Garden Route & Addo Elephant Safari [5-days]: Cape Town

Overview

This is a 5-day private Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Garden Route and Safari tour, ideal for couples, families, and small private groups seeking coastal drives, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences.

Highlights

• Addo Elephant National Park
• Private vehicle with a dedicated professional guide
• Customisable itinerary, pace, and accommodation
• Scenic coastal drives, wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences
• Suitable for couples, families, and small private groups

Description

Experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of South Africa on this private 5-day journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle with a professional guide, allowing flexibility and personalised attention throughout. Note that some activities like safaris, cruises, and cave tours are operated by trusted third-party providers and may be shared with other guests. The itinerary is fully customisable to your interests, pace, and accommodation preferences.

The tour begins along Clarence Drive, a scenic coastal route passing Betty’s Bay and Hermanus, known for excellent land-based whale watching from June to November. Explore cliff paths, local markets, and ocean views before reaching Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Overnight on the tranquil Overberg coast.

On day two, travel east through farmlands and mountain passes towards the Garden Route. Stop in Mossel Bay, then proceed inland to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital. Highlights include a guided tour of the Cango Caves, famous for limestone formations, followed by an elephant encounter at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge with conservation insights. Overnight in the Klein Karoo.

Day three starts with a visit to a working ostrich farm to learn about regional farming traditions, then returns to the coast via scenic mountain passes. Arrive in Knysna for a sunset lagoon cruise toward the Knysna Heads, offering panoramic views of forests and waterways.

On day four, follow the N2 Garden Route through Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay with scenic stops. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park, a coastal reserve with ancient forests, cliffs, and river gorges. Walk the Storms River Suspension Bridge, enjoy short hikes, or choose optional activities such as zip-lining or kayaking.

The final day includes a visit to Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 600 elephants and the Big 7. Enjoy a guided safari game drive with chances to see elephants, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and lions. The tour ends in Port Elizabeth with hotel, airport, or cruise terminal drop-off, or options to extend your stay.

Includes

• Pickup and drop-off within 10 km radius of Cape Town and from Stellenbosch
• Professional tour guide
• Air-conditioned minivan transportation
• Accommodation for 4 nights (according to selected option)
• 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
• Cango Caves adventure tour
• Ostrich farm tour
• Entrance to Addo Elephant National Park
• Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
• 4x4 safari game drive at a private game reserve

Excludes

• Extra meals
• Optional Tsitsikamma waterfall zipline (approx. R500)
• Optional surfing or beach horse-riding (approx. R500 each)
• Optional bungy and zipline at Bloukrans Bridge (approx. R1,600)
• Optional elephant observation in nature (approx. R650)
• Tips and gratuities
• Anything not listed as included

Accommodation Options

• 3-star Comfort package
• 4-star Luxury package
• Budget/backpackers

Please select your preferred level of comfort when booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Book in advance to secure preferred accommodation. Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a camera. The best time to visit for whale watching is June to November.