South Africa isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. From its rugged coastlines to its serene vineyards, every corner of this country has a story to tell. Our two-week adventure started in Cape Town and wound its way along the Garden Route, a stretch of paradise that feels like nature’s greatest hits album. This journey was a feast for the senses: the tang of sea spray, the earthy aroma of vineyards, the laughter of penguins, and the thrill of encounters with wild creatures. Let us take you along for the ride.

Cape Town: The Start of Something Incredible

Cape Town welcomed us with open arms and an unmistakable vibrancy. Nestled between towering Table Mountain and the glimmering Atlantic Ocean, it’s a city that dazzles at every turn.

We kicked things off with a paragliding adventure from Signal Hill, where the wind carried us over the cityscape, the golden beaches, and the vivid blues of the ocean below. The view of Table Mountain, bathed in sunlight, is something I’ll carry in my heart forever.

Cape Point: Where Oceans Meet

The next day, we set out for Cape Point, the southernmost corner of the Cape Peninsula. The drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive felt like stepping into a postcard: sheer cliffs plunging into turquoise waters and waves crashing far below.

At the Cape of Good Hope, we hiked to the lighthouse, where the views stretched endlessly—water meeting sky in a perfect embrace. Later, in Simon’s Town, we visited Boulders Beach, where hundreds of African penguins waddled, preened, and played. Their quirky, adorable antics stole the show.

Dinner that evening was at Bao Down, where creative Asian-inspired dishes were the perfect end to a day of coastal exploration.

Stellenbosch: A Weekend Among the Vines

From the coast, we journeyed inland to Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine country. We spent a weekend with our friends Adam and Adelaide, hopping between vineyards, where rows of grapevines rolled out like green carpets against mountain backdrops.

The wines were exquisite—each sip carrying hints of the rich earth and sunshine that nurtured the grapes. Stellenbosch was a sensory experience, where every view, taste, and conversation felt like a moment to savor.

Hermanus: Serenity by the Sea

Next, we arrived in Hermanus, a town synonymous with whale watching. While it wasn’t the season for these giants of the deep, the coastal paths rewarded us with breathtaking views of the ocean and the rhythmic crash of waves.

At the Whale Museum, we discovered fascinating insights into these magnificent creatures, but the unexpected highlight was Leon diving into astronomy during a spontaneous stargazing session.

Dinner at Fick’s Pool Restaurant, perched beside a tidal pool, was an unforgettable blend of flavors and seaside charm.

Gansbaai: Face-to-Face with Sharks

Gansbaai is famous for its shark cage diving, and though we hoped to see great whites, recent orca activity had sent them fleeing. Instead, we were met by bronze whaler sharks, their sleek bodies shimmering in the water as they glided effortlessly past the cage. The thrill of being so close to these apex predators is something I’ll never forget.

Afterward, we dined at The Great White House, where a massive shark skeleton hangs above the dining area. The seafood platter we devoured was as unforgettable as the dive itself.

Mossel Bay: History and Sushi

In Mossel Bay, the harbor town where Bartolomeu Dias first set foot in South Africa, we felt the weight of history. We visited the Post Office Tree, where sailors once left letters for home. Then, at Cafe Gannet, we discovered a surprising delight—some of the best sushi we’d ever tasted, right here on South Africa’s coast.

No visit to Mossel bay is complete without taking the Mossel Bay zip line, reportedly the longest zip line over water in the world. It definitely didn’t disappoint, and there is always the added danger that one of larger waves might drench you as you fly over the coast!

Knysna: Mountains, Lagoons, and Gentle Giants

Knysna stole our hearts. We stayed at the rustic Knysna Log-Inn Hotel and dined on the buzzing Waterfront, where laughter and live music filled the air.

The next day, we visited the Knysna Heads, where steep cliffs cradle a turquoise lagoon. A stop at the Knysna Elephant Park gave us the unforgettable opportunity to feed rescued elephants, their trunks brushing our hands with surprising gentleness.

Plettenberg Bay: Beaches and Festivities

Though time was short, Plettenberg Bay offered a joyful interlude. At Lookout Beach, we watched locals celebrate the last working day before Christmas at The Lookout Deck Restaurant, where the seafood was as fresh as the ocean breeze.

For wildlife enthusiasts, nearby sanctuaries like Monkeyland and Birds of Eden make Plett a paradise for animal lovers.

Tsitsikamma: Adventures in the Forest

Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park was a haven of adventure. We took to the water for a tubing and paddleboarding trip, navigating through the lush forest. While the river was low, the serenity and beauty of the surroundings made it worthwhile.

That afternoon, we hiked to the Storms River Suspension Bridges, a dramatic meeting of forest, cliffs, and ocean that felt like stepping into another world.

Oudtshoorn: Ostrich Feasts and Stories

In Oudtshoorn, we stayed at La Pension Guest House, where the hosts regaled us with tales of their ties to Nelson Mandela the boxer. The warmth of their hospitality matched the beauty of the property, which featured a stunning pool and gardens.

Dinner at Nostalgie Restaurant introduced us to ostrich fillet and bobotie, dishes so rich in flavor they’ve become synonymous with South Africa in our minds.

Franschhoek: A Wine Lover’s Dream

Our last stop on the Garden Route was Franschhoek, where we caught the Wine Tram for a day of vineyard-hopping. Rolling hills and impeccable wines made it a highlight of the trip. We ended the day with a hearty meal at Let’s Frite and explored the vibrant Franschhoek Market the following morning, where artisanal goods tempted us at every turn.

Cape Town Finale: Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain

Back in Cape Town, we explored the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, with its vivid houses and rich history. A sunset boat cruise that evening saw us sipping prosecco and singing karaoke as the waves rocked us into laughter.

Leon ended the trip with a 5 AM hike up Table Mountain, where the sunrise poured golden light over a sea of clouds. The view from the summit—where the world seems to stretch forever—was the perfect farewell to an unforgettable adventure.

Final Thoughts

South Africa’s Garden Route isn’t just a journey—it’s a kaleidoscope of landscapes, cultures, and adventures. From the quiet beauty of vineyards to the thrill of shark-filled waters, every moment feels like a gift. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

The only negatives we can think of would be the extortionate pricing for foreigners to the national parks, often we were paying 4 times the price than locals, for example around 20GBP to drive through table mountain national park, so be aware of this. On top of that, we were constantly warned about safety, not walking around at night on your own and to be extra vigilant, but our experience felt nothing but safe if you keep your wits about you!