Garden Route and Addo | 2026
Garden Route and Addo | 2026
Garden Route and Addo | 2026
7 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha, Knysna, Cape Town
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAGRMA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa with the "Garden Route and Addo" tour in 2026. Starting and ending in the vibrant city of Cape Town, this adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Karoo desert, the lush Garden Route, and the wildlife-rich Addo Elephant National Park. Experience the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, meet adorable penguins at the SANCCOB Rehabilitation Centre, and enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the Big 5. Relax on the beaches of Jeffreys Bay, explore the scenic beauty of Tsitsikamma National Park, and indulge in the culinary delights of Stellenbosch's wine farms. With opportunities for adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation in one of the world's most diverse and beautiful regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves
Location: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Riempie Estate (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Riempie Estate (or similar)
Hello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’. Today's scenic drive goes through mountain passes, vineyards and epic desert scenery along the way.An included guided tour of Africa's LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How's that for a pitstop?Welcome to the Klein Karoo! This evening we'll check into Oudtshoorn with our first adventure on offer. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride or drive down the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner on a local farm with produce straight from the farm around you
Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park
Location: Addo Elephant National Park
Accommodation: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good morning! Let's continue heading East towards one of South Africa's most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?) That’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in our comfy (and tall!) coach in search of Africa's largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!) We'll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)
Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves
Location: Gqeberha
Accommodation: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild. Later this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right? Tonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.
Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park
Location: Knysna
Accommodation: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way. Known as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do. Welcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River. And then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We've got two nights here too!)
Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay
Location: Knysna
Accommodation: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more. It’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg's main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood. This evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to cruise the Knysna lagoon & see the sunset onboard. Then, we'll tuck into a group dinner by the water before finishing off with a night on the town.
Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation: Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views. Marine mania… We’ll have lunch and some free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready. And here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.
Day 7: Cape Town And Stellenbosch
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
It might be our last day together but fear not, there’s still plenty planned about the Cape Winelands. And most of it revolves around food. But before that, you have the chance to hit the skies on an epic helicopter ride over the seas and peaks. After some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed. And, after a brief drive back to Cape Town for an airport/hotel drop-off, that's a wrap! You'll have the option to jump on our Cape Town Explorer trip starting this evening (that's 4 more days in the Mother City!). It’s been wild – we’re thrilled from what we’ve experienced, and we can’t wait to do it all again!
What's Included
-
Cango Caves Tour
Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system, the Cango Caves, which are over 20 million years old.
-
Addo Elephant National Park Visit
Experience a safari in Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 600 elephants and other wildlife such as giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and warthogs.
-
Jeffreys Bay Beach Visit
Enjoy the natural beauty and waves of Jeffreys Bay Beach, known for its calamari and stunning scenery.
-
Tsitsikamma National Park Trek
Trek through Tsitsikamma National Park, offering dramatic scenery and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.
-
Knysna Beach Relaxation
Relax on the golden sands of one of South Africa's best beaches in Knysna.
-
Stellenbosch Wine Tour
Explore the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch, rich in vineyards and history.
-
SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre Visit
Visit the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre to learn about their efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured seabirds.
-
Private Game Drives
Participate in optional private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves, known for sightings of the Big 5.
-
Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on the Knysna lagoon, with the opportunity to see the sunset onboard.
-
Township Visit in Knysna
Engage with the local community during a township visit in Knysna, with opportunities to make a positive impact.
What's Not Included
-
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements are not included and depend on your country of origin.
Some travelers may need to arrange a visa ahead of time. -
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as marine safaris, kayaking, and helicopter rides are not included in the tour package.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Dining Summary
- 6 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Cape Town: Why is the Garden Route so popular? The Garden Route encompasses everything you want to experience and see on a trip to South Africa. It has the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town, plenty of beaches to catch a surf or tan, wine farms to indulge in, adventurous activities on both land and sea as well as Big 5 Game Reserves to get your wildlife fix.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: Where does the Garden Route start and end? It’s common to start in Mossel Bay in the west and finish at Storms River in the east – but there’s no reason you couldn’t do this in reverse or start in the middle (like the rebel you are). Our Garden Route & Addo trip starts off in Cape Town. From there, we’ll board the Contiki coach and drive east to the Addo Elephant Park via Oudtshoorn. We then head south to Gqeberha before making our way back west to Hermanus via Knysna. Check the itinerary above for more info.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: Do I need a visa for this trip? This depends on your country of origin. In some cases, your visa is free and you can collect it when you arrive in South Africa. In others, if you’re travelling from New Zealand for example, you’ll need to arrange your visa ahead of time. Click here to find out visa requirements based on your home country.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: What should I pack for a Garden Route road trip? It’ll change slightly depending on what time of year you’re visiting, but some essentials will include: Your camera Comfortable shoes & clothes for walking (including a beanie, gloves and warm jacket for open-top safari drives in the winter) Your swimming costume?& towel Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses Insect repellent A portable phone charger Binoculars (crucial for game drives to see animals in the distance) Day bag for daily activities Torch/Headlight Reusable water bottle Read our full guide to visiting Africa here.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: What is the best time of year to travel the Garden Route? The Garden Route summer occurs between October to April, with the best beach weather coming in December to February. July to December is Whale Season, so this is the best time to visit if you’re keen to admire the Garden Route’s awesome marine life. May - September usually sees the coolest weather, so these months are ideal for hiking, outdoor activities, and safaris.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: What are my chances of seeing wildlife on this trip? Excellent. We visit wildlife reserves, so you’ll have a decent chance of catching the elusive Big 5 – plus giraffes, warthogs and other famed species. You’ll also have a great chance of seeing elephants in Addo, plus the myriad marine life on our marine activities – including whales, dolphins, penguins and more.
- Cape Town: What transport is used on this trip? You’ll be journeying around in your very own Contiki coach or minibus, equipped with AC (for a much-needed cool down from the tropical heat.) You’ll have the company of your Trip Manager, who’ll give you all the juicy info you need about the incredible spots you see en-route. And of course, we’ll keep it groovy on the coach with some music.
- Cape Town: What kind of accommodation do we stay in? This Garden Route & Addo trip is studded with incredible stays. This includes centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels, with scrumptious buffet breakfasts to kickstart your day. You’ll also have access to all amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools.
Included Experience
- Cango Caves: Tour Africa's largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken.
- Addo Elephant National Park: See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa's incredible wildlife.
- Gqeberha: The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.
- Jeffreys Bay: Known for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Knysna: If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
- Knysna: Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.
- Stellenbosch: Get to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with your very own Contiki coach or minibus, equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool. Enjoy the company of your Trip Manager, who will provide insights about the incredible spots you visit, all while grooving to music on the coach.
Accommodation
This tour offers stays in centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels, such as Riempie Estate, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth, and Knysna Quays, providing access to amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools, with scrumptious buffet breakfasts to start your day.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, and potentially the Big 5 during the private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves. Additionally, there are opportunities to see marine life such as whales, dolphins, and seals during the optional marine safari.
-
What activities are included in the visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre?
During the visit to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, you will have the opportunity to see how the centre works to rescue and rehabilitate injured seabirds, particularly penguins, and help them return to the wild.
-
What are some of the optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities during the tour include a scenic bike ride or drive down the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass, a marine safari in Plettenberg Bay, kayaking at Storms River, and a helicopter ride over Cape Town. Additionally, there are optional game drives in private game reserves and a MasterChef-style cooking class in Cape Town.
-
What is the accommodation like on this tour?
The accommodation on this tour includes centrally-located beachside resorts and waterfront hotels, such as Riempie Estate, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth, and Knysna Quays. These accommodations offer amenities like restaurants, bars, and pools, along with buffet breakfasts to start your day.
-
What is the best time of year to travel the Garden Route?
The best time to travel the Garden Route depends on your interests. The summer months from October to April offer the best beach weather, while July to December is ideal for whale watching. May to September is cooler and suitable for hiking, outdoor activities, and safaris.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Monday - Sunday
Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Monday - Sunday
Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Monday - Sunday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Monday - Sunday
Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Monday - Sunday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Sunday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Monday - Sunday
May 05, 2025 - May 11, 2025Monday - Sunday
May 19, 2025 - May 25, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Monday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Monday - Sunday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Monday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Monday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Monday - Sunday
Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Monday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Monday - Sunday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Monday - Sunday
Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Monday - Sunday
Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Monday - Sunday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Monday - Sunday
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Monday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Monday - Sunday
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jan 05, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Monday - Sunday
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026Monday - Sunday
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Monday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Monday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Monday - Sunday
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Monday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026Monday - Sunday
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Monday - Sunday
Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Monday - Sunday
Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Monday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Monday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Monday - Sunday
Apr 20, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Monday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2026 - May 03, 2026Monday - Sunday
May 04, 2026 - May 10, 2026Monday - Sunday
May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026Monday - Sunday
May 18, 2026 - May 24, 2026Monday - Sunday
May 25, 2026 - May 31, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 01, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jul 20, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Monday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Monday - Sunday
Aug 03, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Monday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Monday - Sunday
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Monday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Monday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Monday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Monday - Sunday
Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Monday - Sunday
Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Monday - Sunday
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Monday - Sunday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Monday - Sunday
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Monday - Sunday
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Monday - Sunday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Monday - Sunday
Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026Monday - Sunday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026Monday - Sunday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026Monday - Sunday
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Monday - Sunday
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026Monday - Sunday
Dec 07, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026Monday - Sunday
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Monday - Sunday
Dec 21, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026Monday - Sunday
Dec 28, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD 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 contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.