tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Explorer

Wildlife

South Africa's Garden Route & Winelands

12 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

UBSH

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (8 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Lodge (2 night)

From 0 (12 days)

Trip Informations

South Africa’s Garden Route is famous for its glorious stretch of rocky coastline, dotted with dense forest, sun-kissed beaches and excellent spots for wildlife-viewing. Kick off this 12-day trip in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), then follow the route to Addo Elephant National Park (home to more than 800 elephants!). Go on a 4WD safari to search for rhinos, giraffes and more in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, step into the ancient Cango Caves and watch wild meerkats emerging at sunrise near Oudtshoorn. Then, head to the winelands to walk through vineyards and soak up mountain scenery in Stellenbosch. End your journey in Cape Town with sweeping ocean views at the Cape Peninsula and a culinary experience to remember.

Why you’ll love this trip

Search for elephants on a 4WD safari in Addo. Look for giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, then rise early to watch wild meerkats emerge from their burrows in Oudtshoorn.

Explore the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park on foot, following the forest trail to Storms River Mouth and traversing the rocky coastline of the Waterfall Trail.

Spend two nights in Stellenbosch, surrounded by the mountains and vineyard-covered hills of the winelands, with a free day to explore at your own pace.

Discover Cape Town through an African food and storytelling experience where you'll meet local entrepreneurs and creatives, uncover the city’s history and sample a curated selection of dishes around town for a memorable final dinner with your group.

Head inland to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo and take a guided tour of the Cango Caves’ vast limestone chambers. Admire the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites as you learn how the caves formed over millions of years.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip, so you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle. 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: tuuur.com/au/africa/overland.

There will be many early starts, either to spot wildlife or to beat the morning traffic on travel days.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.

This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may carry on to further destinations at the end of this trip. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at South Africa's Kruger, Coast & Garden Route (UBSHC).

Itinerary

Follow the scenic Garden Route, explore the winelands and search for wildlife in South Africa

