Road Trip Across South Africa’s Garden Route: The Ultimate Happy Campers Adventure
For my inaugural visit to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, I decided to experience the country's diverse beauty in the most immersive way - road-tripping in a camper van courtesy of Happy Campers. Our journey began in the coastal city of Cape Town, where we spent our first night at the budget-friendly Amalfi boutique hotel, priced at a modest $53 per night. The price definitely reflected the style of accommodation - not glamorous but a great location and perfect for a night of sleep and shower before setting out on the real adventure. Nestled in the city's bustling heart, the hotel offers an on-site restaurant called Jarryd’s Eatery perfect for starting your day with a hearty breakfast.
The Van
The following morning, we ventured to the Happy Campers pick-up location, a 45-minute Uber ride of approximately US$30. We chose the Happy 4x4, an automatic-style vehicle designed to comfortably sleep two, perfect for couple, close friends or a solo trip. The van was thoughtfully equipped with a practical kitchenette featuring a built-in jet boil style stove, eating utensils for two, a French press for coffee lovers, a sink with a water tank, a mini fridge, and a cozy fold-out bed. Notably, they provided two pillows, two warm fuzzy blankets, and two-bed sheets - a small but important detail for ensuring a comfortable night's sleep on the road. There was no shower head attached to the water tank, but this was not a problem as every campsite we booked had fantastic facilities - more on that later! If you're planning a similar trip, remember to check whether your van rental includes these essentials. Our van also had Bluetooth connectivity for that perfect road trip playlist, and impressively, the fuel tank seemed to last forever! One of the highlights was the van's backup cam, which made driving and parking a breeze even in unfamiliar terrain.
Oranjezicht Farmers Market
Our adventure commenced with a visit to the Oranjezicht Farmers Market, a vibrant hotspot in Cape Town, bustling with activity every Saturday and Sunday. I’m a bit of a farmers market snob with high expectations and I’ve got to say, this is one of the best I’ve ever been to. This is an essential stop for any road-tripper, brimming with farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods. We stocked up on essentials such as creamed honey, an assortment of colorful fruits, crisp vegetables, and a variety of breads including focaccia and a crusty loaf of bread. We also purchased some locally sourced coffee grounds, a morning necessity for us while on the road.
Chapman Peak Drive
We embarked on the Chapman Peak Drive, globally renowned as one of the most visually stunning drives. An insider tip for those visiting this stretch south of Cape Town is to time your drive at sunset. The fiery colors of the setting sun against the panoramic landscape are truly a sight to behold! We savored the experience so much that we drove the route more than once. The road, with its narrow, winding nature, encourages a leisurely drive with numerous pull-off spots perfect for photo opportunities or simply soaking in the breathtaking views.
Boulders Beach
Our first camping spot was at Froggy Pond, situated near the fascinating Boulders Beach. Quick tip about finding campsites around South Africa while doing Van Life: search the term “Caravan Park” instead of “Campsite” for better results. With reasonable camping fees of around 230 R (or $12USD), it was an excellent budget-friendly option. We arrived after dark and the next morning, we woke up with the sunrise and journeyed over to Boulders Beach, only about 10 minutes away. Renowned for the charming penguin colony that has made the shores their home. The official Visitor Centre opens at 8 AM, but early risers can enjoy serene sunrise views along the coastal trail.
Post our penguin encounter, we headed to Harvest Café for breakfast, a local favorite known for its delectable offerings. The café serves fantastic bagel sandwiches, so tasty that we were tempted to order seconds! We also indulged in a latte and a cappuccino.
Kogel Bay Beach
Heading east towards the Garden Route, we were greeted by breathtaking views. A fun fact for those planning a similar road trip: South Africa is teeming with wildlife, and it's not uncommon to spot baboons along the highway. While they're a delightful sight for tourists, locals may not share the same sentiment as these mischievous creatures are known for their thieving antics! So always keep an eye on your belongings, especially food items.
