7-Day Premium Garden Route & Big Five Safari
Introduction
Port Elizabeth → Cape Town | Private Tour
About the Journey
7-Day Premium Garden Route & Big Five Safari
Trade the ordinary road trip for seven days of extraordinary South Africa — from the wildlife-rich Eastern Cape to the dramatic coastline of the Garden Route and the vibrant energy of Cape Town.
Your journey begins in Port Elizabeth with two unforgettable nights at Kariega Private Game Reserve, staying at the exclusive 5-star Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge. Wake to the sounds of the African bush, venture out on twice-daily Big Five safaris and experience South Africa’s wildlife at its most immersive.
From safari country, follow the Garden Route west through Tsitsikamma’s ancient forests, Plettenberg Bay’s spectacular coastline and the iconic Knysna Heads. Continue across the Outeniqua Mountains into the rugged beauty of Oudtshoorn and the Little Karoo, before arriving in Cape Town.
Designed for travellers who appreciate privacy, comfort and authentic experiences, this journey combines a luxury safari, breathtaking scenery and carefully selected stays without the pace of a conventional group tour.
7 Days • 6 Nights • Private Journey • 5-Star Safari • Big Five • Garden Route • Cape Town
Pickup: Port Elizabeth Finish: Cape Town
Best for: Couples, families, friends and private groups looking for a premium South African adventure.
Highlights
Stay 2 nights at 5-star Kariega Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge
Enjoy twice-daily Big Five safari drives in a malaria-free private reserve
Travel privately from Port Elizabeth through the scenic Garden Route
Discover Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay and the famous Knysna Heads
Cross the Outeniqua Mountains and explore the spectacular Little Karoo
Journey Overview
At a glance
Day 1
Day 1 - Port Elizabeth to Kariega Private Game Reserve
Begin Safari Adventure and First Game Drive
Pickup in Port Elizabeth and transfer to Kariega Private Game Reserve
Begin your private journey with pickup in Port Elizabeth and travel to Kariega Private Game Reserve.
Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge
Check into the exclusive 5-star Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge, enjoy lunch and settle into your spacious safari suite.
Lunch at Settlers Drift
Enjoy lunch at Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge.
Afternoon Big Five game drive
Head out on your first afternoon Big Five game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Dinner at Settlers Drift
Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 2
Day 2 - Kariega Private Game Reserve
Morning and Afternoon Big Five Safari Drives
Morning Big Five safari drive
Wake to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a morning Big Five safari drive with an experienced ranger.
Breakfast at Settlers Drift
Return to the lodge for breakfast and time to relax or enjoy the surrounding wilderness.
Afternoon Big Five safari drive
In the afternoon, set out again for an unforgettable safari drive as you explore Kariega's malaria-free reserve and search for lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo.
Day 3
Day 3 - Kariega to Tsitsikamma and Plettenberg Bay
Scenic Drive from Kariega to Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast, leave the safari wilderness behind and begin your Garden Route adventure.
After breakfast, leave the safari wilderness behind and begin your Garden Route adventure. Travel west towards Tsitsikamma, where ancient indigenous forests meet the rugged coastline of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the spectacular scenery before continuing to beautiful Plettenberg Bay.
Day 4
Day 4 - Plettenberg Bay to Knysna
Explore Plettenberg Bay and Knysna Heads
Discover the coastal beauty of Plettenberg Bay before continuing to Knysna.
Discover the coastal beauty of Plettenberg Bay before continuing to Knysna. Visit the iconic Knysna Heads, where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, and enjoy time exploring the waterfront and surrounding scenery. Your private tour allows you to experience this beautiful part of the Garden Route at a relaxed pace.
Day 5
Day 5 - Knysna to Oudtshoorn
Cross Outeniqua Mountains to Little Karoo
Leave the coast behind and travel across the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo.
Leave the coast behind and travel across the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. Arrive in Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farms and dramatic mountain landscapes. Depending on your preferred experience and available time, visit the Cango Caves or enjoy an authentic ostrich farm experience.
Day 6
Day 6 - Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
Scenic Journey from Little Karoo to Cape Town
Enjoy your final morning in the Little Karoo before continuing towards Cape Town.
Enjoy your final morning in the Little Karoo before continuing towards Cape Town. Travel through spectacular mountain scenery and the beautiful countryside of the Western Cape. Depending on timing and your interests, there may be an opportunity to include a Cape Winelands experience before arriving in Cape Town.
Day 7
Day 7 - Cape Town Highlights & Departure
Cape Town Sightseeing and Departure
Enjoy a private Cape Town sightseeing experience before your journey concludes.
Enjoy a private Cape Town sightseeing experience before your journey concludes. Depending on weather, your interests and departure arrangements, explore Table Mountain and the city or experience the spectacular Cape Peninsula. Finish with private drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation or Cape Town International Airport.
What's Included
What's included
Professional Private Guide
Enjoy the journey with a professional English-speaking private guide who accompanies you throughout the tour, providing local knowledge, assistance and personalized service.
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your group throughout the journey from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.
Port Elizabeth Pickup
Enjoy convenient private pickup from your hotel, accommodation or agreed location in Port Elizabeth at the start of your journey.
Cape Town Drop-Off
Your journey ends with private drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation or Cape Town International Airport.
6 Nights Premium Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected premium accommodation throughout the journey, chosen for comfort, location and quality.
2 Nights at 5-Star Kariega
Spend two unforgettable nights at Kariega Private Game Reserve’s exclusive Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge, a 5-star safari retreat surrounded by African wilderness.
Meals During Safari Stay
Enjoy meals included during your stay at Kariega Settlers Drift, allowing you to relax and experience the lodge without worrying about arranging meals during your safari.
Garden Route
Experience the forests and dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma. Explore the beautiful coastline and scenery of Plettenberg Bay. Visit the iconic Knysna Heads overlooking the Indian Ocean.
What's not included
Spa Treatments
Spa treatments and wellness services are excluded.
Optional Activities
Activities not specifically listed as included.
Additional Meals & Drinks
Meals and beverages not specifically included
Know before you go
Information
This is a private tour, not a shared group tour.
The itinerary may be adjusted slightly due to weather, road conditions, attraction opening times or lodge schedules.
Safari activities are conducted in a natural wilderness environment; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Early morning and evening safari drives can be cold, particularly during winter.
Kariega Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free safari destination.
Please advise us of dietary requirements when booking.
Please provide accurate accommodation and pickup details in Port Elizabeth.
Luggage should be limited to what can comfortably fit in the vehicle.
A conservation/community levy may apply at Kariega.