Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip: Here’s where you should stop
Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip: Wake up early and hit the road for the ultimate eight-hour drive. Here is where you must stop for food.
If you are anything like me, there is nothing quite like the feeling of the open road, a playlist of South African classics, and the promise of the ocean at the end of the journey.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend escape or a Saffa living abroad planning a visit home, the drive from Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay is a rite of passage that never gets old.
It is a lovely eight-hour drive if you pace yourself. To make the most of the day, I woke up at 4:30 and by 5:00I was already on the road, watching the sunrise over the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
Start your road trip with the best food
Leaving the Mother City behind, the first major stretch takes you through the beautiful Overberg. While the views of the rolling farmlands are great, your first mandatory stop has to be in the Buffeljagsrivier area.
You simply cannot drive past the Oude Post Bistro. It has become a legendary landmark for one very delicious reason: their famous roosterkoek. These traditional bread rolls, grilled over open coals, are the ultimate road trip fuel.
To give you an idea of just how popular this spot is, they recently smashed their own records. On Monday, 21 April 2025, the team managed to serve up a staggering 2,240 roosterkoeke in a single day! Whether you like yours with simple butter and jam or stuffed with savoury fillings, it is an essential taste of the road.
Must-visit coastal gems along the Garden Route
Once you have had your fill of traditional bread, continue your Cape Town to Jeffreys Bay road trip toward the coast. If you have time for a slightly longer break, Wilderness is a dream. The Map of Africa viewpoint offers a breathtaking look at the Kaaimans River, and the village itself is perfect for a quick craft coffee.
Further along, the Knysna Heads are a non-negotiable photo op. If you are feeling active, a quick walk around the Eastern Head gives you those dramatic cliffside views that make South Africa so unique. For those who prefer a quieter vibe, Sedgefield’s Wild Oats Community Farmers Market (if you are passing by on a Saturday) is the best place to stock up on organic treats for the rest of the drive.
Final stretch to the surfing capital
As you move through the Tsitsikamma forest, the air gets a little crisper and the trees get much taller. This area is home to the Storms River Mouth, where the suspension bridge offers a great way to stretch your legs before the final push.
Finally, you will pull into Jeffreys Bay, the world-famous surfing mecca. Known for its “Supertubes” and laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and enjoy the sunshine. From the legendary roosterkoek at the start to the peeling right-handers at the end, this route truly showcases the best of our beautiful coastline.