
South Africa’s Garden Route is a stretch of tarmac that snakes through the southern tip of Africa and stands in stark contrast to the office-bound sameness of our working lives. It is a place where the rotation of our tires leaves behind more than melted traces of burnt rubber – anxiety, angst and doldrum-monotony are all discarded in equal proportions. It is a place where the trumpet of an elephant serves as the soundtrack to a rugged landscape –where the warm fingers of the Indian Ocean are interlinked with those of the mighty Atlantic – and, where intermittent stops, not destinations, matter most.
Flying to South Africa
Getting to South Africa isn’t difficult, but it can be expensive. For a garden route trip, you’ll want to get to Durban on the east coast and start from there. To save money, you should book a flight to Johannesburg. If you set Durban as your final destination on Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz, the price of the ticket will be much steeper. From Johannesburg, you can pick up a ticket to Durban for under US$100 with one of the country’s low cost airlines: Kulula, Mango, Fly Velvet and 1time all offer cheaper rates than traditional carriers. Regional low cost airlines do not feature in the search engines of online travel agents, so always ensure to check each website separately.
Getting wheels
To start your African adventure, you are going to need a car. Rentals can be arranged online before you arrive, or at the airport. Online car reservations are a much better idea, because you will be able to compare prices and find a cheaper deal. Airport stands are more expensive and they come with the additional risk of an unscrupulous clerk, who might charge you a higher rate. The South African roads are good enough for any small vehicle, so you won’t have to fork out extra Rands for an SUV or some monstrous gas-chugging behemoth.
Accommodation
Camp. It’s cheap and there are a multitude of camp sites strewn throughout the Garden Route. If camping isn’t really your thing, then you could also look into a Bed and Breakfast along the coast. Many older South African couples are willing to rent out a room to travelers passing through. Most of these establishments aren’t listed on the net, but there are often sign posts along the road indicating their presence.
Things to Remember
If you need a reminder of the dangers of living in South Africa, then visit a local news website and read a few headlines. Murders, robberies, car-jackings and kidnappings are common occurrences, which can only be avoided if you are lucky or vigilant. This does not mean that you need to approach every South African with trepidation – you just need to trust your gut when it tells you to walk away.
Places to Stop

Transkei – As you leave Durban you enter the Transkei – a rugged landscape comprising natural beauty and iconic African images in equal parts. Here you will stand on the grainy sands of the Wild Coast and see friendly locals going about their business in the subtropical heat. It is imperative to be cautious when driving here, because various hazards – including trucks, cows and makeshift vehicles – make these windy roads very dangerous.
Addo Elephant Park – This small reserve, home to over 300 elephant, is one of the few places where you are guaranteed to see wild animals from the comfort of your car. There is no need for a Safari, because the old dirt roads that wind though the park will take you within in touching distance of these mammalian giants.
Bloukrans Bungee – When it was opened in 1998, Bloukrans Bridge, with a height of 216m (708ft), became the world’s
highest commercially operated bungee jump – a position held until it was usurped by Maccau Tower. If you prefer not to jump off bridges, then you can stop here to admire the Tsitsikamma Mountain region, which is renowned for its greenery.
Cape Agulhas – Although it would be impossible to calculate an exact point, Cape Agulhas is often accepted as the place where Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The area is speckled with small restaurants that offer excellent seafood for dirt cheap.
Gaansbaai – In recent years, this small town has grown notorious as the place where people come to see great white sharks. Daily cage-diving cruises are organized for the crazy few who want to swim with these great beasts. The price of a cage-dive normally depends on the tour company that you choose, but the rate is often negotiable.
Knysna – Knysna is unquestionably the highlight of a garden route road trip. From the Knysna Heads to the Outeniqua Mountains, it seems unfair that one place should be adorned with so much natural beauty. When you see Knysna, it comes as no surprise why so many writers, poets and artists call this place home.
Cape Town – Although Cape Town isn’t officially a part of the Garden Route, a trip to South Africa would be incomplete without a visit to the Mother City. Table Mountain, the V&A waterfront, Camp’s Bay and Boulder’s Beach are just some of the fantastic tourist attractions, which you will find here.