South Africa: Cape Town and the Garden Route Road Trip
What can I expect?
Embark on an 11-day journey through South Africa's legendary Garden Route - an adventure split between the vibrant energy of Cape Town and the untamed beauty along the shores of the Indian Ocean. Experience diverse landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and unique flavours that make this region so special. Hike through lush forests to waterfalls, spot elephants and exotic wildlife in iconic national parks, and stay at charming beach campsites and eco-lodges. Dine on delectable local cuisine while stepping outside your comfort zone and forging connections with like-minded travelers. More than sightseeing, this perspective-shifting experience allows you to connect with nature and return home rejuvenated with a deepened appreciation for the world.
Who is it for?
Calling 6-10 adventurous souls aged 18-40 for this transformative small-group journey along South Africa's Garden Route. This intimate escape is for free-spirited nature lovers craving an off-the-beaten-path experience. Hike ancient forests, spot exotic wildlife on safari, stargaze by the ocean - all while connecting with like-minded travellers. Whether an adrenaline junkie or someone needing to unplug, the unparalleled beauty of the Garden Route promises to reignite your passion for exploration and leave you forever changed.
Who will be on the trip?
Of course I (Luke, left on photo) will be on this trip but accompanying us will be my Girlfriend Gabi (right on the photo) who will be capturing our trip on camera and creating an amazing post trip film that I will send out to everyone after so we can relive this incredible adventure over and over!
Trip itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town
We arrive in the vibrant city of Cape Town and check into our beach side accommodation. In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner to get to know one another over great food and drinks.
Day 2: Table Mountain & Clifton Beach
After breakfast, we'll take on the iconic Table Mountain with a scenic hike up. At the top we’ll have lunch, enjoy the view and then take the cable car ride down. In the afternoon, we’ll relax and soak up the sun at the trendy Clifton Beaches while enjoying some beach volleyball and other beach games.
Day 3: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Wine Tasting
We’ll spend the morning exploring the breathtaking scenery and plant life at the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Then it's off to the historic Constantia wine region for tastings and delicious food at top vineyards and estates.
Day 4: Boulders Beach & Lion's Head Sunset Hike
Today we’ll visit the famous Boulders Beach to see the delightful penguin colony up close. Afterwards we’ll go for lunch in the neighbouring Simons Town. After exploring the area we’ll head back to Cape Town to enjoy more of the city life and as the day winds down, we'll hike up Lion's Head for unforgettable panoramic views of Cape Town at sunset.
Day 5: The Road Trip Begins - Oudtshoorn
Today we depart Cape Town for our incredible road trip along the garden route. We will drive to the town of Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farms. We will enjoy a memorable dinner featuring ostrich meat (if you wish) at the renowned Nostalgie restaurant. After dinner we will continue our journey down to the town of Wilderness where we will stay the night at a campsite. Overnight: Wilderness
Day 6: Wilderness
We will spend the day in the coastal town of Wilderness. Take in the beautiful beach and lake surroundings at our scenic campsite as well as experiencing the local hotspots. Overnight: Wilderness *Maybe add sealife trip?*
Day 7: Plettenberg Bay & Knysna
Another action packed day awaits. We will head to Plettenberg Bay and explore the stunning Robberg Nature Reserve famous for its breathtaking scenery, gorgeous beaches and huge seal colonies. Next up we’ll head for an up-close elephant experience at the Knysna Elephant Park; a beautiful elephant sanctuary where you can touch and feed the elephants. We’ll then head onwards to the stunning Nature’s Valley. Overnight: Nature's Valley
Day 8-10: Nature's Valley
3 nights in the breathtakingly lush Nature's Valley. From our base at the Wild Spirit Backpackers, we will fill our days with hiking to incredible waterfalls, exploring Tsitsikamma National Park, take the leap from one of the worlds biggest bungee jumps at Boukrans bridge in to a lush valley and visiting a wild bird and monkey sanctuary. Overnight: Nature's Valley
Day 11: Jeffreys Bay & Addo Elephant National Park
We’ll start our day surfing at the world-famous waves of Jeffreys Bay before an afternoon/night safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Overnight: Addo Elephant National Park.
Day 12: Farewell Breakfast
Wake up amid the wildlife, have a final farewell breakfast and head to Port Elizabeth International Airport for departures. If you don’t have the option to fly home from here you can take a cheap flight back to Cape Town to then fly home.
This unforgettable 11-day adventure immerses you in all the diverse beauty, nature, wildlife, and experiences the legendary Garden Route has to offer! See the map below for an idea of the route we will be taking.
Trip Cost: £2,500/$3,200
A £500/$600 deposit is required to secure your spot.
Whats Included?
Accommodation
Van Rental
Activities Mentioned
Food & Drinks mentioned in Itinerary
Whats Not Included?
Flights
Travel Insurance and Visas
Food and Drink not mentioned in Itinerary
If you’d like to be considered for this life changing trip then please fill in your details below and if you are approved I will be in touch with more info!