What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth?

A well-planned 6-day route starts in Cape Town and winds through South Africa's coastal highlights. The journey begins with a drive to Oudtshoorn via Cape Agulhas followed by a day exploring the limestone formations of Cango Caves and local ostrich farms. Day 3 takes travelers through George to Knysna for a peaceful lagoon cruise. The fourth day centers on Knysna's waterfront activities before heading to Plettenberg Bay. On day 5 visitors can explore the trails of Tsitsikamma National Park. The final day culminates with wildlife viewing at Addo Elephant Park before reaching Port Elizabeth. A recent traveler noted: "Very enjoyable trip. The guide was extremely polite and knowledgeable. Would certainly recommend this trip. The combination of activities and pace was perfect."

What type of accommodations can I expect on these tours?

The Garden Route offers a mix of 3-star hotels boutique guesthouses and luxury lodges. Properties like the Cresta Grande Hotel in Cape Town provide city comfort while the Tsitsikamma Village Inn offers a rustic charm near Storms River. Select tours include stays at upscale game lodges in Addo. According to a traveler review: "The accommodations exceeded expectations - the Blackwaters River Lodge in Knysna was stunning and each place had its own unique character with great hospitality."

What wildlife can I expect to see during the journey?

The route presents rich wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers regularly spot the Big Five in Addo Elephant Park while Hermanus offers whale watching from July through November. The coastal stretch brings encounters with penguins at Boulders Beach pods of dolphins and numerous coastal bird species. A traveler observation confirms: "We saw incredible wildlife - from southern right whales breaching in Hermanus to huge elephant herds in Addo plus penguins and countless bird species along the way."

What is the driving distance covered on a typical Cape Town to Port Elizabeth tour?

The route spans 750-800 kilometers (465-500 miles) with daily drives broken into manageable 2-4 hour segments. Key stretches include the 420-kilometer drive from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn 120 kilometers to Knysna and 260 kilometers to Port Elizabeth. A recent traveler shared: "Well worth driving it with a guide rather than self-driving as it's quite a distance but you get to see so much along the way."

What activities are included in most Cape Town to Port Elizabeth tours?

Tours typically cover wine tasting sessions in Stellenbosch seasonal whale watching excursions in Hermanus and guided walks through Cango Caves. Other experiences include boat trips on Knysna's lagoon nature walks in Tsitsikamma National Park and wildlife drives in Addo Elephant Park. A traveler noted: "From canoeing in Wilderness to safari drives in Addo the activities were diverse and well-organized with professional guides throughout."

What is the average cost to expect for a Cape Town to Port Elizabeth tour?

Tour prices range from $900 to $2700 based on duration and included experiences. The 4-day Garden Route Discovered tour starts at $902 while more extensive options like the 12-day South Africa's Garden Route tour cost around $2760. A recent review states: "Quality of accommodation was very nice. Overall tour was a great way to see the coast of South Africa."

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth Tours

Ever thought about touring elegant wine estates in Stellenbosch, witnessing ostriches at an Oudtshoorn show farm, and exploring Cango Caves' vast caverns? The Garden Route chauffeur drive spoils you. Hike through forests and spot whales in Knysna, experience a full day game drive in Addo where elephants gather. Six days from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth with a driver means you relax while South Africa's best scenery unfolds.

10 best Cape Town to Port Elizabeth tour packages

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City & Culture
Garden Route Splendour
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"The roads, history, and places along the tour were very well-educated."
Lars, traveled in February
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Grabouw, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Barrydale,Oudtshoorn,George,Wilderness,Knysna,Brenton-on-Sea,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Port Elizabeth+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
From
US$1,489per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Magnificent Garden Route
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The scenery and experiences are amazing. We learned so much about the Garden Route history."
Laura, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port Elizabeth
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
From
US$1,141per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$South Africa\'s Garden Route Tour$
$South Africa\'s Garden Route - 11 destinations$
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Safari
South Africa's Garden Route
4.4 (33 traveler reviews)
"The views along the way and at the top made it worth it. Loved going to the penguin park."
Sam, traveled in May
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas,Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+6 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $2,810
US$2,260per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
The Garden Route - 8 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"My trip was absolutely incredible. Every stop was worthwhile and every accommodation blew me away they were so nice."
Shannon, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn,Wilderness National Park,Sedgefield,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Encounters Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak,Simon's Town,Kalk Bay,Stellenbosch,Franschhoek,Paarl,Barrydale,Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$3,125per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Garden Route & Cape Explorer: 10 Days of Beauty & Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The transport was so efficient and reliable. We really enjoyed the stay at the Hotels."
Allycia, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak,Simon's Town,Stellenbosch,Oudtshoorn,George,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+9 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
T.S TOURS
20% Off
From
US$3,300per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Best of the Garden Route - Premium Adventure
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Chapman's Peak,Simon's Town,Stellenbosch,Franschhoek,Oudtshoorn,Garden Route,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Kariega Game Reserve,Port Elizabeth+11 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
25% Off
From $8,008
US$6,015per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Coast Meets the Wilderness: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Barrydale,Oudtshoorn,Garden Route,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
25% Off
From
US$4,010per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Discover South Africa\'s Garden Route Tour$
$Discover South Africa\'s Garden Route - 11 destinations$
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Safari
Discover South Africa's Garden Route
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Port Elizabeth,Stormsrivier+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
18% Off
From $3,973
US$3,270per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
4-day Garden Route to Port Elizabeth (Accommodated)
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The stops were good and accommodation excellent. We naively didn't realise how much driving there would be."
Helen, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, George,Wilderness National Park,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Port Elizabeth+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
18% Off
From
US$1,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
5.0 (43 traveler reviews)
"Well coordinated and visited some fascinating places along the garden route. Really enjoyed the experience."
Margaret, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn,Wilderness National Park,Sedgefield,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Earthstompers Adventures
18% Off
From
US$757per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore South Africa
18% Off
From
US$1,190per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak,Simon's Town,Paarl,Stellenbosch,Franschhoek,Port Elizabeth+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
18% Off
From
US$5,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Cape Town, Garden Route and Eastern Cape
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town,Kalk Bay,Stellenbosch,Paarl,Franschhoek,Hermanus,L'Agulhas,Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Stormsrivier,Port Elizabeth,Kariega Game Reserve+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English, German,French+1 more
Operator
ATC Group
15% Off
From $10,300
US$8,755per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Cape Town and Garden Route
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town,Kalk Bay,Stellenbosch,Paarl,Franschhoek,Hermanus,Oudtshoorn,Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Stormsrivier,Tsitsikamma National Park,Saint Francis Bay,Port Elizabeth+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English, German,French+1 more
Operator
ATC Group
15% Off
From $9,483
US$8,061per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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