6 Day Garden Route and Addo Tour

Overview

An unforgettable Garden Route holiday, exploring Addo Elephant Park, Cape Agulhas, Tsitsikamma National Park, and more.

Highlights

  • Whale watching in Hermanus
  • Explore Tsitsikamma's lush indigenous forests
  • Visit the Southern tip of Africa
  • Canoe along the tranquil Touw River in Wilderness National Park
  • Big 5 safari in Addo Elephant Park

Description

An extraordinary 6-day Garden Route holiday that perfectly blends adventure with wildlife encounters.

Kick off your escapade in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where the majestic Table Mountain sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. Embark on a scenic drive to Hermanus, where you’ll be enchanted by Betty’s Bay penguins and captivated by the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.

Journey through the arid beauty of the Little Karoo along Route 62, leading to Oudtshoorn, the renowned Ostrich Capital. Take delight in local wines and explore a working ostrich farm. Explore Wilderness National Park as you glide upstream in a canoe for a revitalizing swim beneath a waterfall. Next, venture into Knysna with its picturesque views and charming shops.

Hike through the Tsitsikamma National Park, home to ancient forests. Take part in thrilling adventures like the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. Encounter Africa’s wildlife at Addo Elephant Park, where the herds of elephants roam freely against the backdrop of rugged landscapes. Indulge in the coastal delights of Mossel Bay, from pristine beaches to exhilarating activities like sandboarding and skydiving.

Your tour concludes in Cape Town, leaving behind cherished memories and newfound friends.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

  • Accommodation:
    - 5 Nights Lodge
  • Meals:
    - 4 breakfasts - 4 dinners
  • Qualified guide
  • Transport in air-conditioned 12-seater mini bus
  • Entrance fees to national parks
  • Included activities:
  • - Penguins at Betty's Bay- Wine tasting- Hiking in Wilderness National Park- Canoeing- Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park- Addo Elephant Park game drive in tour vehicle

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Gratuities / Tips
  • Entrance fees (associated with add-on activities)
  • Add-on activities:
  • - Shark cage diving- Whale watching- Cycling- Bungy jump- Addo Elephant game drive in open safari vehicle- Skydiving- Sandboarding- Zipline

ITINERARY

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DAY 1 Cape Town To Cape Agulhas

South Africa

Join us on an incredible journey departing from the vibrant city of Cape Town early on Monday morning.

Our first stop takes us to the Betty’s Bay where we will visit endangered African penguins. Next we head to the picturesque town of Hermanus. This seaside town comes alive with the presence of Southern Right Whales between July and November and is also known for its charming restaurants and markets. We continue our adventure to the southernmost tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas where we will spend the night.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Cape Agulhas / Struisbaai

Backpacker or Guesthouse

Included Activities

Penguins at Betty's Bay

Add-on Activities

Shark cage diving
Whale watching
Cycling

Important:

If you book the shark cage dive you will be picked up early in the morning by the shark dive tour operator, resulting in missing the first half of Day 1. This means you will skip the African Penguin Colony visit as well as Hermanus.

 

Add-on activity prices: (subject to change – use as guideline)

Shark cage diving: ZAR 3600 per person

Whale watching boat trip (Jul – Nov): ZAR 1320 per person

Cycle / E-bike to the southern tip of Africa: ZAR 280 per person

DAY 2 Cape Agulhas To Oudtshoorn

South Africa

Leaving the coast, we venture into the Little Karoo making our way to Oudtshoorn, known as the Ostrich capital of the world. We stop for lunch and enjoy wine tasting at one of the local wine farms.

After checking into our accommodation, we end the day with an insightful tour of the Klein Karoo ostrich farm.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Oudtshoorn

Backpacker or Guesthouse

Included Activities

Wine tasting

DAY 3 Oudtshoorn To Sedgefield

South Africa

Continuing our journey, we descend the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountain pass.

Our next stop is the Wilderness National Park, where we enjoy a canoe trip through indigenous forests. Following a leisurely paddle, we leave our canoes behind and take an easy hike along the forest board walk to arrive at a waterfall.

This afternoon we explore Sedgefield, enjoying a relaxing end to the day.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Sedgefield

Backpacker or Guesthouse

Included Activities

Hiking in Wilderness National Park
Canoeing

DAY 4 Sedgefield To Addo

South Africa

Today we head to the popular tourist hub of Knysna. After taking in the panoramic views of the renowned Knysna Heads we stop at Bloukrans Bridge known for the world’s highest bungee jump. For the adrenaline junkies, feel free to “dive” into this exhilarating experience.

