6 Day Absolute Garden Route Road Trip - Closed Groups 6day tour | Hotspots2c
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Absolute Garden Route Road Trip

wishlist it

per person for group of 10
Duration of tour
6 days
Private Transfer

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

No Limits, No regrets. Hop on this road trip of a lifetime for a guaranteed good time and epic adventures along South Africa's Garden Route. This 6-day journey is packed with the region's best spots to visit, must-do activities and must-see places.

Jump head-first into a journey of discovery of this piece of paradise along the southeastern coast of South Africa. The road trip begins as you drive along the longest wine route in the world - South Africa’s very own Route 62. Enjoy the rugged scenery and winding roads as you make your way to Oudtshoorn to explore the fascinating underground maze of the Cango Caves. 

Be WOWed by unparalelled views for days from The Knysna Heads lookout point; meet three orphaned elephants in their natural habitat; canoe along the calm waters of the Touws River in lush Wilderness region and explore the Tsitsikamma National Park paradise.

Go wild on Safari as you bundu-bash through the Cape fynbos landscape on a 4x4 drive with a game ranger as you set out on a mission to spot 4 of Africa’s Big Five and connect with nature. Travel way down south to even reach the tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas where two oceans meet. If you're lucky, spot a whale or two at Hermanus and there's even optional bungy jumping and forest ziplining over waterfalls for the thrill-seekers. 

There's so much to see & this trip covers it all. 

Ready, set, go!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
1500
km
Tempo
Packed pace
Ideal For
Friends

Why You'll Love It

  • Paddle through paradise scenery as you glide along a calm forest-lined river in the Wilderness area.

  • Experience a rush like no other if you dare to hang-out, jump from or zipline alone one of the world’s highest bridge bungy spots.

  • Soak in the picture-perfect views of Knysna lagoon's tranquil blue waters from atop a sandstone cliff.

  • Zipline through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the Tsitsikamma forest.

  • Walk along shaded footpaths and over suspention bridges in the lush Tsitsikamma forest.

  • Get beak to beak with the world’s biggest bird at an ostrich farm.

  • Head deep underground to the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves.

  • Roadtrip along Route 62's semi-desert country plains with quirky pitstops along the way.

  • Walk amongst fragrant fynbos along the Hermanus cliff paths for some of the world's best seasonal land-based whale watching.

  • Wind along the wild beauty of the Kogelberg Biosphere with the dramatic coastal scenery of Clarence drive.

  • Stand at the point where two oceans meet at Africa's southernmost tip.

  • Spot some of Africa's Big Five on a 4x4 safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

  • Go slow at Myoli - a hidden paradise that oozes serenity.

  • Meet orphaned African elephants at Buffelsdrift and learn about these gentle giants.

  • It’s always wine-o’clock somewhere along Route 62, after all it is the longest wine route in the world!

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline can run in reverse or a different order. If the group is larger than 12 travellers it will be split in smaller groups to accommodate capacity for certain activities, resulting in the order and timing of some stops and activities to vary.
Day 1
Karoo Region > Oudtshoorn

Start with an afternoon pickup from your accommodation at one location.

✔️ Route 62 Wine tasting - Road trip along South Africa’s famous country road, known as the longest wine route in the world. Sample some local wines en-route or in Oudtshoorn region.

✔️ Elephant Experience – An experienced elephant guide will inform you all about these gentle giants as you see them and learn about them in their natural habitat.


 
 
 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

utahndos
wishlist it
or
Uthando
Hostel
Backpacker Stay
Day 2
Oudtshoorn > Tsitsikamma

✔️ Ostrich farm visit – Learn about the world’s largest bird on a local working farm.

✔️ Cango Caves explore – These caves are an illuminated wonderland of subterranean magic and mystery, with passageways and chambers meandering far below. The tour will explore the narrow passages and vast halls filled with colourful ancient stalactites.

Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 3
Garden Route Region > Sedgefield

➕ Bloukrans Bungy Jump (optional with extra cost) – Face your fear and jump from the world’s highest bungy jump or watch the adrenaline junkies as they scream through the air.

➕ Tisitsikamma Waterfall Zipline (optional with extra cost)- Glide your way over 3 beautiful waterfalls, while surrounded by the indigenous trees and plants of the Tsitsikamma forest region.

