Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town - Oudtshoorn ( Join a 5-day Garden Route group tour )
Stop At: Garden Route, Garden Route
This 7day tour combines a 5-day Garden Route tour and 2 day tours near the Cape Town region. Subject to availability your combo package may start with the 5day or a day tour first.
If you join the 5 day tour your morning pickup transfer service start between 6am to about 8am (subject to your exact address) from your accommodation in Cape Town to reach the Garden Route area by afternoon.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ashton Winery, Main Road Route 62, Ashton 6715 South Africa
Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between 6 to 8am, subject to traffic and your drop-off address.) You can receive your pickup time a day before.
Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape. Wind your way through mountain passes and get ready for the Route 62, modelled after famous America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour and known as the longest wine route in the world. The Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters and world-class wines. Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities, Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Walk at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve. Follow elephant guides as you observe three rescued elephants; Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, in their natural habitat close to a nearby waterhole. These elephants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the guides as many questions as you wish as you observe and stand in these gentle giant's footsteps.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Oudtshoorn, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Your guide can help you book a restaurant or join the backpacker's group to taste local delights, such as ostrich "sosaties" (kebabs) and "pot brood" (bread cooked on open flames) at this optional 'braai' barbecue experience at extra cost. Enjoy a peaceful evening relaxing at your accommodation around a crackling fire or under the vast twinkling starry night sky.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm> Uthando Backpackers,
3*Comfort > 88 Baron van Reede
4*Luxe > Hlangana Lodge (ask to upgrade to Buffelsdrift)
Day 2: Oudtshoorn - Addo
Stop At: Cango Ostrich Show Farm, 1954 R328 1954 R328, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Wake up in Oudsthoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colourful feather stalls on the way to town centre, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak and test the toughness of the shells.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Cango Caves, 328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Head to the mountains to delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Addo, Addo, Sundays River Valley, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region the dusty plains of the Klein Karoo morphs into a greener horizon. This small citrus farming community lies in the Sundays River Valley surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains that offer some spectacular hiking and game viewing in a malaria free area. Tonight you'll stay overnight close to Addo National Park, making it easy to be ready to go on safari first thing in the morning.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay:
Dorm/Saver > Avoca Backpackers,
3* Comfort > Gerald's Gift Guesthouse,
4* Luxe > Addo Wildlife Lodge
Day 3: Addo Elephant National Park - Jeffreys Bay
Stop At: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
Rise early to visit Addo Elephant National Park to see wildlife as the bush awakes. Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals.
You'll experience an included ±2 hour game drive in the tour bus. The original elephant section of the park was dedicated to providing a safe haven for the few wild elephants that survived government-sponsored culling in the early 20th century. The lush vegetation provides protection and a rich food source, supporting what is now the most densely populated area of wild elephants on the planet. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra and other species.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Jeffreys Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
The early morning start means free time in the afternoon and J’Bay’s surf shop village – with its discount outlets – is perfect for shopaholics. But, if you’ve always fancied learning to surf (optional activity at own expense), then this town or the sand slopes beyond it are the places to try surfing or horseback ride on the beach (optional activity at own expense) or just chill out on the beach. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits for an additional fee.
End the day with dinner at the backpackers accommodation or a night out to a local seafood delicacy restaurant, listening to the sounds of the waves lap against the shore.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay:
Saver/Dorm > Island Vibe Backpacker,
3*Comfort > Sea Whisper Guesthouse,
4* Luxe > On The Beach
Day 4: Tsitsikamma - Knysna - Wilderness
Stop At: Bloukrans Bridge, N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day... from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly-beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the "garden" of the Garden Route!
Calling all adrenalin junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world... Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go?
For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge.
Stop At: Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park, Dumbleton Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa
This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall and sandy beach is waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths.
Duration: 2 minutes
Stop At: Knysna Heads, Coney Glen Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa
As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favourite with holiday goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Myoli Beach, Sedgefield, 6573, South Africa
Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield, Wilderness. Take a walk along the uninterrupted sandy beach shores at sunset, this place oozes serenity, the ideal way to reset your inner calm. After your recharged stroll check out the rustic beach restaurant if you are in Sedgefield or venture into town for a more intimate dinner if you overnight in the Wilderness area.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight Wilderness: Saver Pili Pili Backpackers or 3* Comfort Fairy Knowe or 4* Deluxe Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse
Day 5: Botlierskop or Mossel Bay - N2 - Cape Town
Stop At: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gonnakraal Road, Little Brak River, 6503, South Africa
Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop near a seaside village called Mossel Bay. Choose to do another optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive (if you've not seen many animals in the Addo National Park, this gives yet another option to spot most of the Big 5 animals on safari) at this nearby private game reserve.
