A Garden Route Self-Drive: Electric Road Tripping from Cape Town to Hermanus

At Tread Lite, we’re always looking for ways to explore South Africa with a lighter footprint—combining beautiful destinations with eco-conscious travel solutions. On a recent visit to Cape Town, I decided to escape the city to the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus.  My vehicle of choice was the Volvo XC40 Recharge, one of the electric vehicles featured in our Garden Route self-drive itineraries. I wanted a reminder of joy of EV driving along our beautiful coastal roads and also to check out the Hermanus Boutique Guest House to get a feel for the experience on offer to our guests.

While this was just a single-night escape, it reminded me how perfectly Hermanus works as either the start or end point of a longer Garden Route road trip. It’s close enough to Cape Town for a relaxed beginning, yet far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into the adventure.

Driving the Gordon’s Bay Route in an Electric Vehicle

I collected the Volvo at Cape Town International Airport and immediately headed away from the usual N2 highway. Instead, I followed Clarence Drive (R44), the scenic coastal road that snakes its way through Gordon’s Bay, Rooi-Els, and Betty’s Bay.

Often regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country, this route truly comes alive in an electric vehicle. The silence of the Volvo XC40 allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Every curve in the road reveals another ocean vista, a mountain drop, or a windswept cove. Without the distraction of engine noise, I could appreciate the rhythm of the waves and the open space of the road. The Volvo’s driver-assist systems—lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and intuitive regenerative braking—made it an even more relaxing experience.

Arriving in Hermanus

I reached Hermanus by late afternoon and checked into the Hermanus Boutique Guest House—a stylish stopover that’s part of the Cape Country Routes collection. It’s just a short walk from the famous cliff paths and feels both modern and warm, with thoughtful design and great hospitality.

Although it doesn’t have a dedicated EV charger, the team kindly allowed me to plug in using a standard outlet in their secure parking area. Charging this way is slow, of course, but the car was parked overnight, and by morning I had more than enough range to continue the journey. With the XC40 offering over 300 km on a full charge, there’s plenty of comfort in knowing you can take your time.

Hermanus also has several public charging points and a growing number of EV-ready accommodations. It’s quietly becoming one of the more practical electric travel hubs along the southern coast.

A Town That Invites You to Linger

It’s easy to see why Hermanus is such a loved stop for travellers. The town blends natural beauty with laid-back charm—offering cliffside walks, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, and seasonal whale watching from June through November. I spent the evening strolling the coastal path and enjoying a fresh seafood dinner, the salt air reminding me just how close the wild still is, even in towns like this.

But more than just a destination, Hermanus feels like a natural threshold—a place to begin or end something. For those planning a longer Garden Route trip, it offers the perfect soft launch: close enough to Cape Town to ease in without range stress, far enough to feel like you’re on the move.

An Ideal Launchpad for the Garden Route

If you’re considering a self-drive itinerary through the Garden Route, Hermanus makes an excellent first stop. Whether it’s a one-night recharge or a longer pause before heading into places like Wilderness, Knysna, or Tsitsikamma, this coastal town sets the tone. With public EV chargers available and overnight top-ups possible at select guesthouses, it’s an ideal starting point for electric travellers.

Planning Your Garden Route Self-Drive?

Tread Lite offers tailor-made electric vehicle itineraries designed to help you travel further, cleaner, and in style. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is just one of our premium EV options, perfect for multi-day journeys along South Africa’s southern coast.