The Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of South Africa'’s must-see attractions, and makes a perfect add-on from a trip to Cape Town. Adding a day or two at the end of the Garden Route to see some wildlife in the Eastern Cape makes a wonderfully varied and exciting short holiday.

This suggested itinerary includes time along the coastal trail taking in the towns of Hermanus and Knysna with their quirky art galleries, craft shops and many good restaurants, surrounded by coastal hiking paths and whales and dolphins depending on the season. Tsitsikamma region offers many coastal walks and lovely beaches plus inland adventure trails, canopy tours and other activities. In Port Elizabeth you gain an insight to the cultural history of the area with a guided tour and traditional dinner and in Addo get up close to elephants and other wild animals on game drives.

This itinerary can be changed to suit and there are hundreds of lovely accommodations to choose from all along the Garden Route.

Trip information

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Included

9 days car hire (Group B with aircon), Real city Tour, accommodation and meals as specified.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, activities and excursions, fuel and other car related fees.

Is it for you?

The Garden Route is a holiday which is suitable for anyone, and can be easily combined with other areas of South Africa.

Best time

From about October to March the weather along South Africa's Garden Route is mostly hot and dry. December and January are very Mediterranean in climate.

Getting there

There are direct flights from the UK to Cape Town (about 11 hours direct. Return flights from the UK cost from about £600 plus taxes.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Cloudy
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain

Min Temp

- 15
- 15
- 10
- 10
- 5
- 0
- 0
- 0
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 15

Max Temp

- 35
- 33
- 30
- 30
- 25
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- 23
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- 34
- 35

Stunning coastal scenery
Whale watching (in season)
Good roads and enjoyable accommodation
Great food and good value for money
Cultural insight into life in Port Elizabeth

Itinerary

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Duration: 9 days

Day 1:
Collect your hire car from Cape Town airport. Drive about 1½ hours (or longer if you take the more scenic route) to Hermanus. Relaxing afternoon, or perhaps whale watching. (B)
Day 2:
Morning in Hermanus, then head along the Garden Route this afternoon to another lovely coastal village, Arniston. The pretty thatched fishermen's houses of Kassiesbaai, the oldest part of Arniston, have been declared a South African National Monument. The jagged coastline has a history of wrecks. Indeed the village derives its name from the British 'Arniston', which sank here in 1815. The vessel contained wounded soldiers and of the 378 people on board only 6 survived, making this one of the most serious disasters in the country's history. (RO)
Days 3-4:
Travel east to Knysna with its beautiful forests and great arts and crafts shops. Enjoy great views over Knysna Lagoon from your lodge balcony.(B)
Days 5-6:
Travel east to Tsitsikamma region (more or less the end of the Garden Route). You have two days to explore this beautiful region, and perhaps take a Storms River Adventure or walk the first part of the famous Otter Trail. (B or RO, depending on accommodation)
Day 7:
Travel to Port Elizabeth (about 1½hr). This afternoon you have a ‘Real City Tour’, ending with dinner in a shebeen. (BD)
Day 8:
Drive to Addo Elephant Park (about 1 hr). You can book game drives, guided walks or horse rides here. (RO)
Day 9:
Drive back to Port Elizabeth. Depending on your onward arrangements, a morning game drive may be possible before you leave. (RO)

Pricing guidelines for South Africa

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). South Africa combines well with Botswana, Mauritius and Mozambique.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week in the Western Cape (eg Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Cedarberg etc) using good guest houses & hotels, and with a hire car.Between £500 and £1000+
1 week safari based at private lodges or tented camps (for example in Kruger, Madikwe, Hluhluwe ...)Between £1000 and £3000+
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+
2 week Kruger and Cape holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+

South Africa