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Cape Town coastline with Twelve Apostles mountains, beach town, and ocean waves.
Small Group Lodge Tour

The Garden Route & Cape Wonders

8 days from getting current exchange rate... per person sharing

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The Garden Route & Cape Wonders – 8-Day Small Group Lodge Tour

From the beaches of Wilderness to the dramatic cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, this Garden Route Tour of South Africa takes you through some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery.

Explore the lagoon town of Knysna, hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, and venture inland on the scenic Route 62 to the ancient Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn.

Whale watch in Hermanus, encounter African Penguins at Betty’s Bay, and taste wine in Stellenbosch.

The journey ends in style at the Cape of Good Hope and iconic Cape Point.

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Lodges, Camps & Guesthouses

Accommodation style

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2 to 10

Number of travellers

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high season every Tuesday, low season every second Tuesday

Departure dates

Highlights

Day 1 to 8 | South Africa

Take a scenic walk along the beach, with an optional hike to a waterfall.

Wilderness
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Take a scenic walk along the beach, with an optional hike to a waterfall.

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lagoon from the Knysna Heads.

Knysna
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Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lagoon from the Knysna Heads.

Hike the first leg of the Otter Trail or cross Storms River Mouth on a suspension bridge.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Hike the first leg of the Otter Trail or cross Storms River Mouth on a suspension bridge.

Take the scenic Route 62 and explore the Cango Caves, once inhabited by indigenous people.

Oudtshoorn
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Take the scenic Route 62 and explore the Cango Caves, once inhabited by indigenous people.

Walk the Cliff Path, enjoy seasonal whale watching, and take an optional boat trip.

Hermanus
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Walk the Cliff Path, enjoy seasonal whale watching, and take an optional boat trip.

Visit a critically endangered African Penguin colony.

Betty’s Bay

Visit a critically endangered African Penguin colony.

Explore South Africa's most celebrated wine town and enjoy wine tasting.

Stellenbosch
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Explore South Africa's most celebrated wine town and enjoy wine tasting.

Explore the beautiful beach of Noordhoek, Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point.

Cape Peninsula

Explore the beautiful beach of Noordhoek, Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point.

Who Should Go

This Garden Route Tour in South Africa is ideal for first-time visitors eager to experience a captivating blend of breathtaking scenery and rich culture in one unforgettable journey.

Perfect for couples, solo travellers, and friends seeking the ease of a guided tour, it offers an immersive adventure.

If you love the outdoors and appreciate fine food, exquisite wine, comfortable lodge accommodation, and exploring on foot, this is the trip for you.

With a maximum of 10 guests, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalised experience every step of the way.

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Solo travellers

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Couples

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Nature Lovers

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Active travellers

'If you love immersing yourself in breathtaking outdoor scenery while savouring wine tastings, exploring farms, and strolling through stunning landscapes, this tour offers all that and more.'
Marlene Tritschler | Travel Expert

Accommodation

6 accommodations over 8 days/7 nights
Mes Amis Guesthouse interior lounge with high ceilings, pendant lights, central fireplace and eclectic coastal décor on the Garden Route.
Day 1-2
Wilderness
Mes Amis Guesthouse
2 nights bed & breakfast
Day 1-2
Guest cottages at Tsitsikamma Village Inn.
Day 3
Storms River
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
1 night bed & breakfast
Day 3
Interior of a spacious double bedroom at Thabile Lodge.
Day 4
Oudtshoorn
Thabile Lodge
1 night half-board
Day 4
Auberge de Burgundy guesthouse facade lit up at dusk.
Day 5
Hermanus
Auberge Burgundy
1 night bed & breakfast
Day 5
Exterior building at Cultivar Guest Lodge surrounded by greenery.
Day 6
Stellenbosch
Cultivar Guest Lodge
1 night bed & breakfast
Day 6
Main entrance of The Noordhoek Village hotel, decorated with plants.
Day 7
Cape Peninsula
Noordhoek Village Hotel
1 night half-board
Day 7

Tour Itinerary

Small Group Lodge Tour | South Africa

Beginning in George, this 8-day journey takes you along the spectacular Garden Route to Cape Town.

Explore the forests and beaches of Wilderness, the lagoon town of Knysna, and the dramatic Tsitsikamma National Park.

Head inland on Route 62 to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn before returning to the coast for whale watching in Hermanus, penguin spotting, and wine tasting in Stellenbosch.

The tour ends spectacularly at the Cape Peninsula and the iconic Cape Point.

The Garden Route & Cape Wonders map

Start George

Ends Cape Town

Aerial view of Wilderness beach and coastline along the Garden Route.

Day 1 | George – Wilderness

Driving distance approx. 30 km, driving time approx. ½ h

George – Wilderness

Driving distance approx. 30 km, driving time approx. ½ h

After you arrive at the airport in George, your Garden Route Tour South Africa begins.

You will be greeted by your transfer driver and taken to the Mes Amis Guest House in Wilderness. After your check-in, you will have time to rest and relax.

The guest house offers private access to the sandy beach of Wilderness, and you are welcome to go on an extensive beach walk in the afternoon.

Together with your guide and fellow travellers, you will dine at a restaurant with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean (at your own expense).

Mes Amis Guesthouse terrace table overlooking the Wilderness coastline.

Day 2 | Wilderness

Wilderness

Today is for you to enjoy at leisure. Seize the opportunity to take another stroll along the lovely beach or go hiking along the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail. Your guide will gladly accompany you.

The trail leads you through the dense forest of the Wilderness National Park to a beautiful waterfall. Take a refreshing dip in the cool water before heading back.

