A road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and unique experiences. Start your journey by exploring the renowned wine route in Stellenbosch, where picturesque vineyards and exquisite tastings await. As you continue along the coast, don’t miss the chance for exhilarating whale watching in Hermanus, a prime location for spotting these majestic creatures during their migration. Further along the Garden Route, immerse yourself in nature with serene forest walks that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and biodiversity. Lastly, make a stop at Addo Elephant Park, where you can witness incredible wildlife, including large herds of elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. This road trip is a delightful adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and the richness of South Africa's culture.
10-Day Itinerary: Cape Town → Port Elizabeth
Trip Type: Self-drive | Route: Cape Town → Addo → Port Elizabeth
Style: Nature, wildlife, wine, coast, and road trip magic
Includes: Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Route 62, Oudtshoorn game lodge, Garden Route, Tsitsikamma, Addo
Day 1: Cape Town → Stellenbosch Wine Region
Drive: ±1 hr
Highlights:
Wine tasting at estates like Spier, Delaire Graff, or Tokara
Explore Stellenbosch town with Cape Dutch architecture and café culture
Stay:
Hotel or lodge
Day 2: Stellenbosch → Hermanus (Whale Coast)
Drive: ±1.5–2 hrs (via coastal R44 for scenic drive)
Highlights:
Whale watching (June–November) from cliffs or by boat
Walk the Cliff Path, relax at Grotto Beach
Optional visit to Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Stay:
Hotel
Day 3: Hermanus → Oudtshoorn via Route 62
Drive: ±5 hrs
Highlights:
Beautiful drive through Barrydale, Calitzdorp (stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop)
Optional: Wine tasting in Klein Karoo
Afternoon game drive at lodge in Oudtshoorn
Stay:
Luxury tents or lodge
Day 4: Oudtshoorn → Wilderness
Drive: ±1.5–2 hrs
Highlights:
Early morning visit to Cango Caves or Meerkat safari
Travel over the Outeniqua Pass to the coast
Canoeing or walking in Wilderness National Park
Stay:
Camping or chalets
Day 5: Wilderness National Park (Full Day)
Highlights:
Canoe up the Touw River, then hike to the Waterfall Trail
Beach walk or paragliding (if you're feeling adventurous)
Optional: Day trip to Sedgefield or Knysna
Stay:
Remain at Ebb & Flow Rest Camp
Day 6: Wilderness → Storms River (Tsitsikamma)
Drive: ±2.5–3 hrs
Highlights:
Stop at Knysna Heads, Nature’s Valley, or Monkeyland/Birds of Eden
Walk the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park
Stay:
Camp or lodge
Day 7: Storms River → Addo Elephant National Park
Drive: ±3.5–4 hrs
Highlights:
Scenic drive through Langkloof or N2 via Jeffreys Bay
Enter Addo in the afternoon for your first self-drive game viewing
Stay:
Lodge or camping
Day 8: Addo Elephant Park (Full Day Safari)
Highlights:
Big Five safari (Addo is elephant heaven!)
Sunrise or sunset game drive with SANParks rangers
Optional detour to Zuurberg Pass or Schotia Private Game Reserve for a guided drive
Stay:
Continue at Addo Rest Camp
Day 9: Addo → Port Elizabeth
Drive: ±1 hr
Highlights:
Leisurely morning game drive
Head to PE for beach time or cultural spots like Donkin Reserve
Stay:
Hotel
Day 10: Departure from Port Elizabeth
Drop off car
Optional: Flight to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or next destination