Our next stop is Tsitsikamma National Park. This park offers something for everyone, from hiking trails to suspension bridges and refreshing swimming spots.

In the afternoon, we’ll say goodbye to the Garden Route and head to Addo, your Big 5 safari destination.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Addo Area

Backpacker or Guesthouse

Included Activities

Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park

Add-on Activities

Bungy jump

Important:

Add-on activity prices: (subject to change – use as guideline)

Bloukrans bungee jump: ZAR 1490 per person

DAY 5 Addo To Wilderness

South Africa

This morning we head out on our game drive through Addo Park – home to Africa’s Big 5 and well-known for its large herds of elephants. We spend 2-3 hrs exploring the park which is also home to lions, black rhinos, Cape buffalo, zebra, and many more animals so have your cameras ready!

After an exciting morning of game viewing we head back to Wilderness, the heart of the Garden Route.

Meals

None

Accommodation

Wilderness

Backpacker or Guesthouse

Included Activities

Addo Elephant Park game drive in tour vehicle

Add-on Activities

Addo Elephant game drive in open safari vehicle

Important:

Add-on activity prices: (subject to change – use as guideline)

2-hour open vehicle game drive with Addo field guide: ZAR 460 per person

 

DAY 6 Wilderness To Cape Town

South Africa

Following breakfast, we visit Mossel Bay, allowing us to explore its pristine beaches, traverse the Cape St. Blaize trail with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and visit the Diaz Museum.

For the thrill-seekers, options like a 10,000-foot skydive, sandboarding, or a zipline over the ocean are on the menu.

Leaving the Garden Route we head back to Cape Town where our tour ends in the early evening.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

None

Add-on Activities

Skydiving
Sandboarding
Zipline

Important:

Add-on activity prices: (subject to change – use as guideline)

Sky diving: ZAR 3150 per person (extra ZAR 980 for video)

Sandboarding: ZAR 500 per person

Ocean Zipline: ZAR 800 per person

ACCOMMODATION

Dorm

Backpacker

Guesthouse

This tour offers a range of accommodation – from vibrant backpackers to luxury guest houses.

For backpackers, take your pick from mixed-gender dorm rooms (from 2 -12 sleeper rooms) or choose a private en suite backpacker room. Guesthouses provide private en suite rooms.

Both backpackers and guest houses offer single, double, or twin options. All accommodation options provide bedding and towels.

The accommodations usually don’t offer heating or air conditioning (not often needed in South Africa), however you can ask for a fan or extra blankets if needed.

Backpackers exude a social vibe, often featuring bars or bonfire areas, making them perfect for those seeking a lively atmosphere. Despite their budget-friendly nature, our South African backpackers maintain a consistently high standard. For those desiring a more private and luxurious experience, our guest houses provide a tranquil escape. Approximately 80% of our guests opt for the backpackers, while 20% choose to stay at guest houses.

Throughout the tour, both backpackers and guest house clients travel together in the same comfortable vehicle.

On Days 2 and 4, backpacker and guesthouse clients will stay at the same working game farm near Oudtshoorn and a citrus farm near Addo, respectively. Backpackers enjoy cozy basic rooms, while guest house clients indulge in more lavish accommodations.

While we often revisit the same fantastic lodges, flexibility is our mantra. We prioritize availability and suitability for varying group sizes, ensuring your comfort on this unforgettable South African adventure.

Room Descriptions:

  • Backpacker Dormitory: Rooms and bathrooms are communal, accommodating 2-12 guests. Dorms may be mixed gender, and kindly note that guests under 18 are not permitted in dorms.
  • Backpacker Single En-suite: A private room designed for solo travelers. This room comes with an en-suite bathroom.
  • Backpacker Double En-suite: Perfect for pairs, a private room with one bed and an en-suite bathroom.
  • Backpacker Twin En-suite: A private room for two, with separate beds and an en-suite bathroom.
  • Guest House Single En-suite: A Bed & Breakfast experience with a private room designed for solo travelers. This room comes with an en-suite bathroom.
  • Guest House Double En-suite: A Bed & Breakfast experience with a private room designed for pairs. This room comes with an en-suite bathroom.
  • Guest House Twin En-suite: A Bed & Breakfast experience with a private room designed for two. This room comes with separate beds and an en-suite bathroom.

