5 Day Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari Itinerary
Quick Itinerary Overview:
This thrilling 5-day Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through South Africa’s diverse landscapes, including pristine beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, and world-renowned wildlife destinations. From whale watching along the Whale Route to game viewing in the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, this adventure offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and thrilling experiences. Ideal for the free-spirited traveller, this safari showcases the best of the Garden Route, including the Cango Caves, Jeffrey’s Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, and more.
Itinerary for the Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari
Day 1: Cape Town to Struisbaai – Overberg, Whale Route & Cape Agulhas
The Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari begins in Cape Town, where we travel through the scenic Cape Winelands. After a stop in Stellenbosch, we head to the iconic Whale Route along the southern coastline. In Hermanus, famous for whale watching (seasonal), you can spot whales close to the shore. Enjoy lunch with a sea view before heading to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. After a visit to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, we’ll continue to Struisbaai, where you can relax at the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere.
Route & Travel Time: Cape Town to Struisbaai 260 km / 4 hours
Accommodation: Backpacker dorm in Struisbaai
Day 2: Struisbaai to Sedgefield – Garden Route & Wilderness National Park
We leave Struisbaai for the breathtaking Garden Route, known for its stunning beaches and lush Outeniqua Mountains. In Wilderness, we embark on a canoe trip through tranquil rivers and a scenic hike to a nearby waterfall. Afterward, we head to the peaceful town of Sedgefield, located on the Swartvlei Estuary, where you can unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.
Route & Travel Time: Struisbaai to Sedgefield 340 km / 4 hours
Accommodation: Backpacker dorm in Sedgefield
Day 3: Sedgefield to Jeffrey’s Bay – Bloukrans Bungy, Elephant Walk & Tsitsikamma National Park
Today’s adventure includes an optional visit to a sanctuary for orphaned African elephants or a primate sanctuary. Next, we head to the famous Bloukrans Bungy Jumping station, where you can take the leap from 216 meters, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. Afterward, we explore Tsitsikamma National Park, home to mystical forests, indigenous fauna, and the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge. Our day ends in Jeffrey’s Bay, a surfer’s paradise with stunning beaches and great waves.
Route & Travel Time: Sedgefield to Jeffrey’s Bay 220 km / 3 hours
Accommodation: Backpacker accommodation on the beachfront
Day 4: Jeffrey’s Bay to Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna & Sedgefield
On day four, you have the option to explore Jeffrey’s Bay and its surf culture or wake up early for a thrilling game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is home to over 550 elephants and boasts one of the highest concentrations of African elephants in the world. After the game drive, we return to Sedgefield, with a stop at Knysna Heads for breathtaking views of the coastline.
Route & Travel Time: Jeffrey’s Bay to Addo National Park – Knysna 470 km / 6 hours
Accommodation: Backpacker accommodation in Sedgefield
Day 5: Sedgefield to Cape Town – Route 62, Klein Karoo, Oudshoorn & Cango Caves
On the final day of our Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari, we travel along the scenic Route 62, passing through quaint towns like Oudshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the world. We visit the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most iconic natural wonders, known for its impressive limestone formations. Alternatively, visit a wildlife sanctuary and interact with endangered species like cheetahs and lions. We end the day with a scenic drive back to Cape Town.
Route & Travel Time: Sedgefield to Cape Town 600 km / 7 hours
Accommodation: N/A (Tour ends in Cape Town)
Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour is at carefully selected backpacker lodges, providing shared dormitories or the option to upgrade to private rooms. All lodges offer comfortable beds, clean facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy local hospitality and unwind after exciting days of exploration.
Optional Extras and Excursions
- Surfboard & wetsuit rental in Jeffrey’s Bay
- Shark Cage Diving
- Game drive in Addo with SANParks
- Bloukrans Bungy Jump
- Elephant Bush Walk
- Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
Focus Keyword: Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Safari