Summary
South Africa’s famed Garden Route offers a generous dose of the great outdoors, where nature and adventure combine in one perfect lush playground. A firm favourite among visitors and locals alike, South Africa’s famed Garden Route offers a generous dose of the great outdoors, where nature and adventure combine in one perfect playground. Country roads perfectly frame both the rolling farmlands and endless flora and fauna. The landscape dramatically changes – from wine farms to untamed wilderness, Tsitsikamma forest to mountain ranges – as the kilometres pass. You'll cover some ground on this adventure. There’s optional bungy jumping or ziplining for the thrill-seekers and canoeing in Wilderness or a quick swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean for the nature-lovers. Add in hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park, the sounds of silence in Cango limestone caves and prime game viewing at Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of wild elephants on the planet. Plus, you’ll come nose-to-beak with the planet’s largest birds in the feather capital of the world - Oudtshoorn, and walk with the biggest land mammals on the planet in the Klein Karoo. And, if the mood takes you, you can learn to surf on some of the world's top-rated waves or put your goofy foot forward with a spot of sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay. Expect surprises on the palate from the ubiquitous seafood on the coastal belt and Klein Karoo specialities like lamb and ostrich that are best finished off with some of South Africa’s best Cape Ruby ports or Port-style wines at a Calitzdorp winery. It's only fitting that you'll then cruise down the picturesque Route 62 – think Route 66 with more wine and bigger hospitality – for a spot of wine tasting before heading back to Cape Town’s European cosmopolitan vibe.
Activities
- Animal Tracking
- Canoeing
- Game Walk
- Hiking
- Scenic Drive
- Surfing
- Wilderness Trail
- Game drive
- Bird Watching
Places
- Western Cape, South Africa
- Garden Route, South Africa
- Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
- Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Karoo, South Africa
Physical Condition
- Normal Physical Condition
Connectivity
- No WiFi but some phone coverage
Day-by-day Description
Day 1Cape Town to Wilderness Area
Activities Included
CanoeingScheduled to depart on Mondays and Saturdays. Start with a morning pick up from Cape Town. At the first stop en route, paddle through the staggering scenery and abundant birdlife in the Wilderness region. Subject to your package booked, overnight at 3-star Greywood hotel, Knysna or Afrovibe Backpackers, Sedgefield.
Day 2Wilderness to Jeffrey's Bay
Activities Included
Hiking Scenic DriveHike along walkways to soak in the views of Knysna from the imposing sandstone Knysna Heads nestled between forested mountains, lagoon and sea. Choose between optional Bloukrans bungy and waterfall zipline, or explore the surrounding forest. Face your fear and jump from the world's highest bungee jump or zipline over waterfalls in the Tsitsikamma forest. Then spend time in Tsitsikamma National Park — explore paradise as you trek along boardwalks to the suspension bridges in this marine forest reserve. Overnight at Jeffreys Bay for the next two nights at 3-Star Mandyville or Island Vibe Backpackers.
Day 3 Jeffrey's Bay to Addo
Activities Included
Diving Game Walk Game driveStart the next morning with a 2 to 3-hour game drive in the tour bus through the 3rd-largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 wild elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope. In the afternoon head back to the beach or shop in Jeffrey's Bay. Enjoy early optional surfing, sand-boarding or just chill out on the beach.
Location
Addo Elephant National Park, Paterson Road, Addo, South Africa
Travel Time: 4 hrs
Day 4Jeffreys Bay to Oudtshoorn
Activities Included
Bird WatchingTour a working ostrich farm to learn more about the largest, flightless bird in the world. Head deep underground to the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves. Explore the narrow passages and vast halls filled with colourful ancient stalactites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn at 3+Star Oakdene guest house or Backpackers Paradise.
Day 5Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
Activities Included
Scenic Drive Whale watching Wildlife PhotographyRise early for an optional Elephant Bush Walk experience. Fall in love with these giant and lovable creatures. Learn about their background and character as you walk along orphaned African elephants in a natural setting. Travel along the Route 62, also known as the longest wine route in the world for a quick wine tasting stop along the way and return to Cape Town by late afternoon. ***Backpacker DORM room accommodation included for 4 nights in the starting rate listed with this tour ***
Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com