Cape Town - Oudtshoorn (Join a 5-day Garden Route group tour)

Garden Route - This 7-day tour combines a 5-day Garden Route tour with 2 day tours near the Cape Town area. Depending on availability, your combo package may begin with either the 5-day tour or a day tour.

If you start with the 5-day tour, your morning pickup service will commence between 6 am and 8 am (depending on your exact location) from your accommodation in Cape Town, aiming to reach the Garden Route area by the afternoon.

Please Note > This itinerary serves as a guideline, as your trip may need to run in reverse or a different order based on seasonal or operational availability.

Ashton Winery - Early morning pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between 6 to 8 am, subject to traffic and your drop-off address). You will receive your pickup time a day before.

Embark on this epic road trip, journeying through ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape. Navigate through mountain passes and prepare for Route 62, modeled after America’s famous Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavor and known as the longest wine route in the world. Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – it showcases local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters, and world-class wines. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a Wine Tasting stop to sample some local produce about midway to your overnight stop.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities - Conclude the day with a journey through rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, located in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Those seeking a close encounter with nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Walk at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve. Follow elephant guides as you observe three rescued elephants; Jabari, Malaika, and Bulelo, in their natural habitat near a waterhole. These elephants were orphaned when their parents were poached in northern South Africa. To keep the family together, they were relocated to Buffelsdrift, bringing their lively personalities with them. You are welcome to take pictures from a distance and ask the guides any questions as you observe these gentle giants.

Oudtshoorn - Spend the evening at leisure in the countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Your guide can assist in booking a restaurant or join the backpacker’s group to taste local delights, such as ostrich “sosaties” (kebabs) and “pot brood” (bread cooked on open flames) at this optional ‘braai’ barbecue experience at an extra cost. Enjoy a peaceful evening relaxing at your accommodation around a crackling fire or under the vast twinkling starry night sky.

=== Accommodation included - subject to availability and stay package option selected:
Saver/Dorm> Uthando Backpackers,
3Comfort > 88 Baron van Reede guesthouse,
4Luxe > Hlangana Lodge (ask to upgrade to Buffelsdrift)

Oudtshoorn - Addo

Cango Ostrich Show Farm - Wake up in Oudtshoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t noticed from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colorful feather stalls on the way to the town center, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm offers a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s largest bird up close and test the toughness of the shells.

The Cango Caves - Head to the mountains to explore 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 from your guide into the formation and dripstone evolution. Alternatively, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist, and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a more adventurous underground route.

Addo Elephant National Park - Jeffreys Bay

Addo Elephant National Park - Rise early to visit Addo Elephant National Park to see wildlife as the bush awakens. Your guide will use local knowledge to locate the park’s big game animals while expertly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals.

You’ll experience an included ±2-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, zebra, and other species.

Jeffreys Bay - The early morning start allows for 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 wanted to learn to surf (optional activity at your own expense), then this town or the sand slopes beyond it are the places to try surfing or horseback riding on the beach (optional activity at your own expense) or just relax on the beach. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits for an additional fee.

End the day with dinner at the backpackers’ accommodation or a night out at a local seafood restaurant, listening to the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore.

=== Accommodation included - subject to availability and stay package option selected:
Saver/Dorm > Island Vibe Backpacker,
3Comfort > Sea Whisper Guesthouse,
4 Luxe > On The Beach

Tsitsikamma - Knysna - Wilderness

Bloukrans Bridge - Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day… from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtaking ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge, and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the “garden” of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenaline junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world… 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?

For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls, and slide down one impressive gorge.

Tsitsikamma National Park - For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls, and slide down one impressive gorge.

Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park - 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 National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall, and sandy beach are waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths.

Knysna Heads - As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favorite with holiday-goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.

Botlierskop or Mossel Bay - N2 - Cape Town

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop near a seaside village called Mossel Bay. Choose to do another optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive (if you’ve not seen many animals in the Addo National Park, this gives yet another option to spot most of the Big 5 animals on safari) at this nearby private game reserve.

After ticking off the region’s must-do bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route, journey back to the Cape and end with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation at about 8 pm to 10 pm (subject to traffic and your drop-off address).

=== Accommodation included - subject to availability and stay package option selected:
Saver/dorm> Never@Home Backpackers,
Comfort> Protea Sea Point or similar,
Deluxe> Victoria Junction Hotel or similar.

Cape Winelands (Join a guided group tour)

Stellenbosch - Join an outsourced Cape Winelands small group day tour to visit at least 3 wine estates: including a selection of Dieu Donné, Simonsig, Mitre’s Edge, Middle Vlei, Vergenoegd, and more - subject to your specific departure day.

Your guide will collect you from selected hotels in the Cape Town city area (around 8 am-9 am).

On Mondays and Tuesdays, explore two wine estates in the stunning Franschhoek region, stroll through this charming town (led by your local wine guide), and after a delicious lunch in this self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, you’ll be whisked away to a third wine estate in the Stellenbosch region. Here, you’ll enjoy a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate - From Wednesdays to Sundays, you’ll explore two amazing estates in the historic Stellenbosch region, renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture and pivotal role in South Africa’s wine scene. Indulge in vineyard tours, an informal cellar tour, and, when available in harvest times; barrel tastings. And for lunch, enjoy a delightful traditional South African lunch paired with exceptional wines. Then you’ll also visit a third wine estate for a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

After up to 15+ wine tastings, visiting 3 different wine estates, your winelands exploration day will come to an end, heading back to arrive in the Cape Town region by late afternoon (± 5:30 to 6:30 pm - subject to traffic or the group itinerary timings).

