The best months to visit Garden Route are Oct – Apr. Warm, whale season Jun–Nov.
Quick facts
Currency ZAR (Rand) Cards widely accepted, cash for markets
Language English / Afrikaans English spoken everywhere on the route
Timezone SAST (UTC+2) No DST
Best Months Oct – Apr Warm, whale season Jun–Nov
Daily Budget ~$35–55 USD Budget to mid-range
Visa Visa-free many 90 days for EU/UK/US/Aus/NZ
When to go
300km of dramatic coastline, with ancient forests, turquoise lagoons, the world's highest bridge bungee, and whales breaching off the cliffs.
Getting Around in Garden Route
- A rental car is the best way to do the Garden Route, as roads are excellent and well-signposted on the N2
- The Baz Bus runs a hop-on, hop-off backpacker service between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth via the route
- Hitchhiking is common among backpackers but not recommended after dark, so stick to daylight hours
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Garden Route travel guide.
Timezone: SAST (UTC+2) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Garden Route?
The best months to visit Garden Route are Oct – Apr (Warm, whale season Jun–Nov), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Garden Route budget breakdown.
