From Cape Town: 3-Day Garden Route Highlights and 4x4 Safari
Eastern Cape, Cape Town
See Africa's famous wildlife and incredible Garden Route scenery on this 3-day tour; including a 4x4 game drive and bush walking safari and canoeing in the wilderness.
3-Day Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tour from Cape Town
This guided 3-day tour from Cape Town suits travellers seeking wildlife safaris, scenic drives along Route 62, cave exploration, canoeing, and country town visits.
Highlights
- Drive along Route 62, one of South Africa’s scenic country roads
- Safari in a 4x4 at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve to see Big 5 animals
- Kayak on calm rivers near the Wilderness National Park
- Explore Oudtshoorn’s Klein Karoo countryside and Cango Caves
Description
Day 1: Oudtshoorn
Depart near Cape Town DHL Stadium at 6:45am or arrange hotel pickup within 5km of the city (if booked early). Travel approximately 450 km, around 6 hours driving.
Follow Route 62 through mountains, passes, Karoo plains, and vineyards before arriving in Oudtshoorn, known as the world’s ostrich capital. Visit the Cango Caves with options for the easy Heritage tour or the adventurous route through limestone chambers featuring stalactites and Khoikhoi paintings.
Evening at leisure in Oudtshoorn. Accommodation options include Uthando Backpack Stay, 88 Baron van Reede (3-star comfort), Hlangana Lodge (4-star luxury), or an upgrade to Buffelsdrift Lodge (extra cost).
Day 2: Wilderness
Drive approximately 400 km, about 4 hours.
Option to join an elephant observation experience with rescued elephants living naturally at Buffelsdrift (optional, additional cost). Paddle a kayak along reed-lined rivers near Wilderness National Park, observing local birdlife and seasonal waterfalls. Visit Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bungy jump, with the option to jump (extra cost) or enjoy forest walks.
Spend the evening in Sedgefield or Wilderness. Accommodation choices include PiliPili Backpackers (dorm or private rooms), Fairy Knowe (3-star comfort), or Dolphin Dunes (4-star luxury).
Day 3: Garden Route Safari and Return
Morning game drive in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve in an open 4x4 with an experienced ranger. Spot white rhino, lion, elephant, zebra, and wildebeest among other wildlife.
Travel approximately 450 km back to Cape Town, arriving between 8pm and 10pm.
Includes
- English-speaking accredited local tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within 5 km of Cape Town (if booked 2+ days in advance)
- 2 nights accommodation as per selected package
- Transportation to all tour highlights
- 2 breakfasts
- 4x4 safari game drive at Botlierskop (approx. 2 hours)
- Canoeing in the Wilderness region
- Route 62 scenic road trip
- Visit to Cango Caves
Excludes
- Extra meals and drinks not listed (time allowed to buy food during tour stops)
- Optional elephant observation experience (approx. R770)
- Optional bungy jumping at Bloukrans Bridge (approx. R1690)
Important Information
- The itinerary may change or run in reverse. Accommodation may vary but will match the listed standards.
- Start point is near DHL Cape Town Stadium with optional hotel pickup within 5 km if booked 2+ days early, usually 90 minutes before departure.
- Total travel distance is about 1200 km, with 4 to 6 hours driving daily excluding safari times.
- This itinerary suits travellers with limited time who prefer a fast-paced schedule.
- Accommodation types vary; backpacker options tend to be farther from guesthouses.
- Participants must be fit for the tour and disclose any health conditions prior to booking. Consult a doctor if uncertain.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 2 days before for a full refund.
Book early to secure hotel pickup and pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. The best months to visit are spring and autumn for mild weather and wildlife activity.
