Garden Route Tours & Trips
South Africa's Garden Route from Cape Town is scenic the whole way, with beaches, forests, mountains all mixed together. Spot elephants at Addo, hike Tsitsikamma's coastal trails, and checking out Knysna Heads. Port Elizabeth's got beaches, Plettenberg Bay's beautiful, and the whole route's full of places worth stopping. The Garden Route's called that for a reason - everything's lush and green.
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Betty • traveled in February, 2026
Our rating of the 5 day Cape Scenic Safari tour is 4.5. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable tour guide, and an excellent driver. The accommodation was very good, and the lunch stops were perfect. We were able to 'tick our boxes' and see all of the highlights of the Garden Route, Route 62, and Oudtshoorn areas. We also enjoyed the wine tasting. It's important to note that the drive is long......approximately 1400 kms. Thank you Paul.
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days - M
Margaret • traveled in February, 2026
Tour guide we had Andrew was excellent and managed the group well. Well coordinated and visited some fascinating places along the garden route. Mix of high activity and challenging activities food was generally very good and lodging ranged from acceptable to fantastic. Really enjoyed the experience.
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way) - J
Julie • traveled in November, 2025
Really have to say, getting out of Cape Town showed us a different side of South Africa Our fantastic guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The itinerary was full but still allowed time for us to take things at our own pace. Loved all the different places we stayed at too. Each of them was unique and different. If you're looking at coming to South Africa I highly recommend Explore South Africa Tours, something for everyone.
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
Traveler Photos & Videos from Garden Route tours
DDavid
Super South Africa : Wildlife Safari, Table Mountain, Garden Route
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
Jana
Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 DaysJü
KKatherine
11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 DaysJulie
AAdrian
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
VVivienne
5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
JJohn
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
RRobin
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
4 Day Garden Route AdventureAlison
Table of contents
- The best Garden Route tour packages
- Travel Garden Route your way
- Best tour companies for Garden Route tours
- Best places to start your Garden Route tour
- Discover Garden Route tours for every budget
- Garden Route tours for every type of group
- Top Garden Route travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Garden Route
- Contact our Garden Route travel experts
The best Garden Route tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGarden Route travel expert at TourRadar
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was very good, and the lunch stops were perfect. We were able to 'tick our boxes' and see all of the highlights.”
Betty, traveled in January
Knysna Heads cruises, Nature's Valley trails, and Plettenberg Bay dolphin watching highlight this adventure. Luxury stays, wildlife encounters at Buffelsdrift Lodge, and coastal drives create lasting memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Buffelsdrif, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Seal IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,195
5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodges/hostels we stayed at were great offering us every night a different local meal. I definitely recommend this tour!”
Kim, traveled in June
The scenic Garden Route offers whale watching in Hermanus (July-November), wine tasting along Route 62, paddling through Wilderness National Park, and safari in Addo Elephant Park. Selected accommodations complement traditional South African cuisine.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Earthstompers Adventures From
- US$747
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is well planned, itinerary is really great. I will highly recommend him.”
Emilio, traveled in December
This 6-day Garden Route adventure from Cape Town costs approx. $160 per day. Wildlife encounters at Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge, Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, and dolphins in Plettenberg Bay await. Luxury stays include 5 breakfasts, wine tastings at Die Krans Estate, and African Penguins at Stoney Point in Betty's Bay.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,266
Garden Route Splendour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting stops along the way. Monkeyland was awesome.”
Rob, traveled in February
South African wonders include Cango Caves, Monkeyland Sanctuary, and Birds of Eden aviary. Sunset cruises on Knysna Lagoon, wine tastings in Klein Karoo, and Tsitsikamma National Park's coastal forests create unforgettable memories.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Grabouw, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Barrydale, Oudtshoorn, George, Wilderness, Knysna, Brenton-on-SeaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
- US$1,411
The Big 5 in South Africa
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and good itinerary. The support was excellent when needed.”
Antony, traveled in November
An epic route unfolds from Knysna's dramatic lagoon to Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves and wildlife encounters. Ostrich farms, underground cave systems, and wine tasting in Franschhoek Valley pair with upscale accommodations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mabula, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Seal Island, Chapman's PeakSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $4,844
15% Off- US$4,117You save $727
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, he gave us the best Vibes from Africa.”
Nereida, traveled in October
The Garden Route showcase spans from Tsitsikamma National Park's hanging bridges to Big 5 safaris at Garden Route Game Lodge. Wander through Knysna Heads, Bloukrans Bungy, and Wilderness National Park, while enjoying 4-star accommodation and local cuisine.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Albertinia, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris From
15% Off- US$999
Cape Town and the Garden Route
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip we got to see most of the animals bar a leopard, tiger so very pleased.”
Gaile, traveled in October
This 9-day Garden Route adventure, rated 4.5/5 by 50+ travelers, starts in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap with its colorful houses before heading to Stellenbosch for wine tasting and Hermanus for whale watching. A wildlife safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve, Tsitsikamma's suspension bridge, and the 20-million-year-old Cango Caves await. Includes 8 nights' hotel accommodation and traditional Karoo cuisine for approx. $160 per day.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Kalk Bay, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Albertinia, Mossel Bay, Botlierskop, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,580
10% Off- US$1,415You save $165
Travel Garden Route your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Garden Route tours
Best places to start your Garden Route tour
Discover Garden Route tours for every budget
Garden Route tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Garden Route travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers110 tours- Couples106 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)46 tours
Best time to visit Garden Route
- Spring 2026
Spring transforms the Garden Route between September and November as fynbos bursts into bloom along Tsitsikamma and Robberg's coastal paths. Our cycling tours through the Winelands are particularly good this time of year - you'll pedal past vineyards waking up with new growth and stop at estates during peak spring production. The warming waters bring pods of dolphins close to Plettenberg Bay's shore, and our kayak trips often catch them playing in the waves.
- 111 tours
- popular 125 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer stretches the daylight hours from December through February, giving you more time to hike Storms River's suspension bridges, swim at Plettenberg's Blue Flag beaches and explore the Knysna Heads by boat. Our early morning game drives catch animals gathering at waterholes, followed by afternoon visits to cultural spots in Oudtshoorn and also Swellendam. Clear skies make sunset drinks at Cape Agulhas special - you can watch the sun sink where two oceans meet.
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- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn brings smaller crowds and mild temperatures from March to May. The forests show subtle color changes while the wine regions welcome visitors for post-harvest cellar tours and tastings. Our multi-day trips include extra time at Addo, where comfortable temperatures keep elephants active throughout the day. Many tours stop at Oudtshoorn's working ostrich farms during nesting season, where our guests learn about Klein Karoo's rich farming heritage.
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- Winter 2026 / 2027
Winter along the Garden Route brings prime whale watching from June through August. You can spot southern right whales breaching just 50 meters off the Hermanus coast - our tours time these stops perfectly. The cooler weather makes Addo's elephants more active and social; you'll often see large family groups moving together across the reserve. Many travelers appreciate that Oudtshoorn's caves keep a steady temperature year-round, making them an excellent sheltered activity. The day's explorations end at eco-lodges and treehouses where guests gather around traditional braai fires to warm up and share stories.
- popular 123 tours
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Contact our Garden Route travel experts
Claire
Expert in Garden Route at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Garden Route Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Garden Route tours answered!
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