Wonders of the

Garden Route

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Cape Town

Forests, mountains & beaches

This enriching eight-day journey showcases the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture of South Africa’s southern corridor. Starting Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), your adventure begins with a warm coastal welcome before travelling inland to the scenic Zuurberg Mountains and the wildlife-rich Addo Elephant National Park. From here, continue through the lush Tsitsikamma Forest and along the iconic Garden Route, where dramatic coastlines, indigenous forest, and adrenaline-pumping activities await.

Venture into the semi-arid Little Karoo to explore ancient limestone caves and learn about ostrich farming in Oudtshoorn, before winding your way through the wine lands of Robertson to finish in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Here, the Cape Peninsula beckons – a region of soaring cliffs, charming villages, and white-sand beaches home to penguins and panoramic views.

This itinerary offers a beautifully balanced mix of nature, culture and adventure. The scenery is breathtaking and the food and wine top notch! This is the ideal journey for those looking to experience South Africa’s coastal splendour, without blowing their budget.

8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)

On arrival in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 2 | ADDO

Today you will explore Route 67 on a walking tour, which consist of a series of public art works celebrating the 67 years of public service of the freedom icon, Nelson Mandela, fondly known as Tata Madiba. Before setting off you will be briefed by your guide. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to Addo National Park, where you will later join the rest of the group. A predeparture meeting will take place this evening.

You will then continue through the historical Zuurberg Mountain Pass. Guided by experts, traverse rugged terrain as the late afternoon sun illuminates ancient rocks. Listen to tales of explorers and settlers amidst sweeping vistas and vibrant wildflowers. In the late afternoon, enjoy a guided walk across the Zuurberg mountain.

DAY 3 | ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a morning open vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. Then continue to a region of startling beauty along South Africa’s southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. You will spend two nights in the Storms River Village, at the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest. Take a leisurely hike along one of the short trails and experience a guided walk to the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth.  There is also an option to plunge off the world’s highest bungee jump at the Bloukrans River (own expense).

DAY 4 | CAPE SAINT FRANCIS to TSITSIKAMMA

The following morning, set out on an insightful Calamari tour and tasting experience at Port St Francis. This exclusive opportunity invites you to savour South Africa’s finest local calamari—often dubbed “white gold”—while learning about the region’s thriving seafood industry. Discover the journey from ocean to plate and develop a deeper appreciation for the delicate flavours that have made this local delicacy so renowned.

DAY 5 | TSITSIKAMMA to OUDTSHOORN

Continue your journey, travelling over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo arriving in the town of Oudtshoorn. You will embark on an Ostrich farm tour followed to learn about these fascinating birds, before continuing to the famous Cango Caves, with their impressive ancient stalagmites and stalactites.

DAY 6 | CAPE TOWN

Continue to Cape Town and en route, you will visit the town of Robertson, where you can visit a local winery and enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Once in Cape Town, the afternoon is at leisure, enjoy sundowners at one of the fabulous beaches or indulge in some last-minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront.

DAY 7 | CAPE TOWN

The next day you will explore the many attractions the ‘Mother City’ has to offer, on a Cape Peninsula tour. Travelling along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, stop at Maiden Cove look-out point before continuing to Hout Bay. Here you have the option to take a boat trip to Seal Island (seasonal and not included in the cost).

Carry on over Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon you will travel on to Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach*.

*Kindly note the reserve entrance fee at Boulders Beach carries an additional cost.

DAY 8 | CAPE TOWN | DEPARTURE

Spend the final day at leisure. Weather dependent, there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope before your transfer to the airport.

We highly recommend extending your time in Cape Town to take in the city bowl, colorful Bo Kaap area, Robben Island, the Cape Winelands and so much more. Please enquire.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

8 days

START: Gqeberha, South Africa | Finish: Cape Town, South Africa

Small group lodge-based safari
Group size: min. 4 / max. 14
Operates on a set departure basis.

Please enquire for dates, pricing and full information.

Departure Dates – 2025*

November 1st – November 7th
November 29th – December 7th
December 27th – January 4th 2026

Departure Dates – 2026*

March 22nd – March 29th
May 29th – June 6th
July 10th – July 17th
August 14th – August 21st
September 13th – September 20th
November 1st – December 8th
November 29th – December 5th
December 27th – January 2nd 2027

* PLEASE NOTE: All dates are subject to availability & departure may not be guaranteed pending booking numbers. Please contact us for current availability on all itineraries.

Inclusions

Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard
All transport in fully kitted vehicle
Game drives & activities as mentioned
Meals as per itinerary
Experienced local guide
Airport transfers on day of arrival & departure of tour

Exclusions

Flights
Park entrance fees (quoted separately)
Pre & post tour accommodation
Optional activities
All drinks
Gratuities
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios etc.
Travel insurance

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218