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

Trip Itinerary: Durban to Cape Town

Embark on an enchanting journey from the sunny shores of Durban, traveling down the exquisite eastern coastline of South Africa. Begin by soaking up the balmy weather and vibrant culture of Durban, exploring its famed Golden Mile and delightful Indian markets. Your next stop, Port Shepstone, offers a quieter coastal experience with outdoor activities set against a backdrop of striking beaches and the warm Indian Ocean.

Continuing to East London, discover the only river port city in South Africa, where sunny beaches and an inviting subtropical climate await. From there, head to the bustling urban retreat of Port Elizabeth, prized for its friendly atmosphere, magnificent wildlife, and historical significance, perfectly positioned at the start of the Garden Route.

Delve into the heart of the Garden Route with a visit to Knysna, a town of unmatched beauty, famous for its lagoon, lush forests, and oyster festivals. Pushing forward, Mossel Bay beckons with history, adventure, and some of the best weather the country has to offer. Revel in the sun-soaked beaches or take a dive with sharks for an adrenaline rush.

The journey leads you to the most southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the oceans kiss and the horizon stretches into infinity. As you make your way to Hermanus, prepare for the awe-inspiring experience of land-based whale watching, a truly unforgettable spectacle. Finally, conclude your adventure in the majestic city of Cape Town, nestled beneath Table Mountain and rich in history, culture, and stunning vistas that promise to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.


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.
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    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.
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    East London

    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.
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    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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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    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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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Restaurants

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    Cargo Hold Restaurant

    Cargo Hold Restaurant

    Nestled in the stern of the phantom ship at uShaka Marine World, diners enjoy a meal surrounded by a magnificent aquarium.
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    The Big Pineapple

    The Big Pineapple

    This giant pineapple structure houses a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with tropical farm surroundings.
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  • 34 South

    Not just a restaurant, this Knysna hotspot is famous for its sushi bar, oyster tanks, and deli showcasing local produce.
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    Bramon Wine Estate

    Bramon Wine Estate

    A restaurant set in the middle of a vineyard, famous for tapas and wine tasting with stunning views over the Plettenberg Bay area.
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    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.
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    Truth Coffee

    Truth Coffee

    A steampunk-inspired coffee shop in Cape Town, praised internationally for its unique interior and exceptional coffee.
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    Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper

    An open-air, beachfront restaurant near Langebaan where seafood is cooked on open fires and served in a relaxed picnic style.
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    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.
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Hotels

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    The Oyster Box

    The Oyster Box

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

    Tsala Treetop Lodge

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

    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.
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    The Grand Daddy Hotel

    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.
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    Santos Express Train Lodge

    Santos Express Train Lodge

    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.
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    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

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

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    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 (332.28 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 (332.28 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 (332.28 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 (332.28 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 (332.28 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 (332.28 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 (340.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Jan 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    My mom and myself want to do the road trip between Durban and Cape Town and I'm just wondering what the roads are like to travel on. I haven't been back to South Africa in 6 y...

    Travelling from Durban to Cape Town by car

    My mom and myself want to do the road trip between Durban and Cape Town and I'm just wondering what the roads are like to travel on. I haven't been back to South Africa in 6 y...

    /r/southafrica
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    My wife and I are travelling to the Western Cape and plan to do a road trip from Durban to Cape Town at the end of the month. Theres a lot of conflicting info about the routes...

    Durban to Cape Town Road Trip

    My wife and I are travelling to the Western Cape and plan to do a road trip from Durban to Cape Town at the end of the month. Theres a lot of conflicting info about the routes...

    /r/askSouthAfrica
  • Reddit Icon

    IMHO one of the best road trips one could make in SA! I guess there might be dangerous spots here and there, but I have traveled that route a couple of times over a span of 30...

    Garden route from KZN to Cape Town dangerous?

    IMHO one of the best road trips one could make in SA! I guess there might be dangerous spots here and there, but I have traveled that route a couple of times over a span of 30...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    Kokstad - Mthatha isnt a great road but safe. Mthatha - EL is a very good road. Some tips: Mthatha has a bypass, check it out before you go. I would recommend that you do not ...

    Whats the best/safest route to drive from Durban to East London?

    Kokstad - Mthatha isnt a great road but safe. Mthatha - EL is a very good road. Some tips: Mthatha has a bypass, check it out before you go. I would recommend that you do not ...

    /r/askSouthAfrica

Music for Your Journey

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    TOTO - Africa

    TOTO - Africa

    An iconic song that captures the essence of adventure across the continent, perfect for the scenic coastlines of your road trip.
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    Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song]

    Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song]

    An upbeat anthem that celebrates Africa's vivacity and rhythm, it's sure to uplift the mood during long drives.
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    Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

    Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

    A classic South African hit by the legendary Miriam Makeba, this song's joyful tone will enhance the excitement of the journey.
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    This timeless road-tripping tune is perfect for when you're cruising down open roads and taking in new sights.
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    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    With its famous opening riff, it's the quintessential song about freedom and adventure, ideal for a road trip playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

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

    A lighthearted and catchy tune that speaks of distance and commitment, which can mirror the stretches of road you'll be conquering.
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    Phoebe Bridgers - Graceland Too

    Phoebe Bridgers - Graceland Too

    This song's melodic journey and references to travel resonate with the exploratory nature of a road trip.
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    A folk classic that evokes the feeling of belonging and homecoming, fitting as you explore South African landscapes reminiscent of home.
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    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    Luke Combs - Fast Car

    A soulful song about hope, escape, and the promise of a better life, mirroring the escapism a road trip provides.
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An energetic rock anthem that's all about life's journey and embracing the open road ahead.
    Listen on Spotify
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