12 Day Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari

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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.

Day 1 - 4: 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

Day 5: 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

Day 6 - 8: 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

Day 9 - 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

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.

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Location and getting there

Please note that all itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs. We can easily adjust the length of your stay or include additional destinations upon request.

Rates & Pricing

  • Kensington Place: 4 Nights in 4-star in Cape Town 
  • Kensington Place: Breakfast only 
  • Kensington Place: Two full-day private tours of Cape Town's most popular attractions
    Rosenhof Country House: 1 Night in 5-star in Oudtshoorn
  • Rosenhof Country House: Breakfast only
  • Kanonkop House: 3 Nights in 5-star in Knysna
    Kanonkop House: Breakfast only
  • Shamwari Bayethe Lodge: 3 Nights in 5-star in Shamwari Game Reserve 
  • Shamwari Bayethe Lodge: Breakfast, lunch and dinner 
  • Shamwari Bayethe Lodge: Two game drives and walking safaris
  • Car rental
Oct 01, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 109894
Nov 01, 2025 to Nov 30, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 110174
Dec 01, 2025 to Dec 16, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 111230
Dec 17, 2025 to Jan 05, 2026 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 111425
Oct 01, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 109894
Nov 01, 2025 to Nov 30, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 110174
Dec 01, 2025 to Dec 16, 2025 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 111230
Dec 17, 2025 to Jan 05, 2026 All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included. ZAR 111425
  • The rate is for the complete package, per person.
  • A single supplement may apply for solo travelers.
  • We offer a price match guarantee; please contact us for details.
  • Consult our travel specialists for the best available rates and offers.

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Nerine Du Plessis

What our guests say about Nerine

October 17, 2025
Everyone at Safari.com has been helpful…
Everyone at Safari.com has been helpful with all aspects of our trip. Our representative Nerine helped us organize the safari and arranged flights to and from the safari area. We were also able to purchase trip insurance and obtain complimentary esim cards. We are greatly looking forward to the trip next week!
Steve M.
,
US
October 17, 2025
Very good so far!
One week before travel - everything very good so far with insights and support. Looking forward to traveling!
Anders
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SE
September 22, 2025
Better than expected
This is the first time I've used a travel service. Nerine developed an itinerary that was exactly what we were looking for, within our budget and much faster and easier than what I could come up with independently.
Deborah
,
US
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