3 Day Garden Route's Best Highlights with Safari from Cape Town
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3d
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About this experience
Spend three days exploring South Africa’s famed Garden Route from Cape Town. This fast paced tour focus on visiting a vast variety of highlights along the Garden Route - in total you'll cover about 1200 kilometres (about 4 to 6 hours driving per day). Explore this piece of paradise on the southeastern coast of South Africa where many adventures awaits.. canoe along a calm river in the Wilderness area, keeping an eye out for the abundant birdlife. Explore the Cango Caves, and enjoy an included 4x4 safari with a game ranger as you set out to spot some members of Africa’s Big Five, and connect with closely with nature in a private game reserve.
This action-packed itinerary is ideal for the young at heart with the option to join optional activities scheduled for even more fun: eg. Observe orphaned elephants as they roam freely in a natural bushvelt habitat, and face your fears if you choose to partake in the optional world’s highest bridge bungy jump.
Available options
Comfort Stay - Join Group
Comfort Stay - Join Group: Overnight at 88 Baron van Reede & Fairy Knowe. 2 persons per double room. Book 1 person separate for single room. <br/>3-star + accommodation : Overnight in Comfort 3star or higher graded guesthouse accommodation with private ensuite bathroom.<br/>Pickup included
Group Start - Comfort Stay
Comfort Stay - Group Start: Overnight at 88 Baron van Reede & Fairy Knowe. 2 persons per double room. min 2 needed. Book 1 person for single room.<br/>3star+ comfort accommodation: Stay at comfort 3-star or higher rated guesthouse accommodation with private ensuite bathroom.<br/>Pickup included
Backpack Own Room Stay - Group
Backpack Own Room - Join Group: Stay at Uthando & Pili Pili backpackers, shared bathroom. 2 persons per double room. Book 1 person separate for a single room<br/>Private Own room: Your own room for your booking<br/>Pickup included
Backpack Dorm Stay- Join Group
Backpacker Dorm Room - Group: Stay at Uthando & Pili Pili hostel dorm, shared bathroom. 2 persons per double room. Book 1 person separate for a single room<br/>Dorm Room sharing: Overnight in unisex dorm with bunk bed. Up to 12 persons per room with shared bathroom facilities. No under 18 or over 45 yrs<br/>Pickup included
Private - Comfort Stay
Private Transfer - 3 star Stay: Overnight in 3* Guesthouse accommodation. Double rooms for 2 persons sharing. Single bed booked for uneven amount of people.<br/>Pickup included
Luxe Stay - Join Group
Join Group - 4star Luxe stay: Overnight at Hlangana lodge & Dolphin Dunes guesthouse. 2 persons per double room. Book 1 person separate for a single room. <br/>4 star accommodation : 4star accommodation with private ensuite bathroom<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup within 10km radius of Cape Town central or Stellenbosch town
Transfers in mini van vehicle (about 4 to 6 hours travel daily)
Local English-speaking professional tour guide
Breakfast
Donation to 2Cchange charity projects (a portion of your tour fee)
4x4 Game drive safari shared with group
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best winner in South Africa 2025
Drop-off after tour to your original pickup location
Kayak in Wilderness region shared with group
Accommodation for 2 nights with breakfast per overnight stay
What's not included
Meals and drinks if not mentioned. Can buy during tour.
Optional (not compulsory) Bungy jump + Zipline - about R1700
Optional (not compulsory) Elephant Observation in Nature - about R700
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
30 reviews
5★
24
4★
5
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
177 reviews
5★
163
4★
11
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Note that this tour has a packed pace with many activities and stops a day. It is advised to book a longer or private Garden Route tour if you prefer to have a more relaxed journey.
Minimum age is 8 years. Children from 8 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult, legal guardian or parent and cannot stay in dorm rooms.
According to availability, the itinerary can run in reverse or different route.
Daily drive time: about 4 to 6 hours / in total 1200 km distance 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 wants to explore this vast region with limited time available.
Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended
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.
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 of Wilderness or Knysna.
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.
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best-of-the-Best Awards Winner - Listed as Top 10 Things to Do in South Africa (2025)
Special Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available on request and food allergies can also be informed on tour. We don't cater for or guarantee availability of more specific special diet options (like: vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) - please esnure to plan and budget for your own alternatives. Payment for meals can be made by credit/debit card on tour or your guide can take you to the nearest ATM to draw cash on tour.
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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