Drive the famous R62 from Cape Town through the Klein Karoo to Oudtshoorn’s Cango Caves, enjoy a guided Botlierskop safari, hike Robberg’s coastal cliffs, and finish with whale watching and penguins along the southern coast. This three-day route packs geology, wildlife and wine into a compact, active itinerary.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road leaves Cape Town before dawn and the R62 unfurls like a promise—vineyards give way to semi-arid karoo and limestone escarpments, the air sharpening as you climb toward Oudtshoorn.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 4–9 km on uneven coastal trails, tolerate several hours in a vehicle, and manage short safari walks.
Wildlife
History
Oudtshoorn rose to prominence in the late 19th century as the world’s ostrich-feather capital, shaping many Karoo farmsteads; the Cango Caves reveal karst processes that formed over millions of years.
Conservation
The Garden Route’s ecosystems are fragile—stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support reserves and lodges that fund habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts.
Reserve your spot on the 3-Day Garden Route Adventure from Cape Town today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start Early
Long driving days reward early departures—expect two to four hours between major stops; start before 8am to maximize daylight.
Footwear for Varied Terrain
Bring sturdy hiking shoes for uneven cave floors, rocky coastal trails, and reserve tracks—ankle support helps on Robberg and in Cango Caves.
Binoculars & Zoom Lens
Wildlife and whale sightings are best appreciated with optics—pack binoculars and a telephoto lens for shore-based spotting.
Penguin Etiquette
At Betty’s Bay keep to boardwalks and maintain distance—penguins are protected and easily disturbed by close human presence.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for cave floors, fynbos trails and rocky headlands.
Lightweight rain/wind jacket
Coastal weather changes quickly—windproof, waterproof layers keep you comfortable on cliffs and ferry crossings.
fall
Binoculars (8–10x)
Bring for game-viewing at Botlierskop and for shore-based whale or seabird spotting.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+)
Strong sun on exposed trails and during long drives demands reliable sun protection.
summer