Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn – South Africa

This 6-Day South African Safari from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route begins in the vibrant city of Cape Town, a stunning metropolis nestled at the southern tip of Africa. Affectionately known as the Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town is consistently voted as one of the top destinations in the world to visit due to its natural beauty, spectacular fynbos, exquisite beaches, picturesque mountains and cultural heritage.

Departing from your Cape Town accommodation, we leave the city behind and embark on a scenic drive along Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Our drive takes us into the Little Karoo region where we head for Oudtshoorn, a renowned Ostrich farming town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This picturesque journey takes us through the Cape Winelands, where lush valleys and vineyards unfold like a canvas of emerald and gold. We pass through charming farming towns, each with a unique character and stories to share.

En route, we stop for lunch at your own expense in Barrydale, a quaint town between the majestic Langeberg Mountains and the arid Klein (Little) Karoo. Take your time to soak up the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views, while savouring the local cuisine.

Following lunch, we continue our scenic road trip to Calitzdorp, recognised as South Africa’s hub for port wine, where you can indulge in an optional wine-tasting experience at your own expense and learn about the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

A short distance from Calitzdorp we reach our destination, Oudtshoorn, renowned globally as the ostrich capital. With over 400 ostrich farms and iconic ‘Feather Mansions’ in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these magnificent birds up close on a tractor tour of a breeder bird camp through the farm’s breeding grounds, learning about various species. Did you know that ostrich feathers were once a prized commodity during the Victorian era? Historically famed for its ostrich feather trade, which thrived in the Victorian era and declined post-World War I, today’s Ostrich farmers have adapted and now focus on meat, leather, and eggs.

Following our interesting Ostrich farm excursion, we enjoy a relaxed evening, soaking in the warm hospitality of the Little Karoo, with dinner in town and enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep at our hotel in Oudsthoorn.

• Meal included: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Oudtshoorn
• Activity: Ostrich Farm Tractor Tour
• Travel: 420 km

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Tsitsikamma – South Africa

Today our South African safari adventure begins after breakfast at the hotel when we explore the marvel of the Cango Caves. A renowned natural wonder, the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn are estimated to be around 20 million years old.

These dripstone caverns were formed over millions of years through water acting on limestone rock, an ongoing process as stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow. The cave system spans about 4 kilometres, though only a portion is open to the public. Visitors can explore different sections of the caves on guided tours, which vary in length and difficulty. The Cango Caves provide a captivating glimpse into South Africa’s geological history and natural beauty making it a must-see for cave enthusiasts with cave tours catering to different interests and mobility levels. Most areas of the caves are accessible, but some require physical fitness due to narrow passages and stairs, while some areas are closed to the public due to natural conservation efforts. We visit the Van Zyl’s Hall Cave and rest assured, despite the underground journey, the Van Zyl’s Hall cave offers ample space with dimensions of 107m in length and 54m in width.

Leaving the caves, our safari in South Africa continues about 295 kilometres via Prince Alfred’s Pass to Tsitsikamma, our Garden Route destination. This pass is South Africa’s longest publicly accessible mountain pass, offering scenic views as we pass through charming villages like De Rust and De Vlugt in the picturesque Karoo region. By lunchtime, we arrive at Keurboomstrand, a coastal town where you can enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant at your own expense.

The Garden Route in South Africa is a legendary stretch of coastline renowned for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, outdoor activities and charming towns. It extends approximately 300 kilometres along the southwestern coast, from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The route is dotted with charming towns and villages like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness, each offering unique attractions such as local markets, art galleries, and historical landmarks.

After lunch, our South African safari takes us further along the scenic Garden Route through Tsitsikamma’s ancient forests, once home to elephants and San hunter-gatherers. Tsitsikamma, meaning “place of abundant water” in the San language, features lush environments with ancient yellowwood, pear, and stinkwood trees, teeming with wildlife and birdlife amidst fern and moss-covered landscapes. We experience the forest’s profound tranquillity before concluding our day with dinner and local hospitality in Storms River Village, where we will enjoy a peaceful night’s stay at our hotel accommodation.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Tstitsikamma
• Activity included: Cango Caves Heritage Tour
• Travel: 295 km

Day 3: Tsitsikamma to Knysna – South Africa

Day 3 of our Garden Route safari in South Africa continues to the scenic town of Knysna. Located along the Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Knysna is celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic arts scene. Situated on the shores of a tranquil lagoon fed by the Knysna River, the town is surrounded by lush forests, creating a serene environment ideal for boating, fishing, and leisurely cruises.

Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, followed by a delightful morning exploring the charming Tstiskamma forest village at your own pace or going on an optional guided forest walk along the 2km Goesa Hiking Trail – at an additional cost and subject to availability. We depart for the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park by mid-morning and embark on an unforgettable stroll across the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge that spans a series of three sturdy wooden bridges and stairs, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and ocean.

Continuing our South African safari, we drive to the picturesque coastal town of Plettenberg Bay for lunch (at your own expense) before heading to Knysna where we conclude the day. Renowned for its natural splendour and iconic Knysna Heads – two sandstone cliffs towering over the entrance to the expansive Knysna lagoon, this town invites exploration. Spend the afternoon discovering its art galleries, craft markets, Gin Distillery, and Motorcycle Museum, all set amidst the leisurely ambience of Thesen Island Marina. This unique residential marina development within the Knysna Estuary provides direct access to the lagoon and offers stunning views of the Knysna Heads and surrounding hills.

