South Africa: The Garden Route image
Save 25% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-20
Operated by G Adventures

South Africa: The Garden Route

From
CAD 2,029
Duration
9 days
Countries
South Africa
Activity
moderate

The adventure

South Africa’s legendary Garden Route comes alive on this epic nine-day adventure from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. Kick things off with a full-day safari at Addo Elephant National Park before journeying west along the stunning coast. Hike through the rugged beauty of Tsitsikamma, Robberg Nature Reserve, and Knysna, then drive the jaw-dropping Tradouw Pass to Barrydale for a curated lunch and wine tasting. Wrap up with a few blissful days in the winelands of Franschhoek, soaking in the scenery and flavours. You’ll finish this trip feeling relaxed, inspired, and ready for more adventures in Cape Town.

At a glance

Duration
9 days
Route
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) → Cape Town
Countries
South Africa
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

South Africa: The Garden Route image

Day by day

Scenic view of modern homes perched on rocky cliffs overlooking a misty ocean in George, South Africa.
Your journey through

South Africa

Day 1Welcome to South Africa and to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Exterior of striped beacon tower and houses located behind fence on sandy seacoast on cloudy gray dayGqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Welcome to South Africa and to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). In the afternoon, your CEO will provide a welcome briefing and a guided orientation around town. Later on, choose to join your new friends and CEO for an optional group dinner.
Day 2Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant…
Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Gqeberha to spend a leisurely evening on your own.
Day 3After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park
After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 4Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area
Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.
Day 5In the morning the group will visit…
In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago. Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.
Day 6Breakfast will be had at the hotel before…
Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.
Day 7Rise early for a long
Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.
Day 8Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation…
Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek’s main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.
Day 9Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this…Cape Town
Stunning landscape of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain under a bright blue sky.Cape Town
Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city’s iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. The tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town around 1:30pm.
Map showing Cape Town

Discover South Africa

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking view of Cape Town's cityscape with the iconic Table Mountain in the backdrop during sunset.
Aerial black and white view of Cape Town's cityscape with the iconic Table Mountain.
Stunning view of the Drakensberg Mountains with lush greenery under a cloudy sky in Free State, South Africa.
Peaceful sunrise reflecting over a pond with Drakensberg mountains in Himeville, South Africa.
A breathtaking view of the Blyde River Canyon's lush greenery and winding waterways in South Africa.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 25% off DSPC260620 · ends 2026-06-20 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
20 Jun 202628 Jun 2026CAD 2,029unknownBook my trip
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