Garden Route Explorer
New
Set off in Cape Town and end back in the Mother City on this 10 day Garden Route escape. After time to settle in and enjoy Table Mountain views, you’ll trace the coast to meet penguins at Betty’s Bay, call into Hermanus and stand at Cape Agulhas – the continent’s southern tip. Journey inland along Route 62 for wine tasting and an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, then swap to lush forests and lagoons around Wilderness and Knysna. Explore Tsitsikamma’s trails and suspension bridge, go on safari in Addo for close up elephant moments, and hike the Cape St Blaize Trail before returning to Cape Town.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
Starts
Cape TownEnds
Cape TownMinimum Age
18 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in South Africa that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
South AfricaMeals Included
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 4Passengers
$5,820.00
$2,910.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 12
Trip Type
Budget Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 4 / Max 12Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Budget ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, we meet our driver and transfer into the city to your chosen accommodation, taking in first views of Table Mountain and the vibrant Mother City along the way. The rest of the day is yours – you can unwind at your accommodation or start exploring at your own pace, from the waterfront to characterful neighbourhoods and panoramic viewpoints.
Day 2 - Cape Town
You have a full day to discover Cape Town at your own pace – you can relax at your accommodation or begin exploring the waterfront, lively neighbourhoods and scenic viewpoints.
Day 3 - Cape Town
You have another day at leisure in Cape Town – you can take it easy at your accommodation or continue exploring the waterfront, distinctive neighbourhoods and sweeping viewpoints.
Day 4 - Cape Town - Betties Bay - Hermanus - Cape Agulhas
We leave Cape Town and follow the dramatic coastal road to Betty’s Bay, where we visit the African penguin colony and watch these endangered birds waddle, nest and slip into the surf. Continuing to Hermanus, we explore this much loved seaside town, known for whale watching lookouts and coastal paths, with time to soak up the ocean scenery. You can browse markets and cafés or linger by the water. We then travel on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, passing quiet coastal hamlets and open farmland en route, and pause for photographs where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
Day 5 - Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn
We depart Cape Agulhas and head inland along Route 62, a journey of mountain ranges, vineyards and expansive scenery. We stop at a local winery for a tasting and insights into regional winemaking, then continue through the semi arid Klein Karoo to Oudtshoorn. We visit a working ostrich farm to learn about these remarkable birds and local farming traditions, with views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg ranges.
Day 6 - Oudtshoorn - Wilderness - Sedgefield
We cross the Outeniqua Mountains towards Wilderness National Park as the landscape shifts from dry plains to lush coastal forest. We explore by canoe along the Touw River, then take a short walk to a waterfall and rock pool amid rich birdlife and natural beauty. From Wilderness we continue to Sedgefield, arriving close to pristine beaches that invite a relaxed end to the day.
Day 7 - Sedgefield - Knysna
We depart Sedgefield through the lake district of the Garden Route to Knysna, pausing at the Knysna Heads for sweeping views across the lagoon, river mouth and the Indian Ocean. We continue east to Tsitsikamma National Park, entering one of the region’s most striking wilderness areas of forest, beaches and a river mouth suspension bridge. You can walk, hike or simply soak up the coastal scenery. Later we travel inland towards Addo as forests give way to farmlands and bush.
Day 8 - Addo - Wilderness
We venture into Addo Elephant National Park for a wildlife safari, home to more than 600 elephants alongside buffalo, lion and a variety of antelope. After the safari, we depart Addo and return to the heart of the Garden Route near Wilderness, arriving for an overnight stay surrounded by coastal scenery.
Day 9 - Wilderness - Mossel Bay - Cape Town
We travel from Wilderness to Mossel Bay, tracing the Garden Route west with sea views and rolling landscapes. We hike a section of the Cape St Blaize Trail along cliffs above the Indian Ocean, taking in dramatic vistas and the chance to spot marine life from shore. We then visit the Diaz Museum Complex to learn about early European voyages around the tip of Africa. Later we depart Mossel Bay and drive back to Cape Town, completing our Garden Route loop and arriving by late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and stops.
Day 10 - Cape Town
Spend your final day in Cape Town at your own pace – you can relax at your accommodation or continue exploring the waterfront, vibrant neighbourhoods and panoramic viewpoints. When it is time to depart, we collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Cape Town International Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your onward domestic or international flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
"Double/Twin" prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. "Shared" prices are for those solo travellers happy to share a room with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that for anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, a single supplement will apply. Please contact us for more information or a quote.
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