South Africa is a wildlife lover’s dream, with gorgeous landscapes to boot. On this 21-day adventure, you’ll visit five wildlife reserves including Addo Elephant National Park, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, plus Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and St Lucia Estuary in Eswatini. Search for lions, leopards, elephants and more, watch penguins waddling on the Cape Peninsula and see meerkats emerging at sunrise near Oudtshoorn. Aside from the abundance of wildlife encounters, you’ll hike through the forests and mountains of Drakensberg, walk a coastal trail to reach waterfall views on the Garden Route, dig into local history at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and slow it down with two nights in the winelands.
◆Addo Elephant National Park - Sunset 4WD Safari
◆Garden Route National Park - Waterfall Trail
◆Garden Route National Park - Storms River Mouth Visit
◆Plettenberg Bay - Old Nick Village Visit
◆Mossel Bay - Point of Human Origins Guided Cave Tour
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
15+
International flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
South Africa
Showing Days 1-7
14-day itinerary
Day 1Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your Garden Route adventure begins in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to explore before meeting your leader and fellow travellers. This coastal city – the largest in the Eastern Cape province – is full of beaches where you can stretch back on the sand. Or you could go for a stroll along the Summerstrand promenade to take in views of Algoa Bay, passing public art installations and plenty of spots where you can stop for coffee or gelato along the way.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your Garden Route adventure begins in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to explore before meeting your leader and fellow travellers. This coastal city – the largest in the Eastern Cape province – is full of beaches where you can stretch back on the sand. Or you could go for a stroll along the Summerstrand promenade to take in views of Algoa Bay, passing public art installations and plenty of spots where you can stop for coffee or gelato along the way.
Day 2Addo Elephant National ParkLeave Port Elizabeth and travel to Addo – a world-class wildlife destination with a remarkably varied landscape. This region is made up of five of South Africa’s nine biomes, ranging from forest in the Woody Cape area to coastal dunes on the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt. In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a sunset 4WD safari in Addo Elephant National Park. This is the only national park where you can find the southern right whale and great white shark as well as Africa's five iconic animals – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for your first glimpse of these remarkable creatures.
Addo Elephant National Park
Leave Port Elizabeth and travel to Addo – a world-class wildlife destination with a remarkably varied landscape. This region is made up of five of South Africa’s nine biomes, ranging from forest in the Woody Cape area to coastal dunes on the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt. In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a sunset 4WD safari in Addo Elephant National Park. This is the only national park where you can find the southern right whale and great white shark as well as Africa's five iconic animals – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for your first glimpse of these remarkable creatures.
Day 3TsitsikammaTravel west towards Tsitsikamma, where forest meets a rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. After arriving, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll explore the coast on foot tomorrow.
Tsitsikamma
Travel west towards Tsitsikamma, where forest meets a rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. After arriving, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. You’ll explore the coast on foot tomorrow.
Day 4TsitsikammaGet out and about to discover the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. Start by walking the short Storms River Mouth Trail. You’ll traverse coastal forest to reach the river mouth and a suspension bridge, where you can see views of the Tsitsikamma forest and the Storms River Gorge. Then, take on the Waterfall Trail, which makes up the first section of the famous Otter Trail. Follow the rocky shoreline towards a waterfall overlooking the sea, where you can pause to soak up the views.
Tsitsikamma
Get out and about to discover the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. Start by walking the short Storms River Mouth Trail. You’ll traverse coastal forest to reach the river mouth and a suspension bridge, where you can see views of the Tsitsikamma forest and the Storms River Gorge. Then, take on the Waterfall Trail, which makes up the first section of the famous Otter Trail. Follow the rocky shoreline towards a waterfall overlooking the sea, where you can pause to soak up the views.
Day 5KnysnaContinue your drive along the Garden Route, stopping in Plettenberg Bay to visit Old Nick Village. You’ll have time to have lunch and browse the locally run shops – an eclectic range of boutiques selling ceramics, beadwork, textiles and artisanal chocolate. If it’s open during your visit, you can also see textiles being made at the Mungo Weaving Mill. Then, travel to the town of Knysna, set between forested hills beside a protected lagoon. This evening, you can choose to join a sunset cruise on the lagoon. You’re likely to see African black oystercatchers – this bird can be found in the area year-round.
