Welcome to George, a major hub along the Western Cape’s Garden Route! Pick up your rental car and kick off your road trip with a quick, breezy 35-minute drive south along the N2 to Mossel Bay. Once you check into your hotel, it’s all about unwinding—swap your travel gear for shorts and sandals to hit the pristine white beaches. Your only agenda for the day is taking a leisurely walk to the local lighthouse or harbor, followed by a relaxing sunset drink with your toes nestled in the sand.
📒 PLEASE NOTE: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Today, you’ll begin your journey along the scenic Garden Route. The drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness via the N2 highway covers approximately 60 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes.
Take some time to enjoy Mossel Bay before heading out. Families travelling with children may wish to stop in George along the way. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy family-friendly activities, and savor a relaxing lunch before continuing to the beautiful coastal town of Wilderness.
The quick 47-kilometer drive along the N2 from Wilderness to Knysna takes just 40 minutes, making the charming lakes district village of Sedgefield a perfect midday pitstop. If you are passing through around lunchtime, drop by the laid-back Pilipili Restaurant for a relaxed beachside meal where adults can unwind with ice-cold craft beers and cocktails while the kids enjoy pizza and playtime in the sand.
Knysna is a captivating coastal getaway that beautifully blends lush forests, pristine beaches, and rich Houtunqua heritage with modern adventure and relaxation. Take in the stunning sunset views at the dramatic Knysna Heads, then catch a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve for a scenic hike or kayak ride through the shallows. After unwinding on the beautiful sands of Buffalo Bay, you can cap off your trip at the vibrant Waterfront, enjoying its lively mix of boutique shops and fantastic dining well into the night.
The quick 35-kilometer drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay takes about half an hour, giving you the flexibility to explore any remaining sights in Knysna this morning. Alternatively, you can get an early start and book the 8 AM Elephant Experience—which conveniently includes breakfast along your route—before arriving to relax on Plettenberg’s breathtaking beaches.
The quick 57-kilometer, 40-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park offers some excellent scenic detours. You can grab a bite at the family-friendly Ristorante Enrico in Keurboomstrand to enjoy sweeping bay views and spot dolphins and whales, or stop by Brampton Wines for a tasting and a mountain-view picnic. Once you arrive at your destination, kick off your adventure by exploring the Robberg Nature Reserve and the Monkeyland & Birds of Eden sanctuaries.
Spanning 80 kilometers of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and lush forests, Tsitsikamma National Park trades traditional wildlife viewing for pure, action-packed adventure. While you might spot seasonal whales from June to November, the real excitement comes from tackling epic hiking trails, crossing the massive Storms River suspension bridge, and exploring hidden waterfalls. Whether you are splashing into water sports like scuba diving and kayaking, soaring through the trees on a canopy zip-line, or conquering the world’s highest bungee jump, this scenic haven is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers!
The 110-kilometer journey from Tsitsikamma National Park to Jeffreys Bay typically takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Along the route, consider taking a delightful detour to St. Francis Bay to check out the local lighthouse, take in the upscale marina, or relax on a peaceful canal cruise. Once you’re done exploring, it is only another 30-minute drive to reach your destination of J-Bay, South Africa’s ultimate surfing capital!
Locally known as J-Bay, Jeffreys Bay is an iconic, laid-back coastal town famous for its massive 12-foot waves at world-class surf breaks like Supertubes. Beyond the epic surfing, visitors can enjoy sandboarding, explore nature reserves, and check out the unique shell museum. You can also hunt for handmade leather goods and beachwear at the Surf Village, grab a pint at the local craft brewery, and finish your day by indulging in the area’s famous, freshly caught calamari.
When driving from Jeffreys Bay to Addo Elephant National Park, you can choose between two two-hour routes: a scenic 142-kilometer drive past the rolling hills of Groendal Nature Reserve, or a 182-kilometer journey through the city of Gqeberha. Whichever path you take, Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve is an ideal rest stop, where you can easily grab lunch at a nearby beachfront restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal paired with stunning ocean views.
Situated along South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route, Addo Elephant National Park stands as the country’s third-largest game reserve and offers a truly unique wildlife experience. Beyond hosting over 600 elephants, Addo is the only destination in the world where you can encounter the exclusive Big Seven; the traditional terrestrial Big Five is uniquely expanded by the marine additions of the great white shark and the massive southern right whale, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey.
Concluding your adventure, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour, 112-kilometer drive from Addo Elephant National Park to your departure flight in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Whether you opt for the coastal or countryside route, take this final opportunity to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and reflect on your incredible Big Seven wildlife encounters and cherished vacation memories. The last drive of your itinerary is the one from Addo Elephant National Park to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where you’ll catch your flight. The drive is 112 kilometres and you can choose to take the route through the countryside or the one along the coastline. Both should lead you to your destination in 1.5 hours. Enjoy the magnificent scenery one last time and reminisce about your Big Seven encounters and all the other memories made.
Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about safaris. The safari exceeded all expectations.
A well-organized tour that covers all the highlights of South African Safari. The accommodations were comfortable and the pace was just right. Overall, highly recommended!
This was the trip of a lifetime! The trip was magical. Every detail was taken care of. Our guide made us feel like family.
