From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route and Addo Safari

5-Day Garden Route Safari from Cape Town

This 5-day guided safari and adventure tour departs from Cape Town and suits travelers seeking wildlife, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences along the Garden Route.

Highlights

• See most of the Big Five at Addo Elephant National Park
• Zipline through the Tsitsikamma forest
• Hike over suspension bridges with views of a secluded beach
• Jump from the highest commercial bridge bungy
• Safari road trip along the famous Garden Route region

Itinerary

Note: The daily itinerary may run in a different order depending on availability.

Day 1: Route 62
Travel about 450km (6 hours). Depart from the meeting point near Cape Town DHL Stadium at 6:45am, with optional hotel pickup within 5km of central Cape Town or Stellenbosch if booked early. Journey along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, including a wine-tasting stop before arriving in Oudtshoorn by afternoon. Overnight options range from backpacker to luxury lodges.

Day 2: Oudtshoorn
Travel about 250km (4.5 hours). Explore the illuminated Cango Caves and their vast stalactite formations. Then travel approximately 400km to the Addo area. Stop at a local padstal to sample traditional South African dishes such as bobotie, roosterkoek, koeksisters, and melktert. Overnight stays in accommodation options from backpacker to luxury lodges.

Day 3: Addo Elephant National Park and Jeffreys Bay
Travel about 300km (3-4 hours). Early morning game drive in Addo Elephant National Park to spot wildlife including elephants, buffalos, and lions. Travel 200km to Jeffreys Bay with free time to enjoy the beach or participate in optional surfing or horseback riding (extra cost). Accommodation ranges from backpacker to luxury.

Day 4: Tsitsikamma and Sedgefield
Travel about 300km (3-4 hours). Option to bungy jump from the world’s highest commercial bridge or zipline over waterfalls in Tsitsikamma (both extra cost). Alternatively, spend free time exploring Tsitsikamma National Park. Photo stop at Knysna’s lagoon before arriving in Sedgefield. Overnight options available from backpacker to luxury standards.

Day 5: Garden Route Safari and Return to Cape Town
Travel about 400km (6 hours). Safari stop for 2-3 hours in Botlierskop Reserve with a 4x4 game drive to see most of the Big Five and other wildlife. Return to Cape Town with drop-offs between 8pm and 10pm.

Includes

• English-speaking accredited local tour guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within 5km of Cape Town (if booked 2+ days in advance)
• Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
• 4 nights accommodation (option selected)
• 4 breakfasts
• South African traditional food tasting
• Entrance to Addo Elephant and Tsitsikamma National Parks
• 2-hour guided game drive in Addo National Park by tour bus
• 4x4 game drive at Botlierskop private reserve
• Route 62 wine tasting
• Cango Caves tour

Excludes

• Extra meals and drinks not listed (time available to purchase food)
• Optional bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge (approximately R1600)
• Optional Tsitsikamma waterfall zipline (approximately R600)
• Optional surfing or horseback riding at Jeffreys Bay (approximately R600 each)

Important Information

• The tour itinerary may vary to provide the best seasonal experience.
• Total travel covers approximately 1900km with 4 to 6 hours of driving per day.
• The itinerary is fast-paced, suitable for travelers with limited time.
• During peak season (mid-December to early January), there may be a 2-night stay in Jeffreys Bay instead of Addo.
• Start time is 6:45am from the DHL Cape Town Stadium meeting point near McDonald’s Green Point.
• Hotel pickups are arranged up to 90 minutes before start time if booked at least 2 days in advance.
• Optional activities depend on weather and are paid on tour.
• Leopard sightings are highly unlikely during game drives in this region.
• Accommodation is varied: backpacker lodges are usually farther from guesthouses.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

To ensure availability and preferred accommodation, book this tour at least 2 days in advance. Bring sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and cash for optional activities and meals outside the itinerary. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons for moderate weather and fewer crowds.