We end a perfect day with a relaxing lagoon cruise, sampling fresh oysters and observing dolphins, as kingfishers dive for fish, serenaded by the evocative call of the African Fish Eagle. As evening descends, we return to our hotel for dinner, enjoying another tranquil night on our South African safari.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Knysna
• Activities included: A short walk in Tsitsikamma across the Storms River Suspension Bridge, A sunset boat cruise on Knysna Estuary (weather permitting)
• Travel: 115 km

Day 4: Knysna to Mossel Bay & Albertinia – South Africa

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel in Knysna this morning, we continue to Mossel Bay and Albertinia, the next destinations on our South African Safari. We overnight in Albertinia, a rural town renowned as the aloe capital of South Africa. Along the way, we make stops to explore Garden Route highlights such as the Map of Africa near Wilderness and the charming seaside town of Mossel Bay.

Our first stop is Wilderness, a town celebrated for its natural splendour characterised by lush forests, serene lakes, and pristine beaches. Here, we visit the Map of Africa Viewpoint on a hillside overlooking the Kaaimans River. The viewpoint offers a remarkable perspective where the river has carved out a formation that strikingly resembles the shape of the African continent when viewed from above.

Continuing our safari in South Africa, we reach Mossel Bay, a picturesque coastal town noted in the Guinness Book of Records for its exceptionally mild climate all year round. Delve into the town’s rich history at the Bartholomew Dias Museum, home to the famous 500-year-old Post Office tree where sailors historically left letters in a shoe hung from its branches. If available, we may board a replica of Bartholomew Dias’s ship, the first European vessel to round the Cape of Good Hope. Lunch (at your own expense) will be enjoyed in Mossel Bay before proceeding to our Garden Route safari lodge in Albertinia.

Upon arrival in Albertinia, there is ample time to relax before an exhilarating afternoon safari game drive aboard an open game viewing vehicle. The private Garden Route game reserve hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big 5 of Africa – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. Keep your binoculars and cameras ready for sightings of lions resting in the shade, endangered white rhinos grazing alongside majestic elephants, and herds of buffalo. We may even spot a cheetah, the fastest land animal on Earth, and numerous antelope and smaller mammal species. The reserve, nestled near the Langeberg Mountains, is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting 207 species such as Rock Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Booted Eagles, and the iconic Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird.

After an exciting Big 5 safari, we return to our lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night’s rest under the starry African sky, preparing for an early morning game drive the next day.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Game Lodge in Albertinia
• Activities included: Diaz Museum and Post Office Tree Visit, Afternoon Game Drive in Albertinia
• Travel distance: 160 km

Day 5: Albertinia to Swellendam & Arniston – South Africa

Day 5 of our Garden Route safari starts with a morning game drive in the private game reserve, giving us a last opportunity to experience the serene wilderness and spot wildlife in South Africa. Be immersed in the cacophony of bird calls as the sun illuminates the plains and wildlife gathers at watering holes. Following our game drive we enjoy a delicious breakfast at the safari lodge and then it’s time to travel to Arniston via the historic town of Swellendam. We drive through verdant farmlands, crossing rivers and passing fields adorned with aloes and proteas en route to Swellendam.

Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa combines historical charm with natural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into South Africa’s past while providing opportunities for outdoor adventures and relaxation. The town boasts well-preserved examples of Cape Dutch architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Drostdy Museum, housed in a historic building complex, offers insights into the region’s history. Swellendam is surrounded by the picturesque Langeberg Mountains and fertile agricultural lands. The town is known for its scenic beauty, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the Garden Route and surrounding areas, with activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nearby nature reserves to enjoy. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, craft shops, and local markets showcasing handmade goods and regional produce and is known for its culinary offerings including local specialities and farm-to-table dining experiences. Indulge in tastings of the town’s famed youngberries and blackberries, and perhaps sample berry liquors or the locally renowned export-grade citrus fruits, peaches, and plums (all at your expense).

Our scenic drive continues from Swellendam to Arniston, where the afternoon unfolds at your leisure in this coastal village. Arniston is captivating with its vibrant scenery of white beaches and brightly painted fishing boats dancing upon turquoise waters. Renowned for its colossal sea cave, once known as Waenshuiskraal (Wagon House Cliff) large enough to shelter a wagon and oxen, the town’s name was changed following the wreck of “The Arniston” on its rocks in 1815. With its natural allure and whitewashed cottages, Arniston remains an idyllic retreat, beloved by artists. We end another exciting day on safari in South Africa with a leisurely dinner at our Arniston accommodation.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arniston
• Activity included: Morning Game Drive in Private Game Reserve
• Travel: 220 km

Day 6: Arniston to Hermanus & Cape Town – South Africa

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we embark on the final day of our 6-Day South African Safari from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route with a trip to Cape Agulhas National Park. This expansive park stretches 200km along the coastal plain from Gansbaai to Struisbaai, covering 20,959 hectares. Here, you’ll stand at the southernmost tip of Africa, witnessing the official division between the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans at the Map of Africa Monument. We explore the picturesque lighthouse and its museum, learning about Cape Agulhas, nicknamed the “Cape of Needles” by Portuguese explorers due to its magnetic pull towards True North. Having marvelled at the southernmost tip of Africa, we leave Cape Agulhas and continue our journey to the seaside town of Hermanus.

Hermanus is a coastal gem of the Western Cape, celebrated for its whale-watching opportunities and natural splendour. It is nestled against the backdrop of the Overberg Mountains and bathed by the Indian Ocean, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Hermanus offers a serene escape. We may even be fortunate enough to spot whales depending on the season. We enjoy a delicious lunch (at your own expense) in Hermanus, and then return to Cape Town, where our unforgettable safari in South Africa ends.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Activity included: Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Museum
• Travel: 290 km

South African Safari Note

This 6-day South African Safari has scheduled departure days and dates but is also available as a private safari following the same schedule but departing on any day of the week.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for more information and rates.