The Case for Driving
Most guests fly into George Airport (90 minutes from Plett) or Cape Town International and rent a car for the journey. Both are excellent choices. But if your schedule allows it, we strongly advocate for the full road trip from Cape Town along the N2 — one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world.
The Garden Route stretches roughly 300km from Mossel Bay to Storms River, threading through ancient forests, mountain passes, lagoons, and beaches that change character every 20 minutes. It is, quite simply, world-class road-trip territory.
🗺️ The Route: Cape Town → Plett
- Total distance: ~550km (Cape Town → Plettenberg Bay)
- Direct drive time: ~5.5 hours (non-stop)
- Recommended over: 2 nights, with stops
- Best time to drive: Morning departures avoid afternoon glare on coastal sections
Day 1: Cape Town to Hermanus (Whale Capital of the World)
Leave Cape Town early and take the coastal route via Gordon's Bay and the Clarence Drive — a winding cliff road above the turquoise waters of False Bay that offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. Stop at Rooi-Els to stretch your legs.
Arrive in Hermanus for lunch. From June to November, southern right whales breach directly in Walker Bay from the cliff path — a spectacle that stops conversations mid-sentence. Have lunch at Bientang's Cave (literally built into the cliff face above the whale nursery) and walk the cliff path before heading on.
Day 2: Hermanus to Knysna via the Overberg
Cross the Overberg to Mossel Bay and rejoin the N2 east. Stop at the Wilderness lagoon — a glassy estuary flanked by dunes and forest, perfect for a kayak or a swim. The Wilderness National Park here is part of the larger Garden Route National Park.
Arrive in Knysna by mid-afternoon. The twin sandstone Heads guarding Knysna Lagoon are iconic. Have sundowners at Featherbed on the Western Head, overlooking the Indian Ocean, and stay the night in town.
🐋
Hermanus
Best land-based whale watching on earth
🌿
Wilderness
Lagoons, kayaking & ancient forest
🦪
Knysna
Famous oysters & the iconic Heads
🎾
Plett
Your padel camp awaits
Day 3: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay — Journey's End
Just 30km east of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay announces itself with a sweep of coastline so perfect it looks computer-generated. The Keurbooms Lagoon shimmers to the south. The Tsitsikamma mountains define the horizon to the north. And somewhere up that hill, La Vista Lodge is waiting with your room key and a view that will make the entire journey worth it.
Check in, explore the town, and rest. Camp starts tomorrow.
A Word on George Airport
Not every guest has the time for a two-day road trip, and that's perfectly understandable. FlySafair, Airlink, and other carriers fly daily between Johannesburg and George, with the drive to Plett taking approximately 90 minutes. Car hire is available at the airport from all major providers.
Pro tip: Whatever route you take, plan to arrive in Plett the evening before camp begins. You want a full night's sleep in that lodge bed before your first session — not a 5am airport run.
Start Planning Your Trip
Browse our upcoming camp dates to find what works for your calendar. Read more about what to do in Plettenberg Bay during your stay, or enquire now to secure your place before the camp fills.