After ticking off the region's must-do bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route, journey back to the Cape and end with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation at about 8pm to 10pm (subject to traffic and your drop-off address.)
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay:
Saver/dorm> Never@Home Backpackers,
Comfort> Protea Sea Point or similar
Deluxe> Victoria Junction Hotel
Day 6: Cape Winelands ( Join a guided group tour )
Pass By: Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Join the Taste & Tram along the Cape Winelands small group day tour (or similar).
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your accommodation. Wine- and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this tasting exploration of the Cape Winelands' best. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairings with cheese and chocolate in the Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek regions; the extraordinary scenery along the way will also transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by the soaring mountain ranges.
Stop At: Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suid Agter Paarl Road, Suider Paarl, Paarl 7624 South Africa
Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview winery (or similar) for a farmer's tasting of their wine with local produce.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Franschhoek Wine Tram - Official Site (Franschhoek Terminal), Corner of Main Road and, Cabriere St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Venture onwards to Franschhoek for a unique way to explore the region's wine valley by rail on a scenic one-way Franschhoek Wine Tram journey to taste fine wines at Rickety Bridge wine estate.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Rickety Bridge Winery, R45 Main Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
After arriving at the Rickety Bridge station platform, you'll be transported past rows of vines and the historic Cape Dutch Manor to the tasting centre by an open-air wagon pulled by the farm's tractor, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a working winery. Summer weather calls for alfresco wine tasting, overlooking vineyards and the majestic Wemmershoek Mountains, while on cooler days tastings will be around cosy wood-burning fireplaces.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Franschhoek, Franschhoek, Western Cape
For lunch, you can experience the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek and end your meander along the Winelands with a third wine tasting, before heading back to the Cape Town region late afternoon.
Duration: 35 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay:
Saver/Dorm> Never@Home Backpacker,
3* Comfort> Protea Sea Point,
4* Luxe > Victoria Junction Hotel
Day 7: Cape Point ( Join a guided group tour )
Stop At: Chapman's Peak Drive, Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa
Join a Cape Point small group day tour (outsourced tour)
Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Hout Bay, an unassuming fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the chance to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island, just a short cruise from shore. For those without their sea legs, rather explore the local harbour market and snap Instagram-worthy pics of colourful fishing boats.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Hout Bay, Hout Bay, Western Cape
As you leave Hout Bay behind, you’ll take on a staggering 114 mind-blowingly beautiful bends – stretching over nine jaw-dropping kilometres. Chapman’s Peak road, or Chappies to the locals, is touted as one of the world’s most scenic drives – and with good reason. Rugged mountains face off with the Atlantic and the roadway, an incredible feat of engineering, cuts a swathe right through and provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic below.
Stop At: Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point Rd, Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa
Chappies sets the scene for the afternoon’s adventuring as you venture onwards to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness literally collide and create a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with greenish fringes of fynbos. This is a place to pay tribute to ancient seafarers of old like Bartolomeu Dias (who discovered the Cape of Good Hope back in 1488) and pioneers, like Vasco da Gama, who journeyed through these treacherous waters from Portugal to India.
Indigenous fauna lines narrow winding pathways en route to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views well worth the climb. Local wildlife – ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species, including bontebok – keep the journey interesting and add plenty of postcard moments for the shutterbugs. On the hillside, an optional funicular eases the journey for those that want to reach the top of the lighthouse.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stop At: Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon's Town 7995 South Africa
As the day lengthens, travel to Simon’s Town, perched on the shores of False Bay and the home of the South African Navy. Just a few minutes to the south lies Boulders Beach, a comely stretch of sand littered with granite. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins who strut their stuff in their black and white feathered finery to the delight of the crowds that gather to watch. Boardwalks separate man from bird and provide the perfect vantage point to see these cute creatures.
You'll get back to Cape Town by late afternoon to early evening from about 5pm (but can also be later due to traffic or delays). Please do not book any flights or make specific arrangements for the first or last day of this group tour.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.