Coastal South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Big Five Tour - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Explore Cape Town

Day 2: Transfer to Cape Agulhas via Hermanus

You'll leave Cape Town this morning and follow a scenic coastal road, stopping at Betty's Bay to view a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon at the seaside resort town of Hermanus and visit its many shops and markets. If you're visiting during whale season (July to November), it's an exceptional opportunity to view the most majestic mammals of the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for southern right whales, humpbacks, and Bryde whales. This area holds the record for the highest number of whales seen at one time, so your chances of an encounter are high.

For the more adventurous, there is also the option to go shark cage diving! During this exhilarating experience, you'll have the opportunity to get face-to-face with these extraordinary predators while remaining in the security of a cage. Continue the drive to Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa, and visit the "Real" viewpoint where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. At the end of the trip, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in.

Day 3: Ostrich Farm Safari & Cango Caves Tour, Transfer to Oudtshoorn

A driver will be waiting to take you along South Africa's scenic highway—Route 62—which offers surprises around every bend. Experience the expansive vistas of broad mountain ranges and fertile plains, home to grapevines and fruit orchards. After the bush drive, enjoy a tractor safari on an ostrich farm. This tour takes place on a working farm that is the only place to see Zimbabwean, Kenyan, and South African ostriches in one place. Your expert guides will explain the natural breeding cycle of these animals, including a visit to the incubator room to see ostrich hatchlings.

Next is the Cango Caves, a natural landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter a magical limestone labyrinth stretching around 2.5 miles (4 km). These underground systems are also a cultural landmark, as ancient cave art indicates habitation during the early Stone Age. More recently, the caves were used by the Indigenous Khoikhoi people, and samples of their early paintings can still be seen on the walls today. Following the tour, go to your final destination, Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo Valley.

Day 5: Visit Tsitsikamma National Park, Transfer to Addo Elephant National Park

Get ready for some outdoor adventure! With your driver, head east toward Tsitsikamma National Park. This stunning protected area on the Garden Route stretches for about 50 miles (80 km) and is famous for its forests, beaches, and rivers. You'll stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the world's highest bungee jump bridge. This incredible concrete archway rises 708 feet (216 m) over the Bloukrans River and offers excellent views. There's time for a jump if you want to give it a try!

For a calmer experience, explore the park with its unique combination of native forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. Many activities include canoeing, hiking, crossing the suspension bridge, and swimming. Later, you'll leave the Garden Route for Addo, home to the coveted Big Five of African game (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo). You'll check into your accommodation and have the evening to relax.

Day 6: Game Drive at Addo Elephant National Park, Transfer to Port Elizabeth

Have your cameras ready for Big Five viewing at Addo Elephant National Park during a half-day safari game drive. As the name suggests, the third-largest national park in South Africa is one of the country's best places to see African elephants. The park was founded in 1931 to protect the last 11 elephants in the area. Their numbers have since rebounded, and today hundreds continue to thrive in this protected area. Upon arrival, meet your expert guide, hop in a 4WD vehicle, and begin the safari. 

While animal sightings can never be guaranteed, you'll almost certainly spot some of the hundreds of elephants in this park. You'll also see plenty of antelope, zebras, warthogs, Cape buffalo, and more. And while spotting big cats here is rare, you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of the elusive rhino or shy leopard. After an exciting morning of game viewing, your driver will take you to Port Elizabeth, where you'll check in to your hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Cape Town via Mossel Bay & Depart

It's an early start to your final day with a stop in Mossel Bay to spend time on its spectacular beaches. Hike the Cape St Blaize trail along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Visit the famous Diaz Museum complex, commemorating the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try optional activities such as a 10,000-foot tandem skydive or sand boarding on the longest dune in South Africa just outside of Mossel Bay.