Safari Tours & Trips in Garden Route
Explore a wide diversity of safari tours through Garden Route. We have 98 adventures that vary from 3 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best safari Garden Route tours
Compiled by
MelissaGarden Route travel expert at TourRadar
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
- The Garden Route 10 Days
- 4 Day Garden Route Adventure
- Cape Town & the Garden Route
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
- 3 day Botlierskop Garden Route Glamping and Whale Coast Safari with Private transfers
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 Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 921 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$1,195
The Garden Route 10 Days
“Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime.”
Brian, traveled in December
Addo Elephant National Park's 28,000-hectare wilderness houses 600 elephants alongside lions, rhino, and buffalo. Unique game farms near Oudtshoorn offer memorable ostrich encounters. Rangers lead optional 2-hour open vehicle safaris for R460.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Hout Bay, Betty's Bay, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 955 mi Operator Encounters Travel From
- US$1,455
4 Day Garden Route Adventure
“The itinerary was varied and gave us a great experience of the Garden Route.”
Rachel, traveled in April
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Albertinia, Hermanus, Betty's Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 816 mi Operator Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris From
- US$734
Cape Town & the Garden Route
“The tour was very good and was certainly made extra special by our guide. Everyone was exhausted by the time we got back to Capetown as so much is included.”
Maureen, traveled in February
Botlierskop Game Reserve showcases rhinos and elephants along the Garden Route. Adventures include Monkeyland sanctuary visits, Storms River Mouth exploration, and optional shark cage diving in Hermanus.
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+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 691 mi Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,580
30% Off- US$1,108You save $472
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
“Had a fantastic time, met amazing people and our guide sylvester was so knowledgable and good fun!”
Kerryann, traveled in June
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+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 902 mi Operator Cape Xtreme From
30% Off- US$1,650
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
“Amazing tour customized to our needs! Accommodation was great, and the trip generally high value for the price.”
Roosa, traveled in December
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 516 mi Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
30% Off- US$465
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
“This was a great trip. The experience was amazing.”
Rebecca, traveled in August
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 1125 mi Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
30% Off- US$1,210
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 470 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
30% Off- US$1,190
Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
“He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window.”
Eryn, traveled in November
Rangers lead three game drives across Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodges, tracking the Big Five in 4x4 vehicles. The ancient Cango Caves reveal stunning stalactite formations. Visits to Tenikwa Wildlife Centre and Plettenberg Bay's whale watching spots complement safaris through Klein Karoo's native lion, elephant, and hippo habitats.
Duration 4 days Destinations George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Oudtshoorn Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 221 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
30% Off- US$920
3 day Botlierskop Garden Route Glamping and Whale Coast Safari with Private transfers
“The tour was very nice and very well organized.”
francesca, traveled in January
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, Botlierskop Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 438 mi Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
30% Off- US$2,550
What people love about Safari Tours in Garden Route
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
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.
We had a great time and Frank was a brilliant tour guide and everyone on the tour were great thanks Linda and Colette
4 Day Garden Route Adventure
- Cape Town & the Garden Route
good itinerary and activities. tour manager was great
What our customers ask about Safari Tours & Trips in Garden Route
How long are typical game drives on Garden Route safaris?
Game drives along the Garden Route run between 2-3 hours offering morning and afternoon sessions. Addo Elephant National Park's drives explore its 28000-hectare reserve while private reserves like Botlierskop schedule multiple daily outings. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The morning game drive was thrilling and fulfilling - we spent 2-3 hours exploring the wilderness of Addo seeking out Africa's magnificent wildlife."
What animals can I expect to see during a Garden Route safari tour?
Garden Route safaris provide opportunities to see elephants lions rhinos buffalo hippos cheetahs and giraffes across various reserves. Addo Elephant National Park houses the world's largest concentration of African elephants with over 600 residents. Private reserves like Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift are known for Big 5 sightings. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We got to see most of the animals bar a leopard tiger so very pleased. Our tour Guide was excellent."
What is the best time of year for wildlife viewing on Garden Route safaris?
The dry winter season from May to September presents the best wildlife viewing conditions. Animals gather near water sources during these months when vegetation thins out. This timing also aligns with whale watching season in coastal areas like Hermanus from July to November. Early morning drives at Addo Elephant National Park tend to be most productive. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos lions buffalo leopards and elephants was incredible."
What types of accommodation options are available on Garden Route safari tours?
Accommodations range from basic to luxurious across the Garden Route safari circuit. Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge offers premium rooms with waterhole views while places like Cape to Addo Backpacker House provide budget-friendly options. Most properties feature pools and observation areas. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Even though it was hostel-style accommodation it was always very clean and cosy with great hosts and once also right by the beach."
Are the game drives included in the tour price or do I need to pay extra?
Standard Garden Route safari packages typically include one game drive especially at Addo Elephant National Park. Additional or specialized drives may require extra payment. At Addo a 2-hour guided open vehicle drive costs around 460 ZAR (USD 25). As one TourRadar traveler reported: "The included game drives were excellent value though we opted for an additional specialized drive which was worth the extra cost."