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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Tour was awesome. Zayed was absolutely the best guide, he was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Garden Route SplendourJust returned after the " the big 5 in South Africa" tour. Well organized and good itinerary. The support was excellent when needed .Thanks to Penny, Rose, Amanda for the excellent arrangements, professional support and daily updates which helped us to enjoy the tour. The guide and driver Abdella was very professional and made the 1000 km drive comfortable and safe.The vehicle provided was comfortable. The hotels were good, clean and comfortable . Suggest the second night stay at Knysna can be changed to Oudtshoorn or George to avoid 2hour drive. Definitely recommand this tour. Antony Thoppil
The Big 5 in South AfricaThe South African Garden Coast is absolutely stunning ; think dramatic coastline,majestic surf, mountains, hills, gorgeous flora and fauna and more. Our guide, Franciska, was excellent; a good mix of fun, helpful, knowledgeable, and organized. John, our bus driver, exhibited quiet competence and kindness. Thank you for the lovely lodgings, good food and highlighted sightseeing. Addo Elephant Park and Cape Town were the highlights for me. This trip exceeded my expectations. Thank you.
South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route
Traveler Photos & Videos from Garden Route tours
- Garden Route & Addo Group Adventure - 6 Days
- 5-Day Group Garden Route & Addo Adventure Tour (one-way)
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
- The Big 5 in South Africa
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
- 4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
- Super South Africa : Wildlife Safari, Table Mountain, Garden Route
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 4 Day Garden Route Adventure
- South Africa Cape Town 5-Days Attraction Tours: Whale Watching & Cape Peninsula & Wine Tasting & Aquila safari & Paraglading Tour
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
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
Garden Route Splendour
“The roads, history, and places along the tour were very well-educated.”
Lars, 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$1,468
Garden Route Uncovered
“The tour ran very efficiently and smoothly. The hotels were all very comfortable and in excellent locations.”
Catherine, traveled in November
This coastal journey features Tsitsikamma National Park's dramatic coastline, Knysna's famous lagoon cruise, and Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves. Charming Hlangana Lodge and Rex Hotel host visitors exploring this scenic stretch from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.
Duration 5 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Hermanus, Cape Town Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys From
- US$1,366
South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route
“The South African Garden Coast is absolutely stunning. This trip exceeded my expectations.”
Deborah, traveled in June
Your Garden Route adventure spans Addo Elephant Park's wildlife to Tsitsikamma's ancient forests. Highlights include Knysna Heads' dramatic coastline, Robberg Nature Reserve's prehistoric sites, and Mossel Bay's historic lighthouse. Wine tasting in Barrydale and scenic drives through Tradouw Pass complete the experience.
Duration 11 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,499
20% Off- US$1,999
The Big 5 in South Africa
“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 $4,773
9% Off- US$4,344
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
“By the end of the tour, we all felt like family and had a difficult time saying goodbye to each other.”
Gladys, traveled in December
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
9% Off- US$996
South Africa : Wildlife, Garden Route & Mother City Cape Town
“Our honeymoon vacation through South Africa was amazing! We got to see a little of everything and even with all the traveling around it was stress free.”
Leslie, traveled in December
The route stretches from Knysna's dramatic lagoon to Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves and Wildlife Ranch. Centuries-old vineyards in Franschhoek Valley, Jubilee Creek's historic gold mines, and 4-star hotels create memorable stays.
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mabula, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,199
13% Off- US$3,653
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
“We saw so much of South Africa in just six days. All of the accommodations were clean and spacious.”
Helen, traveled in October
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
13% Off- US$1,195
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 Travelers103 tours- Couples102 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours
- Seniors (50+)49 tours
Best time to visit Garden Route
- 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.
- popular 107 tours
- 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.
- 130 tours
- 131 tours
- popular 133 tours
- 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 125 tours
- 124 tours
- 113 tours
- Spring 2027
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.
- popular 110 tours
- 108 tours
- 102 tours
Contact our Garden Route travel experts
Kristina
Expert in Garden Route at TourRadar
Kristina 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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