How many cities/towns will I visit on a typical Garden Route tour from Port Elizabeth?

Garden Route tours from Port Elizabeth typically cover 6-8 main destinations. The journey includes stops in vibrant coastal towns like Tsitsikamma and Knysna before heading to Oudtshoorn Hermanus and Cape Town. Some itineraries add visits to Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Accommodations range from the contemporary Rex Hotel in Knysna to the charming Hlangana Lodge in Oudtshoorn. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Each town had its own unique character and attractions making the journey wonderfully diverse."

What's the typical duration of Garden Route tours starting in Port Elizabeth?

Most Garden Route tours from Port Elizabeth run between 4 and 12 days with 8-9 days being standard. Popular options include a 9-day route through Addo Elephant National Park Tsitsikamma and Knysna as well as condensed 4-day trips ending in Cape Town. A TourRadar traveler remarked about their experience: "A wonderful trip with so much to see and do from day one to the end perfectly paced to enjoy each destination."

What accommodation types are available on Garden Route tours starting in Port Elizabeth?

The Garden Route offers lodging options for every taste and budget. Port Elizabeth features properties like the beachfront La Mer Guesthouse and the upscale Radisson Blu. Along the route travelers can stay in distinctive places such as the oceanside chalets at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and the elegant Parks Manor Guest House in Knysna. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The accommodations were well-chosen especially loved staying at Pumula Lodge in Knysna with its amazing lagoon views."

What wildlife can I expect to see at the first stop after leaving Port Elizabeth?

Addo Elephant National Park the first major destination after Port Elizabeth houses the complete "Big Five" - elephants lions leopards rhinos and buffalos. The elephant population has grown from 16 to over 550 since the park's establishment. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The game drives from Port Elizabeth to Addo were incredible - we saw huge herds of elephants several lions and countless zebras within hours of starting our tour."

How far is the daily driving distance on Garden Route tours starting from Port Elizabeth?

Daily travel distances on the Garden Route usually fall between 150-300km. The Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma segment spans about 180km while the longest stretch from Knysna to Franschhoek covers roughly 450km. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The drives were well-planned with plenty of scenic stops and interesting attractions along the way making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations."

What meal arrangements are typically included in Garden Route tours starting from Port Elizabeth?

Garden Route tour packages generally cover daily breakfasts and select dinners particularly at safari lodges and remote locations. A standard package includes 8-9 breakfasts 2-3 lunches and 1-2 dinners. Local restaurants like Drydock in Knysna serve regional specialties. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The food variety was excellent from traditional braais at the game lodge to fresh seafood in Knysna really showcasing South African cuisine."

Garden Route Tours from Port Elizabeth

Have you thought about exploring the Garden Route's coastal beauty, discovering Tsitsikamma National Park, or touring an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn? Visit the ancient Cango Caves, and interact at a local farm school in Barrydale. South Africa's Garden Route is jaw-dropping from the first second you arrive - will you want to leave?

10 best Garden Route tours from Port Elizabeth

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Safari
South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Franschhoek,Cape Town+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $2,599
US$1,819per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Port Elizabeth, Garden Route to Cape Town: Coast, Wildlife & Wine in 10 Days
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Highly recommend this tour for those wanting to take the garden route. Tour operators were great at communication both pre trip and during trip."
Kate, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna,Plettenberg Bay,Oudtshoorn,Mossel Bay,Hermanus,Stellenbosch,Cape Town,Table Mountain+7 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
T.S TOURS
30% Off
From
US$3,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Garden Route Uncovered
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour ran very efficiently and smoothly. The hotels were all very comfortable and in excellent locations."
Catherine, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna,Oudtshoorn,Hermanus,Cape Town+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Cullinan Guided Journeys
30% Off
From
US$1,371per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Cape Town & the Garden Route
4.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"Hermanus and the Southern Right Whales. I really couldn't believe how close they came into shore and so many of them."
Trish, traveled in November
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Oudtshoorn,Mossel Bay,Hermanus,Pringle Bay,Betty's Bay,Cape Town,Table Mountain,Robben Island,Chapman's Peak,Hout Bay,Llandudno+13 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
9% Off
From $2,797
US$2,550per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
South Africa: The Garden Route
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Franschhoek,Cape Town+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $2,199
US$1,539per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
The Classic Garden Route
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Jeffreys Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Knysna,Oudtshoorn,L'Agulhas,Hermanus,Cape Town+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Encounters Travel
15% Off
From $1,680
US$1,430per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Garden Route to linger (Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) - Cape Town)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Oudtshoorn, Franschhoek, Cape Town,Table Mountain+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
15% Off
From
US$2,144per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
A World in One Country - South
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park,Plettenberg Bay,Knysna,Brenton-on-Sea,Oudtshoorn,Stellenbosch,Cape Town,Simon's Town+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
MEIERS WELTREISEN
15% Off
From
US$1,123per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
4-day Port Elizabeth to Cape Garden Route (Accommodated)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, George,Oudtshoorn,Wilderness National Park,Mossel Bay,Cape Town,Hermanus+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
15% Off
From
US$1,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
4.3 (6 traveler reviews)
"Everything on the itinerary was met, and even when an unexpected issue arose, Paul dealt with it in a very professional manner."
John, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Garden Route,Plettenberg Bay,Knysna,Brenton-on-Sea,Oudtshoorn,Stellenbosch,Cape Town+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore South Africa
15% Off
From
US$1,190per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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