Accommodated Garden Route & Lesotho Safari - North

A fantastic Accommodated Garden Route & Lesotho Safari from Cape Town to Durban, South Africa.

This Cape to Durban Budget Safari starts off with an stop off in Stellenbosh in the heart of the Cape Wineland region. It's then off to the scenic Garden Route area of South Africa, including visits to the ostrich capital Oudtshoorn, the town of Knysna and the Tsitsikamma National Park.

We then visit the Malaria Free Addo Elephant National Park before a quick stop off at the seaside village of Cintsa.

From the east coast of South Africa it's off to the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho for some pony trekking and a visit to the Drakensberg Mountain area of Kwazulu Natal before this affordable Garden Route & Lesotho Safari ends in Durban.

Day 1: Stellenbosch Wine Route - South Africa

Departing from the beautiful city of Cape Town we travel the short distance to a well-known wine estate near Stellenbosch on the Cape Wine Route.

At Spier Wine Estate we visit the Cheetah Breeding Centre to admire these magnificent cats. Later in the day we sample some of the fine wines produced at this respected wine farm in the renowned Western Cape wine region.

We continue our journey on the Cape Wine Route to our overnight accommodation in the charming town of Stellenbosch. Arriving at the quaint guest house, your guides brief you on what to expect on this Southern African Safari.

Optional Activity: Dinner out

Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Oudtshoorn - Route 62

We drive inland along the famous Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn stopping at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, an interesting country pub rather than a sex shop, if time allows.

Our first stop on the Garden Route is the Cango Caves where we take a guided tour of the elaborate underground cave system. The Cango Caves are some of the most impressive limestone caverns and the different formations are quite astonishing.

While in the area we have the opportunity to visit an Ostrich farm for a quick tour. We stay in Oudtshoorn overnight. Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Knysna / Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route

We return to the coast via some lovely country roads passing over the scenic Outeniqua Mountains en route to the picturesque seaside village of Knysna.

Passing Mossel Bay we keep a look out for whales and dolphins. In the afternoon there is free time to explore Knysna, one of South Africa’s most popular seaside towns on the much-loved Garden Route. Look out for whales and dolphins as we pass through Mossel Bay. We overnight at a seaside resort in Plettenberg Bay, a popular holiday destination on the Garden Route.

Optional Activities: Knysna Elephant Park, Lagoon Cruise, Township Tour, Birds of Eden, 4x4 Forest drive with lunch, Predator Rehab, Monkey town. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 / 5: Bloukrans / Tsitsikamma National Park - Garden Route

It is a short drive to the scenic Storms River and Bloukrans Bridge further along the renowned Garden Route. We will spend time exploring this striking coastal region and the Tsitsikamma National Park.

One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, the Tsitsikamma National Park, boasts exceptional hiking trails and superb coastal scenery.

Tsitsikamma is a destination that attracts many people back for another visit. The first few hours of the famous Otter Trail Hike are included in the Activity Package of this Garden Route & Lesotho Tour. For those in search of an adrenaline boost the nearby Bloukraans Bridge is home to the world’s highest bungee jump at 216m!

Optional Activities: Bungee jumping (highest in the world) , treetop canopy tours, hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Addo Elephant National Park

The Southern African journey continues into the Eastern Cape where we enter the Addo Elephant National Park where we are surrounded by these magnificent creatures. Game driving in our elevated safari truck in Addo this afternoon will allow us to take some wonderful photos of many of Africa’s big game.

Optional activities: Night game drive with SANP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 / 8: Cintsa

After a final game drive in Addo we depart Addo National Park and drive to Cintsa, a laid-back resort village on the East Coast of South Africa. In coastal Cintsa you will have the chance to participate in the many optional activities on offer.

Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9/10: Lesotho - Malealea

Today we leave South Africa and enter Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky.

Lesotho is one of the highest countries in the world, with the entire country lying over 1000m above sea level. The next day we get up early and those who choose to go on the optional Pony Trekking Excursion will ride into the remote hills of Lesotho accompanied by local guides.

On your return the group will visit the local village and school. Those staying behind can explore the rural village and visit a local crafts market while the others are pony trekking in the hills of Lesotho.

Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11/12 South Africa - Drakensberg

We return to South Africa where we drive to the mountainous Royal Natal National Park. We spend the next two days exploring mountain paths and enjoying the beauty the Drakensberg Mountains.

The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest and most beautiful mountain range. We explore the mountain paths and admire the breathtaking views in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg (Royal Natal) National Park. On our second day we will be going on a guided hike in the Drakensberg to see some of the san rock paintings. 

Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast - Durban

Our Garden Route & Lesotho Tour takes us through some amazing scenery on our way down to the Kwa Zulu Natal Coast. In the late afternoon we enter the bustling city of Durban, South Africa’s largest port and well know surfing destination.

The Cape Town to Durban Safari via Lesotho ends on arrival in Durban. In the evening most safari groups choose to go out for an optional meal at one of the excellent Indian restaurants in Durban and enjoy this coastal city’s vibrant nightlife.

Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Please Note:

This northbound Cape Town to Durban Safari via Lesotho is also available in the reverse order, starting in Durban and ending in Cape Town as the Durban to Cape Town via Lesotho Safari.

These Accommodated Tours are also available as even more affordable Camping Tours visiting South Africa's Garden Route & Lesotho, for more info please contact African Budget Safaris.