7-day Garden Route, Winelands And Addo Small Group Combo Tour From Cape Town

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town to Sedgefield

Stop At: Kaaiman's River, Wilderness South Africa
This tour combines a 5-day Garden Route tour and a 2-day Winelands & Whale Coast tour. Subject to your departures date; you will either start with the Garden Route section or the Winelands & Whale Coast part of the combo tour.

Start with a morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town to reach the Garden Route section of the tour by early afternoon.

Paddle through the staggering scenery and abundant bird life of the Wilderness region. Wilderness features 18 kilometres of beaches cooled by sea spray, 5 lakes, 5 rivers, and 2 estuaries. Canoe in the beautiful Wilderness region (either at Kaaimans or Touws river) and watch the bird life while gliding over the water in a pure encounter with nature.
Duration: 45 minutes

Pass By: Sedgefield Lagoon Mouth, 69 Kingfisher Drive Myoli Beach, Sedgefield, Knysna 6573 South Africa
For those that savour a great night’s sleep, tonight’s end destination – the coastal town of Sedgefield or Knysna – promises just that. Sedgefield is a tranquil village and boasts the title of Africa’s slowest town. Here, life in the slow lane is the way of life. Feel the white sand between your toes. Venture into town for a more intimate dinner if your accommodation is near Wilderness or Knysna.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Sedgefield area at Afrovibe Backpackers or similar; 3-star Graywood or 4-star Knysna Quays or similar.

Day 2: Knysna - Tsitsikamma - Jeffreys Bay

Stop At: Knysna Heads, Coney Glen Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa
Pristine wild and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day. From a morning spent admiring the views from the imposing Knysna Heads to ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump and ziplining over a gushing river gorge in the Tsitsikamma forest before you get 'me-time' to traverse more lush forests via suspension bridges and hiking trails in Tsitsikamma National Park. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed.

Walk along walkways to soak in the views of Knysna from the imposing sandstone Knysna Heads nestled between forested mountains and the sea, and curving around a big lagoon.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Bloukrans Bridge, N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Choose to either bungy jump, zipline over waterfalls or explore the surrounding forests for your fix of adrenaline.

The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. The thrills don’t start when you jump, they begin as you zip line your way out to the jumping platform underneath the colossal bridge. Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go?
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Zipline Tour - Tsitsikamma, N2 Tsitsikamma, Tsitsikamma, 6308, South Africa
Zipline through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the Tsitsikamma forest. Multiple slides, of which the longest is 211 meters, zigzag along cables across the river gorge, as high as 50 meters above the water in some places (optional activity at own expense).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tsitsikamma National Park, N2, South Africa
As you head to the coastal belt, paradise-like towns such as Plettenberg Bay show why it and the Tsitsikamma National Park are favourites with holidaying locals aplenty. The short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone and you’ll likely get a thrill as fellow explorers test its swing factor.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park, Dumbleton Road, Knysna South Africa
This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma area provides the requisite photo opportunity.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jeffreys Bay at Island Vibe Backpackers or similar, 3-star Mandyville or 4-star On the Beach or similar.


Day 3: Addo Elephant National Park - Jeffreys Bay

Stop At: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
A pre-dawn wake-up call might seem hard to take at first, but trust me, it’s worth getting an early start for your Addo game drive to see even more wildlife as the bush awakes. Your guide will use their experience to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of the Big Five.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo, 335 Paterson Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6130 South Africa
You'll experience an included ±3 hour game drive in the tour bus. The original elephant section of the park was dedicated to providing a safe haven for the few wild elephants that survived government-sponsored culling in the early 20th century. The lush vegetation provides protection and a rich food source, supporting what is now the most densely populated area of wild elephants on the planet. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra and other species.
Duration: 3 minutes

Pass By: Jeffreys Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape
The early morning start means free time in the afternoon and J’Bay’s surf shop village – with its discount outlets – is perfect for shopaholics. But, if you’ve always fancied learning to surf (optional activity at own expense), then this town or the sand slopes beyond it are the places to try surfing or sandboarding (optional activity at own expense), go what about optional horseback riding or just chill out on the beach. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits for an additional fee.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Jeffreys Bay at Island Vibe Backpackers; 3-star Mandyville or 4-star On the Beach Guest House or similar.

Day 4: Jeffrey's Bay - Oudtshoorn

Stop At: Cango Ostrich Show Farm, 1954 R328 1954 R328, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
South Africa delivers on its contrasts with landscape and lifestyle as you leave the Indian Ocean shoreline behind and wind your way through the Langkloof Mountains to the arid lands of the Klein Karoo. Here, the ostrich reigns supreme. Bird-filled paddocks line the highway with colourful feather stalls and show farms around every corner as you head into Oudtshoorn. The palatial sandstone homesteads stand tall, harking back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold.

