The 7 Day Cape to Addo Safari is a unique, safe and affordable way to experience the thrill of game driving in an authentic BIG 5, 145 000ha National Game Park, while touring the coastal regions of both the Western and Eastern Cape. On this tour nothing is left out as we explore the Whale Route, Route 62, the Karoo and Garden Route all the way to Jeffrey’s Bay, Mandela Bay and Port Elizabeth. Every Cape to Addo Safari is professionally driven and guided by an experienced African tour leader and the itinerary is packed full of unique African experiences and exciting discoveries. Game driving, ski-boat cruises, beer tasting, caving, zip lining, bungi jumping, hot natural springs, elephant feeding and riding, river canoeing, the list goes on... and on.
Day 1: Whale Route, Hermanus, Birkenhead Brewery and Cape Agulhas
Departing Cape Town at 8:30 am and Stellenbosch at 9:30 am, our exciting journey begins today as we join the world famous whale route in Gordons Bay for a stunning drive along the picturesque R44 mountain pass overlooking False Bay to the vibrant coastal town of Hermanus. After an opportunity to take some photographs and a picnic lunch on the seafront, we continue to Birkenhead Brewery to sample some fine beers before moving on to the southernmost tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas National Park. After a visit to the lookout point we make our way to the harbour where there is an option to embark on an exciting ski-boat cruise to search for dolphin and whales (June to December). After our cruise we take a walk back to our accommodation along “Die Plaat”, the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere.
This day is designed to be a relaxing one for you to get to know your fellow travellers, to get used to travelling in our vehicle and to settle into the comfortable routine of life on tour.
Day 2: Tradouws Pass, R62, the Little Karoo and Oudtshoorn
Driving inland this morning our journey takes us north through rolling wheat fields to the Langeberg Mountains and on to the pristine semi-desert environment of the Little Karoo. Shortly after Barrydale on Route 62, we stop for lunch at Warmwaterberg Spa for lunch and a relaxing swim in 43-degree natural hot springs.
In the afternoon we drive through Ladismith and Carlitzdorp to the capital of the Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn is situated in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. Here there is an option to view and ride one of these prehistoric birds on a working farm or go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah, cage dive with crocodiles and view many rare and endangered animal species.
Day 3: Cango Caves, Knysna, Bloukrans Bungy jump & Tsitsikamma
We begin the day with a short 20km drive to the magnificent Cango Caves. Here we’ll embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the cave system to view its massive caverns and a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmite formations, millions of years old. Cango Caves is a world heritage site and one of the great wonders of the natural world.
After our visit to the caves, we leave the Karoo and travel 60km to the coast through the magnificent Outeniqua Pass. Entering the Garden Route for the first time in George and take a leisurely drive up the coast to Knysna, rated South Africa’s most beautiful town. Here we’ll take a walk to the entrance of the lagoon to explore the captivating scenery surrounding the famous Knysna Heads. In the afternoon we drive to the highest road bridge in Africa at Bloukrans Bridge. With a freefall of over 216m this is also the site of the highest bungi jump in the world! For those wishing to take the leap, this is your opportunity!!
Day 4: Tsitsikamma Zip-line, Jeffreys Bay and the Sundays River Valley
After breakfast and a visit to the exciting Zip-line at Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures, we continue east up the coast into the Eastern Cape and head for the pristine beaches of Jeffrey’s Bay. Renowned the world over as one of the best surfing waves on the planet, we’ll take time out to view the waves at “supertubes” before exploring the town and visiting the ever-popular surf wear factory shops i.e.: Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy, Quicksilver and more…
After Jeffrey’s Bay, we make our way inland towards Addo and our accommodation for the night, in the Sundays River Valley. Set in a wild and scenic location on the banks of the Sundays River, we take the time to relax under the African sun as well as explore the river by canoe. Around the campfire tonight, this is what you’ve come to experience... Wild Africa at her enigmatic best!
Day 5: Addo Elephant National Park, Game Driving and Port Elizabeth
Up early this morning, we begin our Addo Park Safari along a network of winding roads stopping regularly for photographs and information on the animals we encounter along the way. On our game drive we’ll also disembark from our vehicle at the main lookout point for a spectacular view over the evergreen wilderness that is Addo. After our game drive we’ll take lunch at the park restaurant before a leisurely drive down to the coast and Port Elizabeth.
Proclaimed a National Park in 1931, this malaria free, 145 000 ha. Park, extends all the way down to the Indian Ocean and is home to the densest African Elephant population on earth, totaling over 500 elephant. Addo Park is also famous for being the only park in Africa playing host to the Big 7 i.e. Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, the Southern Right Whale and the Great White Shark.
A major sea port and tourist destination, Port Elizabeth is set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay and is fondly referred to as the Friendly City. In terms of area, it is the second largest city in South Africa and the fifth largest in terms of population (1.1 million). In the early evening we take a walk along the Waterfront before enjoying a meal at the Boardwalk.
Day 6: The Crags Elephant Sanctuary and Wilderness
This morning we begin our relaxing journey back to Cape Town with our first stop for the day at the Crags Orphaned Elephant Sanctuary for a truly wonderful close encounter experience. Here you have an opportunity to walk, feed and ride an African elephant while receiving instruction from a knowledgeable African guide.
After the Sanctuary we continue down the Garden Route, stopping occasionally to take in anything we may have missed on our way up. In the late afternoon we arrive at our accommodation overlooking the sea in the stunning Wilderness Lakes region. Here you will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful lakes by canoe and any other exciting outdoor activities on offer. Our last evening together on tour, we drink a toast to our shared adventures around a roaring fire.
Day 7: Return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass
This morning we visit an Aloe factory in Albertinia and after lunch on the road and a wonderful scenic drive via Swellendam and Sir Lowry’s Pass. We arrive back in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.
