7 Day Private Garden Route Tour & Addo Safari in South…

7 Day Private Garden Route & Addo Safari in South Africa

Experience the ultimate Private Garden Route & Addo Safari adventure with this carefully crafted one-way tour from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). This journey combines whale watching along the Cape Whale Coast, the lush beauty of the Garden Route, and thrilling Big 5 safaris at Addo Elephant National Park. Designed for travelers who want to maximize their time exploring South Africa’s southern coastline, this tour promises breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters without any backtracking.

Quick Itinerary Overview

From African penguin colonies to the majestic forests and beaches of the Garden Route, and the wild wonders of Addo, this Private Garden Route & Addo Safari is packed with thrilling experiences. Explore charming coastal towns, hike in national parks, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy up-close sightings of Africa’s iconic wildlife—all in one seamless adventure.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Cape Town to Hermanus

We kick off our Private Garden Route & Addo Safari by leaving Cape Town behind and traveling along the scenic coast. A visit to the African penguin colony at Betties Bay is our first stop. Afterward, we continue to Hermanus, famous for its beautiful harbor and seasonal whale watching. Spend the afternoon relaxing or joining a whale-watching boat trip (July–November).

Included Activities: Visit to the African Penguin Colony at Betties Bay
Optional Activities: Whale-watching boat trip
Meals: None

Day 2: Hermanus to Wilderness

Today we drive through the Overberg region and enter the magical Garden Route. Enjoy optional canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park or extend the trip with a visit to the Southernmost Tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas for an extra adventure.

Optional Activities: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park, Visit to Cape Agulhas
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Wilderness to Knysna

We continue our Private Garden Route & Addo Safari to the picturesque town of Knysna. Explore the famous Knysna Lagoon, nearby mountains, and indigenous forests. Optional activities include a cruise on the lagoon, a sunset catamaran trip, or a Featherbed Eco Experience.

Optional Activities: Lagoon Cruise, Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Featherbed Eco Experience
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Relax and explore the vibrant town of Plettenberg Bay. Options include hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, wine tasting at Luka Vineyards, or visiting Mungo Mill for local crafts.

Optional Activities: Robberg Nature Reserve, Luka Vineyards, Mungo Mill
Meals: None

Day 5: Knysna to Tsitsikamma & Greater Addo

Today we visit Tsitsikamma National Park, a paradise of indigenous forest and rugged coastline. Walk suspension bridges, hike trails, or simply relax on the beach. In the afternoon, we journey toward Addo, entering South Africa’s prime Big 5 territory.

Included Activities: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
Optional Activities: Bloukrans Bungee Jump
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Addo Elephant National Park

Today is dedicated to an exhilarating safari in Addo Elephant National Park. Spot the Big 5, along with kudu, warthogs, ostriches, and hyenas, during a two to three-hour game drive.

Included Activities: Entrance to Addo Elephant National Park, Safari Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Addo to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

We conclude the Private Garden Route & Addo Safari with a final morning game drive before transferring to Gqeberha. Plan to depart late in the day to enjoy the full safari experience.

Included Activities: Morning Safari Game Drive at Addo Elephant National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Customize Your South Africa Safari

This sample itinerary can be personalized to match your interests and budget. Chat with one of our African safari experts to tailor your Private Garden Route & Addo Safari experience.

Pick-up and Drop-off

Pick-up for the Private Garden Route & Addo Safari is available from central Cape Town, Cape Town International Airport, or Stellenbosch. Transfers are conducted in fully licensed vehicles.

Accommodation Options

Stay in carefully selected boutique hotels or guest houses. Choose between 3, 4, or 5-star accommodations depending on your preferences. Cleanliness, comfort, and proximity to nature are guaranteed.

Included Meals

Breakfasts are included on most days, with some dinners provided in Addo. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Optional Excursions

Enhance your Private Garden Route & Addo Safari with optional activities such as:

Cruise on Knysna Lagoon
Whale-watching boat trip (July – November)
Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Bloukrans Bungee Jump

Family-Friendly Tour

This Private Garden Route & Addo Safari is child-friendly and welcomes families traveling with children.

Important Information

While we strive to stick to the outlined itinerary, minor changes may occur due to weather or operational reasons. All changes are made to ensure the best possible safari experience.