5 Day Garden Route and Addo Safari - Best of South Africa Small Group Tour
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5d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Discover the highlights of South Africa’s legendary Garden Route – including Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Knysna Heads, Wilderness and Oudtshoorn – on a 5-day tour from Cape Town. You’ll explore this coastal paradise with an experienced guide: hike in old-growth forests, see endangered animals in wildlife reserves, and relax on white-sand beaches. A combination of guided tours and optional activities allows you to tailor this trip to your taste for adventure. Try extra activities (own expense) such as bungee jumping, a 4x4 game drive, and ziplining.
Available options
Dorm Backpack Shared Room Stay
Backpacker Dorm Room: Overnight in unisex dorm accommodation. Up to12 persons per room with shared bathroom facilities. No under 18 or over 45 yrs<br/>Pickup included
4 star Luxury Stay package
4* Luxury Accommodation: 4star guesthouses ensuite room stay as listed. 2 persons per room. Mondays allow single person to pay for 1 to get own room. <br/>Pickup included
Saver Backpack Own Room Stay
Saver Backpackers Own Room: Stay in Backpackers accommodation with private bathroom. 2 persons per room. Book as single person to pay & get private room.<br/>Pickup included
3 star Comfort Stay package
3* Comfort Accommodation: Stay in 3 star guesthouse as listed. Ensuite bathroom. 2 persons per double room. Book as single person to get own room.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best-of-the-Best Awards Winner South Africa (2025)
All transfers in mini van (3-6 hours travel per day)
Local English-speaking tour guide
Game Drives: Addo Park in mini-van & Botlierskop 4x4 Drive Vehicle
Breakfast
Donation to 2Cchange charity projects (a portion of your tour fee)
Pickup & drop-off from Cape Town (10km radius) and Stellenbosch centre
Entrance fees: Cango Caves, Addo & Tsitsikamma Natioinal Parks
4 nights Accommodation and breakfast for each overnight stay
Taste Experiences: Route 62 wine tasting, Karoo Food Treats Tasting
What's not included
Meals and drinks not listed in inclusions (lunches, dinners, beverages)
Optional extra activities (as per itinerary)
Optional (not compulsory): Sky Walk -or- Zipline at Bloukrans ±R500
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
55 reviews
5★
42
4★
11
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
261 reviews
5★
244
4★
14
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
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
About Cape Town
Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.
Top Attractions
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.
Nature
2-4 hours
Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining
Robben Island
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Cape Malay Curry
A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Biltong
A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.
Snack
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Paragliding
Shark cage diving
Surfing
Mountain biking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Afrikaans
- Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
- • Use reputable transport services
Getting there
By air
- Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Cape Town Station
By bus
Cape Town Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cape Town City Centre
Camps Bay
Bo-Kaap
Day trips
Stellenbosch
50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.
Hermanus
120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Festivals
Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual)
Cape Town Carnival • January (annual)
Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)
Pro tips
- Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
- Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
- Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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