Along the Garden Route
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Start of your South Africa roundtrip
After your flight to Cape Town, our local representative will meet you at the airport to welcome you. They’ll fill you in on everything you need to know for your trip along the famous Garden Route. After that, you’ll be taken to your accommodation for the next few nights. Whether you want to relax by the pool or head out and explore the city is totally up to you!
Day 3 – Cape Malay cooking class
To give you a real taste of local culture, we’ve got something special lined up for you on the second day of your Garden Route tour. In the historic Bo-Kaap district, famous for its colourful houses, you’ll dive into Cape Malay cuisine. You’ll learn about the different spices and herbs used in Malaysian cooking, then roll up your sleeves and make a few dishes yourself. The menu might include roti and samosas. And the best part? You get to enjoy everything you’ve made with the hostess afterward!
Day 4 – Explore Cape Town on your own pace: Waterfront and Robben Island
Cape Town, the Mother City, is often called the most beautiful city in South Africa – and it’s definitely the most visited! It’s a vibrant mix of Western luxury and local life, with stunning suburbs next to the lively townships. And, of course, there’s the famous Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape of Good Hope. Today, you’ve got the whole day to dive into the city at your own pace. Make sure to check out the colorful Bo-Kaap and the buzzing Waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite, sip a drink, and enjoy an incredible sunset from one of the many terraces.
Day 5 – Cape Town – Wine Region
This morning, after picking up your rental car, your South African adventure continues as you head toward the Garden Route. It’s just a short drive from Cape Town to the wine region, where you’ll find the charming town of Stellenbosch. As the heart of the wine country, Stellenbosch is not only known for its vineyards but is also one of the prettiest towns in South Africa. With its Cape Dutch and Victorian-style buildings, walking through Stellenbosch feels like stepping back in time. Since check-in isn’t until the afternoon, why not grab lunch at one of the nearby wineries? Or even better, join a wine tasting!
In the evening, it’s a great idea to head into the center of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for a cozy dinner. You can dine at one of the many charming restaurants, and if you sit on a veranda lit by lanterns, you’ll get to soak in the lively vibe of the streets.
Day 6 – Mountain biking in the Vineyards
Today, you’re in for a fun day of wine tasting by bike! We’ve got your transport to and from the starting point sorted, so you can kick back and enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving afterward. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and get ready to pedal through the beautiful countryside. You’ll leave the busy roads behind and cycle between the vineyards with a group of up to 15 people. Your guide will stop along the way to share some information about the winemaking process, all while showing you actual bunches of grapes. You’ll visit three wineries to sample their house specialties. Your taste buds are going to have a blast as soon as those glasses are poured! After the bike tour, you’ll be taken back to your guesthouse, so you can sit back and relax.
Day 7 – Along the Garden Route to Wilderness
After breakfast, it’s time to check out and head to Wilderness. Here, you’ll find stunning stretches of white sandy beaches that are perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll or for dipping your toes in the Indian Ocean. If you’re feeling adventurous and have some time, the nearby Wilderness National Park is a fantastic spot for hiking.
You’ll be staying at a cozy guesthouse just minutes from the beach, so you can easily catch a sunset stroll along the shore. This region is also famous for having some of the best food in South Africa, with plenty of local restaurants ready to satisfy your taste buds. To wrap up your day, be sure to stop by ‘Cocomo’ for a refreshing cocktail and soak in the lively atmosphere!
Day 8 – Canoeing in Wilderness
Today, it’s time to hit the water! Make sure to pack a lunch since it won’t be provided today. After breakfast, you’ll take a quick drive to the Touws River, where you’ll meet your guide and gear up with your paddles and canoe. Once you’re on the water, you’ll pick up paddling in no time and head toward the gorgeous forest, with stunning views all around you. Bird watchers beware, as the Knysna Lourie is nearby
After about forty minutes of paddling, you’ll arrive at a beach where you can pull up the canoe and continue on foot to a small waterfall. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your picnic while you listen to the calming sounds of the river. After you’ve recharged, you’ll paddle back to where you started. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a mountain bike and explore some of the nearby trails.
