Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas

We begin our journey from Cape Town early on Monday morning, setting off for Hermanus. It’s important to note that shark cage diving clients will be picked up very early by their diving operator, which means they will miss the first half of Day 1. This initial part includes a visit to the fascinating African Penguin Colony and the charming town of Hermanus. Pick-up is around 7:00 am. Therefore, please consider flight check-in and check-out timeframes. Same-day arrival flights are not recommended.  International flights need to land by 4:00 am and domestic flights by 6:00 am.

As we travel, we will follow the scenic coastal road, making a stop at Betty’s Bay to observe a colony of endangered African penguins. Following this, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon in the beautiful seaside resort town of Hermanus. This area is renowned for hosting hundreds of Southern Right Whales during the whale season, which runs from July to November. In addition to whale watching, Hermanus boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and markets for you to explore.

Later in the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Cape Agulhas, which is celebrated as the southernmost tip of Africa. Here, we will visit a stunning viewpoint, often referred to as the “true” meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Day 2: Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn

We embark on a scenic journey to Oudtshoorn, located in the picturesque Little Karoo, often referred to as the Ostrich Capital of the World. Our route takes us along the breathtaking Route 62, which holds the title of South Africa’s longest wine route.

During our travels, we will indulge in a delightful lunch accompanied by a wine tasting at a charming local winery. Following this enjoyable experience, we will check into our accommodation, situated on a working game farm in the Little Karoo, providing a unique and immersive experience.

As the sun begins to set, we will have the opportunity to explore the ostrich farm. This tour allows us to take in the stunning views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges that provide a beautiful backdrop to our adventure.

Day 3: Oudtshoorn – Wilderness – Sedgefield

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will set off across the magnificent Outeniqua Mountain Pass. Our first stop is Wilderness National Park, where we will embark on an exciting canoeing adventure. As we paddle along the serene Touw River, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the lush indigenous forest, taking in the rich diversity of birdlife that surrounds you.

After approximately 40 minutes of canoeing, we will leave the canoes behind to embark on a scenic 2-kilometer hike along a well-maintained boardwalk. This lovely trail will lead us to a stunning waterfall and picturesque rock pools, perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Sedgefield. Here, you can enjoy expansive views and relax on the beautiful beaches that this coastal gem has to offer.

Day 4: Sedgefield- Knysna – Tsitsikamma – Addo

Today, we will journey to the renowned town of Knysna, traveling through the picturesque Lake District of the Garden Route. Our first stop will be the Knysna Heads viewpoint, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Knysna River estuary as it meets the Indian Ocean.

Following our visit to Knysna, we will make our way to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest bungee jump at an impressive height of 216 meters. Adventure seekers will have ample opportunity to test their courage and experience this thrilling activity.

As midday approaches, we will head to Tsitsikamma National Park, celebrated for its unique blend of indigenous forest and stunning Indian Ocean coastline. The park offers a diverse range of activities suitable for everyone, including hiking, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming in refreshing waters.

In the afternoon, we will bid farewell to the Garden Route as we venture into Big 5 country, heading towards Addo for our next adventure.

Day 5: Addo – Wilderness/Sedgefield

We will dedicate the morning to exploring the stunning Addo Elephant National Park. During this time, we will spend approximately 2 to 3 hours navigating the vast 28,000-hectare reserve, home to around 600 elephants, as well as Cape buffalo, lions, black rhinos, warthogs, zebras, elands, kudu, hartebeests, and many other fascinating wildlife species.

After an exhilarating morning of game viewing, we will make our way back to the heart of the Garden Route. Here, we will enjoy an overnight stay in either the charming town of Wilderness or the picturesque Sedgefield, allowing us to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.

Some guests end the trip here in Port Elizabeth, at a lower cost for a 5 Day tour. Contact your travel consultant for more information.

Day 6: Wilderness /Mossel Bay – Cape Town

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will make a stop in Mossel Bay. Here you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the spectacular beaches. Either choose to hike the scenic Cape St. Blaize trail, which winds along the cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Additionally, we will visit the renowned Diaz Museum complex, which commemorates the first known European exploration around the southern tip of Africa.

