The best 7-day luxury road trip in South Africa.
5-star Lodges, Landscapes & Unforgettable Experiences
If you're dreaming of a luxurious South African escape that blends wildlife, coastal beauty, and forested serenity - a Garden Route road trip is the perfect adventure. We recently booked a 7-day trip with our favourite tour agency in Africa - Viatu, and they took us from the untamed Eastern Cape to the whale-watching capital of Hermanus, while staying in some of South Africas most exquisite lodges: Kichaka Lodge in Lalibela, Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay (now Claire’s favourite lodge in the world), Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gaansbaai, and Whale Coast Ocean Villa in Hermanus. We want to share our itinerary with you because it was truly a life-changing trip!
🗺️ Trip Overview
Route: Lalibela → Plettenberg Bay → Gansbaai → Hermanus
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Distance: ~700km
Style: Luxury, Safari, Coastal, Culinary, Nature
Day 1–4: Safari Bliss at Kichaka Lodge, Lalibela Game Reserve
Our journey begins in the Eastern Cape, just a 1 hour flight from Cape Town international airport to Port Elizabeth. The Eastern Cape is known as a great alternative to the Kruger National Park as it’s malaria-free, has the big-five, is much closer to Cape Town and is more affordable to get to. We grabbed our rental car at the airport and drove just 1 hour on the N2 highway to our first stay: Tucked inside Lalibela Private Game Reserve, Kichaka Lodge offers a five-star safari experience without the crowds of Kruger.
🌟 Highlights:
* Daily Big Five game drives with expert rangers.
* Luxurious suites with private plunge pools overlooking the bush.
* Gourmet African-inspired cuisine and fine South African wines.
* Optional bush walks and spa treatments.
Tip: Arrive in time for the sunset game drive followed by dinner under the stars – an unforgettable start to your “Garden Route” adventure.
Day 4–5: Forest Canopies & Coastal Charm at Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
Next, we headed west towards Plettenberg Bay, a 3.5-hour drive through scenic country roads. Plettenberg Bay is our personal favourite area of the Garden Route, it’s in a fantastic, central location and famous for its world-class beaches and hikes. It’s also known for luxurious nature stays and there’s no better one than Tsala Treetop Lodge - perched high above the forest floor, offering a serene blend of opulence and nature. As we arrived, we were welcomed with champagne and an in-suite massage, followed by a romantic canapé and cocktail hour for two on the deck as the sun went down. We suggest you book the same, it was to-die-for!
🌟 Highlights:
* Stay in a private treetop villa “treehouse” with floor-to-ceiling views.
* Indulge in fine dining at Zinzi Restaurant or the elegant in-house dining room.
* Visit Robberg Nature Reserve for coastal hikes and cliffside views. This is our favourite hike in the world!
* Explore Knysna and do a sunset cruise through the Knysna heads, visit Monkeyland and the Birds of Eden Sanctuaries.
Optional Add-On: Paragliding over the coastline or canoeing through tranquil river lagoons in Storms River.
Day 5-6: Wine, Whales & Wilderness at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gaansbaai
From Plettenberg Bay, we continue our luxury road trip south to Grootbos Nature Reserve near Gaansbaai – a 5-hour coastal drive that hugs dramatic cliffs and rolling farmlands. Grootbos is one of South Africa’s most unique eco-lodges, sitting on the cusp of ocean and fynbos. Endorsed by National Geographic themselves and voted as Africas best Hotel by Conde Nast Spain - this spot is a gem.
🌟 Highlights:
* Award-winning sustainability meets luxury in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
* Guided botanical walks and drives, horseback rides, and coastal safaris.
* Seasonal shark cage diving (in winter/spring) or boat-based whale watching.
* Taste your way through a five-course dinner paired with estate wines. We had the chance to try the Botanical dinner, and it was magical!
Don’t Miss: visiting Klipgat cave on Grootbos’ coastal safari! It’s unbelievable
Day 6–7: Coastal Elegance at Whale Coast Ocean Villa, Hermanus
Finish your road trip in the charming town of Hermanus, just 1.5 hours from Grootbos. Hermanus is famous for having some of the best Southern Right Whale sightings in the world from June-November. Our final retreat was Whale Coast Ocean Villa, a stay ideal for unwinding in comfort and style in a quiet neighbourhood.
🌟 Highlights:
* Elegant, modern villa with ocean-facing terraces and amenities.
* Cliff Path walks to spot southern right whales from the shore (June–Nov).
* Visit local art galleries, boutique shops, and waterfront cafes.
* Dine at the Fishermans Cottage, Creation Wines or La Pentola for exceptional cuisine.
Wrap-Up Idea: Enjoy a final sunset walk along Grotto beach – a magical way to close your week of indulgence and exploration.
🚗 Travel Tips for a Luxury Garden Route Trip:
Best Time to Go: Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July-November is best for whale sightings!
Car Rental: Opt for a comfortable SUV with GPS – the roads are excellent and scenic.
Booking: These lodges fill up fast, especially in whale season, so book 3–6 months in advance with Viatu.
Packing: Bring layered clothing, binoculars for game viewing, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear for those private plunge pools.
Final thoughts
The Garden Route is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world – but elevating it with handpicked luxury lodges transforms it into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. We have grown up visiting the Garden Route every year, but this trip was like no other before it. From the thrilling game drives of Lalibela to the treetop seclusion in Plett, the biodiversity of Grootbos, and coastal indulgence in Hermanus, this curated itinerary was an incredible blend of adventure and relaxation, nature and refinement.
Ready to plan your luxury Garden Route escape?
Contact Viatu and start dreaming of sundowners, whales, and forested treetop stays!
