5 Day Garden Route and Addo Safari - Best of South Africa Small Group Tour

Day 1: Start: Cape Town > Wine Tasting - Route 62 - Oudtshoorn

1. Van Loveren Family Cellar
   40m · Admission ticket included
   Depart after a meet-and-greet with your guide (and small group of less than 12 persons) from the tour's Meeting Point at 6:45am in Cape Town, or if booked early you can arrange hotel pickup from 5km of central city.
   
   Note > This day-by-day itinerary serves as a guideline as your trip may need to run in reverse or a different order based on seasonal or operational availability.
   
   (Tour travel today: about 450km / 6 hrs )
   
   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, also 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. You'll stop for a quick Wine Tasting break to sample local produce about midway to your overnight stop.
2. Cango Caves
   Pass by
   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.
3. Oudtshoorn
   Pass by
   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.
   
   Overnight accommodation included as per stay package booked:
   ---
   Saver own room/Dorm stay package > Uthando Backpackers,
   3*Comfort stay package > 88 Baron van Reede,
   4*Luxe stay package > Hlangana Lodge

Day 2: Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves - Addo

1. Oudtshoorn
   45m
   (Tour travel today: about 400 km / 5 hours)
   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.
2. Cango Caves
   1h · Admission ticket included
   *currently closed due to storm damage - an alternative booked* 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 learn about these 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.
   
   On route to your next stop, you’ll pass through Karoo country to a small-town gem. Visit a charming “padstal”-inspired restaurant and sample proudly South African cuisine as on a special local-treats-taster menu, handmade with love, featuring traditional dishes like “bobotie", “roosterbrood", “koeksisters", and “melktert". You’re invited to appreciate a real taste of our tradition, served with heart and heritage.
3. Addo
   Pass by
   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.
   
   Note that the guesthouse accommodation is usually far away from the bustling backpackers, in some cases it can be 15 to 30 minutes driving away.
   
   Overnight accommodation included as per stay package booked:
   ---
   Saver own room/Dorm> Avoca Backpacker House,
   3*Comfort > Gerald's Gift Guesthouse,
   4*Luxe > Addo Wildlife Lodge

Day 3: Addo Elephant National Park - Jeffreys Bay

1. Addo Elephant National Park
   2h
   (Tour travel today: about 300 km / 5 hours)
   
   Rise early for the chance to encounter some of Africa’s Big Five at Addo Elephant National Park. Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty 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.
2. Jeffreys Bay
   3h
   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.
   
   Overnight accommodation included as per stay package booked:
   ---
   Saver own room/Dorm > Island Vibe Backpackers,
   3* Comfort > Sea Whisper Guesthouse or similar,
   4* Luxe > On The Beach Guesthouse

Day 4: Tsitsikamma - Bungy (optional) - Knysna Heads - Sedgefield

1. Bloukrans Bridge
   Pass by
   After breakfast head to the coastal forest region of the Garden Route.
   
   (Tour travel today: about 300 km / 5 hours driving)
   
   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... 216m! So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go?
2. Tsitsikamma National Park
   Pass by
   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.
3. Garden Route National Park
   2h · Admission ticket included
   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.
4. Knysna Heads
   30m · Admission ticket included
   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.
5. Pass by
   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.
   
   Note that the guesthouse accommodation is usually far away from the bustling backpackers, in some cases it can be 15 to 30 minutes driving away.
   
   Overnight accommodation included as per stay package booked:
   ---
   Saver own room/Dorm> Pili Pili Backpackers,
   3* Comfort > Fairy Knowe or similar,
   4* Luxe > Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse or similar

Day 5: Botlierskop Game Drive - N2 > end: Cape Town

1. Wilderness
   Pass by
   (Tour travel today: about 500 km / 6 hours)
   Another exciting morning awaits with a trip passing oasis-like coastal towns along the ocean-lined route hugged by forested national parks.
2. 2h
   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 7pm to 9pm subject to traffic and your drop-off address.

Pickup details

Select hotel pickup from any address within 5km of central Cape Town or Stellenbosch town (available if booked at least 2 days before departure). Pickup service starts up to 90 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on your location and the day's pickup route. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed during check-in about 1 day before the tour.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best-of-the-Best Awards Winner - Listed as Top 10 Things to Do in South Africa (2025)
• Day 1 : Start in Cape Town - Wine Tasting - Route 62 - Oudtshoorn (Overnight stay options: Saver/Dorm Uthando Backpackers, 3*Comfort 88 Baron van Reede, 4*Luxe Hlangana Lodge)
• Day 2 : Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves - Addo (Overnight stay options: Saver/Dorm Avoca Backpacker House, 3*Comfort Gerald's Gift Guesthouse, 4*Luxe Addo Wildlife Lodge)
• Day 3 : Addo Elephant National Park - Jeffreys Bay - optional surf / beach horse rise activities (Overnight stay options: Saver/Dorm Island Vibe Backpackers, 3* Comfort Sea Whisper Guesthouse or similar, 4* Luxe On The Beach Guesthouse)
• Day 4 : Tsitsikamma Walk - Bungy optional - Knysna Heads - Sedgefield Itinerary steps: 5 Meals included: breakfast Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm> Pili Pili Backpackers, 3* Comfort > Fairy Knowe or similar, 4* Luxe > Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse or similar
• Day 5 : Botlierskop 4x4 Game Drive - N2 road trip to end in Cape Town
• Daily drive time: about 4 to 6 hours. Total distance about 2000 km route. This packed, fast-paced itinerary is filled with many of the best highlights of the region and ideal for the young-at-heart traveller that want to explore this vast region with limited time.
• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasions, run in reverse order
• Some meals and drinks are not included on most tours; giving the ideal opportunity to experience typical South African meals (or your own preference) at local restaurants, shops or eating spots. Do check your tour's specific included and excluded section to verify the included meals for your tour package. You'll have free time scheduled daily to buy and enjoy meals. – Breakfast is mostly enjoyed at the accommodation's breakfast room/restaurant in the morning. Bed & Breakfast multi-day packages include breakfast for each overnight stay. – Lunch will be en-route with limited time & limited options to choose from. – Dinner-time during multi-day tours is scheduled in free-time after each day’s tour schedule. You can dine out at leisure; or book meals with your guide at the overnight accommodation that day. Your guide can recommend the best local restaurants, or most backpackers even have communal kitchens to prepare your own food - should you wish to buy the ingredients after the tour to prepare your own meals.
• The tour operator already pre-booked space at all optional activities for the group and you can simply decide on the first day of the tour if you'll partake. Optional activities can only be paid on the tour directly to the supplier. Bungy jump optional activity waiting time can vary from 1 to 2 hours and is subject to group size and how busy it is during the time visited. Optional activities are subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed
• Accommodation stay packages will overnight in different properties, each listed in the itinerary. Backpackers are usually far away from guesthouses / lodges.
• Game drive or bush safari drives are shared with other people on especially adopted open-roof converted vehicle or truck.
• Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to book in Dorm room packages
• Minimum age is 8 years. Children between 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult and book in private rooms
• Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended.
• It is recommended that you bring: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, jacket for cooler evenings, beach towel and swimming costume
• According to availability at time of booking, accommodation will be in the mentioned hotel or in one of a similar standard and star rating in a similar area. Sedgefield accommodation will occasionally be sold out and then your accommodation will be in nearby town