Garden Route Tours for Solo Travelers
Ever looked at a map of South Africa’s southern coast? Along the Garden Route, Montagu sits among hills and hot springs, while the Cango Caves stretch beneath the ground near Oudtshoorn. Tsitsikamma National Park meets the ocean with forest and rocky shore, and nearby private reserves keep quieter wildlife areas inland. It’s a true dream come true.
10 best Garden Route solo travel packages
Compiled by
SteffGarden Route travel expert at TourRadar
- Solo-ish South Africa
- Explore The Garden Route- Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
- Garden Route Uncovered
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- Cape Town to the Garden Route - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
- Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
- Explore the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
- Cape Town & the Garden Route
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Kalk Bay, Simon's Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $3,499
25% Off- US$2,624You save $875
Explore The Garden Route- Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The places where we stayed were beautiful and comfortable. We had choices for food, and we even tried eating ostrich.”
Marta, traveled in February
Knysna Heads and Cango Caves welcome independent spirits. Average age 29 travelers share moments at Tenikwa Wildlife Center and Nature's Valley forest walks.
Duration 4 days Destinations George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$655
Garden Route Uncovered
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour ran very efficiently and smoothly. The hotels were all very comfortable and in excellent locations.”
Catherine, traveled in November
Intimate groups of 2-12 people share sunset cruises on Knysna Lagoon and whale watching in Hermanus. Cango Caves tours and visits to Barrydale's rural school create meaningful connections.
Duration 5 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
25% Off- US$1,396
Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Enjoyable trip. Great personal service.”
David, traveled in January
Whale watching in Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley forest walks bring solo travelers together. Wine tastings and scenic drives shared with 2-8 like-minded companions.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$938
Cape Town to the Garden Route - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We saw an interesting variety of terrain and Mankind's use of that terrain.”
Brenda, traveled in January
Craft beer tastings in Wilderness and Tenikwa Wildlife Center visits unite independent spirits. Memorable moments shared at Knysna Waterfront and Plettenberg Bay beach walks.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$870
Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window.”
Eryn, traveled in November
Luxury awaits at Knysna Waterfront and Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge. Average age 33 travelers join intimate safari drives at Botlierskop Game Reserve and boat cruises to Knysna Heads.
Duration 4 days Destinations George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Oudtshoorn Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$920
Explore the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 4 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time. Fred and Karen were excellent hosts.”
Jeff, traveled in June
Small groups traverse from Bloukrans Gorge to Knysna Heads, making memories at Karusa wine tastings and Cango Caves tours. Welcoming 4-star lodges provide comfortable rest stops along the way.
Duration 4 days Destinations Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 7 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$550
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour with him was perfect. I was solo in South Africa everything was good planning was really amazing.”
Katarzyna, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- US$1,650
Cape Town & the Garden Route
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great itinerary, great experience, great tour guide.”
Paul, traveled in July
Garden Route's natural wonders shine at Tsitsikamma's suspension bridges and Knysna Heads. Memorable evenings feature group dinners at Housemartin Lodge and wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
Duration 12 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Hermanus, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay, Cape TownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,797
25% Off- US$2,100You save $697
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
25% Off- US$1,376
What people love about touring Garden Route solo
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
Uriel was excellent can not asked for a better guide.The tour with him was perfect.I was solo in South Africa everything was good planning was really amazing and it was an experience to remember .
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
A fantastic tour. You see and experience so much. Lots of variety of this tour!
- Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days
It was an excellent experience; Garrette was so knowledgeable about the places we went to, history of the location and also the animals; he also was a good driver-we felt safe; we joined a wonderful group and we had a lot of fun adventures;Kudos to Garette! Earthstompers is so fortunate to have him. I greatly appreciate South Africa for its fascinating sceneries, diverse terrain, rich culture and really good food.I highly recommend this tour!
What our customers ask about Garden Route Tours for Solo Travelers
What percentage of travelers on Garden Route tours are solo travelers?
Tour data shows 30-45% of Garden Route visitors travel solo. The Garden Route Splendour tour attracts 45% solo travelers while the Garden Route & Safari tour sees 40% individual bookings. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "There was a good mix of couples and singles in our group which made for great dynamics and nobody ever felt left out."
What's the best time of year for solo travelers to visit the Garden Route?
September through November and March through May offer the best conditions for solo travel with mild weather and a good mix of visitors without peak season crowds. These shoulder months draw higher numbers of solo travelers with September and October seeing 58% solo bookings. Spring brings wildflowers to Tsitsikamma making it an especially good time to visit.
How much free time is typically available for solo exploration on Garden Route tours?
Most tours provide 2-3 hours of independent exploration daily especially in stops like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Hotels like the Rex in Knysna and Windsor in Hermanus offer central locations perfect for exploring. According to one traveler: "The schedule had perfect balance - enough group time to bond but also free time to explore on my own or with new friends from the tour."
What single supplement cost for Garden Route tours?
Single room supplements range from USD 150-300 based on accommodation type and season. Properties like La Plume Guest House in Oudtshoorn and Rex Hotel in Knysna have single rooms available. To avoid extra costs some tours offer room sharing as one traveler notes: "The accommodation arrangements were great and I was matched with a compatible roommate which helped save on costs."
What activities along the Garden Route are best suited for solo travelers?
Social activities abound from Stellenbosch wine tastings to Knysna Lagoon cruises and guided safaris at Addo Elephant Park. The Cango Caves tours and visits to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary naturally bring groups together. A past visitor shared: "The group activities were perfectly organized to help everyone mingle naturally especially during the Knysna sunset cruise where we all bonded over drinks and dolphin watching."
How safe is it to travel solo on a Garden Route guided tour?
Guided tours provide a secure way to explore with experienced guides and organized group activities. Properties like City Lodge Hotel at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town and Rex Hotel in Knysna offer safe locations with round-the-clock staff. As one traveler said: "I felt completely safe throughout the tour - our guide was incredibly attentive and the group dynamic provided an extra sense of security."