For those seeking adventure, there are thrilling options available, such as experiencing a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet or trying your hand at sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Drop-off is late afternoon around 18:00 pm. Therefore, please consider flight check-in and check-out timeframes. We recommend domestic flights from 20:00 pm and international flights from 21:00 pm onwards.

Day 1: Cape Town – Oudtshoorn

We will set off from Cape Town early on Monday morning, embarking on a journey to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, often celebrated as the Ostrich Capital of the World. Our route takes us along the breathtaking Route 62, recognized as South Africa’s longest wine route, providing stunning scenery along the way. Pick-up is around 7:00 am. Therefore, please consider flight check-in and check-out timeframes. Same-day arrival flights are not recommended.  International flights need to land by 4:00 am and domestic flights by 6:00 am.

During our travels, we will pause for a delightful lunch and a wine tasting experience at a local winery, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region. After this enjoyable meal, we will check into our accommodation, located on a working game farm in the heart of the Little Karoo.

As the sun begins to set, we will have the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the ostrich farm. This experience will not only allow us to learn more about these fascinating birds but also to take in the magnificent views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background, creating a perfect end to our day.

Day 2: Oudtshoorn – Wilderness – Sedgefield

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a journey across the stunning Outeniqua Mountain Pass. Our adventure begins at Wilderness National Park, where we will explore the tranquil waters by canoe. As we paddle along the Touw River, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the lush indigenous forest. We will be observing the rich diversity of birdlife that thrives in the area.

After approximately 40 minutes on the water, we will leave the canoes behind to embark on a scenic 2-kilometer hike along a well-maintained boardwalk. This beautiful trail will lead us to a charming waterfall and picturesque rock pools, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the delightful town of Sedgefield. Here, you can take in expansive views and relax on the beautiful beaches, making for a perfect end to an exhilarating day of exploration.

Day 3: Sedgefield – Knysna – Tsitsikamma – Addo

Today, we will set off towards the renowned town of Knysna, traveling through the picturesque Lake District of the Garden Route. Our first stop will be the Knysna Heads viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas overlooking the Knysna River estuary and the Indian Ocean.

After soaking in the views at Knysna, we will continue our journey to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest bungee jump, soaring at an impressive height of 216 meters. Adventure seekers will find ample opportunity to test their courage and experience this thrilling activity.

As midday approaches, we will arrive at Tsitsikamma National Park, a stunning destination known for its unique blend of indigenous forest and beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean. Within the park, there is a wide array of activities available for everyone, including hiking, crossing a thrilling suspension bridge, and enjoying a refreshing swim.

Day 4: Addo – Wilderness/Sedgefield

We will dedicate the morning to exploring the remarkable Addo Elephant National Park. During this time, we will spend approximately 2 to 3 hours navigating the vast 28,000-hectare reserve. Home to around 600 elephants, along with Cape buffalo, lions, black rhinos, warthogs, zebras, elands, kudu, hartebeests, and many other fascinating wildlife species.

After an exhilarating morning of game viewing, we will make our way back to the heart of the Garden Route. Here, we will enjoy an overnight stay in either the picturesque town of Wilderness or the charming Sedgefield, allowing us to relax and reflect on the incredible wildlife experiences of the day.

Day 5: Wilderness /Mossel Bay – Cape Agulhas

After enjoying a tasty breakfast, we will make a stop in Mossel Bay. Here you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the spectacular beaches. Here, you will have the opportunity to hike the scenic Cape St. Blaize trail. This trail winds along the cliffs and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Additionally, we will visit the renowned Diaz Museum complex. Commemorating the first known European exploration around the southern tip of Africa.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, adventurous options abound, including a thrilling 10,000-foot tandem skydive or sandboarding. South Africa’s longest dune ride.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. At this iconic location, we will visit a viewpoint famously known as the “true” meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, providing a perfect end to a day full of exploration and excitement.

