Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 5-Day Safari
The Heads, Cape Town
See the best of South Africa's Western Cape on a 5-day tour from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Look for wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park and benefit from included adventure tours, such as hikes, wine tasting and canoeing in Wilderness National Park.
This 5-day guided adventure tour from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth suits active travellers interested in wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences across South Africa's Western Cape.
Highlights
- Spot the 'Big 5' animals at Addo Elephant National Park
- Canoe up the Touw River through indigenous forest in Wilderness National Park
- Explore Tsitsikamma National Park’s unique landscape
- Visit some of South Africa’s most scenic locations along the Garden Route
- Enjoy optional adventure activities like bungee jumping and skydiving
Description
Experience a well-rounded tour combining coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, local culture, and outdoor activities from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The trip includes visits to Hermanus, Cape Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Addo Elephant National Park.
Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas (Dinner)
Depart early from Cape Town heading to Hermanus, a town famous for Southern right whales during the season (July to November). Visit Betties Bay to see endangered African penguins. Continue to Cape Agulhas to see where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, staying overnight in Cape Agulhas or Struisbaai.
- Included: Penguins at Betties Bay
- Optional: Shark cage diving; whale-watching boat trip (seasonal)
Day 2: Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn (Breakfast, Dinner)
Travel scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World. Enjoy a local wine tasting and lunch at a winery before checking into accommodation on a working game farm. In the evening, tour an ostrich farm with mountain views.
- Included: Local wine tasting; Klein Karoo ostrich farm tour
Day 3: Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield (Breakfast, Dinner)
Drive over Outeniqua Mountain Pass and explore Wilderness National Park by canoe along the Touw River, followed by a walk to a waterfall and rock pools. Spend the afternoon in Sedgefield with its beaches and views.
- Included: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
Day 4: Sedgefield – Tsitsikamma – Addo (Breakfast, Dinner)
Visit Knysna Heads to view the estuary and ocean, then stop at Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest bungee jump (216 meters). Spend midday in Tsitsikamma National Park enjoying hiking, suspension bridge crossing, and swimming. Travel to Addo Elephant National Park in the afternoon.
- Included: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
- Optional: Bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge
Day 5: Addo Elephant National Park – Port Elizabeth (Breakfast)
Explore Addo Elephant National Park for 2-3 hours, viewing elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and more. After the morning safari, transfer to Port Elizabeth for drop-off.
- Included: Addo park entrance and 2-3 hour vehicle safari
- Optional: 2-hour open vehicle game drive with a field guide
Includes
- Experienced guide
- Pickup in Cape Town and surrounding areas
- Drop-off in Port Elizabeth only
- Air-conditioned transportation
- 4 nights accommodation (backpacker or guesthouse options)
- Dinners and breakfasts (except Day 5)
- Local wine tasting
- Klein Karoo ostrich farm tour
- Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
- Game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park
- Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Community support contribution to local charitable projects
Excludes
- Bungee jump (216 meters/709 feet)
- Tandem skydive (3,050 meters/10,000 feet)
- Whale and dolphin watching (in season)
- Shark cage diving
- 2-hour early morning open vehicle game drive at Addo Elephant National Park
- Meals on Day 5
- Lunches
Important Information
- Pickup available from locations in Cape Town
- Tour runs in a malaria-free area
- Group sizes: 4 to 12 persons
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- No participants under 14 years; private tours available on request
- Departs every Monday, year-round
- Active tour suited to those comfortable with walking, carrying luggage, and frequent vehicle transfers
- Group includes backpackers and guest house clients; maximum age 65 with good fitness
- Tour fee varies by accommodation choice
- Shark cage diving clients are picked up early and miss the first half of Day 1
- Itinerary order may vary
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Book in advance to secure preferred accommodation. Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. The best time to visit for whale watching is July to November.