Our first stop was an overlook of Kogel Beach, a prime location for photography enthusiasts due to its panoramic views of the area's natural beauty. During summer, a beach campground called Kogel Bay is open here, making it an excellent option for those planning to stay overnight. This campground is known for its proximity to the water, offering an immersive seaside experience. However, it was closed during our winter visit. We highly recommend checking its availability when planning your trip, as it's an exceptional camping spot.
Continuing our journey, we reached our next camping location, Palmiet Caravan Park Kleinmond. I recommend making a booking in advance. We were unable to pay at the gate since the owner of the campsite is the only one permitted to collect payment. Luckily they let us stay the night and pay in the morning. At this point, cleanliness was a priority for us. We were pleased to find well-maintained facilities, including bathrooms with hot water, clean sinks, and a vanity area. The campsites have been consistently wonderful around South Africa.
Our camper van served as our cozy abode for the night. It was well-equipped with everything we needed, including a built-in jet boil style stove, eating utensils for two, a French press for the coffee lovers, a sink with a water tank, a mini fridge, and a fold-out bed. The van even had Bluetooth connectivity, so we could listen to our favorite road trip playlist. A surprising bonus was the van's fuel efficiency, which meant fewer stops for gas and more time for exploring!
Mossel’s Bay
On the following day, we started our journey bright and early, heading towards Mossel’s Bay. The drive was quaint, dominated by scenic farmlands that stretched as far as the eye could see. While this portion of the trip may not be as visually arresting as others, it offers a tranquil, serene drive that allows for reflection and the appreciation of simplicity. Along the way, we discovered a charming little coffee shop, a haven for those who appreciate the art of coffee-making. Here, we treated ourselves to a jar of locally sourced olives, a delightful spinach and feta pastry, and two cups of their artisanal coffee. A surprising revelation was the South Africans' deep appreciation for coffee. Even the smallest gas stations boasted a full-on espresso machine, ensuring that a high-quality caffeine fix was never far away.
In Mossel’s Bay many people visit due to the beautiful coastal town. The Cape Saint Blaize Restaurant, located at the historic lighthouse is popular and a great place for lunch.
Buff and Fellow
When you pass by the small town of George South Africa, I must recommend booking a night or two at Buff and Fellow. Buff and Fellow Eco Game Farm offers a unique blend of luxury and wildlife. The 28-acre game reserve features eco-friendly villas, including transformed shipping containers, amidst native wildlife. The accommodations offer views of the Outeniqua Mountains and are close to local attractions. Guests can enjoy unique experiences like collecting fresh eggs, grilling their own meals from locally sourced ingredients, and relaxing in personal wood-fired hot tubs. The reserve prioritizes animal welfare, with regular health checks for the buffalo and security measures for the resident rhinoceroses. You can read the full blog post about our stay here!
Wilderness
Continuing our journey past Mossel’s Bay, we reached the town of Wilderness. Known for its mesmerizing coastal views, it's a must-visit for anyone seeking a connection with South Africa's natural beauty. After a leisurely walk along the beach, we headed to our campsite, a picturesque spot situated by a serene lake called Island Lake Camp Ground.
In town, we discovered a delightful café called Ilali that quickly became one of our favorite culinary stops. We highly recommend adding this to your itinerary. The restaurant charmed us with its selection of fire-oven pizzas, from-scratch soups, and tasty appetizers. They also had an impressive range of vegetarian options. Colin tried the tomato soup which, while beautifully presented, carried an unexpected fiery kick. I opted for the refreshing veggie soba noodles. We also shared a fresh Margherita pizza, topped with fresh basil, accompanied by a bottle of local white wine.
The following morning, we woke up to a downpour. The rain was relentless, making hiking or sightseeing impossible. However, we found a silver lining at the Daily Grind, an "Internet café" located in the quaint town of Sedgefield, just one town away from Wilderness.. We spent the day working and enjoying the cafe's warm hospitality. The staff were incredibly kind, and the food was exceptional. Their omelettes were a standout, and to our surprise, they even offered a vegetarian breakfast sausage option - a rare find in such a small town. Despite the weather, it was a day well spent in the heart of South Africa.
