An Epic Roadtrip - South Africa 🇿🇦🦓🦒🏖️
Itinerary
✈️ Getting There
After reaching Johannesburg, you will need to catch a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth 🚅. The flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth is relatively short, taking approximately one hour. Once onboard, you'll fly over some of South Africa's scenic landscapes, with the opportunity to see everything from expansive farmland to rolling hills and possibly a glimpse of the coastline as you approach Port Elizabeth.🚙
Day 1
📍Port Elizabeth
Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, you'll find yourself in one of the country's beautiful coastal cities, known for its beaches, and historical landmarks, and as a gateway to exploring the Eastern Cape region. Once you land, head to the car rental area to pick up a rental car, which will give you the freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. This will kickstart your garden route road trip. You can choose to visit all or some of the amazing places below as per your preference.
🧯Safety tip- Drive to the outskirts only in broad daylight, and avoid stopping your car for strangers. It's common throughout South Africa for businesses to close by 5 p.m.
🧳 Things to do
🏩 Where to stay?
🍽️🥣 Where to eat?
Food scene is amazing everywhere in South Africa. If you are a seafood lover , you have many options. Try oysters, mussels ! 🦪🦪
Day 2
📍Jefferey’s Bay/ Tsitsikama
Have breakfast and get ready to start your garden route road trip from Port Elizabeth. You can book a stay for today at Jefferys Bay or in the Tsitsikama National Park. You can check in quickly on the way and leave to explore the national park. If you choose to book your stay at the national park, you can make a pitstop at Jefferey's Bay to checkout the beach city. Spend the day exploring Tsitsikama National Park, you can choose to do bungee jumping as well.
💡 Visit a supermarket or farmer’s market to pick up snacks for the road!
🧳 Things to do
🏩 Where to stay?
In 📍 Jeffery's Bay
In📍 Tsitsikama National Park
🪂 Activities
🍽️🥣Where to eat?
Day 3 & 4
📍Knysna
Knysna is a charming town nestled along South Africa's Garden Route, known for its picturesque lagoon and lush forests. It's the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, boating, and exploring the stunning Knysna Heads. The town's vibrant waterfront and fresh seafood make it a must-visit for anyone traveling through the area. Stay here for two days so you can completely discover the city and take a rest day.
🧳 Things to do
🏩 Where to stay?
🤿 Activities
🍽️🥣Where to eat?
Day 5
📍Wilderness
🏩 Where to stay?
Day 6
This is a long travel day but also most rewarding. Leave early as you have to drive full day. On the way you can stop at Mossel Bay and Cape Agulhas. This is the most scenic drive, take it all in. Select the route which takes you along the coast line. Try to make it to Cape Town by sunset for the incredible Chapman's Peak view.
🧳 Things to do
🍽️🥣 Where to eat?
📌 By evening or night you will reach your accommodation at Cape Town and get the much needed rest.
Day 7,8 & 9
📍Capetown
🧳 Things to do
There’s so much to do and see in Cape Town. You can easily spend a week here. I shall break it down how to do maximum things in 3 days!
🎈Day 1 Cape Town
🎈Day 2 Cape Town
🎈Day 3 Cape Town
🏩 Where to stay?
Activities and Tours to check! 🪂🚎
🍽️🥣 Where to eat?
Day 9 & 10
Take an early morning flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, where you'll pick up a rental car at the airport. From there, drive to your booked resort. Upon arrival, your concierge will guide you to your destination, ensuring a smooth check-in process. From that point onward, the resort will take care of everything, with all meals and game drives included . I have suggested a few all inclusive resorts.
📍Kruger National Park
🏩 Where to stay?
📍Jo'burg
After two full days and four game drives, I hope you’ve had the chance to spot most, if not all, of the Big Five. Upon checking out, you can drive back to Johannesburg. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to stay at an airport hotel or head straight to your departure after returning your rental car.
🏩 Where to stay?
Travel Essentials 👝🧭
❇️ VISA 💌
Indian citizens do require a visa to visit South Africa. There are two ways to apply. One is an e-visa and the other is a sticker visa via VFS. We have tried both, you can expect the processing time to be 7-10 working days. Both visas are free although VFS charge you a processing fee of Rs.2300.
❇️ CURRENCY 💰💳
The national currency is ZAR also mentioned as R (rand). Most places accept cards, you can withdraw cash once at the airport and use it for small expenses.
❇️ DATA 🛜
WiFi is available in almost all hotels and restaurants. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport. Or you can get eSIM. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo. Use code AMBICA5687 when you sign up or apply it at checkout.
❇️ CAR RENTAL 🚙
We rented out car twice. Of all the companies, we found AVIS to be very reliable and budget friendly.
❇️ WEATHER ☃️
It’s sunny but windy . And hence it’s very cold. Later up.
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