Day 6: Cape Agulhas – Hermanus – Cape Town

After enjoying breakfast, we will depart from Cape Agulhas and head towards the charming seaside resort town of Hermanus. This town is renowned for hosting hundreds of Southern Right Whales during whale season, which runs from July to November. In addition to whale watching, Hermanus boasts a vibrant selection of shops, restaurants, and markets that you can explore.

As our day continues, we will travel along the scenic coastal road, making a stop at Betty’s Bay. Here, you will have the chance to view a colony of endangered African penguins, a truly delightful experience.

Finally, we will arrive back in Cape Town in the early evening. Concluding a wonderful day filled with adventure and breathtaking sights. Drop-off is late afternoon around 18:00 pm. Therefore, please consider flight check-in and check-out timeframes. We recommend domestic flights from 20:00 pm and international flights from 21:00 pm onwards.

Here is a table showcasing the backpacker and guest house accommodations we typically use on our group Garden Route tours. While we often stay at the same accommodations each week, please note that we cannot guarantee a specific location. This is due to factors like availability and group size.

We have carefully selected these locations over the years. Each offers exceptional cleanliness, a unique setting, and warm hospitality. Additionally, we prioritize supporting smaller, locally owned establishments whenever possible. This approach not only enhances your experience but also benefits the local community.

Explaining the accommodation options with photos

Guests on our group Garden Route tours have the option to book either backpacker or guest house accommodations. Each choice offers a unique experience.

Backpackers are ideal for those seeking a social atmosphere. They typically feature lively bars or bonfire areas, creating a vibrant community vibe. While backpackers are budget-friendly, they maintain a high standard. All provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring comfort during your stay.

On the other hand, guest houses offer a quieter, more luxurious experience. They cater to guests looking for privacy and relaxation. Approximately 80% of our group Garden Route tour guests prefer staying in backpackers, while 20% opt for guest houses. Despite the accommodation differences, both backpacker and guest house guests travel together in the same tour vehicle. Additionally, evening dinners are held at the backpackers, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

If you choose to stay in a guest house, your guide will easily collect you for dinner each evening. Most properties are usually less than a 5-minute drive from one another, ensuring convenience and comfort.

All bedding and towels will be provided for both backpackers and guest houses.

Backpacker dorm

This is a mixed-gender shared bedroom with between 2-12 guests, depending on the property. Beds are typically bunk beds or single beds.  The bathroom may be en suite, or may be down the hallway, and is shared with other guests.

Backpacker single/twin/double en suite

A private bedroom at the backpackers, with a private bathroom en suite. A single room is for one person, a twin room is for two people (two separate beds), and a double is for two people, in one bed.

Guest house single/twin/double

This is a private bedroom at a guest house, with a private bathroom en suite. A single room is for one person, a twin room is for two people (two separate beds), and a double is for two people, in one bed.

Discover who joins these Garden Route tours: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Are you a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the stunning Garden Route in a short amount of time? This active tour is perfect for you!

An Active Tour for Adventurous Spirits

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy being on the move. You’ll need to be comfortable walking, carrying luggage, and getting in and out of the vehicle frequently. The group is a diverse mix of backpackers and guesthouse clients, ranging in age from 18 to 65.

Before you continue to book, please be sure that you:

Can comfortably walk +- 1.5 hours (5 km).
Are able to frequently get in and out of the vehicle.
Be able to sit in the vehicle approximately 2 hours at a time, as the tour covers quite a distance and stays in a different place each night.
Are you able to load and unload your luggage from the trailer each day? There are no porters at the accommodation.
Do you have any medical or mobility issues? It is not recommended for the mobility impaired. In such cases we rather recommend doing a private tour.
We also have canoeing and hiking as an included activity on tour; would you be able to canoe for 40 minutes one-way and 40 minutes back? If so, then this tour is for you.

Join a Global Community of Travelers

We welcome travelers as young as 14, as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For those aged 65 and older, we encourage you to reach out to us if you’re fit, healthy, and ready for an active adventure. We’ll consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Our small group tours, ranging from 4 to 12 people, attract travelers from all over the world, including Europe, America, Canada, and Australia. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Garden Route and experience the diversity of cultures firsthand.