Johannesburg to Cape Town via Garden Route, return to Jhb

by Aamira
(Johannesburg, South Africa)

Myself, husband and 13 month old want to go from Johannesburg to Cape Town through the Garden Route.

We want to start the journey on the 17 March 2010 and return on the 28 March 2010.

It can take us 2 days to get there and 2 days to return with places to stop and see and 1 place to sleep in.
Can you recommend which places should we see on the way and where to sleep on the way going and coming?
I would also like to know the options of going and coming?
Is there a train that takes your car with?
can we go by train and return by car or vice versa?
I would also like to know about car hiring there.

Alison's Answer:

Hi Aamira,

With your little one you will find the train a really relaxing option. It takes 24 hours one way between Jhb and Cape Town, but it is much more restful than driving and more fun than flying.

Your fares would be about R700 per adult (return) and your little one would be FREE! You can also put your own car on the train, and take it with you - for around R1,500 each way.

All in all the best value and most relaxing option. More details here:

This train option would work well if you do a circular route through the Garden Route, going up the N1 and Route 62, crossing to the N2 at George and going on to Knysna and Plett before returning via the N2 and Hermanus to CT.

If you don't want to do a circular route you could train down, hire a car in Cape Town (I recommend Europcar because we always use them - R200+ per day), drive the Garden Route, drop your car in P.E. and fly home from there.

• What sort of accommodation do you prefer?


• Will you stay in Cape Town at all?


• What sort of things do you like to see and do?


• How well does your baby do at car travel?

Meanwhile, here are our favourite Garden route spots: Garden Route accomodation

Post me your answers via a comment below and I will be able to give you specific advice.