Route guide
Cape Town to Gqeberha
Route N2 Garden Route via Swellendam, George, Knysna and TsitsikammaAbout 770 kmDrive 8–9 hours
The full Garden Route on the N2: mountain pass out of Cape Town, open Overberg farmland, then forests, lagoons and the Tsitsikamma toll road.
From drivers, last 3 days
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Before you leave
- Have a card or cash for the Tsitsikamma Toll Plaza near Nature's Valley.
- Leave Cape Town early to miss N2 traffic through Somerset West.
- Fill up in Swellendam, George or Knysna.
- Check wind warnings for Sir Lowry's Pass, especially for trailers and caravans.
Cape Town to Swellendam
N2 past the airportSafetyRoad know-how
Stay on the N2, keep doors locked and don't stop on the shoulder. Use only the exits you know.
Somerset West traffic lightsHazardRoad know-how
The N2 stops being a freeway past Somerset West and has robots. Queues build at peak times.
Sir Lowry's Pass wind and fogWeatherRoad know-how
Strong southeasterly gusts in summer and mist in winter. Slow down, especially towing.
Caledon and SwellendamFuel & stopsRoad know-how
Fuel and food stops on the Overberg stretch.
Swellendam to George
Long overtaking stretchesHazardRoad know-how
Mostly single carriageway with trucks. Use the passing lanes rather than risking it.
Riversdale and Mossel BayFuel & stopsRoad know-how
Good stops before George.
George to Plettenberg Bay
Kaaimans PassHazardRoad know-how
Winding section between George and Wilderness. Slow down on the bends.
Knysna holiday trafficHazardRoad know-how
The N2 runs through Knysna and backs up in December and Easter holidays.
Plettenberg Bay to Gqeberha
Tsitsikamma Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Near Nature's Valley, on the toll road over the Bloukrans Bridge.
Storms RiverTipRoad know-how
Good rest stop just off the N2 in the Tsitsikamma.
Gqeberha endLane adviceRoad know-how
Dual carriageway between the Van Stadens Bridge and the city; single carriageway west of it.