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Transport
4x4 Jeep & Van
Van

Tempo
Easy going pace
Packed roadtrip pace

Tip of Africa to Garden Route + Safari

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from

$467

per person for group of 8
Duration of tour
3 days
Join Group

Transfer Type

Van
Guaranteed to depart
Friday

 

 

Overview

 

  info page   pdf

 

Explore South Africa’s stunning Southern Coast on this 3-day road trip from Cape Town along the Garden Route. This coastal journey takes in ocean-lined reserves, national parks, and private game reserves, where wildlife and dramatic scenery are enjoyed at a well-paced, balanced rhythm, with just enough adventure to keep things exciting without the usual adrenaline-heavy activities.

Drive along the breathtaking Clarence Drive, wander through the fynbos-rich Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, and meet African penguins at Stony Point, Bettys Bay, before reaching Cape Agulhas for a unique overnight stay at the iconic Tip of Africa. Visit Hermanus, renowned for land-based whale watching, where in season (June–November) you may spot southern right whales or simply enjoy the town’s relaxed seaside charm.

Continue east with a Big Five game drive at Garden Route Game Lodge, peaceful canoeing along the Kaaimans River near Wilderness to a secret waterfall, and a night in Sedgefield, a tranquil coastal town where sunset strolls and enjoying the easygoing, slow-lane way of life capture the region’s chilled beach-vibes. The next day hold a second chance to view more of the wildlife with a second game drive at Botlierskop private game reserve on the return to Cape Town.

With dramatic coastlines and the chance to spot most of the Big Five, penguins, and even whales in season, whether on immersive 4x4 safari experiences, a gentle paddle through the untamed Wilderness wetlands, or from the window of your small-group minivan, this tour promises a perfect escape for travellers seeking a nature-focused, well-paced journey that savours magic moment without a list of adrenaline-heavy activities.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
1100
km
Tempo
Packed roadtrip pace
Ideal For
Friends
Solo
8+years

Why You'll Love It

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

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

  • Meet the adorable resident penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay.

  • 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.

  • Meander along fynbos-lined footpaths in Harold Porter Botanical Gardens for coastal mountain views and a peaceful nature escape.

  • Embark on a thrilling 4x4 safari, surrounded by Africa’s wild wonders for Big Five moments at Garden Route Game Lodge

Itinerary guideline

This tour itinerary guideline is suited for groups of students, friends, volunteers or interns travelling together and can run in reverse or a different order.
Day 1
Cape Whale Coast > Cape Agulhas

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.

Depart Cape Town and follow the scenic Overland route to Cape Agulhas. Drive along the breathtaking Clarence Drive, with sweeping ocean views at every turn. Wander through the fynbos-rich Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, then visit the Stony Point penguin colony in Betty's Bay. 

 

Stop in Hermanus for an optional lunch, with plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood and the day’s catch. In season, you may also spot southern right whales from the shore. Continue to Agulhas National Park, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at the iconic southernmost tip of Africa. Overnight in Agulhas or Struisbaai, soaking in the coastal charm and peaceful surroundings.

Stay Package

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

Day 2
Wilderness > Sedgefield

Wake up to the sound of the ocean at Cape Agulhas and take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air, after breakfast travel east along the Garden Route toward Sedgefield, Wilderness, taking in the dramatic coastal scenery.

Visit Garden Route Game Lodge for a thrilling 4x4 safari with a wildlife ranger. Spot up to four of the Big Five animals; including lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, and often cheetahs, along with giraffes, zebras, and antelope. If you’re lucky, you’ll capture close sightings, with well-timed pauses at each stop to enjoy your real-life NatGeo wildlife moment.

In Wilderness, glide gently along the Kaaimans River for a peaceful canoe trip, surrounded by indigenous forest and vibrant birdlife, letting the gentle current carry you through this tranquil landscape.

End the day with an overnight stay in Sedgefield, a tranquil coastal town known as Africa’s slowest town. Sunset strolls along Myoli Beach and the town’s easygoing, slow-lane way of life provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings.

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

Due to the differing locations of accommodation options - travelers will be transferred to their respective lodgings at the end of each night, potentially resulting in the group being separated based on their booked stay package's accommodation.

Day 3
Garden Route Region

Start the last day in the heart of the African bush. Another day, another safari… yes, that’s right - you get another chance to spot Africa’s wild animals roamin freely in their natural habitat. This time, you’ll explore the larger, more remote Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where wilderness stretches across 4,200 hectares.

Hop on an open-top 4x4 vehicle with a game ranger who knows the park inside out and loves sharing fascinating stories along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, white rhinos, kudu, lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and more...

With the reserve’s vastness, every turn feels like a new adventure, and each stop brings the luck of unexpected wildlife sightings, and another chance to tick off any you might have missed yesterday.

After lunch, journey back to end the trip 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

Small Group

You will join a small group size of travellers per vehicle. 

The itinerary can run in reverse or a different order and guides or transport will change during the trip.

A minimum of confirmed people are needed to confirm this tour - if minimums are not reached an alternative option (at extra charge) or another possible date will be offered.

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

2 nights accommodation according to the itinerary.

Meals

2x Breakfasts

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Meander along Clarence Drive
  • Harold Porter Waterfall Walk
  • Meet the Betty's Bay penguins
  • Hermanus Cliff Paths Walk
  • Reach Cape Agulhas - The Tip of Africa
  • Garden Route Game Lodge 4x4 Safari
  • Kayaking in Wilderness
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari

Excluded

✕ Optionals

Optional activities or upgrades can be paid and booked during your journey.

✕ 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.

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Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 8 days prior.*Buy Refund Protector for 24hr free cancellation
Cancellation / Refund Policy:
7+ days notice 100% refund
any less notice no refund*
click for more info
 

Full payment is due at least 8 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.

  • 100% refund if selected Join Group Multi-Day Tours are cancelled more than 7 days before departure date.
  • No refunds if cancelled within 7 days*

*Exception: Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 24 hours 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.
Sisipho Coetzee
Reservations

Growing up, I loved family road trips for the weekend to explore the beautiful places around us. This instilled a love for travel and since then the travel and tourism industry has always interested me. As a true nature-lover, if i'm not hiking at Jonkershoek with friends, you'll probably find me spending quality time with family and freinds outdoors.

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 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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