A visit to the Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: The Cango Caves, 328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Now it's time to delve deep underground into the magical Cango Caves' limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights into the formation and dripstone evolution. Or, by contrast, the Adventure Tour allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities, Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Subject to availability, return to the wild for an optional 4x4 game drive with a knowledgeable game ranger at Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve for a possible sighting of resident buffalo and giraffe (optional activity at own expense).

Stop At: Little Karoo, South Africa
The Outeniqua mountain range forms a natural barrier between the arid lands of the Klein Karoo surrounding Oudtshoorn and the coastal belt beyond. Self-proclaimed as the ostrich capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn boasts a large number of commercial and show farms and sandstone ostrich palaces that hark back to the town’s heyday when feather prices soared.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Oudtshoorn, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Oudtshoorn hospitality is second-to-none, and the serving sizes are generous. Ostrich steak or kebabs complete the experience for those with an adventurous appetite. If you have the chance to try the Karoo lamb or local ostrich, don’t be shy – they are delicious.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Oudtshoorn at Uthando Backpackers or similar; 3-star Yamkela or 4-star Buffelsdrift or Surval or similar.

Day 5: Oudtshoorn - Route 62 - Cape Town

Stop At: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities, Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
As dawn breaks in Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s sunniest town, join an optional stroll with rescued elephants along the waterhole dam wall at the Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve. Gentle giants, Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo made this their home after their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. This experience will have you following in their massive footsteps - a unique way to observe the world’s biggest land mammal as you leisurely stroll with the gentle giants (optional activity at own expense).
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Boplaas, Saayman Street Next to N2 – between Mossel Bay & George, Calitzdorp 6660 South Africa
After your morning adventure, it’s time to head back to Cape Town along the famous Route 62, modelled after America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour. Route 62 is more than just burgers and beers, farm stalls or small country towns, the highway is also the longest wine route in the Western Cape. Oenophiles will be in their element with a wine pit stop to sample local wines en route to Cape Town.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Stellenbosch Stumble Inn Backpackers or similar; 3-star Caledon Villa or 4-star Roosenwijn or similar.

Day 6: Stellenbosch - Franschhoek - Cape Aghulas

Stop At: Kayamandi Secondary School, 91 Makupula Rd, Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Morning pick-up from your accommodation in Stellenbosch to start the second Winelands & Whale Coast section of this tour combo. Visit Mama Swartbooi’s house in Kayamandi township, where you’ll be treated to rooibos tea or home-made gingerbeer and an array of local Xhosa treats such as amagwinya (vetkoek) and chakalaka. Be swept away by the stories of the diverse history of the area.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Simonsig, Kromme Rhee Road, Stellenbosch 7605 South Africa
Pop in at the picturesque Simonsig, home of the country’s first ever produced MCC. Enjoy a bubbly tasting from the masters as you take a moment to soak in the fresh country air and the beauty of the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: La Bri Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Your next destination sees you venture into the quaint town of Franschhoek for some fine wine paired with locally made chocolates. You could also opt for a bit of local flair and choose a wine and biltong pairing instead where you’ll taste how the wine flavours are enhanced by beef and game biltong.

As lunch nears, South Africa’s epicurean capital, Franschhoek, with its multitude of eateries is a must-do for gourmands and on weekends the local farmers’ market beckons with colourful stalls and tasty aromas.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Cape Agulhas - Southernmost Tip of Africa, South Africa
From the rolling fields and unending vineyards of the Winelands, you'll head to the southernmost point of Africa and the very spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide. Watch the sky burst into colour as the sun kisses the sea and spend a relaxing night at the tip of Africa.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cape Agulhas at Agulhas Backpackers;
3-star Mermaid Guest House or 4-star Agulhas Country Lodge or similar.

Day 7: Cape Agulhas - Hermanus - Bettys Bay - Cape Town

Stop At: Hermanus Cliff Path, Westcliff Rd, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200 South Africa
Wake up to the sound of the ocean in Cape Agulhas and take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air. You’ll then start the short journey to the coastal haven of Hermanus where winding ocean cliff paths await and are sure to enthral. Meander along coastal paths lined with indigenous fynbos, lulled by the crashing sounds of ocean waves against the adjacent rocky shoreline. Hermanus is also one of the best land-based whale watching locations the world, so you can look forward to trying to spot a few southern right whales during whale season from June to November. You could hop on an optional whale cruise in search of some cavorting whales, or choose to stretch those sea legs with an all-year-round optional guided sea kayaking experience. Test your grit as you glide across the open ocean and spot various wildlife. For a tamer pace, have a whale of a time in the seaside town of Hermanus, littered with curio shops and art galleries.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Stony Point Penguin Colony, Betty's Bay South Africa
The thriving African penguin colony at Betty’s Bay adds the final nature wow. Being one of the only remaining breeding grounds of the African penguin, these clumsy creatures are sure to pull on your heartstrings. Flap a wave goodbye as you head on along the scenic coastal Clarence Drive to reach Cape Town by late afternoon.
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.