The following lodges are typically used. Please note that these are booked for guests according to availability and can sometimes change so please use as a guideline.

Backpacker Accommodation:
Struisbaai/L’Agulhas: Cape Agulhas Backpackers
Oudtshoorn: Chandelier Game Lodge (log cabins)
Sedgefield: Afrovibe Beach House or Pili Pili Beachfront Accommodation
Addo Area: Avoca River Cabins
Wilderness: Wilderness beach House Backpackers

Guesthouse Accommodation:
Struisbaai/L’Agulhas: Chateau de Marine
Oudtshoorn: Chandelier Game Lodge (luxury tents)
Sedgefield: Intoto Retreat
Addo Area: Avoca River Cabins
Wilderness: Moontide Guest Lodge or Dolphin Dunes

TOUR MAP

IMPORTANT INFO

What to Expect

  1. Flexibility is Key: Your itinerary should be used as a guide because, well, this is Africa! Rest assured, every adjustment is made with the group’s best interests in mind.
  2. Accommodation Considerations: While we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. 
  3. Road Conditions: Please be mindful that road conditions can vary significantly. While some routes may offer smooth travel, factors like weather, road quality, and traffic congestion can influence our travel time.
  4. All-Weather Adventure: Our tours operate year-round, so be prepared for any weather conditions, from scorching heat to chilly nights. Pack accordingly!
  5. Tour Style: If you love experiencing new places and are up for a bit of adventure, you’re in the right place! Our Garden Route tours involve walking, carrying luggage, and hopping in and out of vehicles so please consider this when booking this tour. 
  6. Embrace Diversity: Travellers from all over the world join this tour, so there will be different ages, backgrounds, and cultures. The group typically consists of 4-12 travelers predominantly from Europe, America, Canada, and Australia. It’s the perfect tour for solo adventurers, small groups of friends, or couples seeking adventure. Take this opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers and discover the unique stories they bring along.
  7. Age requirements: This tour attracts a mix of backpacker and guest house clients. We welcome guests as young as 14, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We also accommodate individuals up to 65 years old on this tour, ensuring they are fit and healthy for an enjoyable experience. In general, we find that people in their 30’s book this tour. 

Start & End Point Information

On this 6 day tour we pick clients up from any hotel, guesthouse or backpackers in Cape Town central (CBD, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, Rondebosch, Woodstock, Observatory) as well as Cape Town International Airport.

If you are staying outside of the listed areas, you will need to meet the group at the nearest meeting points as listed below:

  • Bootleggers, 185 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre (closest to Bloubergstrand or Milnerton)
  • Vida e Café, 41 Main Rd, Rondebosch (closest to Hout Bay, Muizenberg or Constantia)
  • Woolworths Waterstone Village, Corner of R 44 &, Main Road, Somerset West (closest to Stellenbosch)

The pick up time in Cape Town is usually between 6:00 and 7:30 am in Cape Town and approx. 8:00 am in Somerset West.

We will email you the exact pick up time with your guides name and contact number a few days before your tour departs. Note that traffic can be unpredictable so please allow 15 min leeway.

Your guide will wait up to 10 min after your arranged pick up time, but if you do not show up your guide will need to continue to pick up other guests.

Your guide can drop you off at the same locations mentioned above. The tour usually arrives in Cape Town between 17:00 and 20:00 pm on Saturday evening.

We do recommend that you arrive at least one day before your scheduled tour departure date. This minimizes the risk of unexpected challenges. We also strongly advise booking your return flights for the day after the official tour end date to avoid potential delays and last-minute changes. If however you have time constraints and need to fly out the same day that your tour ends please let your consultant know to make sure the flight times can work.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Detour Africa is here to arrange a seamless experience, including pre and post-tour accommodation, as well as convenient airport transfers. Please ask your consultant for assistance.

Emergency Contacts

If you have an emergency (for eg. your flight has been delayed, you are running late for your tour departure or you missed your incoming flight), you can call the emergency number listed on your confirmation document or you can get in touch with us via:

WhatsApp message: +27 60 018 6293
Call us: +27 21 424 1115

Passports & Visa Requirements

PASSPORTS

Ensure your passport has sufficient pages for all required visas, with a minimum of 2 clear pages for each country you’ll be visiting. Note that South Africa requires 2 clear pages upon entry, especially crucial if you plan to fly home from South Africa after touring multiple African countries.

Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date from Africa. It’s wise to keep a copy at home or with friends. Consider taking a photo of your passport and its contents, and emailing it to yourself for added security.

Using more than one passport (to avoid visa payments) is not advisable. For example, when entering another country, the immigration official must see the exit stamp for South Africa in the same passport for entry clearance.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

It is your responsibility to secure any necessary visas for your upcoming trip. Visa requirements differ based on your nationality and destination so please contact the various embassies or visa service agencies to check visa requirements. We also advise that you recheck visa requirements at least four weeks before departing for your tour as regulations can change.

Detour Africa will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in possession of the relevant visas.

Ensure a smooth journey by having a valid onward or return flight or proof of alternative transportation to depart from the country where your tour ends. Alternatively, show proof of sufficient funds, such as a credit card, enabling you to purchase an air ticket for your departure.

Here is a useful link to check your visa requirements. Travel Visa Checker

These are subject to updates and may vary based on your nationality so please double check this information directly with the embassies for each country.

Medical & Health Requirements

VACCINATIONS

For the most accurate and up-to-date vaccination requirements, we strongly advise consulting with your doctor or a travel clinic. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health history, ensuring you receive the most relevant and current information to stay protected during your travels. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to embark on your African adventure fully prepared and in good health.

COVID-19

Detour Africa and our suppliers have implemented stringent COVID-19 protocols to prioritize your health and safety. While we diligently adhere to guidelines, it’s essential for clients to actively comply with each visited country’s requirements. Clients bear responsibility for their documentation, and we will not be liable if you are denied access to a country due to non-compliance.

In the unfortunate event of a client contracting COVID-19 during the tour, it’s important to note that all associated expenses, including testing, medical costs, hospitalization, and quarantine accommodation, will be the client’s responsibility. Additionally, no refunds will be issued for unused tour nights and services in such cases.

To maintain a secure and enjoyable experience for all, any guest not adhering to the established protocols may face expulsion from the tour. We emphasize the importance of securing adequate travel and medical insurance before arrival, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind throughout your journey.

MALARIA

The garden route is a malaria-free area, so no anti-malaria precautions are necessary. We do however recommend that you bring insect repellent if you are travelling in summer.

Insurance

Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement. Your guide will request your policy number before the tour begins so please keep your insurance details handy when starting your tour. Ensure that your travel and medical insurance covers both cancellation and emergency evacuation in case of serious illness or injury, especially considering our tours often venture far from well-equipped hospital facilities. It’s important to note that credit card insurance might not offer sufficient coverage, so we strongly recommend obtaining a separate travel insurance policy for comprehensive protection.

Many of our customers opt for World Nomads Travel Insurance and highly recommend their services. While we’re not directly affiliated with World Nomads, we do encourage you to explore their offerings to secure a reliable insurance solution for your journey.

Luggage Requirements

On this tour you are allowed one suitcase or backpack which is limited to a size of 67 cm (26 in) x 45 cm (18 in), and you may also bring a smaller carry-on bag which is limited to a size of 48 cm (19 in) by 32 cm (13 in).

You should be able to comfortable carry your luggage by yourself as we do not have porters to assist you. Our luggage trailers are specifically designed to fit one suitcase per person, not exceeding above dimensions. If your luggage exceeds the above mentioned dimensions please let your consultant know so we can assist where possible.

What to Pack

Please be advised that Africa experiences varying weather patterns, and conditions on your tour may differ. It’s important to check and monitor the weather as temperature shifts can be significant.

Morning game drives in Addo may be chilly during certain times of the year. It is therefore recommended to have clothing that provides protection against wind chill and keeps you warm. Avoid synthetics, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather. This tour also includes hikes and walks so comfortable shoes are very important.

Here is a basic guideline on what to bring on safari:

  • Passport and travel insurance details
  • Mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Wet wipes
  • Camera and Binoculars
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Insect and mosquito repellent
  • Suntan lotion, sunblock, and after-sun lotion
  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Cash for tips and souvenirs
  • Small basic First Aid kit including painkillers, band-aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops, and anti-diarrhea tablets.

Meals

We include most breakfasts and dinners. (Please refer to your tour itinerary for details on what meals are included on your tour.)

Breakfasts usually include muesli, eggs, fruit, yoghurt and cereals.

