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

Find adventures that start in Cape Town and then finish in Port Elizabeth. Trips from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth are most popular in October, with the most tours doing this route then.

10 best Cape Town to Port Elizabeth tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
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
From
US$1,190per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
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$1,125per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$South Africa\'s Garden Route Tour$
$South Africa\'s Garden Route - 11 destinations$
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Explorer
South Africa's Garden Route
4.4 (34 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful experience of the Cape of South Africa's rich and varied cultural heritage, beautiful coast line, exotic fauna and wildlife."
JontyProut, traveled in February
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 $2,760
US$2,210per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
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, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Encounters Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,075per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Garden Route & Cape Explorer: 10 Days of Beauty & Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour guides were experienced and knowledgeable of the places of interest, some not even listed in the itinerary."
Richard, 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, German
Operator
T.S TOURS
20% Off
From
US$3,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Garden Route & Safari Self Drive - 10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port Elizabeth
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$3,045per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
20% Off
From $8,763
US$7,011per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
20% Off
From $10,560
US$8,448per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Discover the freshest adventures available
New on TourRadar
Explorer
Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Barrydale, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$3,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
5.0 (40 traveler reviews)
"Accommodation and food exceeded expectations by a mile. Highly recommend this tour we had a great time."
Denise, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Barrydale,Oudtshoorn,Wilderness National Park,Sedgefield,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Earthstompers Adventures
20% Off
From
US$746per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
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, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Port Elizabeth+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
20% Off
From
US$1,469per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Garden Route: Cape Town To Port Elizabeth
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Port Elizabeth+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English, German,French+1 more
Operator
Local Safaris
20% Off
From
US$3,000per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$Discover South Africa\'s Garden Route Tour$
$Discover South Africa\'s Garden Route - 11 destinations$
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Explorer
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
20% Off
From $4,348
US$3,480per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Garden Route Experience
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Stellenbosch,Robben Island,Oudtshoorn,Franschhoek,Plettenberg Bay,Mossel Bay,Stormsrivier,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Port Elizabeth+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Chamaeleon
20% Off
From
US$4,798per person
Incl: Return flight Frankfurt
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
- Flights included
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