgettable natural experiences. Begin in Cape Town with the iconic Table Mountain, where sweeping views of the city and ocean set the tone for the adventure ahead. Continue to Hermanus, a world-famous whale-watching destination where the cliffs and coastal paths offer incredible opportunities to see marine life up close, especially in season.

From there, head toward Mossel Bay, a historic harbor town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. As you travel deeper into the Garden Route, stop in Knysna for its famous lagoon, forest scenery, and the striking Knysna Heads. Nearby Plettenberg Bay adds golden beaches, ocean views, and a laid-back holiday feel, while Tsitsikamma National Park brings rugged cliffs, indigenous forests, and thrilling outdoor activities like hiking and canopy adventures.

The final stretch leads to Jeffrey’s Bay, a surfing hotspot with a lively beach culture, before arriving in Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha, where friendly city vibes, coastal beauty, and nearby wildlife reserves provide a fitting conclusion. This road trip is ideal for travelers who love nature, coastal drives, and a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture.

Recommended Activities

1
Table Mountain
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Table Mountain is Cape Town's iconic landmark with panoramic views of the city and coastline, a rich biodiversity, and thrilling cable car rides.
2
Hermanus
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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.
3
Mossel Bay
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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.
4
Knysna
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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.
5
Plettenberg Bay
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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.
6
Tsitsikamma National Park
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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.
7
Jeffrey's Bay
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Jeffrey's Bay is famous for its consistent, high-quality surf waves, and is considered one of the best surfing locations in the world.
8
Port Elizabeth
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Port Elizabeth, known as the 'Friendly City,' offers a diverse range of attractions from beautiful beaches, historical heritage sites to game reserves nearby.

Restaurants

Truth Coffee Roasting
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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
Die Strandloper
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Die Strandloper
An open-air beach restaurant near Langebaan that offers a 10-course seafood feast cooked over open fires
Bientang's Cave
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Bientang's Cave
A restaurant in Hermanus set within a cave on the ocean's edge, famous for seafood and whale watching opportunities
Bramon Wine Estate
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Bramon Wine Estate
A vineyard near Plettenberg Bay that offers wine tasting with tapas in the middle of the vineyards
The Anchorage
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The Anchorage
A cozy Knysna establishment recognized for its excellent seafood and local cuisine
The Heads Restaurant
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The Heads Restaurant
Located on the edge of Knysna's famous Heads, this restaurant offers spectacular views and a menu to match
Storms River Mouth Restaurant
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Storms River Mouth Restaurant
Situated within the Tsitsikamma National Park, it offers breathtaking views and dining in the heart of nature
The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery
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The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery
A trendy coffee shop in Mossel Bay with quirky decor, known for its artisanal coffee and sea views

Hotels

The Silo Hotel
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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.
Turbine Hotel & Spa
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Turbine Hotel & Spa
A boutique 5-star hotel in Knysna that was converted from an old power station while preserving its industrial architecture.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
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Tsala Treetop Lodge
Unique lodgings in Plettenberg Bay offering luxury suites high in the trees of an indigenous forest.
The Old Jail
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The Old Jail
This quirky Willowmore hotel is a converted Victorian-era jail that promises a comfortable stay in a historical setting.
Gorah Elephant Camp
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Gorah Elephant Camp
An exclusive safari lodge in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park, famous for up-close wildlife viewing.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
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Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
An extraordinary retreat in the Cederberg Mountains offering unique cave suites, beautifully integrated with the natural sandstone formations.

Local Events & Happenings

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.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
12 Sep 2024
Visit Website
Atlantic Starr Live
Atlantic Starr Live
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
28 Sep 2024
Visit Website

The Magic of Rob Lake
The Magic of Rob Lake
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
5 Oct 2024
Visit Website
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.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
21 Nov 2024
Visit Website
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.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
28 Nov 2024
Visit Website
Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (231.53 mi)
5 Mar 2025
Visit Website
Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams
Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams
The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
DHL Stadium in Cape Town (239.45 mi)
22 Jan 2025
Visit Website

Travel Gems from Reddit

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
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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
View on Reddit

