8-Day Garden Route Lodge Safari from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

8 Days Round trip from South Africa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Malaria-free game viewing in Addo Elephant National Park
  • 02 Leisurely hikes through the forests and coastline of Tsitsikamma
  • 03 Wine tasting and cellar tour in Robertson
  • 04 Scenic Cape Peninsula drive via Chapman's Peak to Cape Point
  • 05 Visit Simon's Town and see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Explore South Africa's scenic wonders from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on an 8-day journey along the world-famous Garden Route. This lodge safari combines malaria-free wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park with coastal and forest landscapes in Tsitsikamma, before ending in vibrant Cape Town. Along the way, enjoy leisurely hikes, a wine tasting in Robertson, and a full-day Cape Peninsula tour featuring Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, and Boulders Beach. It is a well-rounded adventure that blends nature, wildlife, and city highlights.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Robertson, Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Robben Island, Simon's Town
Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

8-Day Lodge Safari from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

DAY 1: PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival in Port Elizabeth, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Kelway Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, and bar).

DAY 2: ADDO, SOUTH AFRICA

Today we will explore Route 67 on a walking tour, which consists of a series of public artworks celebrating the 67 years of public service of the freedom icon Nelson Mandela, fondly known as Tata Madiba. Before setting off, you will be briefed by your guide. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to Addo National Park.

We continue through the historic Zuurberg Mountain Pass. Guided by experts, traverse rugged terrain as the late afternoon sun illuminates ancient rocks. Listen to tales of explorers and settlers amidst sweeping vistas and vibrant wildflowers. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided walk across the Zuurberg mountain.

Distance: 118 km

Departure: 08h00

Accommodation: Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool)

Breakfast: At Kelway Hotel or similar.

DAY 3 & 4: ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK - TSITSIKAMMA, SOUTH AFRICA

Embark on a morning open-vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. We then continue to a region of startling beauty along South Africa's southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. We spend two nights in Storms River Village, at the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest.

We will take a leisurely hike along one of the short trails and enjoy a guided walk to the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. There is also an option to plunge off the world's highest bungee jump at the Bloukrans River, at your own expense.

Distance: 284 km

Departure: 08h00

Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar (cottages with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant)

Day 3 Breakfast: At Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar

Day 4 Breakfast: At Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar

DAY 6 & 7: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Continue to Cape Town and, en route, visit the town of Robertson, where you can enjoy a local winery cellar tour and wine tasting. Once in Cape Town, the afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy sundowners at one of the fabulous beaches or indulge in some last-minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront.

The next day, we explore the many attractions the 'Mother City' has to offer on a Cape Peninsula tour. Travelling along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay, we stop at Maiden Cove lookout point before continuing to Hout Bay. Here, you have the option to take a boat trip to Seal Island, which is seasonal and not included in the cost.

We carry on over Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most breathtaking coastal drives, to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, we travel on to Simon's Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base, and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Kindly note that the reserve entrance fee at Boulders Beach carries an additional cost.

Distance: 420 km

Departure: 08h00

Accommodation: Pullman Cape Town City Centre or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant)

Day 18 Breakfast: At Mooiplaas Guest House or similar

Day 19 Breakfast: At Pullman Cape Town City Centre or similar.

DAY 8: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Spend the final day at leisure. Weather dependent, there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain, at your own expense, and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope before your transfer to the airport.

Breakfast: At Pullman Cape Town City Centre or similar

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CAPE TOWN

Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Cape Town. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in South African Rand. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum number of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year or on certain days of the week.

Please contact our reservation office for further information.

Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

Spier Wine Farm & Vineyards Gliding Tour (Segway)

Harbour cruise - Dawn (30 Minutes) Cape Township Tour Sunset Cruise

Cape Town City Cycle Tour

Marine Eco Boat Tour Constantia

Winelands Cycling Tour

Cape Town City Tour (half day)

City Bowl & Atlantic Beaches

Scenic Flight Give Back Cultural Field Trip The Robben Island

Scenic Tour Cape Winelands Tour (half day)

DEPARTURE:

The Wonders of the Garden Route departs from The Kelway Hotel or similar in Port Elizabeth. Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide, who will advise you of your departure time each day.

On the evening of Day 2, there will be a meeting presented by your guide at 18h00 at Zuurberg Mountain Inn. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.

Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above-mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a need to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore, please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from South Africa 8 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation: We make use of mid-range, typical African-standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets, and tented camps. Most have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

Meals: Breakfast is included daily and provided by the lodge restaurants. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance. Should you not wish to pre-pay for this, dinners will be for your own account and will still need to be taken in local restaurants or at the lodges if there are no restaurants in the nearby vicinity. There are no facilities available for self-catering.

What's Not Included

Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho prior to departure.

Travel insurance: Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including, but not limited to, camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and loss of luggage.

Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.

What to bring

  • Layered outfits: Pack a windproof jacket, warm fleece, beanie, and scarf for freezing dawn drives.
  • Bush tones: Choose khaki, olive green, tan, or brown fabrics. Avoid bright colours, solid white, and camouflage patterns.
  • Sun/Bug armor: Bring lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against midday sun and evening mosquitoes.
  • Closed footwear: Pack breathable sneakers or sturdy trail shoes. Heavy boots are unnecessary unless you are doing a multi-day walking safari.
  • Binoculars: Bring a personal pair (8x42 or 10x42 magnification) to spot distant leopards and birds without sharing.
  • Camera kit: Pack a camera with a telephoto lens (at least 200mm-300mm), extra memory cards, and a dust-proof zip bag.
  • South African adapter: South Africa uses unique Type M (large three-prong) and Type N plugs. Standard universal adapters rarely fit these.
  • Power bank: Keep your phone and camera charged during 8-hour days out in the bush.

Know before you go

  • Stay inside the vehicle: You are strictly required to remain in your safari vehicle at all times. You may only step out at designated, fenced rest camps or official picnic spots.
  • Respect the silhouette: Do not stand up in open 4x4 vehicles or wave your arms outside the frame. Animals view the vehicle as one large, non-threatening object, but breaking that shape can trigger fear or aggression.
  • Keep noise down: Whispering during sightings keeps the wildlife relaxed and allows everyone to observe natural animal behaviours up close.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
South Africa
Tour start
South Africa
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in South Africa.

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