8 DAY GARDEN ROUTE & BIG FIVE SAFARI FROM CAPE TOWN

Experience one of South Africa’s most spectacular journeys on this 8-day private Garden Route & Big Five safari.

Beginning in beautiful Cape Town, this classic road trip takes you through mountain passes, charming towns and dramatic coastline before ending with an unforgettable malaria-free Big Five safari in the Eastern Cape.

Along the way you will explore ancient caves, lush forests and the famous lagoons of the Garden Route before enjoying world-class wildlife viewing at Kariega Private Game Reserve.

This private journey combines scenery, culture and wildlife into one unforgettable South African adventure.

Safari Highlights

• Cape Peninsular and Penguins Day tour
• Scenic private journey from Cape Town along the famous Garden Route
• Explore the remarkable Cango Caves
• Stay in the charming coastal town of Knysna
• Experience the natural beauty of Featherbed Nature Reserve
• Enjoy a Big Five safari at a luxury private game reserve
• Travel with your own private driver-guide throughout the journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Cape Town

Your journey begins in Cape Town, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore highlights such as the iconic Table Mountain, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the Atlantic coastline.

Overnight: Cape Town – Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2 – Cape Peninsula

Discover one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives on this unforgettable private tour around the Cape Peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard through the beautiful suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay before reaching the dramatic landscapes of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Continue to Boulders Beach to encounter the charming African penguin colony, before returning to Cape Town via picturesque coastal villages.

Overnight: Cape Town – Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Oudtshoorn & the Klein Karoo

Distance: ±420 km | Approx. 5–6 hours

Leaving Cape Town behind, your private guide takes you along the scenic Route 62, one of South Africa’s most beautiful drives. Vineyards and mountain passes gradually give way to the vast landscapes of the Klein Karoo.

Arriving in Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, you will visit the spectacular Cango Caves. These ancient limestone caverns are among the oldest tourist attractions in South Africa and feature impressive chambers filled with towering stalactites and stalagmites.

Overnight: Oudtshoorn – Hlangana Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Garden Route to Knysna

Distance: ±120 km | Approx. 2 hours

Today we descend the Outeniqua Mountains towards the lush forests and dramatic coastline of the famous Garden Route.

Your destination is the charming town of Knysna, beautifully situated on the edge of a tranquil lagoon and surrounded by indigenous forest.

The afternoon is free to explore the town, browse local markets, or enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lagoon.

Overnight: Knysna – Knysna Hollow
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Featherbed Nature Reserve Experience

Today you will visit the breathtaking Featherbed Nature Reserve, located on the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon.

Accessible only by boat, this pristine reserve offers spectacular views across the lagoon and Indian Ocean. The excursion includes a guided nature drive, short coastal walk and a delicious outdoor buffet lunch enjoyed beneath the shade of ancient Milkwood trees.

The afternoon is yours to continue exploring Knysna or nearby coastal villages.

Overnight: Knysna – Knysna Hollow
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 – Big Five Safari

Distance: ±400 km | Approx. 5 hours

After breakfast we continue eastward along the Garden Route towards the Eastern Cape, where your Big Five safari adventure begins.

You will arrive at a renowned malaria-free private game reserve.

These reserves are home to the famous Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, as well as many other species of wildlife.

After settling into your lodge, enjoy your first afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle with an experienced ranger.

Overnight: Kariega Private Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Safari Experience

Today is devoted entirely to the African safari experience.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to encounter wildlife as animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day. Between drives you can relax at the lodge, enjoy the surrounding wilderness and take in the tranquillity of the African bush.

Overnight: Kariega Private Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – Safari & Departure

Distance: ±130 km | Approx. 2 hours

Following a final morning game drive and breakfast, your safari concludes with a transfer to Gqeberha Airport for your onward flight. You depart with unforgettable memories of the Garden Route and an authentic Big Five safari experience in South Africa.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

• 6 nights accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• All meals during the safari stay
• Private driver-guide throughout the journey
• Comfortable private vehicle
• Cango Caves guided tour
• Featherbed Nature Reserve excursion
• Morning and afternoon Big Five safari game drives

Excluded

• International and domestic flights
• Meals not mentioned
• Personal expenses and gratuities

Cost

R62 225.00 per person sharing

Tailor-Made Private Safaris

This itinerary can be fully customised to suit your travel dates, interests and budget.

If you would like to combine this journey with additional time in Cape Town or the Cape Winelands, we would be delighted to design a tailor-made private safari for you.

Simply contact us and we will help create the perfect South African adventure.