=== Accommodation included - subject to availability and stay package option selected:
Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpacker,
3 Comfort> Protea Sea Point,
4 Luxury > Victoria Junction Hotel

Cape Point (Join a guided group tour)

Chapman’s Peak Drive - Join a Cape Point small group day tour (outsourced tour)

Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Hout Bay, an unassuming fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the chance to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island, just a short cruise from shore. For those without their sea legs, rather explore the local harbor market and snap Instagram-worthy pics of colorful fishing boats.

Hout Bay - As you leave Hout Bay behind, you’ll take on a staggering 114 mind-blowingly beautiful bends – stretching over nine jaw-dropping kilometers. Chapman’s Peak road, or Chappies to the locals, is touted as one of the world’s most scenic drives – and with good reason. Rugged mountains face off with the Atlantic and the roadway, an incredible feat of engineering, cuts a swathe right through and provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic below.

Cape of Good Hope - Chappies sets the scene for the afternoon’s adventuring as you venture onwards to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness literally collide and create a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with greenish fringes of fynbos. This is a place to pay tribute to ancient seafarers of old like Bartolomeu Dias (who discovered the Cape of Good Hope back in 1488) and pioneers, like Vasco da Gama, who journeyed through these treacherous waters from Portugal to India.

Indigenous fauna lines narrow winding pathways en route to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views well worth the climb. Local wildlife – ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species, including bontebok – keep the journey interesting and add plenty of postcard moments for the shutterbugs. On the hillside, an optional funicular eases the journey for those that want to reach the top of the lighthouse.

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - As the day lengthens, travel to Simon’s Town, perched on the shores of False Bay and the home of the South African Navy. Just a few minutes to the south lies Boulders Beach, a comely stretch of sand littered with granite. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins who strut their stuff in their black and white feathered finery to the delight of the crowds that gather to watch. Boardwalks separate man from bird and provide the perfect vantage point to see these cute creatures.

You’ll return to Cape Town by late afternoon to early evening from about 5 pm (but can also be later due to traffic or delays). Please do not book any flights or make specific arrangements for the first or last day of this group tour.

• Adventure tour of Cango Cave and Ostrich Farm tour
• Accommodation for 6 nights
• Cape of Good Hope entrance fee
• Hotel pickup within 10km area of Cape Town central or Stellenbosch centre
• Breakfast
• Route 62 wine tasting
• 1 day Cape Winelands Tasting tour
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Local English-speaking professional tour guide
• Game Drive in van at Addo Park
• Drop-off after tour to your original pickup address

• Some meals and drinks as listed on itinerary. Time is available daily to buy and enjoy meals on tour
• Optional activities (as per itinerary)

Embark on a week-long escapade along South Africa’s south-eastern coastline, starting from Cape Town. Experience unparalleled beauty of this coastal haven with an expert guide: trek through time-worn forests, view threatened species in wildlife conservation areas and National Parks, paddle through unspoiled waters, enjoy surfing at Jeffreys Bay and unwind on virgin white-sand beaches. Savor local wines in the renowned Cape Winelands and travel south along the scenic Cape Whale Route to reach Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa. This journey blends guided tours and a range of optional activities such as bungy jumping and zip-lining over waterfalls, offering you the flexibility to customize the trip to match your sense of adventure.

• Daily drive time: about 4 to 6 hours during group tours / in total about 2000 km route. This packed, fast-paced itinerary is filled with many of the best highlights the area has to offer. Ideal for the young-at-heart, this trip will have you driving along the coast and inland for most of the journey with stops.
• Minimum age is 8 years. Children between 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room
• Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to book in Dorm room packages
• According to availability at time of booking, accommodation will be in the mentioned hotel or in one of a similar standard and star rating
• It is recommended that you bring: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, jacket for cooler evenings, beach towel and swimming costume
• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasions, run in reverse order
• Guides and vehicles will vary as this is a combination of two standard tours.
• The tour operator already pre-booked space at all optional activities for the group and you can simply decide on the first day of the tour if you’ll partake. Optional activities can only be paid on the tour directly to the supplier. Bungy jump optional activity waiting time can vary from 1 to 2 hours and is subject to group size and how busy it is during the time visited. Optional activities are subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
• Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended
• Some meals and drinks are not included on most tours; giving the ideal opportunity to experience typical South African meals (or your own preference) at local restaurants, shops or eating spots. Do check your tour’s specific included and excluded section to verify the included meals for your tour package. You’ll have free time scheduled daily to buy and enjoy meals. – Breakfast is mostly enjoyed at the accommodation’s breakfast room/restaurant in the morning. Bed & Breakfast multi-day packages include breakfast for each overnight stay. – Lunch will be en-route with limited time & limited options to choose from. – Dinner-time during multi-day tours is scheduled in free-time after each day’s tour schedule. You can dine out at leisure; or book meals with your guide at the overnight accommodation that day. Your guide can recommend the best local restaurants, or most backpackers even have communal kitchens to prepare your own food - should you wish to buy the ingredients after the tour to prepare your own meals.
• *Muratie’s chocolate wine pairing experience has been discontinued , and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
• Accommodation stay packages will overnight in different properties, each listed in the itinerary. Backpackers are usually far away from guesthouses / lodges.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.