✔️ Tsitsikamma National Park Walk - Spend time in paradise as we explore the marine reserve with its unique combination of dramatic coastal and forest landscapes. Walk along forest trails to a suspension bridge and find a quiet spot from where to absorb this beauty.

Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

afrovibe beach house2
wishlist it
or
Afrovibe
Lodge
Backpacker Stay
Day 4
Sedgefield

✔️ Knysna Viewpoint – This popular holiday town with a lively buzz lies between forested mountains and the sea, curving around a big lagoon. We will visit the Heads, where the sea crashes through two massive sandstone cliffs.

✔️ Canoeing in Wilderness – jump into a canoe and row gently down a lush river, keeping an eye out for the abundant birdlife as you soak in the fresh air.

✔️ Myoli Beach – Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Sedgefield at this local paradise. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset walk along the shoreline.

Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

afrovibe beach house2
wishlist it
or
Afrovibe
Lodge
Backpacker Stay
Day 5
Cape Agulhas

✔️ Safari Game Drive - Spot most of Africa’s Big 5 from the safety of a 4x4 vehicle in their natural habitat on the malaria-free Botlierskop Private game reserve. Led by an experienced game ranger you’ll search for lion, white rhino, buffalo, elephant, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe - just to name a few. Leopards are rarely seen.

✔️  Cape Agulhas – Visit the southernmost tip of Africa, the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Explore this wild, treacherous coastline with a short walk to a monument marker that pins the divide between the two oceans and see the graveyard of ships. 

Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 6
Cape Whale Coast

✔️ Hermanus Stone Path Walk- The world’s most exciting land-based whale watching venue, Hermanus is a laid-back seaside town with excellent restaurants and impressive coastline. Enjoy the morning in Hermanus shopping and whale spotting.

✔️ Clarence Drive – As we drive back to Stellenbosch the coastal road winds between the ocean and mountains, passing seaside villages of wild beauty and rugged mountain scenery.

Please note: An alternative route may need to be taken if this road is closed due to rockfall or weather conditions.

 

End tour with transfers and drop off at your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

 

Included

Private Closed Group

A minimum group size is required to confirm this tour and/or discount rate.

Maximum amount of guests per vehicle or guide are limited to ensure a smaller group tour experience. 

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pickup + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

Accommodation

5 nights accommodation according to the stay package mentioned in itinerary.

Meals

5x Small Breakfasts + 5x Dinners

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
  • Reach Cape Agulhas - The Tip of Africa
  • Hermanus Cliff Paths Walk
  • Wind Along Coastal Clarence Drive
  • Route 62
  • Route 62 Wine Tasting
  • Meet the Elephants Experience
  • Ostrich Farm Visit
  • Cango Caves Exploring
  • Tsitsikamma National Park Walk
  • Knysna Heads Viewpoint
  • Kayaking in Wilderness
  • Myoli Beach Time

Excluded

✕ Optionals

Optional activities can be paid for and booked during your journey.

  • Bloukrands Bungy jump Zipline (+-R1690 per person)
  • Waterfall Ziplining (+- R600 per person)
✕ Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Drinks

All drinks can be purchased on tour.


Ask us to quote for your specific group size and needs.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: Full payment to confirm
Cancellation / Refund Policy:
30+day notice 80% refund
21+days notice 50% refund
< 20 days notice no refund

 

  • Cancellation at least 30 days prior to tour departure date = 20% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation 21 to 29 days prior to tour departure date = 50% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation within 20 days prior to tour departure date or no-show will not be granted a refund

 

Refer to the full private tour booking terms online at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#privateterms 

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total booking price.

Child Policy:
  • Children of all ages are welcome at Kapama River Lodge, Southern Camp and Karula.
  • The family unit rate is for a maximum 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years.
  • Children under the age of 12 years, sharing with two adults, will pay 50% of the per person rate.
  • All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during game drives and bush walks.
  • Children will be permitted on game drives and walks at the discretion of the ranger.
  • No children under the age of 6 are allowed on game drives.

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Can I join this private Closed Group tour as a solo traveller?
No, private closed group tours are designed for groups booking as closed unit, and pricing are calcualted on a minimum of people needed to confirm the tour departure. Do ask us or check for scheduled tours you can join as a solo traveller.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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