Knysna
Continue your drive along the Garden Route, stopping in Plettenberg Bay to visit Old Nick Village. You’ll have time to have lunch and browse the locally run shops – an eclectic range of boutiques selling ceramics, beadwork, textiles and artisanal chocolate. If it’s open during your visit, you can also see textiles being made at the Mungo Weaving Mill. Then, travel to the town of Knysna, set between forested hills beside a protected lagoon. This evening, you can choose to join a sunset cruise on the lagoon. You’re likely to see African black oystercatchers – this bird can be found in the area year-round.
Day 6OudtshoornOn the way to Mossel Bay, head to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a 4WD safari. This 6000-ha reserve is set against a backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and is home to rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, mountain zebras and the rare black impala. An impressive array of over 200 bird species can be found here. After, continue to the Point of Human Origins in Mossel Bay for a guided tour. Learn about the archaeological discoveries made in this cave and what they reveal about early human life around 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Then, travel inland to the town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo.
Oudtshoorn
On the way to Mossel Bay, head to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a 4WD safari. This 6000-ha reserve is set against a backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and is home to rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, mountain zebras and the rare black impala. An impressive array of over 200 bird species can be found here. After, continue to the Point of Human Origins in Mossel Bay for a guided tour. Learn about the archaeological discoveries made in this cave and what they reveal about early human life around 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Then, travel inland to the town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo.
Day 7OudtshoornGo on a guided tour through the limestone chambers of the Cango Caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains. Learn how the caves formed over millions of years as you pass each chamber filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some of these formations have names based on what they resemble – keep your eye out for Cleopatra’s Needle and the Dried Tobacco Leaves of Oudtshoorn. Later, you’ll have some free time to explore Oudtshoorn at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel.
Oudtshoorn
Go on a guided tour through the limestone chambers of the Cango Caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains. Learn how the caves formed over millions of years as you pass each chamber filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some of these formations have names based on what they resemble – keep your eye out for Cleopatra’s Needle and the Dried Tobacco Leaves of Oudtshoorn. Later, you’ll have some free time to explore Oudtshoorn at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel.
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Day 15Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryAfter breakfast, travel south, crossing the border into Eswatini. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll settle into your accommodation, set among the sanctuary’s ancient hardwood trees in the lush Ezulwini Valley. This afternoon, you can opt to visit a Chief Village to learn more about traditional Swazi culture and gain insight into the way of life in rural Eswatini. Try your hand at braiding lutindzi grass or grinding maize and learn a few phrases in siSwati.
After breakfast, travel south, crossing the border into Eswatini. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll settle into your accommodation, set among the sanctuary’s ancient hardwood trees in the lush Ezulwini Valley. This afternoon, you can opt to visit a Chief Village to learn more about traditional Swazi culture and gain insight into the way of life in rural Eswatini. Try your hand at braiding lutindzi grass or grinding maize and learn a few phrases in siSwati.
Day 16Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuaryThis morning is free for you to explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary at your own pace. You might like to join an optional 4WD safari to see even more wildlife. This afternoon, join an expert ranger to explore the sanctuary on foot. Venture through the grasslands, forest and mountainside in search of rhinos, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, impala and smaller critters like snakes, spiders, aardvarks and porcupines.
This morning is free for you to explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary at your own pace. You might like to join an optional 4WD safari to see even more wildlife. This afternoon, join an expert ranger to explore the sanctuary on foot. Venture through the grasslands, forest and mountainside in search of rhinos, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, impala and smaller critters like snakes, spiders, aardvarks and porcupines.
Your journey through
Saint Lucia
Day 17St LuciaLeave Mlilwane early this morning and cross the border back into South Africa, headed to the St Lucia Estuary. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, leopards, monkeys and baboons. More than 500 bird species have been recorded here, including giant kingfishers, whiskered terns and African fish eagles. When you arrive, hop on a boat cruise along the estuary and look out for wildlife in the water and along the banks.
