3 Day Garden Route Highlights + Safari | Private Tour - 3day Garden Route Bungy Bungee Safari | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
Medium pace
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Garden Route Highlights

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from

$1,021

per person if 2 book (rate varies per group size)
Duration of tour
3 days
Private Transfer

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Guaranteed to depart
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Overview

  doc

 

Looking to explore the Garden Route on one epic three-day road trip? Then you’ve found your match! This fast-paced itinerary is filled to the brim with the best highlights the area has to offer. Ideal for the young-at-heart, this trip will have you driving along the coast and inland for most of the journey with stops to take part in activities along this piece of paradise of the southeastern coast of South Africa...

The road trip begins as you drive along the longest wine route on the planet, South Africa’s very own Route 62. Enjoy the rugged scenery as you make your way to Oudtshoorn to explore the fascinating underground maze of the Cango Caves. Observe three orphaned elephants as they roam freely in nature, canoe along tranquil waters in Wilderness, face your fears if you choose to bungy off the world’s highest bungy-bridge spot or visit a nearby forest area. Bundu-bash through fynbos bushvelt on a 4x4 safari as you set out to spot members of Africa’s Big Five.

A fun and action-packed itinerary is waiting for you!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

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

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

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

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

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline may also need to run in reverse or a different order based on season or availability of accommodation or activities.
Day 1
Oudtshoorn
±450km

Start with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Usually between  ±6am to 8am, subject to the pickup route, traffic and your pickup address

Set off along the Route 62, where you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Pop in at one of the many farm stalls along the way, stocked with locally crafted delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn.

 

Delve deep underground into the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and some ancient Khoikhoi rock paintings. Opt for Adventure tour to squeeze your way through narrow limestone gaps on daring route.

 

You’ll spend the evening in Oudtshoorn at leisure. Either head to town to enjoy a restaurant meal or join locals for an optional outdoor braai (similar to barbeque) including South African favourite dishes - subject to availability.

 
 
Stay Package

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

utahndos
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or
Uthando
Hostel
Backpacker Stay
hlangana lodge swimming pool
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or
Hlangana
Lodge
4 star Luxury Stay
Day 2
Karoo Region > Sedgefield
±400km

As dawn breaks in the dusty Klein Karoo, opt for a close encounter with Mother Nature and join qualified elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Bush Walk. Gentle giants (named Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo) made Buffelsdrift their home after their parents were poached. Join these three rescued elephants, as they roam freely in their natural habitat close to a nearby waterhole. Following in their footsteps, and take as many photos as you like as you observe them.

 
 
 

Then, take to the water for a leisurely afternoon paddle along the reed-lined banks in Wilderness. Indigenous forest line the river, and it’s not until you stop rowing and let the gentle current guide you, that the abundance of birdlife becomes apparent.

The adventure continues as you reach Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty clear from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Seemingly normal people hurtle face-first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on an elastic cord like a yo-yo.

If you do not wish to bungy jump, this region is a playground for the outdoors and those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground can go on an informal walk nearby the bridge, stay at the bridge to watch the the bungy jumpers or get an earlier transfer to your accommodation.  

 
 
 
 
Stay Package

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

pilipilicabanas
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or
Pili Pili
Hostel
Backpacker Stay
dolphindunevcover
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or
Dolphin Dunes
Guesthome
4 star Luxury Stay
Day 3
Garden Route Region
±450km

Start the day in the heart of the African bush. On your first stop of the day, spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, just to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger, sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife.

When your guide finds the perfect spot (subject to weathr and safety), you'll hop off your safari vehicle for an even closer connection to nature on a quick tranquil ±5 minute mini bushwalk during the safari. Follow your game ranger as he keeps an eye out for animal tracks and share names and uses of the endemic plants. 

 

Journey back through the landscape of rolling farmlands as you pass through the heart of the Garden Route on your way back to Cape Town. End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation between +/- 7pm to 10pm, subject to traffic and your drop-off address.

Included

Closed Private Group

As a private closed group tour, the rate will change according to your group size.

Transfers to tour higlights are exclusive for your group, but the activities and safari will join others.

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

2 nights accommodation and bedding according to your stay package selected. 

Breakfast

2 x Breakfast included

2Cchange donation

A part of your trip fees will help fund the 2Cchange projects we support. Read more about these projects online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/change

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Route 62
  • Cango Caves Exploring
  • Kayaking in Wilderness
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari

Excluded

✕ Optionals

Optional activities are not included but also not compulsory. It has already been reserved for all members on tour, and you can book your spot on the optional activity with your tour guide on the first day of the tour, and then pay directly to the activity provider.

 

  • Bungy Jump at Bloukrans Bridge  ±R1690
  • Elephant Observation Nature Bush Walk ± R635

 

± Rates for optional activities are only an indication and subject to change by season or third party suppliers.

Safari activities are shared with a group, unless a private safari activity add-on is requested at extra cost.

✕ Travel Insurance

Local and international flights are excluded. You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Drinks and some meals

Refer to the included section above to see the meals listed as included for this tour. There is time allocated daily to buy and enjoy additional excluded meals + drinks on route.  

Read more about your tour's meal options at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#meals

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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



  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.
Are meals normally included?
Our tours are as much about tasting regional produce as they are about viewing the sights. We’ve opted not to include lunches and dinners to allow guests to cater to their individual tastes and budgets.

No need to pack meals for your tour as breakfast for each overnight stay is included and on the road, your guide will offer comfort stops and a lunch break daily. Lunch are en route (limited choices) but your guide can offer advice on great local restaurants or nearby supermarkets (for those that like to self cater) or you can also signup to the group dinner daily. 
If I do not bungy jump, what is the alternative options?
Some thrill seekers choose to bungy and others love to watch their friends soar from the highest bungy bridge in the world, but we understand it’s not for everyone. There are other also another option available which your guide will chat through with you on tour. You can head out on a short walk in the forest to explore the region under the canopy of Tsitsikamma’s famous forested region.
How do I pay for optional activites on the tour?
Optional activities are not included but also not compulsory. If your trip offers optional activities, our team has already reserved space for all on tour for these activities.  You can only book these activities on the first day of the tour with your tour guide and pay directly to the activity provider on the day of the activity. Card payment is usually possible, but if not, your guide can get you to an ATM to draw cash. Please don't take large sums of cash with you on tour. All activities are subject to weather conditions.

You'll have an alternative choice of activity or more free time to explore the area if you are not interested in a specific optional activity.
Pickup / Drop-off time guidelines?
Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch is usually between 6 to 7am, subject to traffic and your specific address. You can receive your exact pickup time for your exact pickup address the afternoon before the tour. Return times after tours can range from very late afternoon to evening, and for multi-day group tours it usually vary between +/- 7pm to 10pm subject to traffic, weather or how long the group spend at stops during the day. Small group tours can't offer exact start or end times as it all is relative to each person in the group's pickup or drop-off addresses, season and possible road delays. Please do not make any scheduled arrangements (especially flights) for the first or last day of the tour.
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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