South Africa road trip: The Garden Route to the Big Five

Sunglasses, bags, camera, a yearning to explore – you've got everything you need, and you're heading to the airport! As your plane rolls down the runway, you get more and more hyped about what lies ahead. You lean back, snuggle up in your seat and start dreaming of all the adventures that await you in the African wilderness. One thing's for sure: this is gonna be the trip of a lifetime!

Three, two, one, landed! Finally, your feet are on South African soil – thousands of miles away from home. Crazy, right? The doors of your hire car unlock with a gentle click, and now you're ready to go. Adventure's calling! First stop: the V&A Waterfront. The harbour district is buzzing with street performers, trendy shops and cafés that serve the perfect flat white. And Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain is always in sight. Your next move? Perhaps a ride on the Cape Wheel (optional, payable on site) for an epic 360° view of the city? Or maybe a detour to the Castle of Good Hope to travel back in time among thick fortress walls and heaps of historic vibes. 'Cape Town, let's do this!'

You can hardly wait to finally see the Cape of Good Hope with your own eyes, so you jump into the driver's seat, step on the accelerator and head for the coast. Rugged coastline and dreamy bays accompany you along the way to your first stop: Boulders Beach. You step out of the car, take a deep breath of the fresh ocean air, gaze at the turquoise water glistening in the sun and spot a mass of little black dots in the distance. As you struggle to make out what they are, suddenly it hits you: penguins! The cute little birds have made their picturesque home amongst the round granite rocks that gave Boulders Beach its name. Next stop: the famous Cape Point. Once you arrive, you can either hoof it or take the small funicular (optional, payable on site) to the cliff's highest point. And from the viewing platform, you can enjoy an incredible view of all of False Bay, Diaz Beach and the Cape of Good Hope and get goosebumps as you take it all in. After all, it's not every day that you find yourself standing at the end of the world.

Time to hit the road! You set off for your next adventure towards Mossel Bay, where the Garden Route begins. Before cruising along the legendary coastal route, you stop off at the chilled-out beach town. With its beautiful white sand beach, the coastal town of Mossel Bay is the perfect spot for lounging and sunbathing. The big waves in the Inner and Outer Pools are ideal for wild surfers and those who want to become one, and the beachside surf schools offer classes for beginners and hire out boards (optional, payable on site). More of a watcher? Then hike up to the famous Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and keep an eye on the water, because you might even spot whales, seals or dolphins (May–October). Once you reach the top, bask in the fresh ocean breeze and enjoy the magnificent view of the sunlit water in a setting that's truly unique!