Alternatively, you can of course just sit back and unwind! Make yourself comfortable at the beach or enjoy the stunning panoramic views from your veranda over the sea. With a bit of luck, you might be able to observe dolphins playing in the water and riding the waves.

Round off the day with a delicious dinner (at your own expense). You will spend another night at the Mes Amis Guest House.

Breakfast
Misty mountain road through the Tsitsikamma forest.

Day 3 | Wilderness – Tsitsikamma National Park

Driving distance approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 2-3 h

Wilderness – Tsitsikamma National Park

Driving distance approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 2-3 h

You set off to Knysna after breakfast. Together with your guide, you will explore this charming town nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon.

Two impressive sea cliffs, the Knysna Heads, guard the entrance to the tranquil lagoon from the surging ocean. A viewpoint on East Head offers panoramic vistas of Knysna, its lagoon, and the Indian Ocean.

You then continue your journey and drive via Nature’s Valley to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Whether you choose to hike along the first leg of the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, or cross the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge, spectacular views are guaranteed!

Enjoy the impressive panorama of the precipitous coastline and the strong contrast of the vivid green land with the deep blue sea.

In the late afternoon, you will finally reach the Tsitsikamma Village Inn. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense).

Breakfast
Long straight road stretching through the Klein Karoo towards Oudtshoorn.

Day 4 | Storms River – Oudtshoorn

Driving distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 h

Storms River – Oudtshoorn

Driving distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 h

After a hearty breakfast, you leave the coast behind.

You drive on the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, arriving around midday.

In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Cango Caves. Parts of this extensive cave system were inhabited by the San more than 10,000 years ago. Today, you can discover the caves on different tours and admire the towering dripstone formations.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Thabile Lodge.

Breakfast Dinner
Hermanus coastline and bay viewed from the cliff path.

Day 5 | Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

Driving distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5 h

Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

Driving distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5 h

Oudtshoorn is famous for ostrich farming. During a farm tour in the morning, you will learn interesting details about these huge birds as well as the trade of ostrich products.

Afterwards, you continue through beautiful landscapes to Hermanus, located on the so-called Cape Whale Coast.

Between June and November, Hermanus is world-renowned for incredible whale watching opportunities. But even outside of whale season, this quaint former fishing village is well worth a visit.

You will spend the night at the Auberge Burgundy Guest House.

Breakfast
Wine being poured into glasses during a Stellenbosch wine tasting.

Day 6 | Hermanus – Stellenbosch

Driving distance approx. 120 km; driving time approx. 2-3 h

Hermanus – Stellenbosch

Driving distance approx. 120 km; driving time approx. 2-3 h

During whale season, take a walk along the Cliff Path in the morning. The views of Walker Bay are truly amazing, and the cliffs offer the perfect spot to watch the gentle giants from land.

Depending on the swell, you can alternatively choose to go on a whale watching boat trip to get even closer to these incredible creatures (optional).

You then make your way to South Africa’s most famous wine region around Stellenbosch.

Travelling along the picturesque coast, you will stop en route to visit a colony of African Penguins. Here you will have the chance to observe these little fellows as they go about their daily activities.

Arriving in Stellenbosch, you first explore this lovely town before heading to a beautifully located wine farm.

During a wine tasting, you can enjoy their best wines, which have matured beautifully. In the evening, you dine at a nice restaurant (at your own expense).

Tonight, you’ll be staying at the idyllically located Cultivar Guest Lodge.

Breakfast
Small group of hikers on the Noordhoek coastal walk with ocean views.

Day 7 | Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1-2 h

Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1-2 h

Today starts with a visit to a typical Cape farm, which is idyllically located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain.

After the past days of long driving, this is your chance to be more active. Take a walk to a viewpoint to enjoy splendid views over the entire False Bay to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you might even see Cape Point in the far distance.

At lunchtime, you need to get ready to be surprised!

After lunch, you make your way along the scenic coastline to the Cape Peninsula. The quiet and quaint village of Noordhoek is renowned for its miles of sandy beach, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Cape. Strolling along the beach is a must!

You will stay at the De Noordhoek Village Hotel.

Breakfast Lunch
Small group tour at Cape Point with dramatic coastal views.

Day 8 | Cape Peninsula – Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town

Driving distance approx. 110 km; driving time approx. 2-3 h

Cape Peninsula – Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town

Driving distance approx. 110 km; driving time approx. 2-3 h

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope.

Back in the day, the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering above the stormy sea were the sailors’ first sight of land after their long journey from Europe.

Take in the panoramic views from the famous viewing platform around the base of the old lighthouse at Cape Point and feel the wind in your hair.

At around 1 to 2 pm, your remarkable Garden Route Tour South Africa comes to an end; it is time to say goodbye to your guide.

You are taken to a hotel of your choice in town or to the airport. Totsiens – see you again soon.

Cape Town is full of places of interest. In order to explore them, you don’t necessarily need a guide nor an own vehicle. Please get in touch with our experienced travel consultants to extend your stay in Cape Town individually and according to your needs and interests. 

Breakfast

Included

  • guided tour as per the itinerary
  • transport in an air-conditioned minibus
  • professional English-speaking guide
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in guest houses, lodges and hotels (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
  • meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • all national park fees

Excluded

  • flights (international & domestic)
  • meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • beverages (alcohol and soft drinks)
  • optional activities
  • visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance

Upcoming Departures

If you prefer different dates or have any questions, please get in touch - we are happy to help!
All tour prices are charged in ZAR. The displayed rates are converted for reference only.
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All tour prices are charged in ZAR. The displayed rates are converted for reference only.