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Most importantly don't stick to the N2 the whole way! In fact turn off it almost immediately and head to Gordon's Bay, check out bikini beach, one of SA's few blue flag beaches and where Cape Town's students like stripping down and getting in a few rays. Continue to Betty's Bay, where you can see one of 2 land based penguin colonies in South Africa (historically they only bred on islands to avoid predators). As you pass the Bot River lagoon keep an eye out for South Africa's only herd of wild horses. If it's whale season (July to October), then keep an eye out for southern right whales as you pass Hermanus. If you enjoy partying, then spend a night in Hermanus. In Gansbaai, spend a night there and go shark cage diving. Keep going to Cape Aghulas, the southern-most point in Africa (many tourists mistakenly think Cape Point is the southern-most point).

Next, head across the Breede River to Malagas, and make use of South Africa's only hand drawn pontoon (must be there during daylight hours).

Sea water temperature goes up as you head East. At Mossel Bay go swimming in the tidal pool opposite The Point Hotel (maybe even spend a night there), the best tidal pool I've ever been in. Visit St Blaise Caves and lighthouse, and do the cliffwalk.

Make a detour at George to Oudtshoorn to see the ostriches and the Cango Cave.

Play golf at Fancourt, George.

Head back onto the N2 (yes, this time take the N2!) and check out Victoria Bay and Wilderness (spend a night at one of them).

At Knysna go on a crusie to see the heads.

Spend a night at Tsitsikamma Forest - enjoy black river tubing, the tree canopy tour and the highest bungee jump in the southern hemisphere.

One last stop before PE is Jeffrey's Bay, to check out the finest surfing waves in South Africa.

Enjoy!

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Thanks so much for your excellent advice!

I think its impossible for me to do everything in 2 days! Actually less than 2 days! I will only have a one night stop in Knysna. Will miss the whales as i will be there in 2 weeks and they are gone and the golf as i cant play golf.

Thanks again!

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Hi,

If you're short of time try the N2 to Swellendam, then take the R324 over the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale. Both towns have lots of places for lunch and just beyond the latter on the R62 is Ronnie's Sex Shop for fun (it's just a pub). The R62 from there is a scenic route through the Klein Karoo semi-desert. Calitzdorp is interesting if you turn right just after entering the town. Have a wine tasting at Boplaas or De Krans (friendlier) - both famous for their port.

Watch carefully for signs to George in Oudtshoorn - they're easy to miss. Enjoy the Outeniqua Pass, particularly if the weather's fine. You can stop and get out at a couple of places. Follow your nose through George and back onto the N2. There's 5.5 - 6 hours motoring plus stops. No road works just now. It's light until about 7.30pm here in Knysna and lots of places for an evening meal.

Try the East Heads Cafe (EHC) for breakfast if you can, particularly if it's fine. Then sit in the outside area where there are fine views over the heads. To find it, turn right at the last traffic lights on the Eastern edge of Knysna onto George Rex Drive (GRD), which follows the lagoon along to the heads. Turn right again at the small roundabout at the far end of GRD and you are less than 100m from EHC. There should be a young man to help you park, to whom, if you are happy with his help you may tip R5 or so.

Back to the N2 and on to Plettenberg Bay. Watch out for speed traps. If you're late leaving Knysna and it's fine, you might like Enrico's at Kierboomstrand. Similar to EHC for ambiance and more well known (David Hamilton was there recently), but a little pricier and not so good quality.

Otherwise, think about Nature's Valley for its scenery. To find it, watch for a right turn soon after a filling station, before The Crags. Nearby that turn is Birds of Eden a large, high-netted aviary which is always worth a visit. There's now just one filling station on the N2 before Port Elizabeth (PE) and not much to see until St. Francis Bay, where 76 fine houses were destroyed or badly damaged by fire about 10 days ago. Or Jeffreys Bay if you prefer surfing. There's a one-way section of roadworks that may cost you 15min. along the way.

The waterfront at PE and its port are both interesting, as is the centre of town with its old buildings. Cape Town is large and full of tourists, PE a little less of each, but other than that security is normally excellent and you should be able to relax and enjoy the trip.

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Thanks again for the excellent advice!