Day 9 – Rugged roads to Knysna
Green hills and rugged coast – that’s the Garden Route. Known for its spectacular drives through lush nature. Knysna sits right in the heart of this stunning route and will be your base for the next few days. This charming town is nestled by the lagoon and has a cozy center that’s perfect for exploring. Stroll through the Waterfront, where you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and often live music—it’s all about that vacation vibe! Your guesthouse is perched on a hill, so you’ll wake up to amazing views of the lagoon every morning.
Day 10 – Hiking in the Featherbed Nature Reserve
Get ready for a day exploring Knysna from a different angle! You’ll start with a boat ride across the Knysna lagoon. As you move away from the shore, you can enjoy the views of the town nestled in the hills. Once you arrive at the headland, it’s time to put on your hiking boots for an adventure in the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
During this two-hour hike, you’ll explore the grounds around the Knysna Heads, where the sandstone cliffs separate the lagoon from the Indian Ocean. As you walk along the coastline, you’ll catch glimpses of the bright blue water through the greenery. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view over the entire lagoon.
Day 11 – Knysna – Addo Elephant Park
Your South Africa road trip along the Garden Route is about to get even better! As you head from Knysna to Addo, be sure to check out Tsitsikamma National Park or take a refreshing swim in St. Francis Bay. Tsitsikamma is known for its stunning coastal views, and there are plenty of trails to explore.
After a quick leg-stretch, you’ll finish the drive to Addo Village, where you’ll be staying at a cosy guesthouse just outside Addo Elephant Park. Your room has a South African vibe, and there’s a nice pool to cool off in, along with a spacious garden to enjoy some nature. The main reason for your visit, however, is the Elephant Park which you will visit tomorrow.
Day 12 – Addo Elephant National Park
After a tasty breakfast the next morning, you’ll have some time to chill by the pool. Whether you grab lunch at the guesthouse or check out a cozy nearby restaurant, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. In the afternoon, it’s off to the park entrance for your exciting game drive. With around 450 elephants roaming around, you’ll have a good chance of spotting lions, zebras, or giraffes too!
Together with your ranger, you’ll be on the lookout for shiny eyes or movement in the bush. There are several scenic routes to explore, but we recommend hitting up the watering holes; those are the best spots to see animals come for a drink. If you’re lucky, you might catch some amazing moments in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Day 13 – Via Port Elizabeth to Kenton-on-Sea
Today you will make your way from Port Elizabeth to Kenton-on-Sea, where you will board a boat and travel through the lush landscape to reach the private reserve. Along the bank, a tree-covered mountainside rises steeply. Have your binoculars ready, because with a bit of luck you will see small animals or rare birds along the way. It’s like sailing through the jungle, but in Africa. Your destination is a riverside lodge in a private reserve in the seclusion of the Eastern Cape.
Here, you’ll find just ten cozy safari tents, all made from natural materials. No need to worry about comfort; these tents come with real beds and private bathrooms. Plus, since you’re on a full board plan, you’ll be welcomed with a hearty lunch as soon as you arrive!
Day 14 – Safari in the Eastern Cape
At the first light of day, you’ll wake up to the sweet sound of birds chirping. After a light breakfast, it’s time to head out with your ranger for a morning game drive. The buffalo might give you a sleepy stare while the impalas bounce away in a hurry. When you stop at a watering hole for a coffee, a couple of big, brown giraffe eyes will curiously watch you. After that, you’ll have some time to relax back at te tented camp because in the afternoon, it’s back to the bush! The great thing about this reserve is how green and hilly it is, giving you some stunning views to enjoy.
Day 15 – Back to Port Elizabeth
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the camp and the friendly staff. But not before you hop into a 4×4 jeep for one last morning safari! After breakfast, you’ll jump on a boat and cruise downstream to where the Indian Ocean meets the river. From there, you’ll make your way back to Port Elizabeth, the perfect spot to wrap up your Garden Route adventure in South Africa. You’ll stay the night in a comfy guesthouse with a pool, just a short walk from the boulevard and promenade. There are tons of great shops, restaurants, and bars nearby for you to explore. Plus, with plenty of beaches around, it’s perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a breezy beach walk!
Day 16 & 17 – Car drop of and flight back home
The next day, after your breakfast, you return your rental car and fly back home via Johannesburg or Cape Town, where you land the following morning full of impressions and memories of the Garden Route. Unfortunately, your South Africa round trip on the Garden Route is already over.
Accommodation
