From Cape Town: 3-Day Garden Route Highlights and 4x4 Safari
Eastern Cape
See Africa's famous wildlife and incredible Garden Route scenery on this 3-day tour; including a 4x4 game drive and bush walking safari and canoeing in the wilderness.
This 3-day guided tour explores South Africa’s Route 62, Klein Karoo, and the Garden Route, combining safari, kayaking, and cultural experiences around Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, and Botlierskop.
Highlights
- Drive along South Africa's scenic Route 62 country road
- 4x4 safari game drive in search of the Big 5 (elephant, lion, rhino)
- Kayak on calm rivers in the Wilderness region
- Explore Oudtshoorn’s Klein Karoo countryside
Description
Day 1: Oudtshoorn
Depart from near Cape Town’s DHL Stadium at 6:45am; hotel pickup within 5km available if booked 2+ days in advance. Travel approximately 450 km (about 6 hours) along Route 62, passing mountains, passes, plains, and vineyards.
Arrive in Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital. Visit the Cango Caves limestone chambers with stalactites and Khoikhoi paintings. Choose either a Heritage tour or the more adventurous option navigating narrow limestone passages (caves currently temporarily closed; an alternative activity will be provided).
Spend the evening at leisure in Oudtshoorn. Accommodation options range from backpacker to 4-star luxury, with optional upgrades available.
Day 2: Wilderness
Drive approximately 400 km (about 4 hours) through the Klein Karoo. Optionally join an elephant observation walk (additional cost) to see three rescued elephants roaming freely at Buffelsdrift.
Enjoy a kayak trip along the reed-lined rivers near Wilderness National Park, observing birdlife and seasonal waterfalls.
Visit Bloukrans Bridge, site of the world’s highest commercial bungy jump (optional). Alternatively, explore nearby forest trails.
Stay overnight in Sedgefield or Wilderness, with accommodation choices from backpacker to 4-star options.
Day 3: Garden Route
Begin with a 4x4 game drive in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve (malaria-free), spotting rhino, lion, elephant, zebra, and wildebeest. Experience is led by an experienced ranger.
Travel about 450 km (6 hours) back to Cape Town, arriving between 8pm and 10pm.
Includes
- English-speaking accredited local tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within 5km of Cape Town (if booked 2+ days in advance)
- Two nights’ accommodation (according to selected package)
- Transportation to all tour highlights
- Two breakfasts
- 4x4 Botlierskop game drive (approx. 2 hours)
- Canoeing in the Wilderness region
- Route 62 road trip
- Cango Caves tour (currently replaced with an alternative activity until reopening)
Excludes
- Extra meals and drinks not listed on the itinerary
- Optional elephant observation walk (approx. R770)
- Optional bungy jumping at Bloukrans Bridge (approx. R1690)
Important Information
- Itinerary is subject to change and may run in reverse order. Accommodation may vary but will be of the same standard.
- Start point is near Cape Town DHL Stadium at 6:45am. Hotel pickup requires booking 2+ days in advance and occurs up to 90 minutes before departure.
- Total driving is approximately 1200 km over 3 days, averaging 4 to 6 hours daily excluding safari drives.
- This fast-paced tour suits travellers with limited time and an active mindset.
- Accommodation includes a mix of backpacker and guesthouse options, usually in different locations each night.
- Participants must be fit for travel and disclose health conditions prior to booking; consult a doctor if needed.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
Book early to secure your preferred accommodation and arrange hotel pickup. Bring comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, and a camera. The best time to visit is during dry weather for safaris and outdoor activities.
