Budget Garden Route Lodge Tour

January 2, 2017January 2, 2017admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

This tour offers an incredibly scenic, well-rounded and comfortable journey through one of the best-loved parts of South Africa – the Garden Route.

Travel along the stunning South Coast, starting with Big Five game viewing in Addo Elephant National Park, before exploring the lush forests, mountains and dramatic coastline in the Tsitsikamma area. Next, visit Knysna and cross the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo where we visit Cango Caves. The beautiful scenery continues as we travel through the Cape Winelands, pausing in Stellenbosch for wine tasting, and continuing to our final destination – Cape Town. Our tour ends off with an included trip to Cape Point and free time to experience the natural and urban highlights of the picturesque Cape.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa

Our Garden Route adventure sets off from the sunny coastal city of Port Elizabeth, travelling from the airport to Addo National Park, about an hour’s drive away.

We leave the airport by 12h00, arriving at Addo Park in time for an afternoon game drive. This is the third largest national park in South Africa today, hosting healthy populations of diverse Africa wildlife. The park was established to protect the last 11 elephants in the region, originally covering just over 2 000 hectares. Today Addo hosts over 600 of these giants and incorporates some 180 000 hectares of mountains, rivers, valleys, bushveld, islands and marine habitat.

On our game drive we look out for the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant), as well as other animals and the flightless dung beetle unique to this area. The game drive is conducted in our tour vehicle and you have the option of embarking on extra game drives in open safari vehicles (extra cost). Optional sunset or night game drives in the open vehicles must be booked in advance.

Tonight we watch for wildlife at the floodlit watering hole near the rest camp, located in Addo Elephant National Park. Fall asleep to the sounds of wild animals calling in the night and enjoy being out in the bush.

Distance: 70 km
Accommodation: Rest camp (bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant) or similar

Day 2 & 3: Tsitsikamma (Garden Route National Park) – South Africa

Wake up to the sound of birds and enjoy breakfast at the camp in Addo Elephant National Park.

Then we head west into the Garden Route area, famous for its picturesque natural features – scenic mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, valleys, beaches and rocky coasts. One of the most stunning parts of South Africa, this well-loved stretch along the South Coast is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

For the next two nights we stay in the village of Storms River, located just outside of the Tsitsikamma National Park section of the Garden Route National Park. This is the ideal base for exploring the Tsitsikamma Forest and the marine protected area of Tsitsikamma Park. During our stay we do an easy hike, following a short trail through the bush and along the dramatic coastline. Take one of the highest bungee jumps in the world from Bloukrans Bridge to get your adrenalin pumping, or explore the Garden Route and enjoy other optional activities, such as cycling and canoeing.

Distance: 240 km / Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Inn (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast (x2)

Day 4: Knysna, Cango Caves & Oudtshoorn – South Africa

Today we travel further west along the beautiful Garden Route, before crossing the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo region of South Africa.

Before travelling inland over the majestic mountains we stop in Knysna, a popular seaside town located along a pretty lagoon. We go the Knysna Heads overlooking the ocean, lagoon and mountains, to enjoy the views before continuing our travels.

Entering the Little Karoo we drive to Oudtshoorn and visit the famous Cango Caves in the area. On our tour of Cango Caves we view the impressive stalagmites and stalactites of this massive underground cave system. Then we return to our hotel in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the country.

Distance: 280 km / Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Boutique hotel (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 & 6: Cape Town – South Africa

On day five we continue our journey westwards, leaving the Garden Route and driving to Cape Town, known as the ‘Mother City of South Africa.

Making our way into the famous Cape Winelands Region we stop off in Stellenbosch, a historic university town with tree-lined lanes. We do some wine tasting and a cellar tour at one of the Stellenbosch wine farms, sampling fine locally produced wines.

Arriving in Cape Town this afternoon you are free to enjoy optional activities of your choice. Head to one of the trendy bars for a drink or take a sunset walk on one of the stunning beaches, do some world-class shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or if time allows go up Table Mountain for breathtaking views over the city, hills and ocean.

Day six is set aside for our Cape Point Tour, exploring the panoramic Cape Peninsula with its dramatic seaside cliffs, sandy beaches, fishing villages, rugged mountains and unique national parks.

Distance: 450 km / Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Hotel (rooms with en-suite bathrooms and restaurant) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast (x2)

Day 7: Cape Town – South Africa

The last day of our Garden Route Lodge Tour is free for you to enjoy the fantastic sights, attractions and activities that Cape Town has to offer. This cosmopolitan city is nestled between imposing mountains and striking coast – appealing to nature lovers and urbanites alike.

Taking the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) is a must in Cape Town, so don’t miss the chance to whisk to the top if the weather permits. Later today you are transferred to the Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight, bringing this scenic Garden Route Tour of South Africa to a close.