DAY 1
Day 1 • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your Garden Route adventure begins in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to explore before meeting your leader and fellow travellers. This coastal city – the largest in the Eastern Cape province – is full of beaches where you can stretch back on the sand. Or you could go for a stroll along the Summerstrand promenade to take in views of Algoa Bay, passing public art installations and plenty of spots where you can stop for coffee or gelato along the way.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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 • Addo Elephant National Park
Leave Port Elizabeth and travel to Addo – a world-class wildlife destination with a remarkably varied landscape. This region is made up of five of South Africa’s nine biomes, ranging from forest in the Woody Cape area to coastal dunes on the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt. In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a sunset 4WD safari in Addo Elephant National Park. This is the only national park where you can find the southern right whale and great white shark as well as Africa's five iconic animals – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for your first glimpse of these remarkable creatures.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Addo Elephant National Park - Sunset 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
It can be cool in an open vehicle after sunset, so bring a warm layer for today’s safari.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Tsitsikamma
Travel west towards Tsitsikamma, where forest meets a rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. After arriving, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll explore the coast on foot tomorrow.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Tsitsikamma
Get out and about to discover the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. Start by walking the short Storms River Mouth Trail. You’ll traverse coastal forest to reach the river mouth and a suspension bridge, where you can see views of the Tsitsikamma forest and the Storms River Gorge. Then, take on the Waterfall Trail, which makes up the first section of the famous Otter Trail. Follow the rocky shoreline towards a waterfall overlooking the sea, where you can pause to soak up the views.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Garden Route National Park - Waterfall Trail
Garden Route National Park - Storms River Mouth Visit
Special information
Your walking time on the Waterfall Trail will be approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) or 3 hours. It crosses uneven, rocky ground and can be slippery, so wear sturdy walking shoes. Access to the trails depends on weather and park conditions.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Knysna
Continue your drive along the Garden Route, stopping in Plettenberg Bay to visit Old Nick Village. You’ll have time to have lunch and browse the locally run shops – an eclectic range of boutiques selling ceramics, beadwork, textiles and artisanal chocolate. If it’s open during your visit, you can also see textiles being made at the Mungo Weaving Mill. Then, travel to the town of Knysna, set between forested hills beside a protected lagoon. This evening, you can choose to join a sunset cruise on the lagoon. You’re likely to see African black oystercatchers – this bird can be found in the area year-round.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Plettenberg Bay - Old Nick Village Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Oudtshoorn
On the way to Mossel Bay, head to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a 4WD safari. This 6000-ha reserve is set against a backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and is home to rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, mountain zebras and the rare black impala. An impressive array of over 200 bird species can be found here. After, continue to the Point of Human Origins in Mossel Bay for a guided tour. Learn about the archaeological discoveries made in this cave and what they reveal about early human life around 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Then, travel inland to the town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Mossel Bay - Point of Human Origins Guided Cave Tour
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - 4WD Safari
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Oudtshoorn
Go on a guided tour through the limestone chambers of the Cango Caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains. Learn how the caves formed over millions of years as you pass each chamber filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some of these formations have names based on what they resemble – keep your eye out for Cleopatra’s Needle and the Dried Tobacco Leaves of Oudtshoorn. Later, you’ll have some free time to explore Oudtshoorn at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
DAY 8
Day 8 • Stellenbosch
You’ll have an early start today, rising before the sun to observe wild meerkats near Oudtshoorn as day breaks. Settle in quietly and keep watch as the group emerges from its burrows. Continue to the town of Stellenbosch, passing through the Little Karoo. Stellenbosch is a lively hub of culture, history, food and wine. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through town. This evening, there’s the option to head to the Kayamandi township for a home-cooked dinner and a chance to hear about life in the community.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Oudtshoorn - Wild Meerkat Experience
Stellenbosch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Optional activities
Stellenbosch - Home Cooked Dinner (Min 2 pax) - ZAR650
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
The meerkat experience starts before sunrise and depends on the weather and the animals’ behaviour. Observation is from a respectful distance, and sightings can’t be guaranteed. This is also a travel day, so expect an early start.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Stellenbosch
Spend a free day exploring Stellenbosch and the surrounding countryside your way. If you’d like to explore beyond Stellenbosch’s town centre, consider joining a guided walk through the nearby vineyards, taking you through mountain scenery. This walk is run by a community tourism initiative that employs local guides and hosts, so you’ll get a personal insight into what life is like in this scenic region. If you’re after something more laidback, you could wander through town at your own pace. For those who didn’t join the home-cooked dinner last night, there’s another opportunity to do so tonight.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Stellenbosch - Half-day Wine Walk (Min 6 pax) - ZAR1200
Stellenbosch - Half-day Winery e-bike Tour - ZAR1495
Stellenbosch - Home Cooked Dinner (Min 2 pax) - ZAR650
DAY 10
Day 10 • Cape Town
Witness the raw beauty of the Cape Peninsula today. Follow the peninsula towards Cape Point, where you’ll have time to take in the ocean views. After, head to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Watch the penguins waddling around freely in this protected marine area. African penguins are among the smallest and most endangered species of penguin. Hit the road again, bound for Cape Town, where you have a free evening. Ask your leader for recommendations on where to try some local dishes for dinner – boerewors (a spiral-shaped, spiced sausage) and chakalaka and pap (vegetable stew with cornmeal) are classics.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Cape Peninsula - Peninsula Excursion & Boulders Beach Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Cape Town
Today is a free day for you to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Speak to your leader if you need some suggestions to help you plan your day. This evening, join your group for an African food and storytelling experience. You’ll explore the city through the eyes of local entrepreneurs and creatives, meeting the locals who run Cape Town’s restaurants, community kitchens, bookshops and tailors. Along the way, hear how migration and history have shaped this city’s diverse food scene, making stops to take part in four curated tastings at various eateries.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Cape Town - African Storytelling & Food Tour
DAY 12
Day 12 • Cape Town
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Transport

Private Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (8 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Lodge (2 night)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

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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.

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DAY 12Day 12 • Cape Townexpand_moreWith no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.restaurant_menu MealscircleBreakfast

DAY 12
Day 12 • Cape Town
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast