The Garden Route tour - 8 days

The Garden Route tour - 8 days

tourhub | Encounters Travel | The Garden Route tour - 8 days | 60
tourhub | Encounters Travel | The Garden Route tour - 8 days | 60 tourhub | Encounters Travel | The Garden Route tour - 8 days | 60

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 tourhub | Encounters Travel | The Garden Route tour - 8 days | 60

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8 Days From

$960

The Garden Route tour - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Gqeberha, South Africa

Visiting: Cape Town, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

60

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

14-95

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests.

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Interests:

Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Hiking, Wine Tasting

From: $960

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure along South Africa's stunning Garden Route. This small group tour is perfect for singles and adventure seekers, offering a blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. Begin your journey in vibrant Cape Town, with free days to explore its iconic landmarks. Travel along the scenic Cape coastline, stopping at Hermanus and the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. Enjoy wine tasting on Route 62 and visit an ostrich farm. Paddle through Wilderness National Park, hike in Tsitsikamma, and experience the thrill of the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump. Conclude with a safari in Addo Elephant Park, home to diverse wildlife. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an exhilarating South African adventure.

Highlights

  • Cape Town exploration, including Table Mountain and Signal Hill.

  • Stellenbosch wine tasting along the famous Route 62.

  • Visit to an Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World.

  • Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park.

  • Exploration of Tsitsikamma National Park with its forest and coastline.

  • Safari in Addo Elephant National Park, home to a large elephant population.

  • Optional shark cage diving and whale watching in Hermanus.

  • Visit to the Bloukrans Bridge, the site of the highest bungee jump in the world.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Cape Town Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Your tour starts with your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, from where you are transferred to your accommodation. This will be in the form of either a comfortable, high-quality backpacker lodge, or a more luxurious deluxe guesthouse or boutique hotel, depending on your choice. You will be free to spend the rest of the day, as well as the next day, exploring Cape Town on your own. Included activities: Airport transfer Approximate driving time: /- 30 minutes, 25 km

Day 2 : Free Day In Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Cape Town Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is your chance to experience the sights and sounds of Cape Town with 2 free days in the famous Mother City. Home to many important historical landmarks, as well some gorgeous natural sites, Cape Town has so much to offer. Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Robben Island, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton Beach, the V&A Waterfront, Constantia. You can fill your days or take them easy, as you prefer. We recommend taking a tour on the city sightseeing bus; alternatively, you can pre-book out a Cape Peninsula Tour or Cape Winelands Tour (joining with other travellers not on our trip). Optional Activities: Group Cape Winelands day tour, Group Cape Peninsula day tour

Day 3 : Free Day In Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Cape Town Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have another free day to explore Cape town today. Optional Activities: Group Cape Winelands day tour, Group Cape Peninsula day tour

Day 4 : Cape Coast- Hermanus, Betties Bay, Cape Agulhas, Shark Cage Diving

Location: Hermanus

Accommodation Name: Cape L'Agulhas/Struisbaai Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The group joins together today as we follow the scenic Cape coastline. We depart Cape Town early, heading towards Hermanus. Guests who have chosen to do the shark cage diving activity depart separately and join up with the rest of the group later in the day. En-route to Hermanus, we make a stop at Betties Bay, where a marvelous sight awaits us: a colony of endangered African penguins. When we reach Hermanus, we are able to explore the charming seaside town’s shops and restaurants. We may also be able to see the famous Southern Right Whales, if we visit during the whale season (July to November). We then continue onto out next stop: Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point of the African continent, and is also where we can see the famous meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Day 5 : Route 62, Winery Stop, Ostrich Farm

Location: Oudtshoorn

Accommodation Name: Game Farm in Oudsthoorn area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel along a famous route in South Africa: Route 62, the longest wine route in the country. This area is famous for its wine production, and we stop off a local winery for a chance to experience a wine-tasting, along with our lunch. We then continue onto Oudthsoorn, a famous town in the Klein Karoo that is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World. Our accommodation for the night is on a working game farm. In the evening you can enjoy a visit to an ostrich farm, whilst taking in the views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background.

Day 6 : Wilderness National Park And Knysna

Location: Wilderness National Park

Accommodation Name: Sedgefield Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We have an adventurous and exciting day ahead of us today. We begin by crossing the magnificent Outeniqua Mountain Pass into Wilderness National Park. We explore this beautiful landscape in a unique way- by paddling down the Touw River in canoes. This is a truly enchanting way to experience the beauty of the park, and our journey takes us through the forest, which is abundant with life. After our boating excursion, we enjoy a short 2km hike to a lovely waterfall and rock pool area. We then depart for Sedgefield, where the pristine beaches are perfect for rounding off the adventures of the day.

Day 7 : Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park And Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump

Location: Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation Name: Addo Backpackers or Deluxe Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we will head to the famous town of Knysna via the beautiful Lake District of the Garden Route. Whilst in Knysna we'll visit the viewpoint, where we'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Knysna River estuary and towards the Indian Ocean. Our next destination is Tsitsikamma National Park. En-route, we stop at the world-famous Bloukrans Bridge, the site of the highest bungee jump in the world. While the thrill-seekers in the group enjoy this must-do experience, the rest of us continue onwards to the park. Tsitsikamma National Park’s delightful combination of forest and unspoiled coastline provides a variety of activities for all. Go hiking and swimming, and cross an awesome suspension bridge across a river mouth. In the afternoon, we depart and head towards Addo.

Day 8 : Safari In Addo Elephant National Park, Transfer To Port Elizabeth

Location: Addo Elephant National Park

Accommodation Name: N/A

Today is the last day of the tour, and what better way to spend it than on safari? We spend the morning exploring the vast wilderness of Addo Elephant National Park, home to an incredible diversity of wildlife species. The park is true to its name, and houses approximately 600 elephants. Also look out for zebra, kudu, eland, warthog, and, of course, the other members of the famous Big 5. After a 2-3 hour safari, we depart Addo and reach Port Elizabeth in the early afternoon. Those catching international flights will have ample time, as many depart in the early evening. Guests who wish to extend their stay may certainly do so. There is a number of options available- you can book extra nights in PE, at a lodge outside Addo, or even at a private game reserve. Please contact us for more information.

What's Included

  • 24hr airport arrival transfer

    The tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival transfer service.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation in Backpacker Hostels or Deluxe Guesthouses/Hotels is included.

  • Transport

    All transport in air-conditioned minibuses is provided during the tour.

  • Activities and highlights

    All activities and highlights as mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Local driver/guide

    An experienced and qualified local driver/guide will accompany the tour.

  • Local wine tasting

    A local wine tasting experience is included in the tour.

  • Klein Karoo Ostrich Farm

    A visit to the Klein Karoo Ostrich Farm is included.

  • Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park

    Canoeing and hiking activities in Wilderness National Park are included.

  • Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park

    Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park is part of the tour.

  • Game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park

    A game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park is included.

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What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included but are available on request.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees, if required, are not included in the tour.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.

  • Single room supplements

    Single room supplements are required for solo travelers unless staying in shared Backpacker dorms.

  • Meals not indicated

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips for guides and drivers are not included.

  • Entrance fees and activities not mentioned

    Entrance fees and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Optional tours

    Optional tours in Cape Town and elsewhere are not included.

  • Other items

    Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with all transport provided in air-conditioned minibuses, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in either comfortable backpacker hostels or deluxe guesthouses/hotels, offering a blend of affordability and luxury to suit your preferences.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights of accommodation in either Backpacker Hostels or Deluxe Guesthouses/Hotels, depending on your choice.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, a 24-hour airport arrival transfer is included in the tour package.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All transport during the tour is provided in air-conditioned minibuses.

  • Is there an opportunity for wine tasting during the tour?

    Yes, there is a stop at a local winery along Route 62 for wine tasting.

  • What activities are included in Wilderness National Park?

    In Wilderness National Park, the tour includes canoeing down the Touw River and a short hike to a waterfall and rock pool area.

  • Is there a safari included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a game viewing safari in Addo Elephant National Park.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include shark cage diving, whale watching boat trips (in season), and a bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

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Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
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$1155

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$1155

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Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$960

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$960

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May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025
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$960

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May 16, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$960

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May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$960

Friday - Friday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$960

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Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$960

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Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$960

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Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$960

Friday - Friday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$960

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Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$960

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$960

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$960

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$1280

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Gardens & Nature tours in South Africa Gardens & Nature tours Tours in South Africa Wildlife tours Wine Tasting tours Canoeing-Kayaking tours Hiking tours Safari tours

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