tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Overland

Garden Route Adventure

14 days • 4.4

4.5

Excellent

18 reviews

14 days

Start

Durban, South Africa

Finish

Cape Town, South Africa

Trip Code

UBOH

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Backpackers (2 nights), Basic Huts (shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (3 night)

From £1,377(14 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.

Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing to vibrant Cape Town.

Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach to watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.

Is this trip right for you?

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Garden Route. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland)

For your accommodation and campsites on your adventure, facilities do vary, and wi-fi is not always available. Accommodation upgrades are often available.

There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at the combo itinerary: Kruger, Coast & Cape (UBOSC)

Itinerary

Take to South Africa's wild southern coast

Follow the coastal trail to Cape Town on an adventurous 14-day adventure along the Garden Route and Wild Coast of South Africa. Hit up all the region’s hotspots – elephant spotting in Addo Elephant National Park, hiking in the Lesotho Highlands, meeting local Xhosa communities in Cintsa, and two fun-filled nights in Cape Town. Get a sprinkling of safaris thrown in with penguins, creating a whole South African smorgasbord.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Durban
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches. Check out uMhlanga Lighthouse, a beautiful lighthouse on the lovely uMhlanga coastline. For dinner, perhaps grab your group and head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood – your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Durban - Art Gallery - Free
Durban - Bay Cruise - ZAR240
Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Drakensberg
Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range this morning. Stop along the way at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Continue the journey to Drakensberg mountain chain. Your accommodation here is in twin rooms with an ensuite at a unique backpacker lodge in Drakensberg. After you’ve settled in, enjoy a drink with your travel group in the thatched-loft lounge room. You’ll also be able to check out the onsite pool, jacuzzi, barbeque and fire pit.
Accommodation
Backpacker Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Drakensberg
Today you'll enjoy a refreshing hike through an amazing array of flora and fauna. Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range – sitting at 3482 metres – and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is often referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some amazing views and excellent photo opportunities.
Accommodation
Backpacker Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Drakensberg - Day Hike
DAY 4
Day 4 • Lesotho Highlands
Leaving Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' and has beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. Generally, the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but you may experience some delays, depending on the time of year. Drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.
Accommodation
Basic Huts (shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8-9 hours.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Lesotho Highlands
Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Basic Huts (shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike - ZAR60
Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours - ZAR120
Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk - ZAR50
DAY 6
Day 6 • Wild Coast/Cintsa
Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the charming little coastal town of Cintsa. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your campground has shared facilities, an ATM and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
Your travel time today will be approximately 10-12 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Wild Coast/Cintsa
Today you can enjoy some free time to explore the town, relax on the stunning beaches or book one of the many optional activities on offer. You might like to go hiking or mountain biking in the hinterland, hire a canoe to explore the Cintsa River or book in for a surfing lesson! Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Cintsa - Village Tour - ZAR235
Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free
DAY 8
Day 8 • Addo Elephant National Park
Today you'll travel on to Addo Elephant National Park which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation - today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the unique flightless dung beetle. On arrival, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group and try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Optional activities
Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive - ZAR480
Special information
Your campground tonight has basic shared facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
Your travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park
Wake early and enjoy another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park in an overland vehicle. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Garden Route, the first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park, protecting both land and sea. It's a spectacular place for walking and viewing wildlife. Your group leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Special information
Tuuur has not risk assessed all optional local activities in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Only those listed in the Optional Activities are recommended. If you are unsure about any, please check with your leader. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk-assessed or do not adhere to Intrepid's Responsible Travel ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4-5 hours.
The accommodation tonight is a campground with basic shared facilities, an ATM and wi-fi access. Upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
On occasion, especially during the peak period in December, we are unable to secure campsites within Tsitsikamma National Park. In this instance, we will camp outside the park.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Tsitsikamma National Park
With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free
Special information
On occasion, especially during the peak period in December, we are unable to secure campsites within Tsitsikamma National Park. In this instance, we will camp outside the park.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Garden Route / Oudtshoorn
Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. You'll stop at Knysna on the way to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Travel on to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations – one is ‘Cleopatra's Needle’, standing at 29 feet high and at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Continue on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
Special information
Your campsite for tonight has hot showers and flush toilets. Upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
Your travel time today will be approximately 4-5 hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Cape Town
Rise and shine very early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats, part of the so-called 'Shy 5'. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. You’ll have time to watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the beachside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Maybe head out for some beautiful views of Table Mountain, choose from one of the hip restaurants and bars for dinner or meander around the historical buildings.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Cape Town
Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to watch the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you wish. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to chill out and enjoy the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you. Otherwise, take your time simply exploring this beachside city, perhaps sipping local wines and dining by the oceanfront.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins
Optional activities
Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable - ZAR380
Cape Town - Robben Island tour - ZAR550
Cape Town - Harbour cruise - ZAR200
Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR1600
DAY 14
Day 14 • Cape Town
Your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged – please enquire at the time of booking this trip.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR1600
Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day - ZAR2100
Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR1800
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day - ZAR1800
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day - ZAR1350
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day - ZAR1200
Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day - ZAR965
Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day - ZAR1100
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day - ZAR965
Special information
No accommodation is provided for tonight. If you would like to extend your stay in Cape Town, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Backpackers (2 nights), Basic Huts (shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (3 night)

