5 or 6-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure through South Africa's scenic Garden Route and the wildlife-rich Addo Elephant National Park. Journey from Cape Town along breathtaking coastal roads, visit must-see destinations like Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Oudtshoorn, and encounter diverse wildlife, including the Big 5. For those wanting a round-trip experience, the 6-day option returns to Cape Town via Mossel Bay.
Highlights
- Weekly departures from Cape Town (Mondays)
- Whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal: July – November)
- Visit an African penguin colony at Betty's Bay
- Explore Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa
- Experience Route 62, South Africa's longest wine route
- Visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
- Paddle through the Wilderness National Park
- Walk the suspension bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Witness the world's highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge
- Enjoy a thrilling safari in Addo Elephant National Park
- Optional 6-day return tour to Cape Town via Mossel Bay
Experience the Best of the Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park
Discover the breathtaking beauty of South Africa's Garden Route and the renowned Addo Elephant National Park on this action-packed 5-day tour. Travel from Cape Town along stunning coastal roads, explore iconic destinations like Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Oudtshoorn, and witness incredible wildlife, including the Big 5. Opt for the 6-day itinerary to return to Cape Town via Mossel Bay.
Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas
Whale watching in Hermanus
Depart early from Cape Town and journey along the picturesque Whale Route. Stop at Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in Hermanus, a famous whale-watching town, before heading to Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans officially meet.
Cape Agulhas/Struisbaai
Dinner
- Visit to Betty's Bay penguin colony
- Shark cage diving
- Whale-watching boat trip (seasonal)
- Cycling to the southern tip of Africa
Approx. 249 km, 3 hours
Day 2: Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn (Route 62 Wine Route)
Ostrich farm tour in Oudtshoorn
Travel inland to the Klein Karoo along Route 62, South Africa's longest wine route. Enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique winery before heading to a working game farm in Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour and learn about these unique birds while admiring the Swartberg Mountains.
Oudtshoorn area
Breakfast & Dinner
- Route 62 wine tasting
- Ostrich farm tour
Approx. 330 km, 4 hours
Day 3: Oudtshoorn – Wilderness National Park – Sedgefield
Explore the beaches of Sedgefield
Cross the Outeniqua Mountains to reach Wilderness National Park. Enjoy a canoeing adventure along the Touw River, followed by a scenic hike to a waterfall. In the late afternoon, explore the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes of Sedgefield.
Sedgefield
Breakfast & Dinner
- Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
Approx. 95 km, 1.5 hours
Day 4: Sedgefield – Knysna – Tsitsikamma – Addo
The famous Knysna Heads
Visit Knysna's iconic Heads viewpoint before heading to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world's highest bungee jump. Explore Tsitsikamma National Park, where lush forests meet the rugged coastline. Enjoy hiking, a suspension bridge walk, or optional adventure activities before travelling to Addo.
Addo area
Breakfast & Dinner
- Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
- 216-metre Bloukrans bungee jump
Approx. 350 km, 5 hours
Day 5: Addo Elephant National Park – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Addo Elephant National Park's famous elephants
Spend the morning on a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 600 elephants and a variety of other wildlife, including lions, buffalo, and rhinos. After an exciting safari, transfer to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where the tour concludes around midday.
None
- 2-3 hour game drive in Addo Elephant National Park
- Open-vehicle game drive with an Addo field guide
Approx. 40 km, 30 minutes
Return to Cape Town
For those choosing the 6-day option, the tour continues from Addo back to Cape Town via Mossel Bay. Overnight in Wilderness.
Day 6: Wilderness – Mossel Bay – Cape Town
The historic town of Mossel Bay
Stop in Mossel Bay to enjoy its pristine beaches, explore the Cape St. Blaize hiking trail, or visit the Diaz Museum. For the adventurous, try tandem skydiving, sandboarding, or the world's longest over-the-ocean zipline. Arrive back in Cape Town in the early evening.
Breakfast
- Tandem skydive
- Sandboarding
- Ocean zipline
Approx. 450 km, 4.5 hours
Tour Information
Pick-Up & Drop-Off
- Pick-up: Monday morning from Cape Town central areas or Cape Town International Airport (06h00 – 07h30)
- Drop-off: Friday at Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) around 13h00-14h00 (6-day option returns to Cape Town in the evening)
- Contact us before booking outbound flights from Gqeberha to confirm timing.
Tour Style & Group Info
This is an active group tour suited to travellers aged 14-65 who enjoy adventure and exploration. Groups range from 4-12 people, with travellers from across the globe.
Malaria Information
The tour operates in a malaria-free zone. Insect repellent is recommended during the summer months.
Vehicles & Comfort
The tour is conducted in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with seating for up to 14 passengers. Private tour options are available upon request.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations' common areas. Travelers can purchase local SIM cards for mobile data.
Book your Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park safari today and experience one of South Africa's most scenic regions!
Packing & Travel Essentials for Your Garden Route & Addo Safari
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure with our essential packing guide. Here's what to bring, what to leave behind, and luggage size guidelines to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
- Travel Documents: A valid passport is required for entry into Addo Elephant National Park.
- Personal Essentials: Bring toiletries, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and any necessary medications (such as motion sickness or stomach relief tablets).
- Day Pack: A small backpack is useful for carrying valuables and essentials during daily excursions.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Help reduce plastic waste by refilling your own bottle instead of buying disposable ones.
- Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a warm jacket or hoodie for cool evenings, and a rain jacket for unexpected showers.
- Cold Weather Gear: Gloves, a warm jacket, and a beanie are recommended for winter months (April–September), especially for early morning game drives.
- Towels: A beach towel is useful for coastal stops (bath towels are provided at accommodations).
- Electronics: A camera or smartphone for capturing memorable moments, a power bank (due to occasional power outages), and a Type M plug adapter.
- Cash & Bank Cards: ATMs are widely available, and debit/credit cards are commonly accepted. Start with around R2000 in cash per person for smaller expenses.
- Formal Wear: No need for suits, dresses, or high heels – casual, comfortable clothing is best.
- Bulky Hiking Gear: Hiking boots and trekking poles aren't necessary; comfortable sneakers or trail shoes are sufficient.
- Excess Foreign Currency & Traveller's Cheques: Withdraw South African Rand easily from ATMs.
- Unnecessary Electronics: Unless essential, leave laptops behind and enjoy a digital detox! If bringing one, ensure it's well-protected and kept secure.
To ensure a hassle-free experience, pack light. Each guest is allowed:
- One main suitcase: Maximum dimensions: 67cm (26in) x 45cm (18in)
- One carry-on bag: Maximum dimensions: 48cm (19in) x 32cm (13in)
Luggage should be manageable without assistance, and trailers are designed for one suitcase per person. If you need extra space, let us know in advance.
Includes
- Services of a qualified tour guide
- Pick up and drop off
- All transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- 4 nights' guesthouse accommodation
- Daily breakfasts and dinners (except Day 5)
- Local wine tasting
- Klein Karoo ostrich farm tour
- Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
- Game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park (closed vehicle)
- Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Entrance to the African penguin colony at Betty's Bay
- Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa
Excludes
- All meals not specified
- All drinks
- All optional activities such as shark cage diving, whale watching boat trip (July - November only ), 216-metre Bloukrans bungee jump, the over-ocean zipline adventure and an additional two-hour open safari vehicle game drive with a professional Addo field guide
Scheduled Tour Departures
This trip departs from Cape Town and ends at Port Elizabeth on the following dates. If you know which dates suit you, go ahead and make a selection below. If none of these dates suit you, please do contact us to request a custom departure at an additional cost on the date of your choice, subject to availability.
