South Africa Garden Route road trip: outline guide

By the Travel & Explore team · Last checked 23 October 2026

This guide suits UK drivers who want a coastal road trip through the Southern Cape and Eastern Cape border country. It sets out what to check before you fix a route, from entry rules to road safety. For other trips, see the worldwide road trip hub.

The route

South African Tourism describes the Garden Route as the N2 stretch from Heidelberg in the Southern Cape to Storms River Village on the Eastern Cape border. Surrounding towns include Knysna, The Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay (South African Tourism).

Choose your arrival and departure points first, then check each road leg. Keep sightseeing plans separate from your arrival and departure arrangements, so a change to one does not break the other.

When to go

Check seasonal conditions and the current travel advice before you choose your dates.

Getting there and the car

You fly in. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 30 days after you leave South Africa, and it needs at least 2 blank pages (GOV.UK: South Africa entry requirements).

From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail must submit an online traveller declaration before they travel (GOV.UK: South Africa entry requirements).

If you hire a car, confirm where it must be returned, the opening hours, and how the return works, before you pay for your last night. Check that the rental matches your route, especially if you are dropping it off in a different place.

Driving there as a UK driver

Take your GB or Northern Ireland driving licence with you (GOV.UK: driving abroad). You might need an international driving permit (IDP) in some countries, so check the rules for South Africa before you travel (GOV.UK: driving abroad).

In most cases, speed limits are 120 km/h on highways and 60 km/h on major roads (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security). Keep your fuel above half a tank, so you do not run out on long stretches (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security).

Road safety and remote stretches

Fatal road accidents are common in South Africa, particularly around weekends and major public holidays. On highways, drivers overtake or undertake in any lane, including the hard shoulder (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security).

Carjacking and robbery are common, particularly after dark and around traffic lights, junctions, petrol stations and driveways. GOV.UK advises you not to pick up strangers or stop for apparently distressed motorists, and to avoid unfamiliar areas and be extra vigilant at night (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security).

Use a GPS, but do not follow routes into less secure areas, generally smaller roads (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security). Some roads in remote areas are less well maintained and may have potholes. Do not walk alone in remote areas or on deserted beaches, especially after dark (GOV.UK: South Africa safety and security).

Before you book

• Confirm your passport and traveller declaration arrangements well before you fly.
• Finalise your arrival and departure airports, and the exact road legs.
• Check the current access rules for any national park stop on your route.
• Plan fuel stops so you never run low on remote stretches.
• Check that your travel insurance covers your itinerary and planned activities.
• Agree your departure transfer and rental return time in writing.

For a wider list of checks, see the worldwide road trip research checklist. You can also compare countries on the driving abroad checklist.

FAQs

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