Garden Route and Addo | 2025
Garden Route and Addo | 2025
Garden Route and Addo | 2025
7 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town
Visiting: Cape Town, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha, Private Game Reserves, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, Stellenbosch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAGRMP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through South Africa's stunning Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park. Starting in Cape Town, this tour takes you east to the Karoo desert, where you'll explore the ancient Cango Caves and meet the ostriches of Oudtshoorn. Experience thrilling wildlife encounters with meerkats at sunrise and elephants in Addo National Park. Visit the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center in Gqeberha, and enjoy private game drives in the Eastern Cape's reserves. Relax on the beaches of Jeffreys Bay and Knysna, hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, and savor the wines of Stellenbosch. This journey promises breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences.
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 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, Private Game Reserves, Gqeberha
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center, 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. (IKR?) 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. We’ll head in for an included lunch, then back out again for the day’s second game drive. Yes, yes that is four game drives in 36 hours. 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, we'll tuck into a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon, followed by a night on the town.
Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus
Location: Knysna, Hermanus, 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 some 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… and most of it revolves around food.
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.Â
And, after a brief drive back to Cape Town for an airport/hotel drop-off, that's a wrap! It’s been wild – we’re gutted to leave, 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort along the scenic Garden Route with included transportation between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Gqeberha, Knysna, and Hermanus, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay at the Riempie Estate in Oudtshoorn, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth in Gqeberha, Knysna Quays in Knysna, and Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town, offering comfortable and convenient lodging throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Addo Elephant National Park Safari?
During the Addo Elephant National Park Safari, you can expect to see elephants, lions, buffalo, and antelope, among other wildlife.
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What activities are included in the visit to Knysna?
In Knysna, you will have a township visit to meet locals and make a positive impact, followed by a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon.
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What is special about the Cango Caves tour?
The Cango Caves tour is special because it is Africa's largest show cave system, featuring cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings, and artifacts indicating they were used throughout the Middle Ages.
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What can I expect during the Meerkat Safari?
During the Meerkat Safari, you will watch meerkats wake up, stretch, and start their day's activities at sunrise.
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What is included in the visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center?
The visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center includes a morning tour where you will learn about the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured penguins.
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What kind of experience does the Stellenbosch Wine Farms Tour offer?
The Stellenbosch Wine Farms Tour offers wine tasting and a traditional South African braai for lunch, along with spectacular views of the Cape's wine farms.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities available during the tour include a marine safari in Plettenberg Bay, visiting uShaka Marine World, and renting a bike in Durban.
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What is the significance of the Storms River Bridge hike?
The hike to the Storms River Bridge is significant because it offers picturesque views and is known for being an Instagramable spot.
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What can I do during the free time in Hermanus?
During the free time in Hermanus, you can enjoy lunch, explore the coastal town, and potentially spot whales, as it is one of the world's best areas for whale watching between July and November.
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What is the purpose of the shark conservation learning in Hermanus?
The purpose of the shark conservation learning in Hermanus is to educate participants about shark conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these marine creatures.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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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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Terms and Conditions