4 Day Garden Route Safari - 4day Garden Route Closed Group Tour | Hotspots2c
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Medium pace
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Garden Route Getaway + Tip of Africa

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Duration of tour
4 days
Private Transfers

Transfer Type

Van
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

Ready for an epic Garden Route road trip to the Tip of Africa? 

This four-day adventure is filled to the brim with the best highlights the region has to offer. Wander along the Garden Route - a piece of paradise on the southeastern coast of South Africa. Search for members of Africa's Big 5, optional bungy jump, endless beaches, canoe on calm waters and walk through dense forests, visit the Tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, whale watching at Hermanus and meet cute Africa penguins - this all in one action-packed itinerary.

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 and visit a working ostrich farm.

Adventure awaits over the next few days. Canoe along the tranquil waters of the Touws River near the lush Wilderness National Park, keeping an eye out for the abundant birdlife. Face your fears as you hurtle off the world’s highest bridge bungy, or zipline over waterfalls and hike in the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma area. Bundu-bash through a fynbos landscape on a 4x4 safari with a game ranger as you set out to spot members of Africa’s Big Five; and connect with nature on a short tranquil bush walk in a private game reserve. The journey back to Cape Town on the last day along the Cape Whale Coast is filled with sighting surprises of the local sea life and ocean views.

There's a lot to explore on this 4-day adventure, so let's get started!

 

 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 

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.

  • 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.

  • Observe orphaned African elephants at Buffelsdrift as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

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

  • Meet the cute resident penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

  • 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.

  • Spot smaller wildlife and learn about insects and plants on a short bushwalk guided by a game ranger on safari.

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

  • Dig into a scrumptious traditional South African braai.

  • 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.
Day 1
Oudtshoorn
±450km

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.

You’ll wind along the world's longest wine route, the famous Route 62, but with a distinctly local flavour. A stop at a local winery is a great introduction to a spectacular weekend ahead, you'll taste sensational wines and soak in the panoramic views all while getting a better idea of the history of the area.  

As you head into Oudtshoorn, the palatial sandstone homesteads stand tall, harking back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold.

A visit to the Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the biggest flightless bird beak-to-beak.

If you'd like to get even closer to nature, join an optional stroll with rescued orphan elephants - along the dam wall at the Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve. Gentle giants, Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo made this their home after their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. This experience will have you following in their massive footsteps, making memories you'll never forget. 

Oudtshoorn hospitality is second-to-none, enjoy tasty ostrich meat 'sosaties' (kebabs) and other local delights as you relax under the stars and savour the South African flavours... before you drift off after an adventurous day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Package

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

utahndos
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or
Uthando
Hostel
Backpacker Stay
Day 2
Wilderness > Garden Route Region > Sedgefield
±300km

Be prepared for an early morning drive to enjoy some of South Africa's contrasts as this day brings dramatic landscape changes. The oasis-like town of Wilderness is surrounded by lush vegetation and dense river-rich national parks. In the midst of it all, you'll experience the tranquillity first hand with a paddle in this paradise – the perfect setting to forget about all your worries, bird watch and admire the compelling riverbank scenery.

This gentle morning is followed by an adrenaline-filled activity for those who dare to jump off the world's highest commercial bridge bungy spot or for those choosing a more relaxed thrill, zipline through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. Eight individual slides (the longest is 211 metres in length), traverse no less than three waterfalls and slide down one breath-taking gorge. 

And those that get their kicks from nature can forgo the plunge and continue to explore the lush forests of the nearby Tsitsikamma area. This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma area provides the requisite photo opportunity. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; the Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. 

Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park, the world's largest forest-lined marine biodiversity reserve, where dramatic ocean views complement the lush emerald lined mountain woodlands. A short, albeit steep walk to the suspension bridge is worth it, if just for the views alone, and you’ll get a thrill as you test the bridge’s swing factor. Marine life can often be seen in the water and rock hyraxes regularly sun themselves on the rocky coastline.

Go slow at Myoli, a hidden paradise that oozes serenity and enjoy a complimentary cocktail on the beach... and if you're lucky Mother Nature will bless you with an out-of-this-world golden sunset – the world's best sunset according to us :)

For those that savour a great night’s sleep, tonight’s end destination – a coastal town in the Wilderness area – promises just that.

