Durban To Cape Town Road Trip Itinerary

31 May 2026Updated last time

Durban to Cape Town Road Trip Overview

This road trip from Durban to Cape Town is a long but rewarding journey through some of South Africa’s most scenic and diverse landscapes. Start in Durban, where warm beaches, the Golden Mile, and lively Indian Ocean energy set the tone for an exciting adventure. Continue south to Port Shepstone for a relaxed coastal stop, then on to East London, a laid-back city with beautiful beaches and a strong seaside charm. From there, Port Elizabeth offers a friendly atmosphere, wildlife access, and a great gateway into the famous Garden Route.

As you travel further, Knysna brings lush forests, a tranquil lagoon, and dramatic coastal views, while Mossel Bay adds history, ocean panoramas, and plenty of outdoor activities. Cape Agulhas is a memorable highlight, marking the southernmost point of Africa and offering a powerful sense of place where the oceans meet. In Hermanus, you can enjoy world-class whale watching and scenic cliffside walks. Finally, arrive in Cape Town, where Table Mountain, vibrant neighborhoods, beaches, museums, and mountain views create a spectacular ending to the trip.

Overall, this itinerary combines coastal drives, nature, culture, and adventure, making it ideal for travelers who want a rich and memorable South African road trip.


Recommended Activities

  • Durban is renowned for its bustling beachfront, called the Golden Mile, where the warm Indian Ocean and beautiful beachfront promenade attract tourists seeking sun, sea, and surf. It is also known for its diverse culture, vibrant markets and a wide array of attractions such as uShaka Marine World and the Durban Botanic Gardens.
  • 2

    Port Shepstone

    Port Shepstone is set on the mouth of the Mzimkulu River and is the administrative, commercial, and educational hub of the South Coast. It offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, beautiful coastal scenery, and delightful subtropical climate which make it an appealing stop for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
  • East London, affectionately called Buffalo City, is South Africa's only river port city and is framed by the Indian Ocean and the Buffalo River. It offers a laid-back coastal charm, a rich cultural history, remarkable beaches like Nahoon and Cove Rock, and attractions such as the East London Museum, home to the coelacanth, a rare fish once thought to be extinct.
  • 4

    Port Elizabeth

    Port Elizabeth, known as the 'Friendly City,' offers a wonderful mix of ecotourism adventures, rich cultural experiences, and abundant wildlife. It has beautiful beaches, historical landmarks such as the Donkin Reserve, and is a gateway to the scenic Garden Route and the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park.
  • Knysna is set along the stunning Garden Route and is famous for its lush forests, azure blue lagoons, and an array of outdoor activities including sailing, kayaking, and fishing. It's also known for the annual Knysna Oyster Festival and the remarkable Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs guarding the entrance to the lagoon.
  • Mossel Bay is renowned for its moderate climate, golden beaches, and history as a stopover point for the early European explorers. Visitors are drawn to attractions like the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, shark cage diving, and the start of the iconic St. Blaize hiking trail offering panoramic ocean views.
  • 7

    Cape Agulhas

    Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa and a pivotal navigational landmark. It's a place of rugged natural beauty where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, known for its iconic lighthouse and a hotspot for fishing, bird watching, and hiking along its scenic coastline.
  • Hermanus is acclaimed as one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. From June to December, visitors can witness Southern Right Whales from the shoreline. The town also offers charming markets, art galleries, and has a rich floral biodiversity.
  • Cape Town is South Africa's most iconic city, famous for its breathtaking scenery, Table Mountain, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, rich history, cultural diversity, and world-class restaurants and vineyards. The city is a cosmopolitan blend of natural beauty and urban life.

Restaurants

  • Picture for Cargo Hold Restaurant

    Cargo Hold Restaurant

    1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    Nestled in the stern of the phantom ship at uShaka Marine World, diners enjoy a meal surrounded by a magnificent aquarium.
  • Picture for The Big Pineapple

    The Big Pineapple

    summerhill farm, R67, Bathurst, 6166, South Africa
    This giant pineapple structure houses a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with tropical farm surroundings.
  • Picture for 34 South
    Shop 19 Knysna Waterfront, Knysna Central, Knysna, 6571, South Africa
    Not just a restaurant, this Knysna hotspot is famous for its sushi bar, oyster tanks, and deli showcasing local produce.
  • Picture for Bramon Wine Estate

    Bramon Wine Estate

    N2, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, 6602, South Africa
    A restaurant set in the middle of a vineyard, famous for tapas and wine tasting with stunning views over the Plettenberg Bay area.
  • Picture for Two Oceans Restaurant

    Two Oceans Restaurant

    Perched above the ocean at Cape Point, it offers panoramic views where you might spot some whales or dolphins while dining.
  • Picture for Truth Coffee
    A steampunk-inspired coffee shop in Cape Town, praised internationally for its unique interior and exceptional coffee.
  • Picture for Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper, Langebaan, 7357, South Africa
    An open-air, beachfront restaurant near Langebaan where seafood is cooked on open fires and served in a relaxed picnic style.
  • Picture for The Test Kitchen

    The Test Kitchen

    An award-winning restaurant in Cape Town offering an innovative dining experience with its theatre of food, taste, and culinary exploration.

