Garden Route and Addo | 2024

Garden Route and Addo | 2024

115 Views
7 Days From

$1475

$1071

Garden Route and Addo | 2024

7 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town

Visiting: Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha, Private Game Reserves, Knysna, Hermanus, Cape Town

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

AAGRMA19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1475 $1071 Operator discount: -$369 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35 -27%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Ready for one of the world’s most epic road trips – where you flicker from wildlife to city life to beach life? You’ll gawp at the Cango Caves, sample the nightlife of Cape Town, and even encounter the Big 5 at some of Africa’s finest national parks. The Garden Route has everything, and you’ll experience it all on this unforgettable 7-day adventure, with a squad of fellow 18-35s.

Highlights

  • Cango Caves: Explore Africa's largest limestone cave system with stunning formations and ancient artifacts.

  • Addo Elephant National Park: Experience a safari in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, and more in their natural habitat.

  • SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre: Visit this center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured seabirds, including adorable penguins.

  • Jeffreys Bay: Relax on one of the world’s best surf spots, known for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty.

  • Tsitsikamma National Park: Hike to the iconic Storms River Bridge and enjoy kayaking in this picturesque setting.

  • Knysna: Discover the scenic beauty of the Garden Route with its coastal views and vibrant town life.

  • Stellenbosch: Explore the historic wine town, sampling fine wines and enjoying a traditional South African braai.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves

Location: Oudtshoorn

Accommodation Name: Riempie Estate (or similar)

Hello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’. Today's scenic drive goes through mountain passes, vineyards and epic desert scenery along the way.An included guided tour of Africa's LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How's that for a pitstop?Welcome to the Klein Karoo! This evening we'll check into Oudtshoorn with our first adventure on offer. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride or drive down the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner on a local farm with produce straight from the farm around you

Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park

Location: Addo Elephant National Park

Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Good morning! Let's continue heading East towards one of South Africa's most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?) That’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in our comfy (and tall!) coach in search of Africa's largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!) We'll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)

Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves

Location: Gqeberha, Private Game Reserves, Gqeberha

Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild. Later this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right? Tonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.

Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park

Location: Knysna

Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way. Known as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do. Welcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River. And then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We've got two nights here too!)

Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay

Location: Knysna

Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more. It’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg's main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood. This evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to cruise the Knysna lagoon & see the sunset onboard. Then, we'll tuck into a group dinner by the water before finishing off with a night on the town.

Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus

Abd Abo naser

Location: Knysna, Hermanus, Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views. Marine mania… We’ll have lunch and a little free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready.  And here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.

Day 7: Cape Town And Stellenbosch

Ilse Wiespointner

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

It might be our last day together but fear not, there’s still plenty planned about the Cape Winelands. And most of it revolves around food. But before that, you have the chance to hit the skies on an epic helicopter ride over the seas and peaks. After some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed. And, after a brief drive back to Cape Town for an airport/hotel drop-off, that's a wrap! You'll have the option to jump on our Cape Town Explorer trip starting this evening (that's 4 more days in the Mother City!). It’s been wild – we’re thrilled from what we’ve experienced, and we can’t wait to do it all again!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Enjoy 6 nights in comfortable hotels, including centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels, with access to amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools.

  • Fully Guided

    Expert Trip Manager, Trip Driver, and Local Guides on this tour.

  • Meals

    6 Breakfasts included.

  • Transport

    Transport is provided throughout the tour with a Contiki coach or minibus, equipped with air conditioning for comfort.

  • Cango Caves Tour

    Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system.

  • Addo Elephant National Park

    See elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Jeffreys Bay Beach

    Visit the famous beach known for its waves and natural beauty.

  • Tsitsikamma National Park

    Experience dramatic scenery and hiking opportunities.

  • Knysna Beach

    Relax on one of South Africa's best beaches.

