From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route and Addo Safari

Garden Route 5-Day Safari and Adventure Tour

This 5-day tour from Cape Town covers the Garden Route, ideal for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers interested in safaris, hiking, and optional activities like bungy jumping and ziplining.

Tour Highlights

• See most of the Big Five at Addo Elephant National Park
• Zipline through Tsitsikamma forest
• Hike over suspension bridges with views of a secluded beach
• Jump from the highest commercial bridge bungy
• Safari road trip across the Garden Route region

Itinerary

Day 1: Route 62
Travel approximately 450 km (6 hours). Depart near Cape Town DHL Stadium at 6:45am or arrange hotel pickup within 5 km of Cape Town or Stellenbosch if booked early. Drive along Route 62, the world’s longest wine route, stopping for wine tasting before arriving in Oudtshoorn by afternoon.
Overnight options: Uthando Backpackers (Backpacker), 88 van Rheede Guesthouse (3-star Comfort), or Hlangana Lodge (4-star Luxury).

Day 2: Oudtshoorn
Travel about 250 km (4.5 hours). Visit the Cango Caves or an alternative activity as the caves are temporarily closed. Stop at a local 'padstal' for South African traditional treats including bobotie, roosterkoek, koeksisters, and melktert before continuing to the Addo region.
Overnight options: Avaco Cabins (Backpacker), Happy Lands (Comfort), or Addo Wildlife Lodge (Luxury).

Day 3: Addo and Jeffreys Bay
Travel about 300 km (3-4 hours). Early morning game drive in Addo Elephant National Park to spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and other wildlife. Afterward, drive to Jeffreys Bay for beach time or optional surfing or horseback riding (extra cost).
Overnight options: Island Vibe (Backpacker), Sea Whisper (3-star Comfort), or On The Beach Lodge (Luxury).

Day 4: Tsitsikamma and Sedgefield
Travel about 300 km (3-4 hours). Optional highest commercial bungy jump and waterfall zipline in Tsitsikamma Forest (at extra cost). Alternatively, enjoy free time in Tsitsikamma National Park followed by a photo stop at Knysna Lagoon en route to Sedgefield.
Overnight options: Pili Pili Backpackers (Backpacker), The Rex (Comfort), or Protea Hotel Knysna (Luxury).

Day 5: Garden Route Safari
Travel about 400 km (6 hours). Enjoy a 2-3 hour 4x4 safari at Botlierskop Reserve searching for the Big Five and other wildlife. Return to Cape Town with evening drop-off between 8pm and 10pm.

What’s Included

• English-speaking accredited local tour guide
• Hotel pickup/drop-off within 5 km of Cape Town (if booked 2+ days early)
• Air-conditioned minivan transport
• Four nights’ accommodation (per selected package)
• Four breakfasts
• South African treats tasting experience
• Entrance to Addo and Tsitsikamma National Parks
• 2-hour guided game drive in Addo Elephant National Park
• 4x4 safari game drive at a private reserve
• Wine tasting on Route 62
• Cango Caves tour or alternative activity if caves are closed

Excludes

• Additional meals and drinks not listed (opportunity to buy food on tour)
• Optional bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge (~R1,600)
• Optional Tsitsikamma waterfall zipline (~R600)
• Optional surfing or beach horseback riding (~R600 each)

Important Information

• Itinerary order may vary seasonally to optimize the experience
• Total driving distance approximately 1,900 km with 4-6 hours daily on the road
• Tour is fast-paced, suitable for travelers with limited time
• During peak season (mid-December to early January), an extra night may be spent in Jeffreys Bay instead of Addo
• Pickup starts at 6:45am from the meeting point near DHL Cape Town Stadium or arranged hotel pickup 90 minutes prior (if pre-arranged)
• Optional activities depend on weather and are paid during the tour
• Leopard sightings are rare in Western Cape game drives
• Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to luxury lodges, located in different properties as specified

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 2 days before departure for a full refund.

For the best experience, book at least two days in advance to arrange hotel pickup and confirm optional activities. Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for wildlife and landscapes.