The Garden Route: Is it safe to drive?

South Africa’s exceptional Garden Route is safe

South Africa’s Garden Route beckons travelers from all walks of life and is renowned for its enchanting natural assets, unique destinations, and endless adventures. Is it safe to drive the Garden Route? Yes, you can embark on a self-driving venture along the Garden Route safely. Our SAFARI.COM team always encourage visitors to take certain precautions to make every moment fulfilling and stress-free. 

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We have crafted some truly extraordinary itineraries for clients over the years. The Garden Route features heavily in these, and we are not surprised at all. Driving the Garden Route is unlike anything you can put into words or imagine. You are instantly swept up in the magic of verdant landscapes, oceanside vistas, and lush forests. By driving, you discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories at your own pace, across 186 breathtaking miles of scenic coastline.

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Considered one of the safest and most tourist-friendly regions in Africa, the Garden Route supports a strong tourism infrastructure. SAFARI.COM is here to manage your vacation plans, saving you time, energy, and money. We are here before, during, and after your stay to make your Garden Route adventures truly spectacular.

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Book your SAFARI.COM trip before 31 December 2025 and enjoy complimentary travel insurance. Your stress-free safari starts here! 

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Superb experience with high standards of accommodation. What an amazing place. Very quirky and the service was outstanding. Everything that you can want for a first ever safari.

– Dan P

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What Makes the Garden Route Safe?

Good road infrastructure and low crime rates ensure relatively low-risk driving, while areas frequented by tourists are well-monitored, clearly signposted, and designed with tourist safety as a top priority. These thoughtful additions are in place to simplify the drive for tourists. Law enforcement remains active on major roads, especially those preferred by tourists. If you are renting a car, the rental company likely offers 24/7 support, giving you an extra sense of security while you drive. 

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What about solo driving through the Garden Route as a female? Naturally, you will want to take extra precautions if you are a female travelling by yourself. At SAFARI.COM, we recommend booking all accommodations for your trip in advance. This way, you can share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and have a plan for checking in. Despite the safe road conditions, avoid driving after dark, especially in isolated areas. Most importantly, trust your instincts. 

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Considering how popular self-drives of the Garden Route are, the local towns you will visit are welcoming and friendly. Look out for tourist information centers as you explore, and feel free to ask staff to point out where to go or what you can expect. 

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Trip of a lifetime made easy! Nerine put together an absolutely amazing Safari experience for us. She coordinated both of the local air fares we required, the local transports which were perfect, the lodge where we wanted to go and was very attentive and communicated with us throughout the entire process. We started planning 8 months in advance. I would highly recommend Safari.com and Nerine to anyone looking for a first class trip with little to none of the hassle planning it themselves. We would not hesitate to book with this company again! Our trip to South Africa was so special and beyond our expectations! Thank you Nerine!

– FLSailor17

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Safety Tips for Driving the Garden Route 

There are plenty of things you can do or be aware of to increase your safety during your Garden Route Road trip. Here are some of our main safety tips: 

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Avoid driving after dark: Keep your travels from town to town during the day. The long roads of the Garden Route are often poorly lit, and you could easily miss wildlife, pedestrians, or cars without their lights on. 

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Stick to Main Roads: It is always better to stay on a clear, properly planned-out route along the N2 and other major roads. Avoid unnecessary shortcuts through remote areas, even if your GPS suggests them. If you do take a detour, let someone know that you are off your planned path.

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Plan Ahead: While it can seem exciting to see where the day takes you, it is safer to plan accommodation and stops in advance. Map out your activities, the amount of driving ahead, and when the sun sets, so you are confident in your journey and settled before dark.

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Lock Doors and Hide Valuables: Although crime rates are low in the Garden Route, it is best to keep your car doors locked and valuables out of sight. This precaution keeps thieves at bay, especially when parking at viewpoints and attractions. 

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Fuel-Up Regularly: Some stretches between towns can be longer than you expected. This is especially true in rural and forest areas. The best thing to do? Fill up every time you pass a gas station, so that you do not have to worry about running low.

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Stay Connected: Make sure your phone is charged and that you have enough mobile data or a reliable roaming plan. This way, you can navigate your paths confidently and make calls when needed. It is helpful to keep a power bank with you on your road trip. 

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Seamless & Unforgettable South Africa Trip. From start to finish, our trip to South Africa was absolutely flawless thanks to our incredible travel agent, Sara Van Coillie. We simply shared how many people were traveling, the time we had, and our budget. Sara did the rest. She created three thoughtful package options, each perfectly tailored to us, and we were able to choose exactly what fit our needs. Every detail was taken care of ... hotels, transfers, and activities. All we had to do was relax and enjoy. The service at each property was outstanding, and all of our drivers were polite, punctual, and professional. It truly was a worry-free and seamless experience from beginning to end. We even ran into other travelers along the way who were envious of our stunning accommodations and asked how we managed to find such a beautiful resort. That’s when we realized just how lucky we were to have had Sara’s guidance. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, do yourself a favor and let Sara handle the details. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime

– Matthew T

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Self-Drive Routes We Love

It can seem daunting to plan the perfect self-drive of the Garden Route, which looks different for everyone. There is a lot to consider, from the time you have available to your budget and the iconic tourist attractions you don’t want to miss. The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, easily accessible from cities like Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. 

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Classic Coastal Route – Mossel Bay to Storms River:

This is ideal if you have at least 4 to 7 days to explore the Garden Route, over about 124 miles of driving. You will be able to visit the most alluring coastal towns and experience the attractions and natural beauty that set this region apart. 

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Mossel Bay to George (approx. 31 miles): Mossel Bay is known as the “gateway” of the Garden Route, and it is a great starting point for your road trip. You can spend a day or two exploring the attractions in Mossel Bay, which include Santos Beach and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex. The incredible Gondwana Game Reserve is the perfect malaria-free safari accommodation for BIG 5 sightings in the Garden Route! 

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George to Wilderness (approx. 9 miles): Take a short journey to the Wilderness and visit the Wilderness National Park, where you can experience gentle nature and exciting activities that get your heart racing, such as canoeing on Touws River. Other popular attractions include the Map of Africa Viewpoint and the Kingfisher Trail.

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Wilderness to Knysna (approx. 28 miles): You may want to spend a few days in Knysna, as there is quite a lot to do here. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a family with kids, attractions include the Featherbed Nature Reserve and Knysna Waterfront. Embrace the call of nature by visiting Knysna Heads and Knysna Forest. Kanonkop House offers luxury accommodation in Knysna, with views of the Knysna Lagoon and heads. 

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Knysna to Plettenberg Bay (approx. 40 miles): Plettenberg Bay has some stunning beaches for unwinding, surfing, and reconnecting with loved ones – check out Robberg, Keurbooms, and Lookout beach. Birds of Eden is one of the world’s largest free-flight bird aviaries, and Monkeyland is a free-roaming home to rescued primates. 

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Plettenberg Bay to Storms River (approx. 40 miles): End your Garden Route experience in Storms River/Tsitsikamma, where adventure activities await you at every corner. Enjoy canopy tours and ziplining, kayaking, rafting, and the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. 

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Expanded Garden Route Road Trip:

This is a popular road trip for international visitors embarking on a Garden Route adventure, and we consider it one of the best “Cape Town to safari” self-drive experiences. 

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Cape Town to Mossel Bay (approx. 242 miles): The drive from Cape Town to Mossel Bay is wonderfully scenic, taking you through the Kogelberg Biosphere of mountains, oceans, and fynbos. For a highway, the surrounding landscapes are ever-changing. 

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Mossel Bay to Wilderness (approx. 40 miles): Enjoy the attractions of Wilderness at your leisure. This town is peaceful, with striking natural beauty. Apart from the highlights we mentioned before, Wilderness Beach is expansive and ensures a relaxing time.

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Wilderness to Knysna (approx. 28 miles): Knysna is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and offers visitors a diverse array of restaurants to enjoy. The town is built around a beautiful lagoon, and has charming spots to shop and enjoy local creations.

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Knysna to Plettenberg Bay (approx. 40 miles): Affectionally called “Plett”, you’ll quickly see why this town has become a favorite for local and international visitors. Blue flag beaches, the Robberg Nature Reserve, and amazing marine life watching are just the beginning.

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Plettenberg Bay to Storms River (approx. 40 miles): Storms River is the adventure capital of the Garden Route. From suspension bridge walks to visiting Storm’s River Mouth, you can enjoy some of the most iconic outdoor experiences of the region. 

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Storms River to Addo Elephant National Park (approx. 112 miles): Extending your Garden Route discoveries to include the Addo Elephant National Park is highly recommended. This thriving sanctuary is home to over 600 elephants, as well as a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and black rhinos. Enjoy self-drive or guided safaris, hiking and walking trails, and the popular Addo ziplining adventure.

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Great experience. Our trip was wonderful. Lana set up an amazing set of lodgings and experiences for our trip and we felt like what we got for what we spent was very valuable. We couldn’t have done the trip without her. Highly recommend and would do it all over again.

– Andrew S

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Embracing the Garden Route

The Garden Route offers some truly unforgettable safari experiences. Discover our top 5 Garden Route Game Lodges, where enchanting natural elements and diverse wildlife make every stay extraordinary. 

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At SAFARI.COM, we are dedicated to making your time in Africa truly life-changing and have connections across the Garden Route to ensure this happens. Our team of travel agents can customize a tour that suits your self-drive plans, making sure every day is filled with memorable moments. You can look forward to a safe, fulfilling experience that far exceeds your expectations. 

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Our Garden Route Safaris

Our Garden Route Safaris include the amazing 5-Day Self-Drive Garden Route Experience. Enjoy stunning accommodation at the Simbavati Fynbos on Sea Lodge, where panoramic views of beaches, mountains, and fynbos-rich landscapes create the backdrop for an incredible stay. Each day of this tour is filled with discovery, relaxation, delicious food, and exciting activities that unveil the best of South Africa’s Garden Route.

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If time is not a factor, our 14-Day Self-Drive Luxury Garden Route tour is something special. Experience the Garden Route at a slow, relaxed pace, immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery, curated experiences, and local cultures. Journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town on a stunning drive that highlights the best of the Garden Route. During this tour, you will stay at world-class lodges, enjoy amazing wildlife at the Sanbona Game Reserve, indulge in fine wines and gourmet dishes, and connect with the great outdoors.

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Experience Cape Town, the Winelands, Hermanus and the Garden Route without time restraints. Our 15 Day Cape, Winelands, Whales & Garden Route Adventure is another popular and safe self-drive tour in South Africa. 

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Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence

Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!

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Email us at [email protected], hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).

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