A fun-filled short Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari, starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa.
Travel in a small private group on this scenic journey, staying at well-selected accommodation that suits your budget along the way. Start with extensive game drives in the Big 5 Gondwana Game Reserve and a two-night stay inside this leading South African reserve. From there you'll go on to explore the coastal highlights of the Garden Route, from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park, before traveling back to Cape Town via Oudtshoorn and the renowned Route 62.
Departing from Cape Town, we take a scenic drive east toward the renowned Garden Route of South Africa. The first destination on our Private Garden Route Tour is the Gondwana Game Reserve, at the start of the Garden Route. Arriving at the private game reserve located near Mossel Bay, we settle in and enjoy lunch at the safari lodge.
Then we join our knowledgeable safari guide for an afternoon game drive through the stunning coastal fynbos vegetation. Keep your eyes open as you try to spot the famous African wildlife found here, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and hippos. After our first exciting game drive in the South African bush, we tuck into a delicious meal at the reserve's restaurant and relax at the comfortable lodge.
Our full-day safari adventure starts with a morning game drive. Spend time in nature and learn more about the breathtaking flora and fauna of Gondwana Game Reserve. By midday, you will have the chance to unwind in your room or at the lodge. However, if you want more of the great outdoors, you have the option to take on the mountain bike trails or get your step count up with a guided fynbos walk. We end the day with a picturesque afternoon game drive before dinner back at the lodge.
As the sun rises, we embark on a guided game drive in search of the array of African animals inhabiting Gondwana Game Reserve. With some luck, you may spot lions as they return from the night's hunt along with other iconic wildlife species. After our morning of watching animals and birds out in the bush, we return to the safari lodge for a warm breakfast.
Then it is time to travel further east along the scenic Garden Route of South Africa, via the coastal villages of Wilderness and Sedgefield. Our next stop is the seaside gem of Knysna, famous for its annual Oyster Festival. The Knysna area boasts stunning natural features, from lush forests and coastal cliffs to the tranquil lagoon and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains.
Day four of our Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari starts with a tasty breakfast at our seaside guesthouse.
Then we hit the road again, making our way to the Tsitsikamma National Park. One of the top attractions on the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is a nature lover's dream. Despite being situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, Tsitsikamma National Park is also home to old indigenous forests, allowing us to explore both land and sea. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from in Tsitsikamma. Options include zipline tours in the treetops, coastal walks across suspension bridges, and more. After our exciting exploration of the Tsitsikamma area, we take a scenic drive back to Knysna via Plettenberg Bay.
On the final day of our Private Garden Route Tour, we travel into the arid Klein Karoo region of South Africa. Our journey takes us inland, via the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountain Pass, and onto the famous Route 62.
Descending into the Klein Karoo, we arrive at Oudtshoorn. Nicknamed the "Ostrich Capital of the World," this sleepy town overflows with a small-town charm. From Oudtshoorn, we continue west along Route 62, known as the longest wine route in the country. Our drive takes us along quiet, open roads dotted with quirky roadside farmstalls and through quaint Karoo towns.
In the early evening, we arrive back in Cape Town, where our fun-filled South African adventure began.
The Gondwana Game Reserve is a private Big 5 safari park in the Garden Route region of South Africa. It is about 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) in size and is located in the Western Cape Province. Established in 2006, Gondwana is surrounded by the Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountains, providing a stunning natural backdrop. The game reserve is close to Mossel Bay and 45 minutes drive from George Airport in the Southern Cape area.
Gondwana is home to a diverse range of wildlife including the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros. In addition to game drives, guests can join guided bush walks, birding excursions, and stargazing. Accommodation in Gondwana Game Reserve includes luxury safari lodges and villas, all offering breathtaking views of the fynbos landscapes. The game reserve is committed to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, making Gondwana Game Reserve the ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking a unique and authentic South African wildlife experience. This malaria-free game reserve is only a 4-hour drive from Cape Town so it's an excellent family safari destination.
This is a sample tour itinerary that can be customized to suit your preferences and budget. To adapt the above itinerary, chat with our African safari experts.
This South Africa Tour starts early in the morning. You will be met at the Cape Town International Airport, Stellenbosch, or your pre-tour hotel in central Cape Town (CBD, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, Observatory, Rondebosch). Pick-up time in Cape Town is usually between 6:00 and 8:00 am and around 8:30 am in Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands.
Alternatively, guests can end their tour in George and book a one-way flight to Cape Town or Johannesburg.
Each venue on this Garden Route Tour was chosen for its cleanliness, unique setting, proximity to nature, and great atmosphere, all while keeping home comforts in mind.
This Private Garden Route Tour stays at either 3, 4, or 5-star hotels and lodges, as well as spending two nights inside Gondwana Private Game Reserve.
Guests can choose the level of luxury that suits them and their budget. On this tour, you can choose between budget accommodation, mid-range accommodation, or luxury accommodation. For the different pricing options view the Full Pricing Info
In Gondwana Private Game Reserve delicious South African dinners at the reserve's restaurant are included, along with tasty lunches, afternoon teas, and breakfasts. For the remainder of the Garden Route Tour carefully prepared breakfasts are included at the well-selected guesthouses. Breakfast usually consists of healthy continental items such as fruits, cereals, yogurt, toast, and cooked breakfast items.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements when you book your tour. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets can all be accommodated. Dinners (other than in Gondwana) and drinks are not included in the tour price.
While we always strive to adhere to the original itinerary, accommodations, and transportation, unexpected events can occur. As a result, we reserve the right to make necessary changes. Every effort is made to use comparable alternatives when necessary. This will not negatively impact anyone's overall experience. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact African Budget Safaris.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
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