Drive the Garden Route from Cape Town to Addo in five days: whale-watched coasts, canoe trips in Wilderness, forest walks in Tsitsikamma, surf culture at Jeffreys Bay, and dawn game drives in Addo Elephant National Park. This small-group tour balances road time with wildlife and coastal adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus eases out of Cape Town before dawn, headlights slicing the coastal mist as the city recedes and the Atlantic folds into a long, blue horizon. By late morning the road climbs the R44, cliffs and kelp-fed seas sliding past the windows, and the first chapter of the Garden Route unfurls — whale-watched bays, aromatic fynbos, and the sudden green cleft of the Outeniqua foothills. Over five days the itinerary stitches together a handful of South Africa's most elemental landscapes: the southernmost tip at Cape Agulhas, canoe-fed rivers in Wilderness, the ancient forests and swing bridges of Tsitsikamma, the surf town streets of Jeffreys Bay, and finally the wide, thorn-scrub plains of Addo where elephants concentrate in memorable numbers.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness who can handle multiple days with short hikes and long bus transfers.
Wildlife
History
The route traces routes used by indigenous Khoisan and later colonial transport corridors; Addo was established in 1931 to protect dwindling elephant numbers.
Conservation
Addo has grown from a tiny reserve to a national park with active programs for elephant corridor protection; travelers are asked to follow park rules and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the 5 Day Cape to Addo Safari - Garden Route Small Group Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for wildlife
Morning game drives and coastal lookouts have the best animal activity and softer light for photography—expect pre-dawn departures for Addo.
Layer for coastal and inland weather
Temperatures swing between coast and Klein Karoo; pack a light windproof, fleece, and a breathable base layer.
Bring cash for optional activities
Optional bungee, Monkeyland, or adventure upgrades are paid locally—carry some South African rand for convenience.
Footwear for varied terrain
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are necessary for rainforest boardwalks, cave steps, and riverbank hikes.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and grip for slippery forest trails, cave steps and uneven game drive exits.
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Coastal weather and sudden showers on the Garden Route make a packable rain shell indispensable.
spring
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Close-up views of elephants, birds and distant game on Addo drives without disturbing wildlife.
Sun protection (hat + SPF 30+)
Open plains and beach time expose you to strong UV, especially during midday drives and surfing stops.
summer