Garden Route and Addo | 2025
Garden Route and Addo | 2025
Garden Route and Addo | 2025
7 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Stellenbosch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAGRMP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa with the "Garden Route and Addo" tour in 2025. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Cape Town to the stunning landscapes of the Garden Route, offering a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and culture. Experience the thrill of a safari in Addo Elephant National Park, explore the majestic Cango Caves, and relax on the world-renowned surf beaches of Jeffreys Bay. Meet adorable penguins at the SANCCOB Rehabilitation Centre and enjoy a sunrise Meerkat Safari. Discover the beauty of Tsitsikamma National Park with a hike to the Storms River Bridge, and immerse yourself in local culture with a township visit in Knysna. Indulge in wine tasting and a traditional braai in Stellenbosch, all while traveling in comfort with included transportation and accommodations at charming hotels and resorts. This tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a must for any traveler seeking the best of South Africa.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves
Location: Cape Town, Cango Caves, 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: Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha
Accommodation: Lodge
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
Accommodation: Lodge
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: Gqeberha, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, 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, Plettenberg Bay, 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
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Lodge
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
Location: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, 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
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Guided Tour of Cango Caves
An included guided tour of Africa's largest show cave system, the Cango Caves.
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Meerkat Safari
A sunrise Meerkat Safari to watch these precious creatures wake up and start their day.
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Addo Elephant National Park Safari
A safari in Addo National Park to see elephants and other wildlife.
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SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center Tour
A morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center.
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Private Game Drives
Two private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves.
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Visit to Jeffreys Bay
Chill time on Jeffreys Bay, one of the best surf spots in the world.
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Hike to Storms River Bridge
A picturesque hike to the Instagramable Storms River Bridge.
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Township Visit in Knysna
A visit to a township in Knysna to meet locals and make a positive impact.
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Group Dinner on Knysna Lagoon
A group dinner on the Knysna lagoon.
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Lunch and Free Time in Hermanus
Lunch and free time in Hermanus, a top spot for whale watching.
What's Not Included
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Optional Marine Safari
The marine safari in Plettenberg Bay is optional and not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting uShaka Marine World or renting a bike in Durban are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into South Africa and Eswatini are not included.
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
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, and potentially the Big 5 during the private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves. Additionally, you may encounter penguins at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre and various marine life such as whales and dolphins during optional marine activities.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided tour of the Cango Caves, a sunrise Meerkat Safari, a safari in Addo Elephant National Park, a visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center, two private game drives, chill time on Jeffreys Bay, a hike to Storms River Bridge, a township visit in Knysna, a group dinner on Knysna Lagoon, lunch and free time in Hermanus, learning about shark conservation, a group dinner at V&A Waterfront, and a tour of Stellenbosch's wine farms with wine tasting and a traditional South African braai.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation at the Riempie Estate in Oudtshoorn, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth in Gqeberha, Knysna Quays in Knysna, and Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town. These accommodations include centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels with access to amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included. You will travel in comfort along the scenic Garden Route with transportation between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Gqeberha, Knysna, and Hermanus using a Contiki coach or minibus equipped with AC and accompanied by a Trip Manager.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as a marine safari in Plettenberg Bay, visiting uShaka Marine World, or renting a bike in Durban. These activities are not included in the tour package.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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