7-Day Private Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari – Experience the Best of South Africa
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari through South Africa. This exclusive 7-day private safari experience blends the best of wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural encounters. Start your journey with a Big 5 safari in the renowned Gondwana Game Reserve and discover the charm of the Garden Route, all while exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town before and after your adventure. Flexible departure dates allow you to choose the perfect time for your Garden Route Safari experience.
Itinerary for Your Private Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari
Day 1: Cape Town to Gondwana Game Reserve
Start your Garden Route Safari with an early morning departure from Cape Town. Travel to the breathtaking Gondwana Game Reserve, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before setting off on your first 4×4 game drive. The reserve offers a unique opportunity to spot iconic African wildlife including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and hippos amidst the stunning coastal fynbos. Your day ends with a delectable dinner at the private reserve.
- Included Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Included Activities: Afternoon game drive
Day 2: Full Day Big 5 Safari in Gondwana Game Reserve
Your full-day Big 5 safari begins with a morning game drive. Spend the day exploring the diverse wildlife and flora of the reserve. In the afternoon, relax at the lodge or opt for additional activities like mountain biking or a guided fynbos walk (extra cost). As the day winds down, enjoy another scenic sunset game drive before a delicious dinner.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Included Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives
- Optional Activities: Guided fynbos walks, mountain biking, spa treatments
Day 3: Gondwana Game Reserve to Plettenberg Bay
After a morning game drive, enjoy breakfast before heading east along the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. Explore the area’s indigenous forests, warm-water estuary, and scenic Outeniqua Mountains.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Included Activities: Morning game drive
- Optional Activities: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park
Day 4: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park
Explore the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park, known for its dramatic coastline and diverse landscapes. Take a hike, cross the iconic suspension bridge, or relax on the beautiful beaches.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Included Activities: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
- Optional Activities: Bungee jumping, kayaking, and lilo trips on Storms River (summer only)
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay to Knysna
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to Knysna, a picturesque town on the Garden Route. Spend the day exploring its beautiful beaches, hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, or sampling local wines.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Optional Activities: Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, visiting Luka Vineyards, Mungo Mill
Day 6: Exploring Knysna
The Knysna area is one of the most scenic parts of the Garden Route Safari. Take a boat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon or enjoy optional activities such as whale watching, sunset catamaran cruises, and more.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Optional Activities: Whale watching (seasonal), Featherbed Eco Experience, Lagoon cruise
Day 7: Knysna to Oudtshoorn & Cape Town
Your final day on the Garden Route Tour takes you via Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. Visit the famous Cango Caves and then make your way back to Cape Town to end your unforgettable safari.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
- Included Activities: Route 62 tour
- Optional Activities: Wine cellar tour, Cango Caves tour, lunch in the Breede River Wine Valley
About Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve is a 27,000-acre private game reserve located on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape. Known for its rich biodiversity, it offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, including the Big Five. The reserve features luxurious accommodations and a commitment to sustainable tourism, making it the perfect destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Customize Your Garden Route & Gondwana Safari
This sample itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferences. Chat with our experts to personalize your Garden Route Tour and Gondwana Safari.
Garden Route Tour Accommodations
Accommodations are carefully selected to offer comfort, proximity to nature, and a unique experience. Choose from budget, mid-range, or luxury options, including two nights at the stunning Gondwana Game Reserve.
Meals on the Garden Route Tour
Enjoy delicious meals throughout your Garden Route Safari, including breakfast at each stop and lunch/dinner at Gondwana. Special dietary requests can be accommodated upon booking.
Optional Extras
Enhance your Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari with optional excursions like a Knysna Lagoon cruise, whale watching, and more. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Child Policy
This tour is family-friendly and welcomes children to join the adventure.