About This Trip

Discover the very best of South Africa on this 5-Day Garden Route & Big Five Safari, an unforgettable journey from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Travel one of the world's most scenic coastal routes, where rugged mountains, indigenous forests, charming seaside towns, and incredible wildlife come together in one extraordinary adventure.

Explore iconic destinations including Knysna Lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park, the spectacular Cango Caves, and the dramatic landscapes of the Klein Karoo. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, local culture, wildlife encounters, and optional adventure activities, from suspension bridges to forest walks and breathtaking viewpoints.

Your journey ends with an unforgettable Big Five safari in a private game reserve, giving you the opportunity to encounter Africa's most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat before arriving in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Whether you're visiting South Africa for the first time or returning to experience more, this private guided tour offers the perfect balance of nature, wildlife, adventure, and authentic local experiences.

Trip at a Glance

Start Location: Cape Town

End Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Tour Style: Private Guided Tour| Group | Customize

Best For
Couples • Families • Friends • Solo Travelers • Small Groups

Best Time to Travel
Year-round. For warm beach weather, visit between October and April. For whale watching, June to November offers exceptional sightings along the Southern Cape coast.

Travel Pace
Moderate — a perfect balance of sightseeing, scenic drives, wildlife experiences, and free time.

Your journey begins with a coastal drive from Cape Town along the scenic False Bay. Stop at Betty’s Bay to visit the famous Stony Point penguin colony before continuing to Hermanus, a charming coastal town known for whale watching (seasonal). Travel onwards to Cape Agulhas, the official southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Overnight in Mossel Bay

From Mossel Bay continue inland over the Robinson Pass to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the spectacular Cango Caves, with dramatic limestone formations and underground chambers. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

After breakfast, enjoy an activity of your choice in Oudtshoorn — options include an ostrich farm experience, wildlife ranch visit, or meerkat encounter. Next, take a scenic drive through the majestic Swartberg Pass, one of South Africa’s most famous mountain passes. In the evening, unwind with a magical sunset boat cruise to the Knysna Heads, where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Storms River.

Start the morning with a visit to the Knysna Heads for panoramic coastal views. Continue to Plettenberg Bay, where you’ll choose between visiting Birds of Eden or Monkeyland (one entrance included). Later, head to Tsitsikamma National Park for an unforgettable walk across the iconic suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. Overnight in Addo

Conclude your adventure with a full-day safari in the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park. Explore the rugged landscapes on thrilling game drives in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, and other incredible wildlife. This immersive safari marks the perfect ending to your Cape Town–to–Addo journey in Port Elizabeth

Your journey begins with a coastal drive from Cape Town along the scenic False Bay. Stop at Betty’s Bay to visit the famous Stony Point penguin colony before continuing to Hermanus

embark on a guided ostrich safari tour, then later on visit spectacular Cango Caves, with dramatic limestone rock formations

After breakfast, enjoy an activity of your choice in Oudtshoorn, later on visit the Knysna Heads on a sunset boat cruise

Choose between visiting Birds of Eden or Monkeyland (one entrance included). Later, head to Tsitsikamma National Park for an unforgettable walk across the iconic suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth

Conclude your adventure with a full-day safari in the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park

Rawson Touring is a South African tour operator specialising in private tours, wildlife safaris and tailor-made travel experiences across the Western and Eastern Cape.

We create carefully planned journeys for travellers who want to experience South Africa beyond the ordinary — from the Big Five of Addo and Schotia Private Game Reserve to the spectacular Garden Route, Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula.

Our tours are designed around your travel style, schedule and interests, with private guiding, comfortable transport and personalised service throughout your journey.