7 or 8 days
Garden Route & Beyond
South Africa's classic road trip
Prices from
£820
deposit
£49
34 people have been looking at this trip recently
Trip Highlights
- Marvel at the surreal limestone formations and cave paintings in the Cango Caves
- See Africa’s most iconic animal in its natural habitat in Addo Elephant Park
- Meet the world’s cutest birds at a penguin rehabilitation centre (2025 only)
- Soak up the sun on the white sands of Plettenberg and Jeffreys Bay
- Sample some of South Africa’s fine wines and take in vineyard views in Stellenbosch
Trip Overview
Stretching for 124 miles along South Africa’s rugged southern coast, the Garden Route should top every list of dream road trip destinations. We’re talking world-class beaches, rolling vineyards, and wonderful wildlife that’ll have you wishing you never had to go home. This awesome adventure takes you from Cape Town to Gqeberha, with tons of amazing experiences on the way. You’ll explore a subterranean wonderland at the Cango Caves, ride the big surf at Jeffreys Bay, sip local wines in stunning Stellenbosch and see Africa’s gentle giants at Addo Elephant Park. What are you waiting for?
Trip Gallery
+ 15
Still deciding where to go?
Get your free Gap 360 travel brochure
Download now or get a copy in the post
- 6 or 7 nights’ accommodation
- 6 or 7 breakfasts
- Expert trip manager
- All on-trip transport
- Cango Caves
- Game drive in Addo Elephant Park
- Penguin rehabilitation centre (2025 only)
- Stony Point Nature Reserve (2026 only)
- Jeffreys Bay Beach
- Tsitsikamma National Park
- Plettenberg Bay Beach
- Shark conservation centre (2025 only)
- Stellenbosch wine region
- Guided tour of Cape Town (2026 only)
- 24-hour emergency support
What's Not Included
Accommodation
2025 departures: 6 nights’ accommodation are included on this trip. You’ll spend 1 night in a country hotel in a farm-like setting in Oudtshoorn, 2 nights in an ocean-facing hotel with pool in Gqberha, 2 nights in a contemporary hotel on Knysna’s lagoon, and 1 night in a historic 19th century building in the iconic V&A area in Cape Town. For 2026 departures: 7 nights of accommodation in hotels are included.
Please note all accommodation is subject to change.
Meals
2025 departures: 6 breakfasts are included on this trip.
2026 departures: 7 breakfasts are included on this trip.
Select an option to view the relevant itinerary:
Day 2: Elephant Park
Travel to Addo Elephant Park in search of Africa's most iconic animals. See the elephants roaming the plains before continuing to the port city of Gqeberha where we'll head out for some beers with the gang.
Day 3: Penguin Rehab Centre
Today we are starting with a visit to a penguin rehabilitation centre, where we'll meet the adorable birds. You'll also be able to see some of Africa's Big Five on optional morning and afternoon game drives in two private reserves.
Day 4: Jeffreys Bay
Continue on the Garden Route, stopping off at Jeffreys Bay, a golden beach with incredible surf. Chill on the sands and ride the rollers, before journeying to Tsitsikamma National Park for a scenic hike. Opt to explore Storms River by kayak before finishing the day in Knysna.
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, head to the white sands of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa's finest. Bliss out on the beach and see whales and dolphins on an optional marine safari. Back in Knysna, visit a local township, before a night on the town.
Day 6: Hermanus & Cape Town
Grab a window seat for the ride back to Cape Town. The Garden Route views are something else. Stop in the coastal town of Hermanus for lunch and a visit to a local shark conservation centre before arriving back in Cape Town ready for dinner on the waterfront.
Day 7: Wine country
You can't visit South Africa without sampling some of its delicious wines, so we'll spend our last day together in beautiful Stellenbosch, soaking up vineyard views, sipping the Cape's finest vintages, and enjoying a traditional braai for lunch. Then it's time to say goodbye.
Day 1: Cango Caves
Head into the Karoo Desert via Route 62. Our first stop is Africa's largest cave system. Explore the limestone formations, cave paintings, and cellar-like chambers. Then travel to Oudtshoorn, the 'Ostrich Capital of the World'.
Day 2: Elephant Park
Travel to Addo Elephant Park in search of Africa's most iconic animals. See the elephants roaming the plains before continuing to the port city of Gqeberha where we'll head out for some beers with the gang.
Day 3: Gqeberha and Eastern Cape
Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before heading off to the Eastern Cape, home to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in South Africa. Whether you feel like a morning or afternoon game drive (or both!), you're welcome to choose either of these optional activities for a chance of spotting Africa's Big Five animals. Back in Gqeberha, a free night of karaoke and drinks awaits!
Day 4: Jeffreys Bay
Continue on the Garden Route, stopping off at Jeffreys Bay, a golden beach with incredible surf. Chill on the sands and ride the rollers, before journeying to Tsitsikamma National Park for a scenic hike. Opt to explore Storms River by kayak before finishing the day in Knysna.
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, head to the white sands of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa's finest. Bliss out on the beach and see whales and dolphins on an optional marine safari. Back in Knysna, visit a local township, before a night on the town.
Day 6: Hermanus, Stony Point and Cape Town
Today's journey is a scenic one as we drive along the glorious Garden Route, passing from coast to coast. We'll stop in a seaside town called Hermanus and enjoy some free time here. Then it's time to visit a secluded penguin colony spot, which may just be one of the most adorable sights you'll ever see! Tonight, we'll head out to Cape Town's stunning V&A Waterfront, where you're free to grab dinner with your friends and get a taste of the local nightlife.
Day 7: Stellenbosch and Cape Town
If there is one thing that South Africa is famous for (other than its breathtaking wildlife!), it has to be all the delicious wines you can try. You're welcome to explore the scenic town of Stellenbosch's cafes and shops at your own pace today, or come along on an optional wine-sampling tour. Tonight's another chance for you to freely explore Cape Town, or why not practice your chef skills with an optional cooking class?
Day 8: Cape Town
Today's all about experiencing the beautiful highlights of Cape Town, starting with an optional cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain. From there, we'll go on a guided city tour around the rainbow streets of Bo-Kaap before finishing up at the V&A Waterfront. Our trip officially finishes at midday today. Until next time!
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
The prices will load here automatically, if this does not happen for you: Click here to view Prices
Please note if you are travelling before 22nd December 2025, your itinerary will be 2025.
Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
Flight Options Quotes available
Our partners at Flights 360 can find you the best fares available. Get in touch for a free quote.
Arrival Information:
2025 departures: This trip begins on day 1 in Cape Town. There are several activities planned for today, so we’d recommend booking an additional pre-trip night of accommodation and flying the day before, to allow for any delays. Airport transfers aren’t included so you’ll need to make your own way to our meeting point.
The trip ends on day 7 back in Cape Town. We’ll be spending the day in Stellenbosch so we’d also suggest booking a post-trip night of accommodation so that you can fly out the day after the trip ends. Your trip advisor can help you book any nights of pre or post trip accommodation at an additional cost.
2026 departures: This trip begins on day 1 in Cape Town. There are several activities planned for today, so we’d recommend booking an additional pre-trip night of accommodation and flying the day before, to allow for any delays. Airport transfers aren’t included so you’ll need to make your own way to our meeting point.
This trip ends on day 8 at midday in Cape Town. Your trip advisor can help you book any nights of pre or post trip accommodation at an additional cost.
Age & Eligibility:
You’ll need to be a minimum of 18 years old to participate in this trip. This trip is designed for 18-35 year olds.
Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >
