South Africa's Garden Route & Addo National Park - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, Traditional African Dinner

Welcome to South Africa! Nicknamed the "Rainbow Nation" by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the southernmost country on the continent lives up to its reputation as a hotbed of diversity. The majority of South African residents are Bantu people of various ethnicities; however, it's also home to those of European, Asian, and mixed-race ancestry. You'll arrive in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the country. At the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city. 

After settling in, you'll sit down for a traditional African dining experience in which you'll enjoy a 14-dish tasting menu that spans the continent. But the food is only part of the experience. Each night on the restaurant's stage, African musicians and dancers perform for the guests. At the end of this unforgettable culinary experience, you'll return to the hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to Sedgefield

Meet your driver at the hotel this morning and hit the road from Cape Town, heading east down to the beautiful southern coast. Along the way, you'll travel over scenic mountain passes, drive alongside vineyards in the Cape Winelands, and pass charming coastal villages on your way to the seaside town of Sedgefield. It's about a 5.5-hour drive, but there will be ample opportunities to stop and stretch your legs along the way. One great option is a pit stop in Riviersonderend, a village where you can try a homemade melktart (milk tart)—a local specialty of Dutch origin.

Farther east, you'll enter the Garden Route, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Here, you'll travel along aloe-lined roads amid rolling green farmland near the settlement of Albertinia, which is a great place to stop for selfies. Shortly after that, you'll pass the towns of Wilderness and George, which are surrounded by rainforest-filled national parks. Feel free to stop at one of the lakes in this area for an afternoon canoe ride and bird-watching excursion. Eventually, you'll arrive in the laid-back coastal village of Sedgefield, where you'll overnight. 

Day 3: Transfer to Jeffreys Bay via Knysna

Today starts with a 20-minute ride east to the neighboring town of Knysna. In a region with no shortage of beautiful coastal towns, Knysna might be the most stunning. Just the scenery is incredible—the town is surrounded by ancient forests and hemmed in by soaring headlands that protect a river-fed lagoon. There are plenty of options for adventures and nature activities in the region, which is why you'll be stopping to spend the afternoon here. 

 

It's an opportunity to enjoy the area's most popular activities, particularly excursions to nearby 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, particularly the Storms River. For adventure activities, head up to Bloukrans Bridge and strap into the world's highest commercial bungee jump (708 ft/216 m). Or soar over the treetops and waterfalls on a zipline before hiking through Tsitsikamma's forests on suspension bridges.  

Afterward, continue heading east, passing idyllic towns like Plettenberg Bay, which is known for its golden beaches and tranquil lagoons. As you pass the offshore white caps (or "seahorses" as the locals call them), it signals your arrival at Jeffreys Bay. South Africa's quintessential surf town is also the last stop on the Garden Route, and this is where you'll spend the night. After checking in to your hotel, you can head out and enjoy "J-Bay" like a local, which means hitting the waves. There's no shortage of boards for rent, and many experts offer lessons for all skill levels.

Day 4: Day Trip to Addo National Park

Wake up before dawn and transfer to Addo Elephant National Park for a half-day game drive. This is the third-largest national park in South Africa and, as the name suggests, one of the best places in the country to see African elephants. Upon arrival, meet your expert guide, hop in a 4WD vehicle, and begin the safari. During the outing, your guide will drive you around to see the park's hundreds of elephants. You might also see Big Five safari animals like rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and maybe a rare lion. 

You'll be back in Jeffreys bay by the early afternoon and can enjoy the remainder of the day however you like. If you want to pick up souvenirs, visit J-Bay's surf shop village, which abounds with discount outlets. Or, head back out on the water for more surfing. If you're not a fan of water sports, you can opt to try sandboarding right in town. Another great option is a guided horseback ride along the beach and around the inland coastal areas.

Day 5: Transfer to Oudtshoorn, Guided Tour

Get back on the road today and travel back west from Jeffreys Bay through the Langkloof Mountains to the arid plains of the Klein Karoo. This narrow valley between coastal mountain ranges is not only beautiful, but it's also the ostrich capital of South Africa. As you drive through the region, expect to see bird-filled paddocks lining the highway. Your destination is Oudtshoorn which, like most other towns in the region, relies on ostrich farming to support the economy.

Learn all about the region's ostrich industry with a visit to the Cango Ostrich Farm. Here you'll get up close and personal with the world's largest bird. After the farm, stop at the Cango Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This otherworldly limestone labyrinth stretches around 2.5 miles (4 km), and you can explore quite a bit of it. The site is also a cultural landmark, as ancient cave art here indicates habitation in the early Stone Age. More recently, the caves were used by the Khoikhoi Indigenous people, and some of their early paintings can still be seen on the walls.

At the end of the day, you'll head to the hotel in Oudtshoorn where you'll overnight. For dinner, if you have a chance to try the Karoo lamb or local ostrich, don't be shy—they're delicious.

Day 6: Elephant Bushwalk, Transfer to Cape Town & Depart

Unfortunately, this is your last day in South Africa—but the adventure isn't over yet. In the morning, you'll have the option to travel to a private game reserve in Klein Karoo where you can spend time with three orphaned elephants rescued from Kruger National Park. You'll interact with these gentle and social animals as well as spend time with their carers. It's a great opportunity to learn about both the elephants and the ongoing conservation efforts in the area. As an added bonus, there are 22 other wildlife species that live in the park including cheetahs, hippos, and over 200 bird species. 

After your morning meeting with the elephants, you'll return to Cape Town via the famous Route 62, which is South Africa's answer to America's Route 66. Route 62 is more than just burger stands and small country towns—this highway also follows the longest wine route in the Western Cape. So feel free to make a pit stop en route to sample some of the local wines. Eventually, you'll arrive at the airport in Cape Town, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other South Africa itineraries, explore more ways to spend six days in South Africa, or learn about the best time of year to visit South Africa.