Nothing beats the Garden Route. And yes, those are really great places to stay overnight, consider Tsitsikamma as well if driving that route. I see theyve closed the roads goi...
Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
Nothing beats the Garden Route. And yes, those are really great places to stay overnight, consider Tsitsikamma as well if driving that route. I see theyve closed the roads goi...
/r/capetown
View on Reddit
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
View on Reddit
I would drive the R62 up to Oudsthoorn, overnight there and then move onto one of Knysna, Sedgefield or Wilderness for a 3 nights. Lots to explore in that area and nice to hav...
Round Trip from Cape Town on the Garden Route over 6 Days
I would drive the R62 up to Oudsthoorn, overnight there and then move onto one of Knysna, Sedgefield or Wilderness for a 3 nights. Lots to explore in that area and nice to hav...
/r/capetown
View on Reddit
Kruger to sodwana and sodwana to Durban . And the Port Alfred to Capetown your GPS should be fine .
Seeking Advice for South Africa Solo Road Trip
Kruger to sodwana and sodwana to Durban . And the Port Alfred to Capetown your GPS should be fine .
/r/askSouthAfrica
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Day 4: See Robben Island for 3-4 hours. First boat leaves at 9:00. Once back in Cape Town, take an UBER to district 6 museum to learn more about the history of Apartheid. Gard...
Itinerary on Cape Town and Garden Route
Day 4: See Robben Island for 3-4 hours. First boat leaves at 9:00. Once back in Cape Town, take an UBER to district 6 museum to learn more about the history of Apartheid. Gard...
/r/travel
View on Reddit
It's beautiful! We had a little more time but here are my top 5 places to stop: -Jeffrey's Bay -George -Mossel Bay -Knysna -Stellenbosch (not technically on the way,...
Female traveler from the US taking the N62 from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town over 3 days/3 nights.
It's beautiful! We had a little more time but here are my top 5 places to stop: -Jeffrey's Bay -George -Mossel Bay -Knysna -Stellenbosch (not technically on the way,...
/r/southafrica
View on Reddit
I did the coast trip in late 1995. I hitchhiked (it was safe then) from Cape Town to Knysna, then on to Port Elizabeth. I wish I had stopped at Cape Agulhas. From Port Elizabe...
Planning a trip to south-Africa! Any tips on which route or ...
I did the coast trip in late 1995. I hitchhiked (it was safe then) from Cape Town to Knysna, then on to Port Elizabeth. I wish I had stopped at Cape Agulhas. From Port Elizabe...
/r/geography
View on Reddit
Mossel Bay is really at the start of the Garden Route. What I would do is drive up the R62 to Oudsthoorn (1 night). Then either go up to Tsitsikamma (adrenaline activities in ...
Visiting Cape Town, I'd like to drive the Garden Route to Botlierskop and hit Mossel Bay as well. I've 3-4 nights to spare. Any recommendations on routes or must-see stops along the way?
Mossel Bay is really at the start of the Garden Route. What I would do is drive up the R62 to Oudsthoorn (1 night). Then either go up to Tsitsikamma (adrenaline activities in ...
/r/capetown
View on Reddit

Cape Town To Port Elizabeth Road Trip Itinerary

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Road Trip Overview

Recommended Activities

Table Mountain

Hermanus

Mossel Bay

Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Tsitsikamma National Park

Jeffrey's Bay

Port Elizabeth

Restaurants

Truth Coffee Roasting

Truth Coffee Roasting

Die Strandloper

Die Strandloper

Bientang's Cave

Bientang's Cave

Bramon Wine Estate

Bramon Wine Estate

The Anchorage

The Anchorage

The Heads Restaurant

The Heads Restaurant

Storms River Mouth Restaurant

Storms River Mouth Restaurant

The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

Hotels

The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge

The Old Jail

The Old Jail

Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Local Events & Happenings

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

Atlantic Starr Live

Atlantic Starr Live

The Magic of Rob Lake

The Magic of Rob Lake

Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

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

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

Cigarettes After Sex

Cigarettes After Sex

Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

Travel Gems from Reddit

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

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

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

Driving from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth - advice please

Round Trip from Cape Town on the Garden Route over 6 Days

Seeking Advice for South Africa Solo Road Trip

Itinerary on Cape Town and Garden Route

Female traveler from the US taking the N62 from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town over 3 days/3 nights.

Planning a trip to south-Africa! Any tips on which route or ...

Visiting Cape Town, I'd like to drive the Garden Route to Botlierskop and hit Mossel Bay as well. I've 3-4 nights to spare. Any recommendations on routes or must-see stops along the way?