6-Day Garden Route Splendour Tour

Overnight: Oudtshoorn
Meals included: Dinner
Distance: ±550 km

Your local tour guide meets you this morning in Cape Town, and the journey along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route begins. Travel via Sir Lowry’s Pass, offering sweeping views over Grabouw and the Elgin Valley, an area known for its orchards, vineyards, and mountain scenery. Stop along the way at a traditional farm stall selling locally produced goods.

Continue south to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the symbolic meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This rugged, unspoilt coastline is home to the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, a landmark that has guided sailors for generations.

From here, travel inland via historic Swellendam and the scenic Tradouw Pass, joining the famous Route 62. Arrive in Oudtshoorn, the heart of the global ostrich farming industry, often referred to as the “ostrich feather capital of the world.” Enjoy dinner at a working ostrich farm, featuring regional specialities such as ostrich steak.

Overnight: Oudtshoorn
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ±90 km

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most impressive natural wonders, sculpted over millions of years into vast chambers of limestone formations.

Later, enjoy an interactive tractor tour on a working ostrich farm, learning about the region’s farming heritage. The day also includes a local wine tasting, offering the chance to sample wines produced in the Klein Karoo region.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy Oudtshoorn’s tranquil surroundings.

Overnight: Knysna
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance: ±170 km

Following breakfast, depart Oudtshoorn and cross the scenic Outeniqua Mountain Pass en route to George, the sixth-oldest town in South Africa. George is home to several historical landmarks, including the Slave Tree and the King Edward VII Library, an excellent example of Edwardian architecture.

Continue through Wilderness, a charming coastal town nestled between lakes, forests, and beaches, before arriving in Knysna. Set along the banks of a picturesque lagoon, Knysna is often referred to as the “oyster box of South Africa.”

Enjoy lunch featuring local and traditional cuisine, followed by free time to explore the town at your own pace. In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset lagoon cruise, taking in views of the famous Knysna Heads.

Overnight: Knysna
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ±110 km

After breakfast, you’ll continue exploring the Garden Route’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where a variety of primates roam freely in a protected forest environment. This award-winning sanctuary focuses on the rehabilitation and rewilding of primates rescued from captivity. A portion of the tour cost from this Travel with a Purpose experience supports the conservation and long-term protection of these endangered species.

If weather permits, the journey continues to Eastern Head, offering panoramic views over the Knysna Heads. You’ll then travel to Brenton-on-Sea, a peaceful coastal retreat known for its pristine beaches and tranquil surroundings, ideal for nature lovers. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: Tsitsikamma area
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ±100 km

This morning, visit Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay, the world’s largest free-flight aviary. Home to a vast collection of African bird species, the sanctuary provides a safe, semi-wild environment where birds can fly freely. As part of this Travel with a Purpose activity, a portion of the tour cost contributes to the conservation of genetically pure species and seed preservation for potential future reintroduction into the wild.

The journey continues to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest commercially operated bungy jump. If weather conditions allow, you’ll also visit Storms River Mouth within Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned for its dramatic coastline, indigenous forests, deep river gorges, and sweeping ocean views.

Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ±185 km

After breakfast, travel east along the coastline toward Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), often referred to as the Friendly City. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city orientation tour, with the tour concluding at approximately 13:00. Drop-off at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is available on request.