7 Day Overland Garden Route Tour from Cape Town to Durban

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from Cape Town at 8am and travel on the R62, the world's longest wine route to Oudtshoorn
2 stops
1
R 62 nel Klein Karoo
Traveling along the R62 Wine Route from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn is a scenic journey through the heart of South Africa’s countryside, known for its rugged beauty, charming small towns, and award-winning wines. As you leave Cape Town behind, the route winds through the fertile vineyards of the Breede River Valley and into the arid landscapes of the Klein Karoo. Towns like Robertson, Montagu, Calitzdorp, and Barrydale each offer their own unique charm, with boutique wine estates, art galleries, farm stalls, and warm hospitality. The road is flanked by towering mountains and expansive plains, making it a favorite among road-trippers seeking a more laid-back alternative to the N2. As the journey approaches Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, the landscape becomes more dramatic, hinting at the natural wonders that lie ahead. The R62 is more than just a route—it’s an experience that blends scenery, flavor, and culture into an unforgettable adventure.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Cango Caves
Visiting the Cango Caves, nestled 30 km north of Oudtshoorn in the verdant foothills of the Swartberg, is stepping into a 20‑million‑year‑old limestone marvel—Africa’s largest show‑cave and one of Southern Africa’s Seven Wonders.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Game safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Visit Knysna Heads and Knysna Quays Waterfront.
3 stops
3
Botlierskop Tented Lodge
A game safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve offers an enchanting blend of wilderness adventure and luxury along the Garden Route. Set on 4,200‑6,000 ha of malaria‑free land, this family‑run reserve is home to over 26 species—including four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetah, giraffe, hippo, and even the rare black impala and mountain zebra. You'll embark on guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, led by knowledgeable rangers who share insights on wildlife behaviour, birdlife (including over 200 species), and local ecosystems
3 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Knysna Heads
Visiting Knysna Heads is an unforgettable Garden Route experience where dramatic sandstone cliffs stand as sentinels guarding the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean. The accessible Eastern Head offers stunning panoramic views of the lagoon, town and ocean from lookout platforms at Coney Glen and Fountain Point, with well-maintained paths and guardrails enhancing the experience.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
The Waterfront Knysna Quays
Visit Knysna Quays Waterfront and relax here.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Go for hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve. Visit Plettenberg Bay. Travel to Port Elizabeth
3 stops
6
Robberg Nature Reserve
Hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve, just south of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, is a breathtaking coastal adventure offering panoramic ocean views, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Managed by CapeNature, this UNESCO‑recognized reserve features three circular hiking trails of varying difficulty and length.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay’s Main Beach—also known as Central Beach—is the heart of beach life along the Garden Route. With its wide sweep of golden sand, calm, clear waters, and Blue‑Flag status, it’s the perfect spot for families, sunbathing, and swimming plettgetaways.com . Lifeguards patrol year‑round, ensuring safety, and nearby amenities include public toilets, shops, ice‑cream stalls, restaurants, and beachfront bars.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Port Elizabeth
Travel to Port Elizabeth. Explore the Garden Route. Overnight in Port Elizabeth.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Game safari at Addo National Park. Visit Port Alfred. Travel to East London.
2 stops
9
Addo Elephant National Park
A game safari at Addo Elephant National Park, just outside Gqeberha, is a rewarding wildlife experience in malaria-free terrain. Guided drives in open or closed vehicles lead you across 1,640 km² of diverse landscapes—from dense bushveld to rolling grasslands and coastal dunes. Addo is famed for its thriving elephant population (over 600–700 strong), whose calm demeanor often allows for intimate, close-up encounters by the car.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Port Alfred
Port Alfred—known locally as the “heart of the Sunshine Coast”—is a charming Eastern Cape town nestled at the mouth of the Kowie River where it meets the warm Indian Ocean. Its golden, Blue‑Flag beaches—Kelly’s, East, and West—are perfect for swimming, surfing, family outings, and long coastal walks.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Travel to Kokstad. Stop in Mvezo. Stop in Mthatha Museum
2 stops
11
Mvezo
A meaningful stop in Mvezo, the remote birthplace of Nelson Mandela on the banks of the Mbashe River, offers more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a journey into South Africa’s soul. See monuments comemorating Mandela's birthplace.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
12
Nelson Mandela Museum
Visiting the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, offers a profound journey into the life of South Africa’s iconic leader. Housed in the historic Bhunga Building—a former seat of the Transkei Parliament—the museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mandela’s legacy. The Bhunga Building, with its white-pillared façade, now serves as a vibrant space showcasing exhibitions that trace Mandela’s life, from his early years to his presidency and beyond. Inside, visitors can explore various displays, including photographs, documents, and artifacts, providing insights into his journey and the values he upheld. Continue to Kokstad for the night.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Travel to Drakensberg Mountains. Hiking in Drakensberg
2 stops
13
Drakensberg Region
Visiting the Drakensberg Mountains—also known by their Zulu name uKhahlamba or “Barrier of Spears”—is a soul-stirring exploration of some of southern Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. There are towering basalt cliffs rise over 3,000 m, plunging into emerald valleys carved over millennia. Overnight in Drakensberg area.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Drakensberg Region
Hiking in the Drakensberg area.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Visit Mandela Capture Site. Visit Howick Falls. Travel to Durban
3 stops
15
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
A visit to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, located about 5 km from Howick on the R103, is a moving tribute to a pivotal moment in South African history—the place where Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962. The centerpiece is the striking Release sculpture by Marco Cianfanelli: 50 steel columns varying from 6–10 m in height, which align from the viewpoint to form Mandela’s face—symbolizing his initial capture and eventual liberation after 50 years
2 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Howick Falls
Howick Falls delivers breathtaking heights, riverine beauty, and cultural mystique in one accessible destination. Whether you're drawn by natural wonder, ancestral legends, or a family hike, it's a captivating stop in South Africa’s Midlands.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
17
Durban
Traveling from Howick Falls to Durban takes you on a scenic and comfortable journey through the rolling hills and lush countryside of KwaZulu-Natal. The drive covers approximately 95 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours via the N3 highway, one of South Africa’s major national routes. As you leave the tranquil Midlands town of Howick—famous for its picturesque waterfall and rich cultural heritage—you descend from the elevated plateau through green farmlands, tree plantations, and gentle valleys. Along the way, you may spot roadside markets, charming villages, and mist-covered hilltops, especially in the early morning. As you approach Durban, the landscape gradually shifts from rural to urban, and you’re welcomed by the warm, humid air and vibrant coastal atmosphere of the city. This drive is not only convenient but also showcases the varied beauty of KwaZulu-Natal, linking the serene interior with the bustling Indian Ocean shoreline.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• no health restriction

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