 
 
 
Stay Package

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

pilipilicabanas
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or
Pili Pili
Hostel
Backpacker Stay
Day 3
Garden Route Region > Cape Agulhas
±250km

Bright and early start to the morning to spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in a malaria-free private game reserve in search of most of the world's only Big Five animals - African Elephant, Buffulo, Lion, white Rhino, but Leopard are nocturnal and impossible to find in these lush mountainous areas of the Garden Route. Among the dense coastal renosterveldt and Cape fynbos, search for more wildlife including: giraffe, kudu, lion, zebra, and wildebeest, to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife; including antelope species, birdlife, and insects. For an even more immersive bush experience, hop off the safari vehicle for an up-close and personal encounter with nature on a short tranquil bush walk. Follow your game ranger as you search for smaller wildlife and learn about the medicinal value of the plants around you as you walk.

Take in the views of the mountainous Overberg region as you travel to Cape Agulhas. Here, at Africa's southernmost tip, the warm Agulhas current that flows along the east of the continent meets the colder Benguela current of the Atlantic and turns back on itself. The marked beacon is the ideal spot for that must-have photo, and if you're daring enough, you can try and dip your toes into the icy waters while keeping an eye out for the resident stingrays. Soak in the deep colours of the rich sunset against the silhouette of shipwrecks as you spend the night in the area.

 
 
Stay Package

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

Day 4
Cape Whale Coast
±400km

Wake up to the sound of the ocean in Cape Agulhas and take a moment to take in the fresh sea air. You’ll then start the short journey to the coastal haven of Hermanus where winding ocean cliff paths await at this world's best land-based whale watching spot (during Jun - Nov whale season). Meander along coastal paths lined with indigenous fynbos, lulled by the crashing sounds of ocean waves against the adjacent rocky shoreline. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the rich birdlife and the chance to see local marine life, including larger-than-life southern right whales, frolicking about and then spend the rest of your morning at leisure in this lazy seaside village.

Then, visit the world's only penguin that lives on the sunny coast of Africa. Meet some of these cute African penguins at Stony Point, where they are eagerly waiting to greet you. Watch these endangered waddlers in one of the largest successful breeding colonies of African penguins in the world. Journey home via Clarence drive and soak in the scenery. Be sure to look out for the Cape Peninsula across the bay and keep an eye out for baboons and the abundant birdlife.

 

 

End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town / Stellenbosch accommodation.

 
 

Included

Closed or Join a Small Group

Maximum 9 to 13 guests per vehicle or guide. You will join a small group of travellers who book the same tour or you can book it as an exclusive trip for you and your own group.  Minimums are required to confirm a group tour.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pick-up + 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

3 nights accommodation according to your stay package selected.

Breakfast & Braai

3 x Breakfast + 1 Braai bbq included

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
  • Botlierskop mini Walking Safari
  • Reach Cape Agulhas - The Tip of Africa
  • Hermanus Cliff Paths Walk
  • Meet the Betty's Bay penguins
  • Tsitsikamma National Park Walk
  • Myoli Beach Time
  • Kayaking in Wilderness
  • Route 62 Wine Tasting
  • Ostrich Farm Visit
  • Traditional 'Braai' in the Klein Karoo

Excluded

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Lunch, Dinner + Drinks

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.

✕ Optionals

Optional activities can be booked and paid for directly with the activity provider on tour as per rates listed in the itinerary above. 

  • Buffelsdrift 4x4 Bush Drive 
  • Elephant Educational Bushwalk   
  • Bungy + Zipline at Bloukrans Bridge or Tsitsikamma Waterfall Zipline 


Available as a Closed Group tour - please contact us for a quote for your group size.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 14 days prior.
*Buy Refund Protector policy for full refund

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 14 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking if made lass than 14 days before.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
14+ days notice: 100% refund
13 to 8 days notice: 50%*
7 days or less notice: 0%*
 

Full payment is due at least 14 days before the tour departure.

If there’s no other option than to cancel or change your booking, fees may be involved depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.

  • 14+ days notice before departure = free cancellation 100% refund 
  • 13 to 8 days notice before departure = 50% refund*
  • Up to 7 days notice prior, no shows or early checkout = no refund*  

*Exception:  Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

 

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

Travel insurance is not included in tour fees, invest in good travel insurance to cover you if you need to cancel or change a tour date due to any reason.  

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Booking changes; including date changes within 7 days of the booking date is seen as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms will apply. 

Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to the customer.

Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



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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.
Benita Stroebel
Custom Journeys

When I started my profession in hospitality; working as a guesthouse manager for many years - I've always been involved in creating personalised experiences for guests to make the stay extra special. This has grown into my work passion and as a journey designer I love being able to create customer specific tailored trips that will be remember for the rest of their lives. In between my day job, I also create my own memories and test out experiences by spending time with my family (usually on the beach) and as a novice photographer; love to capturing it all on camera.

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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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