Garden Route, Karoo and Addo

The best of South Africa in 9 days

9 days
Overview

Garden Route, Karoo and Addo

Starting from Cape Town, this tour takes you along the famous Route 62 through the spectacular Cape Winelands to Oudtshoorn, with its Cango Caves and ostrich farms. Across the Klein Karoo and the Garden Route, you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, primeval forests, and the magic of Tsitsikamma National Park. In Knysna, explore lagoons and the Featherbed Nature Reserve, home to rare species. The journey continues along the southern coast to Hermanus and Cape Agulhas, where you can spot whales (in season) and admire the southernmost point of Africa. The itinerary concludes with a return to Cape Town via Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, through vineyards, orchards, and stunning scenery.
Price:
starting from

Euro 2.050

BOOK
Days
9 days
Tour language
English, German
Countries
South Africa
Route
From Cape Town to Cape Town
Tour type
Family / small group
Accomodation
Hotels and lodges
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Graaff-Reinet Hermanus 2 Hermanus Oudtshoorn Cape Town

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival, Cape Town
Your African adventure begins in Cape Town, South Africa’s most captivating city. The first day takes you through the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands along Route 62, the world’s longest and most scenic wine route. From the window, postcard-perfect landscapes unfold, with charming towns and fertile vineyards stretching to the horizon. After lunch in one of the picturesque villages along the way, you’ll have time to enjoy a wine tasting at a renowned estate (optional). The final destination is Oudtshoorn, the world capital of ostriches, nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains, also known for its local wine and brandy production. Meals: not included.
Day 2 Oudtshoorn
In the morning, those interested can take an optional excursion to get up close with meerkats. After breakfast, explore the Cango Caves, a 20-million-year-old cave system considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Followed by lunch at a local farm (not included) and an interactive visit to an ostrich farm. Time permitting, you may visit a school supported by the farm as a community project. In the afternoon, an optional visit to the CP Nel Museum is recommended, where fascinating exhibits tell the story of the ostrich feather trade in the Victorian era and the city’s development. Evening free to explore Oudtshoorn and choose a local restaurant for dinner. Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner not included).
Day 3 Graaff-Reinet
After breakfast, leave the arid Klein Karoo and travel through Meiringspoort to Graaff-Reinet, the oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest in South Africa. Visit the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park, where towering rocks offer breathtaking views of a volcanic valley and the chance to spot black eagles or Kori bustards. The park is also home to Cape zebras, kudu, and endangered buffalo. Evening in Graaff-Reinet, sampling local Karoo cuisine. Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner not included).
Day 4 Graaff-Reinet and Zuurberg Mountains
After breakfast, further explore Graaff-Reinet, including the “Victory Peace Angel” sculpture and the city’s historic churches, such as St James’ Anglican Church, founded in 1850. Next, head to the Zuurberg Mountains within the Greater Addo Mountain Range. The village near Addo Elephant Park, with over 160 years of history, allows visitors to fully appreciate the park’s grandeur and beauty. Meals: breakfast and dinner (lunch not included).
Day 5 Addo Elephant National Park
A full day dedicated to a safari in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa’s third largest national park. The park is home to the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), as well as zebras and various antelope species. With 95 mammal species and 417 bird species, it is a true wildlife haven. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park
After breakfast, continue along the spectacular Garden Route through coastal landscapes and indigenous forests to Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned for its natural beauty. At the park entrance, enjoy a viewpoint overlooking the ocean and a deep green gorge. A short walk leads to the famous Storms River suspension bridge. After lunch (not included) in the forest, proceed to Knysna, famous for its inland lagoons and the impressive Knysna Heads sandstone cliffs. The day concludes with a sunset cruise, sampling fresh oysters and observing marine life at the river mouth, from flying kingfishers to the call of the fish eagle, a symbol of the area. Dinner and overnight in hotel: not included
Day 7 Featherbed Nature Reserve and Knysna
After breakfast, take an optional ferry (at own expense) to Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. The reserve hosts conservation programs for the endangered Knysna seahorse and blue duiker, the world’s smallest antelope. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with species such as the paradise crane and the colorful Knysna turaco. Enjoy lunch in the reserve, then explore the indigenous forests and admire panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and turquoise lagoon waters. With luck, you may spot dolphins or, in season, whales. In the afternoon, explore Knysna’s art galleries, craft markets, gin distilleries, and bistros. The Thesen Island marina is ideal for relaxing and soaking in the town’s atmosphere. Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner not included)
Day 8 Swellendam, Cape Agulhas and Hermanus
After breakfast, depart for Hermanus via Cape Agulhas, stopping in Swellendam. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and founded in 1745, Swellendam is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture, with over 50 historical sites. In a thriving wine region, it is also renowned for jams, sauces, and artisanal liqueurs; enjoy a tasting and a leisurely lunch (at own expense). Continue to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent. At the Map of Africa Monument, see the official line separating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and visit the lighthouse with its museum. Continue to Hermanus, famous for whale watching (in season) and its stunning natural beauty. Nestled between the majestic Overberg Mountains and the turquoise Indian Ocean, the town offers a magical atmosphere. Afternoon dedicated to whale watching or exploring the town. Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner not included).
Day 9 Cape Town via Franschhoek and departure
Start the final day with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Franschhoek through the Overberg Mountains, Villiersdorp, and the Franschhoek Mountain Pass, renowned for spectacular views. Villiersdorp is the only place in South Africa where sweet, honey-flavored persimmons are cultivated, amidst orchards producing apricots, peaches, apples, pears, and nectarines. Franschhoek is a historic town famous for exceptional wines and gourmet cuisine. Stop for lunch (at own expense). On the return to Cape Town, pass the Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela was held, and make a brief stop in Stellenbosch before arriving in Cape Town, concluding this unforgettable South African adventure. Meals: breakfast (lunch and dinner not included).

Includes

Guided tour with an English- and German-speaking guide, accommodation in hotels and lodges, meals and activities as per itinerary.

Does Not Include

Flights to/from South Africa, airport taxes, transfers to/from the airport, optional excursions, travel cancellation, medical and baggage insurance (mandatory), tips, personal expenses, and anything not expressly mentioned under “Includes.”

Important

Participation prices are updated at the time of publication. Please contact our Travel Designers to check for any changes and to find out whether special offers or promotions are currently available.

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