Hotels

  • The Oyster Box

    An iconic hotel in Durban known for its luxurious rooms and the famous lighthouse; offering unique colonial charm with modern amenities.
  • Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Set amidst the trees of an ancient indigenous forest, Tsala provides a unique treetop accommodation experience near Plettenberg Bay.
  • Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

    A boutique hotel in Knysna that was once a power station, now transformed into a quirky hotel with original machinery and architecture.
  • The Grand Daddy Hotel

    Located in the heart of Cape Town, this hotel features a collection of designer Airstream trailers on its rooftop, complete with a cinema.
  • Santos Express Train Lodge

    Munro Rd, Santos Beach, Mossel Bay, 6500, South Africa

    A unique stay in a real train parked on the Santos beach in Mossel Bay with all cabins facing the sea and featuring authentic train décor.
  • Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    R303, Koue Bokkeveld, Cederberg, 6836, South Africa

    Set in the Cederberg Mountains, it offers unique cave suites and hut accommodation that blend into the wilderness for an immersive nature experience.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)12 Sep 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Atlantic Starr Live

    Atlantic Starr Live

    Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)28 Sep 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for The Magic of Rob Lake

    The Magic of Rob Lake

    Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)5 Oct 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

    Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)21 Nov 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

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

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)28 Nov 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Cigarettes After Sex

    Cigarettes After Sex

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (332.28 mi)5 Mar 2025
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams

    DHL Stadium in Cape Town (340.01 mi)22 Jan 2025
    The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Planning a two-week coastal road trip from Durban to Cape Town - please recommend us your hidden gems

    /r/southafrica

    Be careful around Margate, Kokstad to East London. ... You absolutely must make a stop in Kenton on Sea. Between East London and Port Elizabeth. ... I would highly recommend t...

  • Coastal/scenic drive from Johannesburg, to Durban, to Cape Town, are we mad?

    /r/Durban

    Heres what Im currently thinking: Joburg to Durban 6 hours 1 night Durban to Port St Johns 5 hours 1 night Port St Johns to East London 4.5 hours 1 night East London via Port ...

  • Road trip between Cape Town and Durban - please help with route

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    The N2 goes all the way from Cape Town to Durban, its an amazing road with lots to offer on the Garden Route stretch. Ive stayed in George, Wilderness and Knysna, seeing you a...

  • Reddit - The heart of the internet

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    Theres a lot of conflicting info about the routes. N2 seems the most scenic and is apparently fine if youre not speeding and driving in the day only. N1 is apparently a better...

  • Doing a cross country road trip across South Africa- seeking itinerary advice

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    I am going to be doing a cross country road trip from Cape Town to Durban in December. I will be traveling from the US with my girlfriend who is originally from Durban. I have...

  • Recommendations and insiders for traveling along the garden route for 11 days?

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    Arriving day 1 in the early morning, we did not want to spend any time in cape town itself so we will take chapmans peak drive to the south to boulders beach and cape of good ...

  • Driving from Cape Town to Durban

    /r/DownSouth

    Knysna , Port Alfred are two good overnight stops- that route will split the distance to Durban into manageable driving distances

  • 6 Day Garden Route Itinerary Recommendations

    /r/capetown

    6 Day Garden Route Itinerary Recommendations Hello everyone! ... Day 1: Sunday, February 4th - Cape Town to Hermanus. Departure: Leave Cape Town late afternoon. Drive: Cape To...

  • garden route advice

    /r/southafrica

    Plettenberg Bay was by far our favourite stop on the Garden Route. Knysna was ok. Mossel Bay was meh. ... Start your trip by going up to Franschhoek for one night, visit winer...

  • South Africa Roadtrip Durban to Cape Town - Best route?

    /r/travel

    We cannot provide a description for this page right now

  • 3-4 day road trip ideas or flight trips ideas from Cape Town?

    /r/capetown

    I'd like to add on this OP could do all that but along the coast Clarens Dr, Pringle Bay, Hermanus - keeping to the coast- then onward to Mossel Bay and through Garden Ro...

  • Driving from Cape Town to Durban

    /r/Durban

    Did that route on the way back and it was extremely exhausting and really dangerous with trucks, was up went east London and knysna and must say that route was brilliant and n...