5 days in Garden Route Itinerary

As one of South Africa's most popular beach destinations, the resort town of Plettenberg Bay comes to life in December and January, when the holiday homes fill up with domestic tourists and foreigner visitors.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Plettenberg Bay: Knysna Heads (in Knysna) and Suspension Bridge (in Tsitsikamma National Park). The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Birds of Eden.

To see where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Plettenberg Bay trip planner.

Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in May, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Plettenberg Bay, with lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to drive to Oudtshoorn.

Nestled in the arid valley of Little Karoo, the town of Oudtshoorn remains the hub of everything ostrich-related, housing the world's largest population of the flightless birds.

On the 10th (Thu), explore the fascinating underground world of Cango Caves and then cruise along Swartberg Pass. On the next day, look for gifts at La Chocolaterie Rococo, then relax in the rural setting at Safari Ostrich Farm, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Cango Wildlife Ranch.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read our Oudtshoorn trip planner.

You can drive from Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Plettenberg Bay in May, Oudtshoorn is slightly colder at night with lows of 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.