Dinners usually include traditional South African meals such as braais (barbecues) and (potijes) stews.

We recommend budgeting approx. ZAR 200 per meal not included. Your guide will take you to a restaurant or shop where you will be able to purchase something to eat.

To ensure we cater to your specific needs, please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

It’s important to note that we cannot accommodate requests made at the start of the tour, so giving us a heads-up during the booking phase is key.

Transport

Our vehicles are fully air-conditioned 14 seater vans.

Money & Currencies

Money can significantly impact your tour experience, so it’s essential to budget wisely. Africa isn’t known for being inexpensive, so prudent spending is key.

CASH

In South Africa, the local currency is the RAND (ZAR), which is widely accepted throughout the country. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and tipping purposes, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience during your travels.

CREDIT CARD

Credit Card facilities are available in major cities, though some establishments may impose surcharges. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, whereas Diners and American Express may have limited acceptance. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card access issues while abroad.

ATM’s

With ATMs becoming more prevalent in major towns, cities and airports, utilizing credit or debit cards provides a convenient and accessible means to access funds during your journey. Ensure your cards feature chip and pin technology for secure transactions.

DEPARTURE TAX

The departure tax, also known as the Passenger Service Charge, is typically included in the price of your airline ticket when you depart from South Africa’s international airports. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your airline for any changes or updates regarding departure taxes, as policies and fees may change over time.

TIPPING
To assist you during your journey, we’ve compiled the following tipping guidelines based on feedback from both our valued travelers and dedicated staff.

  • Restaurant Service Charge: Upon reviewing your bill, if a 10% service charge is included, there’s no obligation for additional tipping. However, if no service charge is added, it’s customary to consider a 10% gratuity of the total bill amount. In general, service charges are not included in South Africa.
  • Guides: The amount you choose to tip your guides and drivers is entirely at your discretion. As a general guideline, consider offering between ZAR 40 to ZAR 80, per guide, per day. Feel free to adjust the gratuity amount based on your personal experience of service quality and the duration of your trip.

Remember, tipping is voluntary and should be extended only when exceptional service is received. Your contributions through tipping play a meaningful role in recognizing the efforts of our staff and enhancing the overall experience of your safari adventure.

WI-FI Access

There will be Wi-Fi access at most of the backpackers and guest houses in the communal areas and sometimes in the bedrooms. We recommend purchasing an E-sim or local sim card from Vodacom, MTN or Cell C so you can stay connected while on tour.

Add-on Activities

We understand that travelers have different preferences, budgets, and interests. Additionally, weather conditions can influence the availability of activities. That’s why we’ve crafted our itineraries to offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to your liking.

During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that aren’t included in the standard package. Your guide will be there to offer recommendations and insights to help you select activities that align with your interests.

It’s important to note that these activities are operated by trusted third-party providers. For your convenience, payments for these activities can be made in cash or by credit card directly to the operator.

Note that it’s essential to pre-book shark diving and whale watching activities at least a week before the tour departure date, as these experiences are scheduled for the first day of the tour.

Clients interested in shark cage diving will be picked up in Cape Town early on Monday morning by the shark diving company. Those who join the shark diving experience will meet up with the tour group after lunch on the first day and will miss out on the first half of day one.

Please refer to the day-to-day itinerary for prices.

About the Garden Route

  • Location:
    The Garden Route is nestled along the southern coast of South Africa, renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this picturesque route is adorned with forests, lakes, mountains, and beaches.
  • Wildlife and Safari Experience:
    The Garden Route isn’t just about stunning scenery; it’s also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Along the route, you can encounter a variety of wildlife, from elephants and leopards to whales and dolphins. Several private game reserves and national parks offer thrilling safari experiences where you can embark on game drives and bush walks.
  • Best Time to Visit:
    The Garden Route is a year-round destination, each season offering its own unique charm. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The summer months (November to March) bring warm temperatures and clear skies, perfect for beach outings and outdoor adventures. Winter (June to August) unveils a different side of the Garden Route, with lush landscapes, migratory whale sightings, and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
  • Safety Precautions:
    While the Garden Route is generally safe for travelers, it’s essential to take standard safety precautions. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded tourist areas, and be vigilant when exploring unfamiliar surroundings. Stick to well-known trails for hikes and adventures, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly after dark. As with any travel destination, being aware of your surroundings and following local guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience along the Garden Route.

DATES & PRICES