Knysna Elephant Park
The Knysna Elephant Park, founded in 1994 by Ian and Lisette Withers, is a haven for elephants in need. Born out of the Withers' deep-rooted love for these magnificent creatures, the park provides a safe and nurturing environment for elephants who have been orphaned due to poaching, involved in human-elephant conflict, or displaced due to deforestation. Nestled on a 200-hectare farm between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the park has welcomed thousands of visitors over the years, offering them unique and intimate encounters with these gentle giants.
At the park, each elephant is given the opportunity to form bonds with others who have faced similar traumas, creating a sense of family and belonging. Over the past 27 years, more than 40 elephants have found solace within the park's boundaries. Some have been rehabilitated and released into the wild in bonded groups, finding new homes in reserves such as Garden Route Game Lodge, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gondwana Game Reserve, Aquila Game Reserve, and Inverdoorn Game Reserve.
The elephants that remain at the Knysna Elephant Park serve as ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to have a close personal encounter that can be profoundly transformative. The park operates under the belief that it's difficult to look into an elephant's eyes and not feel moved to protect them. By facilitating these encounters, the park aims to foster a greater understanding and respect for elephants, contributing to their conservation across the world.
Nature’s Valley
Adding to the thrilling experiences, the Bloukrans Bungy, famously known as the world’s highest bridge bungy jump, is located close to Nature’s Valley, along South Africa’s Garden Route. This tour offers the ultimate adrenaline rush as you bungy jump from the top of the bridge, at a height of 709 feet (216 meters), over the stunning Bloukrans River Gorge. This incredible experience not only feeds your adventurous spirit but also provides fantastic photo opportunities as you leap from the Bloukrans Bridge. The bungy jump utilizes pendulum bungy technology to ensure a smooth and safe experience. With a choice of departure times throughout the day, this thrilling activity can easily fit into your travel itinerary. You can book here.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay is the next major town along the Garden Route. The stretch of coastline here is stunning, with many visitors opting for parasailing excursions. Colin and I attempted a trip to Arch Rock, but unfortunately, we didn't check the tide schedule and were unable to reach the rock. If you're interested in seeing the rock formations in this area, be sure to check the high tide times. If we had more time I’d also book an adventure with Featherbed Co to explore Featherbed Nature Reserve. You will learn about the local nature and get the chance to explore the sea caves along the coast, a photographer's dream. Please note that access to this nature reserve is only possible with a guide. As we discovered after a futile drive around the area, the reserve is private property and not accessible without permission.
Tsitsikamma National Park
My adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park, a hidden gem in South Africa, was truly unforgettable. This was the farthest east we made it on our road trip and a wonderful finalé! The park offers a unique opportunity to kayak up a gorge amidst some of the most stunning scenery in the country. We started our journey with an overnight camp at the Storm River Mouth. Along with an entrance fee and camp spot fee, this was the most we paid for any one location on our road trip. Camping was followed by a thrilling kayaking experience through the gorge with the help of the friendly team from Untouched Adventures. As we paddled further into the gorge, the changing water levels, the foam-filled water, and the opportunity to do some cliff jumping added to the surreal experience. We even got to learn about the area's wildlife when we encountered a small rapid. This adventure, coupled with the exceptional coffee at a nearby cafe, made for a memorable day.
Tsitsikamma National Park is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail. On top of kayaking, here are 3 popular things to do in Tsitsikamma:
Walking across the suspension bridge at Storms River.
Our road trip across South Africa with Happy Campers was nothing short of extraordinary. For anyone planning a similar trip, I hope this blog inspires you to embrace the open road and the unexpected treasures it holds. South Africa's diverse landscapes and welcoming people make it a destination like no other, perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
To make your travel memories even more beautiful, I've crafted a special set of Lightroom presets that capture the essence of our journey. Until next time, happy travels and keep exploring!
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