12 Day Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari

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This 12-day tour is an exploration of what makes South Africa a top tourist destination. Your journey begins in Cape Town, renowned for its rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Climbing into your rental car, you travel along the famous Garden Route and arrive in the “ostrich capital of the world”. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the dramatic Cango Caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch, and the various ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. Heading towards the coastline, your next stop is a town that encompasses indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs and an idyllic lagoon. Knysna offers a rush of adventure activities, exciting festivals and world-class golf courses. Then, marvel in an unforgettable safari experience with Shamwari Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and phenomenal Big 5 game viewing.

Day 1 - 4: Cape Town

Today you arrive at Cape Town's International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Included during your stay is two full day private tours of Cape Town's most popular attractions. The Cape Peninsula tour is a scenic adventure of magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages. The view from Cape Point and the encounter with African penguins at Boulders Beach are unforgettable experiences.  

The Winelands tour explores the top wine country regions of Cape Town - Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. These regions encompass superb mountain ranges, picturesque vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. You will have the opportunity to walk around the century-old vineyards and sample award-winning wines.

Cape Town offers a wide range of activities, so please consult with one of our experts for more information.

Accommodation: Kensington Place

Day 5: Oudtshoorn

After a sumptuous breakfast and the arrival of your rental car, your scenic journey along the garden route begins as you travel to the town of Oudtshoorn.

There are a number of Ostrich farms in this region as well as the opportunity to encounter Meerkats up-close. We highly recommend visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the dramatic Cango Caves during your time in Oudtshoorn.

Accommodation: Rosenhof Country House

Day 6 - 8: Kanonkop House

This morning you continue on your journey along the garden route as you head towards the coastal town of Knysna.

Situated between the town of George and the Tsitsikamma Forest, Knysna is perfectly positioned to explore the top attractions of all three areas.

During the next three days, you can choose to cruise on the Knysna lagoon, visit an elephant sanctuary, play a round of golf or visit the Tsitsikamma Forest for a range of adventure activities. You have the freedom to decide where you wish to go and what you wish to experience.

Accommodation: Kanonkop House

Day 9 -11: Shamwari Bayethe

Today you bid farewell to the garden route and travel towards Port Elizabeth where you will then head inland to the private malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve.

During your stay at Shamwari, you will venture out into the African bush in an open safari vehicle that is led by a professional guide. Morning and evening game drives afford you up-close encounters with wild animals, including the famous Big Five.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the bush on foot, learning about the smaller wondrous creatures and the different plants of the reserve.

Shamwari is actively involved in a number of conservation projects and guests have the opportunity to visit these on the reserve. There are not many reserves who offer this opportunity to their guests.

Accommodation: Shamwari Bayethe Lodge

Day 12: Depart Shamwari

After one final morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, you gather your belongings and travel by car to Port Elizabeth Airport. After returning your car rental, you will connect with your onward travel arrangements.

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Location and getting there

Rates & Pricing

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$ 560 USD
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$ NaN USD
$ 560 USD
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
We book at the same price as going direct, see more

SEAMLESS SAFARI PROMISE

Since 2006, we’ve arranged unforgettable safaris for over 58,000 travelers, handling every detail with precision. Learn more about our Seamless Safari Promise

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All flights during the tour
  • All accommodation
  • All activities
  • Rental car
  • All taxes / VAT
  • Park fees
  • Drinks
  • All tours
  • Breakfast daily

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We’re committed to being with you every step of the way—before, during, and long after your safari.

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Meet your travel advisor

Meet Nicole, your dedicated safari expert. With years of experience and countless glowing reviews, Nicole will craft your perfect itinerary, handle every detail, and assist you before, during, and after your trip. Trust Nicole to create a seamless, luxurious, and unforgettable safari experience.

Don’t just take our word for it—see the reviews below!
Nicole Cronje

What our guests say about Nicole

October 28, 2024
Nicole Cronje is an absolute pleasure…
Nicole Cronje is an absolute pleasure to work with when planning our safari. Her extensive knowledge of the properties and destinations was invaluable. She patiently answered all of our questions, offered expert advice, and tailored our itinerary to our specific interests. Her friendly and helpful demeanor made the entire planning process stress-free and enjoyable. We couldn't have asked for a better travel consultant. Thank you, Nicole, for helping us create a truly unforgettable safari experience for next year!
Sindy Sabino
,
US

Customer Testimonials

4.9
out of 5 based on
Dec 4, 2024
Prompt & knowledgeable
Prompt & knowledgeable
Scott Millar
,
Dec 4, 2024
Great service from Denise at Safari.com
Denise from Safari.com was extremely helpful. She responded promptly, provided good advice on safari lodgings options and worked up a couple of itinerary options to suit our budget. Denise also organised flights and transfers very quickly so that we could finalize our booking in a short time. Much appreciated.
Noelene Hosking
,
AU
Dec 4, 2024
It was amazing
It was amazing. She even helped us with some of our questions and where to stay.🌞
SMK Thomas🌞🌞
,
Dec 2, 2024
a seamless booking experience with…
a seamless booking experience with everything handled really well. Bravo!
JUDITH ANN
,
US
Dec 2, 2024
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with
Kim Abrahams is as great to work with. Very responsive and helpful for setting up my trip to Africa
Nicholas Nelson
,
US
Nov 30, 2024
Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Pascal John at Safari.com guided me on different safari lodges (experience, rating), and most importantly knew about specials (buy 3 nights, get 4th for free) which allowed my family to secure a 5-star location at a more reasonable rate. Great advice, responsive and knowledgeable!
Rebecca Cauffman
,
US
Nov 29, 2024
Fast responses and informative answers.
Fast responses and informative answers.
Zadra Morgan
,
US
Nov 29, 2024
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all…
Nicole was amazing and dealt with all my requests and changes in a timely manner
MARTY DIAMOND
,
US
Nov 29, 2024
Mel du Toit
Mel du Toit, gave us excellent service and was so quick to respond to our request!! We are looking to return to Simbavati, because of our previous experience there, and Mel has shown that we may continue to expect this !!! Thank you !!!
JUDITH ANN
,
US
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