Safari itinerary · Cape Town

12 Day Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari

This 12-day tour is an exploration of what makes South Africa a top tourist destination. Your journey begins in Cape Town, renowned for its rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Climbing into your rental car, you travel along the famous Garden Route and arrive in the “ostrich capital of the world”. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the dramatic Cango Caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch, and the various ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. Heading towards the coastline, your next stop is a town that encompasses indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs and an idyllic lagoon. Knysna offers a rush of adventure activities, exciting festivals and world-class golf courses. Then, marvel in an unforgettable safari experience with Shamwari Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and phenomenal BIG 5 game viewing.

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From R 102 540 per person

12 Day Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari
Duration12 days
Your stayKensington Place + Rosenhof Country House + 2 more
From, per personR 102 540
TransfersIncluded

The journey

About this itinerary.

This 12-day tour is an exploration of what makes South Africa a top tourist destination. Your journey begins in Cape Town, renowned for its rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Climbing into your rental car, you travel along the famous Garden Route and arrive in the “ostrich capital of the world”. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the dramatic Cango Caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch, and the various ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. Heading towards the coastline, your next stop is a town that encompasses indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs and an idyllic lagoon. Knysna offers a rush of adventure activities, exciting festivals and world-class golf courses. Then, marvel in an unforgettable safari experience with Shamwari Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and phenomenal BIG 5 game viewing.

Where you'll travel: Cape Town Garden Route Oudtshoorn

Days 01–04

Cape Town

Today, you arrive at Cape Town's International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Included during your stay are two full-day private tours of Cape Town's most popular attractions. The Cape Peninsula tour is a scenic adventure featuring magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages. The view from Cape Point and the encounter with African penguins at Boulders Beach are unforgettable experiences.

The Winelands tour explores the top wine country regions of Cape Town: Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. These regions encompass superb mountain ranges, picturesque vineyards, and Cape Dutch homesteads. You will have the opportunity to walk around the century-old vineyards and sample award-winning wines.

Cape Town offers a wide range of activities, so please consult with one of our experts for more information.

Accommodation: Kensington Place

Cape Town

Day 05

Oudtshoorn

After a sumptuous breakfast and the arrival of your rental car, your scenic journey along the Garden Route begins as you travel to the town of Oudtshoorn.

There are a number of ostrich farms in this region, as well as the opportunity to encounter meerkats up-close. We highly recommend visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the dramatic Cango Caves during your time in Oudtshoorn.

Accommodation: Rosenhof Country House

Oudtshoorn

Days 06–08

Kanonkop House

This morning, you continue on your journey along the Garden Route as you head towards the coastal town of Knysna.

Situated between the town of George and the Tsitsikamma Forest, Knysna is perfectly positioned to explore the top attractions of all three areas.

During the next three days, you can choose to cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, visit an elephant sanctuary, play a round of golf, or visit the Tsitsikamma Forest for a range of adventure activities. You have the freedom to decide where you wish to go and what you wish to experience.

Accommodation: Kanonkop House

Kanonkop House

Days 09–11

Shamwari Bayethe

Today, you bid farewell to the Garden Route and travel towards Port Elizabeth, where you will then head inland to the private malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve.

During your stay at Shamwari, you will venture out into the African bush in an open safari vehicle led by a professional guide. Morning and evening game drives afford you up-close encounters with wild animals, including the famous BIG Five.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the bush on foot, learning about the smaller wondrous creatures and the different plants of the reserve. Shamwari is actively involved in several conservation projects, and guests have the opportunity to visit these on the reserve. There are not many reserves that offer this opportunity to their guests.

Accommodation: Shamwari Bayethe Lodge

Shamwari Bayethe

Day 12

Depart Shamwari

After one final morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, you gather your belongings and travel by car to Port Elizabeth Airport. After returning your car rental, you will connect with your onward travel arrangements.

Depart Shamwari

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

Kensington Place

  • 4 Nights in 4-star in Cape Town
  • Breakfast only

Rosenhof Country House

  • Breakfast only

Shamwari Bayethe Lodge

  • 3 Nights in 5-star in Shamwari Game Reserve
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Kensington Place: Two full-day private tours of Cape Town's most popular attractions Rosenhof Country House: 1 Night in 5-star in Oudtshoorn
  • Kanonkop House: 3 Nights in 5-star in Knysna Kanonkop House: Breakfast only

Experiences

Shamwari Bayethe Lodge

  • Two game drives and walking safaris
  • Car rental

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

Per person sharing for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 30 Apr 2027

Show prices in

Peak / migration

1 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026

R 102 540

per person

International flights excluded

Peak / migration

1 Sept 2026 – 30 Sept 2026

R 107 960

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026

R 117 790

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

1 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026

R 122 220

per person

International flights excluded

Festive

1 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026

R 119 300

per person

International flights excluded

Festive

17 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027

R 122 220

per person

International flights excluded

Low season

21 Jan 2027 – 30 Apr 2027

R 119 300

per person

International flights excluded

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

Your specialist for this itinerary

Denise Heemro

Denise Heemro

Safari Specialist - Southern Africa

Knows 12 Day Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari backwards. Your direct contact from first enquiry to the day you come home.

"Five Star level treatment. I booked our Safari in Sabi Sans at Arathusa lodge, and our stay in Cape Town South Africa back in August of 2026 and the experience had been amazing. Safari.com agents have every detail thought from travel insurance, eSIM for phones, private transportation, and booked us amazing experiences. We saw the Big 5 in the Safari, went cage Shark diving, did a private guided Cape Peninsula tour. Everything was perfect! This was our first time using Safari.com and we will definitely use them in the future. I would highly recommend this company."
July 2026 · USA · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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