Leave Mlilwane early this morning and cross the border back into South Africa, headed to the St Lucia Estuary. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, leopards, monkeys and baboons. More than 500 bird species have been recorded here, including giant kingfishers, whiskered terns and African fish eagles. When you arrive, hop on a boat cruise along the estuary and look out for wildlife in the water and along the banks.
Day 18St LuciaEmbark on a 4WD safari through the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, keeping watch for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, antelopes and others. Next, continue to Cape Vidal, where forested dunes meet the Indian Ocean. You’ll have some time to relax on the sand or maybe go for a refreshing swim. This evening, you’ll have dinner with a local family. Get to know each other and learn about daily life in the area as you tuck into a home-cooked meal.
Embark on a 4WD safari through the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, keeping watch for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, antelopes and others. Next, continue to Cape Vidal, where forested dunes meet the Indian Ocean. You’ll have some time to relax on the sand or maybe go for a refreshing swim. This evening, you’ll have dinner with a local family. Get to know each other and learn about daily life in the area as you tuck into a home-cooked meal.
Day 19DrakensbergSay goodbye to St Lucia and make the scenic drive towards Drakensberg, passing rolling green hills, sugarcane fields and traditional Zulu homesteads. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site to learn about his arrest here in 1962 – a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Continue the drive, watching the landscape shift from lush valleys and farmland to wide-open grasslands and dramatic rocky peaks. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. You’ll have some time to relax or stretch your legs on one of the short walking trails nearby.
Say goodbye to St Lucia and make the scenic drive towards Drakensberg, passing rolling green hills, sugarcane fields and traditional Zulu homesteads. Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site to learn about his arrest here in 1962 – a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Continue the drive, watching the landscape shift from lush valleys and farmland to wide-open grasslands and dramatic rocky peaks. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. You’ll have some time to relax or stretch your legs on one of the short walking trails nearby.
Day 20DrakensbergSet off on a full-day hike through the unforgettable landscapes of Drakensberg. Follow the Mahai Forest Loop through indigenous forest and sweeping mountain scenery, then stop at Gudu Falls. Descending into the Mahai Valley, pass through a cool forested area where the Mahai River flows. There will be plenty more spots where you can pause to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys as you hike. Return to your lodge later this afternoon.
Set off on a full-day hike through the unforgettable landscapes of Drakensberg. Follow the Mahai Forest Loop through indigenous forest and sweeping mountain scenery, then stop at Gudu Falls. Descending into the Mahai Valley, pass through a cool forested area where the Mahai River flows. There will be plenty more spots where you can pause to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys as you hike. Return to your lodge later this afternoon.
Your journey through
South Africa
Day 21JohannesburgAfter breakfast, make the drive to Johannesburg, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Johannesburg
After breakfast, make the drive to Johannesburg, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's included
Included
✓Discover Southern Africa’s incredible wildlife on foot, by boat, and on 4WD safaris. Spot giraffes, wildebeest and impala on a guided walk through Eswatini’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, search for hippos and crocodiles in St Lucia Estuary, look out for elephants in Addo, and rise early to watch wild meerkats emerge from their burrows in Oudtshoorn.
✓Spend two nights in Stellenbosch, surrounded by the mountains and vineyard-covered hills of the winelands, with a free day to explore at your own pace.
✓Discover Cape Town through an African food and storytelling experience where you'll meet local entrepreneurs and creatives, uncover the city’s history and sample a curated selection of dishes around town for a memorable dinner with your group.
✓Spend a full day exploring Kruger National Park on a 4WD safari, searching for elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and more. Then, end the day with a bush braai under the African sky.
✓Take in sweeping views in Drakensberg, where you’ll hike through indigenous forest to Gudu Falls, following the Mahai River through the valley.
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Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Addo Elephant National Park
Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma
Knysna
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn
Johannesburg