  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour

    Explore the vineyards and history of Stellenbosch.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the start and end point of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities outside the planned itinerary, such as additional safaris or marine safaris, are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals outside of those specified, and other incidental costs are not included.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

Dining Summary

6 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

Cape Town: Why is the Garden Route so popular? The Garden Route encompasses everything you want to experience and see on a trip to South Africa. It has the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town, plenty of beaches to catch a surf or tan, wine farms to indulge in, adventurous activities on both land and sea as well as Big 5 Game Reserves to get your wildlife fix.Tsitsikamma National Park: Where does the Garden Route start and end? It’s common to start in Mossel Bay in the west and finish at Storms River in the east – but there’s no reason you couldn’t do this in reverse or start in the middle (like the rebel you are). Our Garden Route & Addo trip starts off in Cape Town. From there, we’ll board the Contiki coach and drive east to the Addo Elephant Park via Oudtshoorn. We then head south to Gqeberha before making our way back west to Hermanus via Knysna. Check the itinerary above for more info.Tsitsikamma National Park: Do I need a visa for this trip? This depends on your country of origin. In some cases, your visa is free and you can collect it when you arrive in South Africa. In others, if you’re travelling from New Zealand for example, you’ll need to arrange your visa ahead of time. Click here to find out visa requirements based on your home country.Tsitsikamma National Park: What should I pack for a Garden Route road trip? It’ll change slightly depending on what time of year you’re visiting, but some essentials will include: Your camera Comfortable shoes & clothes for walking (including a beanie, gloves and warm jacket for open-top safari drives in the winter) Your swimming costume?& towel Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses Insect repellent  A portable phone charger Binoculars (crucial for game drives to see animals in the distance) Day bag for daily activities Torch/Headlight Reusable water bottle Read our full guide to visiting Africa here.Tsitsikamma National Park: What is the best time of year to travel the Garden Route? The Garden Route summer occurs between October to April, with the best beach weather coming in December to February. July to December is Whale Season, so this is the best time to visit if you’re keen to admire the Garden Route’s awesome marine life. May - September usually sees the coolest weather, so these months are ideal for hiking, outdoor activities, and safaris.Tsitsikamma National Park: What are my chances of seeing wildlife on this trip? Excellent. We visit wildlife reserves, so you’ll have a decent chance of catching the elusive Big 5 – plus giraffes, warthogs and other famed species. You’ll also have a great chance of seeing elephants in Addo, plus the myriad marine life on our marine activities – including whales, dolphins, penguins and more.Cape Town: What transport is used on this trip? You’ll be journeying around in your very own Contiki coach or minibus, equipped with AC (for a much-needed cool down from the tropical heat.) You’ll have the company of your Trip Manager, who’ll give you all the juicy info you need about the incredible spots you see en-route. And of course, we’ll keep it groovy on the coach with some music.Cape Town: What kind of accommodation do we stay in? This Garden Route & Addo trip is studded with incredible stays. This includes centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels, with scrumptious buffet breakfasts to kickstart your day. You’ll also have access to all amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools.

Included Experience

Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa's incredible wildlife.Gqeberha: The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.Jeffreys Bay: Known for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a Contiki coach or minibus equipped with air conditioning for comfort. A Trip Manager accompanies the journey, providing insights and keeping the atmosphere lively with music.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfortable hotels, including centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels. These accommodations offer amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools, and you will start your day with scrumptious buffet breakfasts.

  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    You have a great chance of seeing elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, as well as other wildlife such as lions, buffalo, and antelope. The tour also includes visits to private game reserves where you might spot the Big 5, and marine activities offer opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and penguins.

  • What activities are included in the visit to Tsitsikamma National Park?

    In Tsitsikamma National Park, you will have the opportunity to hike to the iconic Storms River Bridge and enjoy kayaking in this picturesque setting.

  • What is the best time of year to travel the Garden Route?

    The best beach weather is from December to February, while July to December is ideal for whale watching. May to September offers cooler weather, making it perfect for hiking, outdoor activities, and safaris.

  • What should I pack for the Garden Route tour?

    Essentials include a camera, comfortable shoes and clothes for walking, a beanie, gloves, a warm jacket for open-top safari drives in winter, a swimming costume, towel, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, a portable phone charger, binoculars for game drives, a day bag for daily activities, a torch or headlight, and a reusable water bottle.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

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Monday - Sunday

Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

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Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

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Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

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Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

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May 05, 2025 - May 11, 2025
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Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

May 19, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

Monday - Sunday

Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
$1475 $1071

Operator discount: -$369

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$35

Garden Route and Addo | 2025

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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