The Garden Route 10 Days
The Garden Route 10 Days
The Garden Route 10 Days
10 Days Starting in -33.921169,18.420886 and ending in -33.713925,25.520736
Visiting: South Africa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
324
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
14-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Spend ten thrilling days exploring the beautiful and diverse Cape region of South Africa. This part of the country offers memorable experiences for lovers of adventure, culture, history and nature.
The tour begins with free time to explore the Mother City of Cape Town independently, taking your pick of all the famous landmarks and sites. You then travel along the stunning Garden Route, stopping to see and experience the best it has to offer. Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Agulhas, the Bloukrans Bridge, Hermanus, Tsitsikamma - all before a Big 5 safari in Addo Elephant National Park. We then return to Cape Town again.
Exhilarating adventure activities are also available for those brave enough. Bungee jumping, skydiving, sandboarding, shark cage diving... this tour will provide memories for a lifetime!
Accommodation is based in either single, twin or double rooms in deluxe guesthouses or good quality Backpackers where you can stay in shared dorm rooms or private single, twin or doubles. Solo travellers will need to pay a single supplement unless they stay in a shared dorm room. Please confirm with us which level of accommodation you would like.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Extras:
Accommodation Name: <STRONG>Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town </STRONG>Your tour starts with your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, from where you are transferred to your accommodation. This will be in the form of either a comfortable, high-quality backpacker lodge, or a
Extra day in Cape Town - pre-tour
Day 2 : Day 2: Free Day In Cape Town
Accommodation Name: This is your chance to experience the sights and sounds of Cape Town with 2 free days in the famous Mother City. Home to many important historical landmarks, as well some gorgeous natural sites, Cape Town has so much to offer. Table Mountain, Signal Hill,
Day 3 : Day 3: Free Day In Cape Town
Accommodation Name: You have another free day to explore Cape town today. <STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> Cape Town Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse<STRONG> MEALS: </STRONG> Breakfast Optional Activities: Group Cape Winelands day tour, Group Cape Peninsula day tour
Day 4 : Day 4: Cape Coast- Hermanus: Betties Bay: Cape Agulhas: Shark Cage Diving
Accommodation Name: The group joins together today as we follow the scenic Cape coastline. We depart Cape Town early, heading towards Hermanus. Guests who have chosen to do the shark cage diving activity depart separately and join up with the rest of the group later in the d
Day 5 : Day 5: Route 62: Winery Stop: Ostrich Farm
Accommodation Name: Today we travel along a famous route in South Africa: Route 62, the longest wine route in the country. This area is famous for its wine production, and we stop off a local winery for a chance to experience a wine-tasting, along with our lunch. We then con
Day 6 : Day 6: Wilderness National Park And Knysna
Accommodation Name: We have an adventurous and exciting day ahead of us today. We begin by crossing the magnificent Outeniqua Mountain Pass into Wilderness National Park. We explore this beautiful landscape in a unique way- by paddling down the Touw River in canoes. This is
Day 7 : Day 7: Knysna: Tsitsikamma National Park And Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump
Accommodation Name: This morning, we will head to the famous town of Knysna via the beautiful Lake District of the Garden Route. Whilst in Knysna we'll visit the viewpoint, where we'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Knysna River estuary and towards the Indian Ocea
Day 8 : Day 8: Addo Game Drive
Accommodation Name: We spend today’s morning in the African bush. We explore the wilderness of Addo Elephant National Park for two to three hours, seeking out Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Around 600 elephants are found in the 28000-hectare reserve, as well as lions, rhino,
Day 9 : Day 9: Mossel Bay: Back To Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Today’s highlight is Mossel Bay. Here we will find plenty to entertain and excite. We visit the stunning beaches and go for a hike on the Cape St. Blaize Trail, which meanders along on the cliffs above the Indian Ocean. We also visit the Diaz museum Compl
Day 10 : Day 10: Depart From Cape Town
Accommodation Name: This is the last day of the tour. You time is free until you are transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home or to a new destination. NOTE: On some dates we may make the loop to Addo and back in the opposite direction - all the sam
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
Spend ten thrilling days exploring the beautiful and diverse Cape region of South Africa. This part of the country offers memorable experiences for lovers of adventure, culture, history and nature. The tour begins in the Mother City of Cape Town, where you can see all the famous landmarks and sites. You then travel along the stunning Garden Route, stopping to see and experience the best it has to offer. Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Agulhas, the Bloukrans Bridge, Hermanus, Tsitsikamma - all before a Big 5 safari in Addo Elephant National Park. Exhilarating adventure activities are also available for those brave enough. Bungee jumping, skydiving, sandboarding, shark cage diving... this tour will provide memories for a lifetime!
Mode of Transport
AC minibus/coach
Accommodation
Backpacker Hostels
Deluxe Guesthouses/Boutique Hotels
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. Despite this being a 'Shoestring' level tour, the maximum group size is just 12 people, with the minimum number set at 4. We do share this tour with other operators and agents and this means that guests can join the group from all over the world. Most travellers come from the UK, America, Canada, Australia & New Zealand and various European countries. Average ages are mid 30s. Due to the active and group nature of the tour we set a minimum age of 14, and no maximum age - as long as you are relatively fit and young at heart you are welcome to join!
The time in Cape Town is left free for you to explore the city independently, though we do offer some tour options you could join. You may well meet other people joining the tour in your accommodation, but the group joins together fully and meets the tour guide when we leave Cape Town in the morning of Day 4. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
South Africa: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Namibia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Botswana: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted or travelled through an infected area.
Zimbabwe: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Zambia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malawi: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tanzania: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Kenya: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Uganda: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Sudan: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area. A certificate may also be required for those departing Sudan.
Morocco: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria not normally present. Yellow Fever certificate not required.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation is often required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate organised in advance and with you and to hand during the trip.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
If you are travelling on an Overland tour or your trip includes wildlife safaris then please bear in mind that you may be travelling on bumpy roads and/or rough ground for several hours at a time. This can be very uncomfortable or painful if you have a bad back, and make such conditions worse. Please contact us if you have any concerns. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
A fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. This is different to some countries where we may have a separate driver and guide, but common practice in South Africa. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you'll be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
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What is the tipping policy?
In general tipping in restaurants is expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides. It is expected to tip porters and car guards etc. Ask your guides how much is appropriate in local currency. The recommended amount for Serengeti and Masai Mara guides is around USD5-7 per client per day.
Our guides do work hard but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. On Small Group & Shoestring tours we recommend around USD 3-5 per person per day per guide as a fair tip. On longer Overland tours we recommend USD1-2 per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 2-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 2 envelopes are used and each crew member’s name written on one. Place what you feel is fair into each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. Encounters Travel will not be held responsible if travellers are denied entry because they are not in possession of the relevant visas. We therefore recommend you re-check requirements with the relevant embassy/consulate around 4 weeks before travel.
You should also be in possession of a valid onward or return flight ticket, or proof of other means of transport enabling you to leave the country that your tour passes through or finishes in. In addition you should carry proof of sufficient funds to cover you during your time in the country (eg. credit card).
Should your tour be re-entering a country, please ensure that you have a multiple entry visa that allows this. Some countries have a visa on arrival service which can be more convenient and cheaper. However, for peace of mind and to speed up the border crossing process, Encounters Travel advises that you to get your visas prior to your trip if possible.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP 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 encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.