Included activities

Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Drakensberg - Day Hike

Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour

Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience

Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins

Optional activities

Durban - Art Gallery - Free

Durban - Bay Cruise - ZAR240

Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free

Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike - ZAR60

Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours - ZAR120

Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk - ZAR50

Cintsa - Village Tour - ZAR235

Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free

Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive - ZAR480

Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free

Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free

Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable - ZAR380

Cape Town - Robben Island tour - ZAR550

Cape Town - Harbour cruise - ZAR200

Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR1600

Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000

Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day - ZAR2100

Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR1800

Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day - ZAR1800

Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day - ZAR1350

Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000

Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day - ZAR1200

Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day - ZAR965

Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day - ZAR1100

Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000

Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day - ZAR965

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Jun 22, 2025

Saturday Jul 05, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 8 spaces left

£1,788£1,609

Sunday Jul 27, 2025

Saturday Aug 09, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 3 spaces left

£1,793£1,703

Sunday Aug 17, 2025

Saturday Aug 30, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£1,760£1,584

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

Saturday Sep 13, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 9 spaces left

£1,755£1,579

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Saturday Sep 27, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 15 spaces left

£1,760£1,672

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Saturday Oct 11, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 8 spaces left

£1,760£1,672

Sunday Oct 19, 2025

Saturday Nov 01, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£1,738£1,564

Sunday Nov 16, 2025

Saturday Nov 29, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£1,722£1,377

Sunday Dec 07, 2025

Saturday Dec 20, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£1,760£1,408

Sunday Dec 28, 2025

Saturday Jan 10, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£1,733

Sunday Jan 11, 2026

Saturday Jan 24, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£1,689

Sunday Jan 25, 2026

Saturday Feb 07, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£1,689

Sunday Feb 22, 2026

Saturday Mar 07, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£1,689

Sunday Mar 22, 2026

Saturday Apr 04, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£1,689

Sunday Apr 19, 2026

Saturday May 02, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 21 spaces left

£1,755

Important notes

1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2.The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

Reviews (18)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Lesley Jane

Jan 26, 2025

Amazing views we had a little.bit of everything mountains beaches forest all spectacular. The team Nolo Gift and Nathy made us feel safe and part of a family! Always Happy faces. Great trip!!

Maphuti

Dec 17, 2024

The crew was excellent and helpful.

Gary

Sep 30, 2024

Will without doubt be booking with Intrepid again The crew we had went above a beyond to make our trip comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. Thanks Intrepid, we will be back with you.

Kellie

Sep 30, 2024

What an amazing tour. Great destinations, Wildlife and accommodation. The crew was awesome too. I can't wait to use Intrepid for my next adventure.

John

Sep 02, 2024

I had a wonderful trip spending time with like minded people. So many laughs......

Naomi

Jun 02, 2024

Beautiful tour that exceeded expectations of a camping holiday! Schedule was well planned and adhered to, while offering flexibility for travellers needs. Tour leader & travelling crew all very friendly and helpful! Would gladly do again!

Jeremy

Jun 01, 2024

An enjoyable experience that offered a range of experience that satisfied our whole family.

Louisa

Mar 10, 2024

This trip showcased the beauty of South Africa. Through the most beautiful mountainous areas, game viewing and the beautiful ocean. A short intense trip with delicious local food and tours of villages. A lovely overview of this beautiful country.

Holly

Nov 14, 2023

A whirlwind trip. Be prepared for a few long days on the road but they’re all totally worth it. Truly feel we have seen the true South Africa on this trip. An excellent experience.

Walburga

May 13, 2023

The garden route is an amazing trip. Intrepid takes you off the beaten path and shows you incredible places.

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