Garden Route & Addo

Highlights

On this 6-day adventure from Cape Town via Mossel Bay. Hike in the gorgeous Tsitsikamma National Park, float through Wilderness National Park in a canoe and soak in the sun on the beautiful beaches of the southern coast. Top it all off with a safari at Addo Elephant National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1–2: Mossel Bay / Wilderness / Knysna

• Mossel Bay: Site of Bartholomeu Dias’s landing in 1488 – first European contact with southern Africa.

• Early Khoisan settlements and Dutch maritime history.

• Learn about the Age of Exploration, colonial maritime trade, and local indigenous cultures.

• Visit the Dias Museum Complex to see a replica of his caravel and the historic Post Office Tree.

Day 3: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

• Knysna: Known for its timber industry and the story of the Knysna elephants.

• Plettenberg Bay: Once a whaling station and timber port, with indigenous and colonial significance.

• Learn about forest conservation, early logging, and the shift to eco-tourism.

• Discover the biodiversity of the Knysna forests, the Cape Floral Kingdom, and efforts to protect endangered species.

Day 4: Tsitsikamma National Park

• “Tsitsikamma” means "Place of much water" in Khoekhoe.

• First marine national park in South Africa (established 1964).

• Explore coastal ecology, marine conservation, and sustainable park management.

• Learn about indigenous forest ecology, ancient human occupation, and rock art in surrounding areas.

• Day hikes like the Otter Trail introduce tourists to plant and animal biodiversity.

Day 5: Jeffreys Bay / Route to Addo

• Jeffreys Bay: Coastal town with surf heritage and early fishing village roots.

• Surrounding rural areas reflect South Africa's agricultural development and local communities’ way of life.

• Understand coastal livelihood, marine ecosystems, and surf tourism economics.

• Exposure to local cultures and settlements en route offers social and cultural education.

Day 6: Addo Elephant National Park

• Established in 1931 to protect 11 remaining elephants from near-extinction.

• Now a "Big 7" reserve (includes whales and great white sharks), and South Africa’s third-largest national park.

• Learn about wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and the human-wildlife conflict.

• Insight into ecosystem management, habitat restoration, and how tourism supports protected areas.

• Cultural education around local Xhosa communities and their traditional relationship with nature.

What you will learn about on this trip

• Colonial exploration & maritime history (Mossel Bay)

• Indigenous knowledge & culture (Khoisan, Xhosa)

• Environmental conservation (Knysna forests, Tsitsikamma, Addo)

• Wildlife protection (elephants, marine life, forest species)

• Social and cultural learning from communities and landscapes

• Sustainable tourism practices throughout the route

What Is Included

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Qualified guide/Professional driver
• Air-Conditioned vehicle
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Entry fee
• Local wine tasting
• Bottled water

What is Excluded

• Drinks
• Lunch
• Optional activities
• Tips and Gratitudes

Price from ZAR12,500 per person