Garden Route Tailor-Made Tours | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
Medium pace
Packed pace

Garden Route Tailor Made

wishlist it

from

$1,318

per person if 2 book (rate varies per group size)
Duration of tour
2+ days
Tailored
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

The Garden Route is South Africa’s little garden of Eden, a lush green paradise packed to the brim with spectacular views, unbelievable adventures, and memories to be made. But with so much to do, and so much to be seen, it’s no surprise if you feel a little lost. That’s where we come in - Hotspots2c’s tailor-made travel experts are here to design a trip that suits your every need and help you tick off your must-do Garden Route wish list items.

With years of travel experience and insider access, we’re perfectly equipped to help you realise your travel dreams, and make new ones you hadn’t even dreamed of yet! No fuss from start to finish – let us know what you need and we'll create a seamless multi-day trip filled with personalised experiences. We’ll take care of all the finer details so that you can focus on the most important thing; having a good time!

 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Garden Route Region
 

Why You'll Love It

  • Experience a rush like no other if you dare to jump from one of the world’s highest bridge bungy spots.

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

  • Walk through the the Tsitsikamma region's forest under the shade of ancient Yellowwood trees.

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

  • Sandboard your way through Jeffreys Bay's Dragon Dune - the biggest dune ride in South Africa.

  • Learn to surf or hang ten on the world famous Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay.

  • Choose to come face to face with sharks on an adrenaline-packed shark cage dive adventure.

  • Chill out with some beach time or shopping in the surf town of Jefferys Bay.

  • Explore the dusty roads of Addo in the tour vehicle, searching for wild elephant herds and other wildlife.

Itinerary guideline

This tailor-made tour itinerary is flexible to allow you to choose your own daily activities.

The fare stated includes the use of a guide and vehicle per day with a maximum distance under 350km.

Garden Route Region > Jeffreys Bay > Sedgefield
200km

Have ideas of your dream Garden Route trip? Need some travel inspo? Just want to go off the beaten track? Your tailor-made Garden Route tour will be distinctly unique and tailored to visit best of the best and take you to the hotspots you’re just dying to see.

Our Garden Route region tailor-made tour rates include a professional guide as well as a registered tour vehicle for each day of your multi-day itinerary. You’ve got 350km on the clock each day, a local guide with insider knowledge, and a travel expert support team on standby to put together your dream trip.

We’ll arrange spectacular accommodation to suit your budget and organize any activities you had in mind for your days. Choose from the list of activities below, search the rest of the site for ideas or let us know what you'd like to experience and we'll make it part of your trip.

Stay Package

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

Included

Tailor-made

This trip will be tailored exclusively to your needs.

The fare stated includes the use of a guide and vehicle per day with a maximum distance under 350km.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport & fuel up to 350km per day

Private transfers up to 350km per day to your choice of tour highlights for each day.

Pick-up + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point, a transfer service will collect you from your organised location.

Excluded

✕ Optionals

All optional activities will be added to your package price at an additional cost.

✕ Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Meals + Drinks

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.



Ask us for available tour package options that fit your exact needs.

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: Easy cancellation - 60 day 75% refund
  • If you cancel 61 days before arrival, there is a 25% cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 60 days of arrival, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
Child Policy: Child Friendly

Children are welcome on private tours. Some activities will have age limits and alcohol may only be served to adults over 18 years of age. 

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.
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.

contact me

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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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