Discover South Africa's award-winning Garden Route, widely celebrated as one of the world's greatest road trips, on this unforgettable 5-Day Garden Route Safari Adventure from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Cape Town.
Experience the perfect combination of wildlife, adventure, culture, and breathtaking coastal scenery as you journey along South Africa's most iconic travel route. Encounter the Big 5 on thrilling safari game drives in Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve, explore the dramatic landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park, cruise the picturesque Knysna Lagoon, and venture deep into the magnificent Cango Caves.
Travel through charming coastal towns, visit the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, meet endangered African penguins, and enjoy seasonal whale watching in Hermanus. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to spectacular mountain passes, pristine beaches, ancient forests, and world-class scenery, every day delivers a new highlight.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and first-time visitors to South Africa, this expertly guided multi-day tour showcases the very best of the Garden Route in one seamless journey.
Tour Highlights:
• Addo Elephant National Park Safari
• Schotia Big 5 Private Game Reserve Safari
• Tsitsikamma National Park & Suspension Bridge
• Knysna Lagoon & Garden Route Coastline
• Cango Caves Heritage Site
• Cape Agulhas – Southernmost Tip of Africa
• African Penguin Colony Experience
• Hermanus Whale Watching (Seasonal)
• Scenic Mountain Passes & Coastal Drives
• Expert Local Guide & Small Group Experience
• Port Elizabeth Pickup & Cape Town Drop-Off
Join one of South Africa's most spectacular safari and road trip adventures and discover why the Garden Route is consistently ranked among the world's best travel experiences.
Start your South African adventure with two incredible safari experiences in one unforgettable day. Enjoy a guided morning safari where you’ll search for elephants, lions, buffalo, and other incredible wildlife in one of the country’s most renowned national parks.
Later in the afternoon, continue the adventure with a sunset safari at Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve, known for its exceptional close wildlife encounters and high chances of spotting lions and other members of the Big Five. This exhilarating game drive offers unforgettable moments as the African bush comes alive at sunset.
After your thrilling safari experience, return to the Addo area where you can relax and unwind after an exciting day of wildlife encounters in the Eastern Cape.
Overnight accommodation options are available in the Addo area.
Explore ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, and one of South Africa's most beautiful lagoons. Tsitsikamma Adventures & Knysna Lagoon Views (Tsitsikamma, Knysna)
After a hearty breakfast, prepare for adrenaline-pumping optional activities (at extra cost) brave the highest Bungee Jump bridge in the world at Bloukrans Bridge, or experience the exhilarating Waterfall Zip-line over waterfalls in Tsitsikamma.
Following your exploration of the park, continue your scenic drive. Afternoon head to Knysna for a sunset boat cruise into the Knysna lagoon
Overnight Stay Options in Sedgefield/Knysna
Journey into South Africa's underground wonderland and discover the Ostrich Capital of the World. Your day includes a fascinating visit to a working ostrich farm, where you'll encounter the world's largest flightless birds up close. Next, delve deep into the earth's ancient wonders at the illuminated Cango Caves, exploring vast chambers adorned with magnificent ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight Stay Options in Oudtshoorn
Customize your journey with unique wildlife and scenic experiences. Elephant Encounters & Big Five Safari. Experience a truly special close encounter with nature in Oudtshoorn. Opt for an unforgettable Elephant Observation in Nature (at extra cost), joining expert guides to observe three lovable rescued elephants in their natural Cango Valley bushveld habitat.
Ascending 950 meters above the Cango valley, 27km Swartberg Pass winds to the summit, 1 583 meters above sea level, in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breath-taking views over the Klein and Great Karoo. (optional) This day is for you to choose the experience you want in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight Stay Options in Mossel Bay
Arrive in Cape Town via the spectacular whale coast route. On your final day, embark on a scenic 400km (6-hour) journey along the breathtaking coastline. Your first stop is Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the mighty Indian and Atlantic Oceans officially meet – a truly iconic landmark.
Continue along the picturesque coastal road to Betty's Bay to visit a charming colony of endangered African penguins, a delightful wildlife viewing opportunity.
Spend your afternoon in the charming seaside resort town of Hermanus, globally renowned as the best land-based whale watching destination.
Finally, journey back to Cape Town, with convenient evening drop-offs in Cape Town city center or Stellenbosch
at your accommodation (within a 10-km radius of Cape Town and from Stellenbosch)
in an air-conditioned minivan
Heritage tour
Entrance
4-hour game drive
optional
Optional
optional
all not listed as included
Enjoy a 4 hour African Safari in Schotia Safari private reserve
Hike the famous suspension bridge and enjoy a sunset boat cruise to Knysna Heads later on.
Visit the Cango Caves after a ostrich safari
Choose your own activity either meerket safari or Elephant encounter
enjoy whale watching from the coast
Rawson Touring is a South African tour operator specialising in private tours, wildlife safaris and tailor-made travel experiences across the Western and Eastern Cape.
We create carefully planned journeys for travellers who want to experience South Africa beyond the ordinary — from the Big Five of Addo and Schotia Private Game Reserve to the spectacular Garden Route, Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula.
Our tours are designed around your travel style, schedule and interests, with private guiding, comfortable transport and personalised service throughout your journey.
Private South African safaris
Addo Elephant National Park
Schotia Private Game Reserve
Garden Route tours
Cape Town private tours
Cape Peninsula tours
Cape Winelands
Multi-day private journeys
Cruise ship shore excursions
Airport transfers and private touring
We work with couples, families, solo travellers and small groups, offering flexible itineraries and carefully selected experiences.