African Blue Tours

5 Day Garden Route and Addo Adventure (CT-PE)

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Group size: 4 to 12 people per tour
• Tour departs from: Cape Town
• Price: From R8200 to R13300 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cango Caves
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Klein Karoo
• Garden Route
• Hermanus whale route

Suitable for those interested in Adventure, Sightseeing, Wildlife

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to Hermanus

   We depart from Cape Town or Stellenbosch early on Monday morning for Hermanus. (Shark cage diving clients will be picked up very early in the morning by the diving operator, and will miss the first half of Day 1). We follow the scenic coastal road, stopping at Betties Bay to view a colony of endangered African penguins. You can spend the afternoon in Hermanus, famous for hundreds of Southern Right Whales that visit during the whale season (July to November). There are some great local markets selling fresh organic produce, artisan breads, handmade cheeses and more. In the afternoon we will drive on to Cape Agulhas, the most southern tip of Africa, where we visit a viewpoint known as the “real” place where the warm Indian and cold Atlantic Oceans meet. Many sailors have met their stormy end here, with the violent swell and changing currents pushing ships onto the shallow waters of the Agulhas Bank.
   
   Included activities: Penguins at Betties Bay
   Optional activities: Shark cage diving at R1900, Whale watching boat trip (in season, July – November) at R700

   OVERNIGHT: Backpacker / Guest House

2. DAY 2: Cape Aghulas to Oudtshoorn

   We travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World, where the largest ostrich population in the world resides. Then via the scenic Route 62, which is South Africa’s longest wine route at 850km. You will be able to experience the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided adventure tour. Descend the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder into the Great Hall and continue into King Solomon’s Mine. This is followed by a sampling of the local wine & craft beer.
   
   Included activities: Craft beer & local wine tasting, Cango Caves adventure tour
   Optional activities: Ostrich show farm at R50

   OVERNIGHT: Backpacker / Guest House

3. DAY 3: Oudtshoorn to Sedgefiled

   After breakfast we head over the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain pass (the Portuguese named these mountains ‘Serra da Estrela’ meaning Mountains of the Stars) where we will explore Wilderness National Park with some canoes. Relax with an easy paddle up the Touw River through indigenous forest, enjoying the abundance of bird life. 40 minutes downriver, the canoes will be left for a 2km hike along a boardwalk which will take us to a lovely waterfall and rock pool. After the canoeing, we will head to the famous town of Knysna via the spectacular Lake District of the Garden Route. This up-market little town is filled with restaurants and a tranquil waterfront, where you will be able to have lunch and do some shopping. After Knysna we will head to the Knysna Heads viewpoint for some impressive views over Knysna River estuary and the Indian Ocean. You can explore Sedgefield in the late afternoon with its remarkable views and beaches.
   
   Included activities: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park

   OVERNIGHT: Backpacker / Guest House

4. DAY 4: Sedgefiled to Addo

   After breakfast, off to Tsitsikamma National Park. En route we will stop at Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest bungee jump bridge (216 meters). There is plenty of time for the adventure seekers among you to test your courage. The afternoon will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park with its unique combination of indigenous forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. The park has a wide choice of activities for all, including long and short hikes, crossing a suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Late afternoon we will leave the Garden Route for Big 5 country, Addo.
   
   Included activities: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
   Optional activities: Bloukrans bungee jump at R890, Treetop canopy tour at R595.

   OVERNIGHT: Backpacker / Guest House

5. DAY 5: Addo to Port Elizabeth

   We will spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. We will spend between 3 and 4 hours exploring the 28,000 hectare National reserve with over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, lion, black rhino, warthog, zebra, eland, koedoe, hartebeest and many more animals. After an exciting morning of game viewing we will drive to Port Elizabeth, where the tour will end at approximately 1:00-2:00pm.
   
   Included activities: Entrance and 3-4 hour drive with tour vehicle through Addo Elephant National Park
   Optional activities: 2-hour open vehicle game drive with Addo field guide at R300

   TOUR ENDS

Note

Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Start Location: Cape Town
End Location: Port Elizabeth
Pax.: 4 – 12
Departure: Mondays
Departure Time: 7h00 to 9h00 in Cape Town / 9h30 Stellenbosch
Pre-departure letters to be sent to each guest’s pick-up location a day prior collection

Languages: English
Accommodation: Backpacker / Guest House
Included: Meals: 3 Breakfasts; 4 Dinners. Entrance Fees: Penguins Betty’s Bay, Craft beer and wine tasting, Cango Caves; Ostrich Farm; canoeing Wilderness National Park; Tsitsikamma National Park, 3-4 hour drive with tour vehicle through Addo Elephant National Park.