Current as of: June 14, 2025 - 14:12
Best of the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: South Africa
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- 11 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ACG
Trip Overview
From vibrant Cape Town to the wild African bush: this is South Africa’s greatest road trip in full bloom
Experience the greatest adventures on the Garden Route, handpicked by our local experts to showcase the very best of South Africa. Begin in buzzy Cape Town, ascending Table Mountain by cable car, before touring the Winelands, exploring the 20m-year-old Cango Caves, and searching for ocean giants on a wildlife-watching boat trip. It ends in the African bush, where expert rangers help you spot those iconic safari animals. To elevate your experience, you’ll stay in Premium accommodation throughout – the perfect sanctuary after a day of adventure.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 10 Premium nights (hotels)
- Travel by private minibus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Experience the very best of the Garden Route, staying in Premium hotels each night
- Tour the highlights of Cape Town, including a cable car ride up Table Mountain
- Sip your way through the renowned Winelands
- Go underground to explore the ancient Cango Caves
- Search for ocean giants on a marine safari adventure
- Spot iconic safari animals with three game drives in Kariega Private Game Reserve
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Walks: This is primarily a vehicle-based adventure, although we can take walks in Tsitsikamma National Park and Cape Point Nature Reserve. These are generally along good paths and boardwalks and take about one to two hours.
Drive times: These can vary but the maximum amount of driving in one day is approximately 5hr 30min with numerous stops throughout. On most days, we are on the road for less than three hours (not including stops or game drives).
Legal note: All group members joining this tour are asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. It’s a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cape Town
- End City: Kariega Private Game Reserve
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure starts in Cape Town
Begin your adventure in Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to the Garden Route.
Around 6pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: The Winchester Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Explore the highlights of Cape Town • Cable car up Table Mountain • Free afternoon
Experience the best of Cape Town today. It starts with a driving tour around the city, visiting plenty of landmarks, including the Castle of Good Hope, Grand Parade and St George’s Cathedral.
We then head to Table Mountain, where we ascend to the top by cable car, weather permitting, for glorious views over Cape Town, Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles.
The afternoon is free for you to explore further, including an optional excursion to Robben Island, which you can book before the trip begins.
Accommodation: The Winchester Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Explore the wonders of the Cape Peninsula
Discover the highlights of the Cape Peninsula, jumping into the vehicle to enjoy the Chapmans Peak drive, among the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, on our way to the Cape of Good Hope, where we take the funicular to the Cape Point lighthouse.
Nest, we visit the protected African penguin rookery at Boulders Beach, before lunch at Seaforth Restaurant in Simon’s Town, where we can tuck into seafood while gazing over the waters of False Bay.
After, we head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain. Here, we wander the trails, seeing some of the 7,000-plus southern African plant species that form a gorgeous natural display.
Accommodation: The Winchester Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Cape Malay cooking masterclass • To the Winelands
After a leisurely morning at the hotel, we dive deep into traditional Cape Malay cuisine, known for its fruity, mild and full-bodied flavours. And there’s no better place to do this than the Bo-Kaap district of Cape Town, an area characterised by steep cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses.
We learn the history of the Cape Malay people from our tour leader as we stroll to a home, before we learn the secrets of Cape Malay cooking from our host, attempting to fold samosas, while also sampling delicious dishes.
After, we head to our hotel in South Africa’s renowned wine region, ready for our explorations tomorrow.
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa (or similar)
Enjoy wine tastings and estate tours in the Winelands
Join your tour leader for a delightful day exploring the Winelands. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, where we join our leader on an orientation tour, before ducking into a wine estate for an expertly guided tasting.
After, we head to Franschhoek, said to be the gourmet capital of South Africa, to enjoy another tour, before a food and wine pairing at MIKO restaurant with views of the Franschhoek Valley and vineyards.
Finally, we visit another wine estate, exploring the cellars and enjoying another tasting experience.
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa (or similar)
Head underground in the Cango Caves
Bid farewell to the Winelands and transfer (five hours) to one of South Africa’s greatest natural treasures: the Cango Caves.
Formed over 20m years ago, this extensive complex of caverns is home to magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, which we learn all about from a local guide.
We then complete our journey, arriving at our hotel in Oudtshoorn, a town at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains.
Accommodation: Surval Boutique Olive Estate (or similar)
To Plettenberg Bay via Tsitsikamma National Park
Our journey today takes us to Bloukrans Bridge (home to the highest commercially operated bungy jump in the world) and Tsitsikamma National Park, where we visit Storms River Mouth (weather permitting), the end point of the Garden Route.
We then continue to Plettenberg Bay, but not before stopping in Knysna, where we can stop for lunch at a lagoon-side restaurant, and you can enjoy an optional oyster tasting.
Accommodation: Hog Hollow Country Lodge (or similar)
Search for whales and dolphins on a marine safari
After a morning at leisure, we hop onto a boat for a sea safari. To give us the best chance of spotting mighty ocean animals, the skipper determines the best route. Depending on the time of year, we may visit Humpback Highway, where migrating humpback whales travel on their way to breeding or feeding grounds.
With the help of the experienced skipper, we may also spot southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
Accommodation: Hog Hollow Country Lodge (or similar)
To Kariega Private Game Reserve • Spot safari icons on an evening game drive
Leave early this morning and transfer (3hr 45min) to our lodge in Kariega Private Game Reserve, where we enjoy lunch.
