Safari Tours & Trips in Garden Route
4.5 stars on(8,092 reviews)- Choose from 10 Garden Route tours
- 27 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best safari Garden Route tours
Compiled by
MelissaGarden Route travel expert at TourRadar
- 4 Day Cape to Addo Safari Tour (Return)
- The Garden Route 10 Days
- 3 Day Big 5 & Bungy Safari Tour (Return)
- Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
- South Africa: The Garden Route
- 3 Day Cape Point & Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- Wellness, wine & wild animals
- Multifaceted garden route - private tour
- Cape Symphony private Tour
- Cape Town and the Garden Route
4 Day Cape to Addo Safari Tour (Return)
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had an amazing time, especially with the game drive. Looking forward to visiting again.”
CraigRobinson, traveled in September
This 4-day Garden Route safari features Big 5 game drives in Addo Elephant National Park, boasting the world's highest elephant population. Thrill-seekers can tackle the 216-meter Bloukrans Bungy Jump and surf Jeffrey's Bay's waves. Accommodations include beachfront Island Vibe Backpackers and Cape to Addo Lodge, with visits to Tsitsikamma National Park's suspension bridges.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 873 mi Operator Cape Xtreme From
- NZ$968
The Garden Route 10 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime.”
Brian, traveled in December
Addo Elephant National Park's 28,000-hectare wilderness houses 600 elephants alongside lions, rhino, and buffalo. Unique game farms near Oudtshoorn offer memorable ostrich encounters. Rangers lead optional 2-hour open vehicle safaris for R460.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Mossel Bay Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 939 mi Operator Encounters Travel From
- NZ$2,390
3 Day Big 5 & Bungy Safari Tour (Return)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The views driving around were amazing! I definitely recommend this tour.”
Sarah, traveled in May
Private Game Reserve offers authentic Big 5 encounters with lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Knysna's optional elephant bush walks provide intimate wildlife moments, while Cango Wildlife Sanctuary houses endangered species. Africa's magnificent predators emerge during morning game drives.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Barrydale Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 640 mi Operator Cape Xtreme From $650
20% Off- NZ$520You save $130
Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window.”
Eryn, traveled in November
Rangers lead three game drives across Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodges, tracking the Big Five in 4x4 vehicles. The ancient Cango Caves reveal stunning stalactite formations. Visits to Tenikwa Wildlife Centre and Plettenberg Bay's whale watching spots complement safaris through Klein Karoo's native lion, elephant, and hippo habitats.
Duration 4 days Destinations George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Oudtshoorn Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 221 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
20% Off- NZ$1,585
Addo Elephant Park offers prime Big Five tracking along the Garden Route. Robberg Nature Reserve and Knysna Heads present coastal wildlife viewing opportunities. Guided forest walks and ranger-led safaris round out the adventure.
Duration 9 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range up to 90 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 462 mi Operator G Adventures From $3,559
25% Off- NZ$2,669You save $889
The Garden Route's private game reserve hosts Big 5 tracking, paired with Indalu sanctuary's elephant bush walks. Ancient Cango Caves await in Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich capital. Scenic routes through Chapman's Peak lead to African penguins at Boulders Beach.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 564 mi Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$667
Wildlife thrives at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and private reserves near Mossel Bay. Four safari drives, Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna, and whale watching from Hermanus's cliff paths fill your days. Luxurious stays at The Village @ Botlierskop include Fynbos Spa access.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Albertinia, Mossel Bay Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 921 mi Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$2,881
Two guided wildlife activities unfold in Albertinia's reserves along the Garden Route. Tsitsikamma National Park beckons with rich game viewing opportunities. German/English commentary enhances stays in upscale lodges.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Albertinia, Swellendam, Arniston, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 597 mi Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$3,526
The Garden Route unfolds from Tsitsikamma National Park's forests to Knysna's famous lagoon. Private game drives at Kariega Reserve and Oudtshoorn's attractions showcase local wildlife. Luxury lodging, daily breakfast, and expert guidance enhance your journey.
No departure dates availableDuration 13 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Arniston, Hermanus Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 558 mi Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN Cape Town and the Garden Route
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very good and was certainly made extra special by our guide. Everyone was exhausted by the time we got back to Capetown as so much is included.”
Maureen, traveled in February
Botlierskop Game Reserve showcases rhinos and elephants along the Garden Route. Adventures include Monkeyland sanctuary visits, Storms River Mouth exploration, and optional shark cage diving in Hermanus.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 657 mi Operator Expat Explore Travel From $2,175
14% Off- NZ$1,875You save $300
What our customers ask about Safari Tours & Trips in Garden Route
How long are typical game drives on Garden Route safaris?
Game drives along the Garden Route run between 2-3 hours offering morning and afternoon sessions. Addo Elephant National Park's drives explore its 28000-hectare reserve while private reserves like Botlierskop schedule multiple daily outings. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The morning game drive was thrilling and fulfilling - we spent 2-3 hours exploring the wilderness of Addo seeking out Africa's magnificent wildlife."
What animals can I expect to see during a Garden Route safari tour?
Garden Route safaris provide opportunities to see elephants lions rhinos buffalo hippos cheetahs and giraffes across various reserves. Addo Elephant National Park houses the world's largest concentration of African elephants with over 600 residents. Private reserves like Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift are known for Big 5 sightings. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We got to see most of the animals bar a leopard tiger so very pleased. Our tour Guide was excellent."
What is the best time of year for wildlife viewing on Garden Route safaris?
The dry winter season from May to September presents the best wildlife viewing conditions. Animals gather near water sources during these months when vegetation thins out. This timing also aligns with whale watching season in coastal areas like Hermanus from July to November. Early morning drives at Addo Elephant National Park tend to be most productive. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos lions buffalo leopards and elephants was incredible."
What types of accommodation options are available on Garden Route safari tours?
Accommodations range from basic to luxurious across the Garden Route safari circuit. Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge offers premium rooms with waterhole views while places like Cape to Addo Backpacker House provide budget-friendly options. Most properties feature pools and observation areas. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Even though it was hostel-style accommodation it was always very clean and cosy with great hosts and once also right by the beach."
Are the game drives included in the tour price or do I need to pay extra?
Standard Garden Route safari packages typically include one game drive especially at Addo Elephant National Park. Additional or specialized drives may require extra payment. At Addo a 2-hour guided open vehicle drive costs around 460 ZAR (USD 25). As one TourRadar traveler reported: "The included game drives were excellent value though we opted for an additional specialized drive which was worth the extra cost."