In the evening, we head into the private reserve for a game drive in open safari vehicles. Joined by an experienced ranger, we explore the African bush, with the chance to spot lions, elephants and more. Cap the day with a sundowner in the bush!
Accommodation: Kariega Main Lodge (or similar)
Morning and afternoon game drives
Rising early for tea, coffee and a snack, we leave for an early morning game drive or river cruise with the chance to spot more safari animals.
After returning to the lodge for a late breakfast, you can either enjoy a bush walk, spa treatment (additional cost), have a swim or relax after your early start.
Post-lunch, we depart for an evening game drive and sundowners, a chance to see animals you may not have spotted yesterday or this morning.
Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, in which we can relive some of the adventures we’ve had together.
Accommodation: Kariega Main Lodge (or similar)
Adventure ends at Kariega Private Game Reserve
The adventure ends at Kariega Private Game Reserve. If you’d like more time to explore the African bush, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Premium hotels and lodges
Enjoy the best of the Garden Route, staying in everything from historic Cape Dutch properties to a remote lodge deep within the African bush. The variety and quality of properties featured will undoubtedly be a highlight of your adventure!
Cape Town: The Winchester Boutique Hotel (nights 1-3)
Opposite the Sea Point Promenade, the Winchester has a prime location by the Atlantic Ocean, while the buzzing V&A Waterfront is just a 10-minute walk away. Within the 1920s Cape Dutch property, there’s a pretty courtyard dressed in bougainvillea, a swimming pool and plenty of options for food and drink (the buffet breakfast has been named one of the best in the city!).
Franschhoek: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa (nights 4-5)
Another shining example of Cape Dutch architecture, this magnificent property has a beautiful spot in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by mountains and leafy vineyards, it’s a peaceful spot to unwind after a day’s adventure, while the bar and lounge serves excellent coffee, fine wines and cocktails – best enjoyed on the terrace with views of the glorious landscape.
Oudtshoorn: Surval Boutique Olive Estate (night 6)
Experience elegance and excellent service on this working farm, where energy-boosting breakfasts are served on the deck with valley views. Head to the pool area to unwind while gazing over the mountains, while the Su Casa restaurant serves produce from the local Klein Karoo region.
Plettenberg Bay: Hog Hollow Country Lodge (nights 7-8)
Nestled within a private nature reserve, on the edge of indigenous forest, this remote lodge offers glorious views over valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The heart of the action is the Boma Deck, where you can end the day on comfy chairs gazing over the peaks. Alternatively, cool off in the pool, before relaxing with a cold drink in hand.
Kariega Private Game Reserve: Kariega Main Lodge (nights 9-10)
End the adventure deep in the African bush – at one with nature and far from the bustle of city life. We stay in air-conditioned log chalets, designed to integrate with the environment, with large private viewing decks for glorious views over the landscape. Family-owned since 1989, the property offers an immersive experience in this wonderful game reserve.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Single supplement from 1 260 €
Food & Drink
Food on this trip is very similar to the kind of food you are used to at home, though there may be the opportunity to try local meats such as ostrich, kudu or eland. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
The provided water is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption.
Transport
We use a minibus for this trip. Each is fitted with forward-facing seats and tows a luggage trailer. They have large windows for good views while touring.
Weather & Seasonality
Summer is from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25C-30C (77F-86F). The average night-time temperature is 10C-20C (50F-68F). Winter is from May to September and average temperatures are colder. In general, however, the Cape Town climate is quite mild. Summer is typically dry and warm, but the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things but can be a little unpleasant if one is walking in exposed areas. Most of the rainfall is in winter but it is frontal rain off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days, and in between there will be warm, sunny days. It is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains. Our programme is flexible enough to accommodate any major changes in weather and still make it enjoyable.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: The Winchester Boutique Hotel, 24 Driftsands Dr, Humewood, Port Elizabeth
Phone: +27 (0)41 45 000 90
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing around 6pm
Airport: Cape Town (CPT)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is around 25 minutes’ drive from Cape Town Airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Port Elizabeth (and even if you are told you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cape Town
Location end: Kariega Private Game Reserve
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Backpack for the daytime
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Fleece top for cooler days and nights
- Waterproof
- Windbreaker: For your backpack should the cooler winds pick up
- Warmer clothes for winter
- Head torch (headlamp), spare batteries and a portable charger for potential load shedding (power blackouts)
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Practical Information
Visa
South Africa
Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
Vaccinations and Health
South Africa
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Local Time
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
South Africa's electricity: Plug types M (three round pins), N (three round pins) and C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are fairly widely available throughout this trip but not necessarily every day so please advise your leader in advance if you want to use one.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For meals not included, average costs are:
- Dinners: 340-510 rand (US$20‐US$30)
- Lunches: 135-220 rand (US$8-US$13)
- Incidentals: Allow about 170 rand (US$10) per day
Optional excursions
All prices listed are subject to change:
- Robben Island: 600 rand (US$35). If you would like to book this excursion, please advise us at least four weeks before travel (ideally when you book the trip). We will take all names and the tickets will then be payable locally – this is to avoid disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up, we cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc.
- Cape Town township tour: 850 rand (US$45) per person
- Zip‐lining at Tsitsikamma National Park: 895 rand (US$49)
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Tipping is optional but we recommend approximately 80-100 rand (US$4.70-US$5.80) per person per day. You may also want to budget for porter tips if you need help taking your luggage to your rooms.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.