Garden Route Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 14 days

4.5

10 Reviews

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Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Follow the coastal trail to Cape Town on an adventurous 14-day adventure along the Garden Route and Wild Coast of South Africa.

Highlights

Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.
Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing to vibrant Cape Town.
Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach to watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.
Hike in the stunning Drakensberg Mountain Range. Learn about the diverse array of flora and fauna as you take in the panoramic views over the surrounding mountain peaks and rivers.
Explore the famous Garden Route – a scenic stretch of coastline in South Africa packed with rugged coastal views, rolling mountains, and long sandy beaches.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Durban, Lesotho

Finishes

Cape Town, Lesotho

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Durban

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches. Check out uMhlanga Lighthouse, a beautiful lighthouse on the lovely uMhlanga coastline. For dinner, perhaps grab your group and head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood – your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.

Optional Activities:

Durban - Art Gallery - Free
Durban - Bay Cruise (240 ZAR)
Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Drakensberg

Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range this morning. Stop along the way at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Continue the journey to Drakensberg mountain chain. Your accommodation here is in twin rooms with an ensuite at a unique backpacker lodge in Drakensberg. After you’ve settled in, enjoy a drink with your travel group in the thatched-loft lounge room. You’ll also be able to check out the onsite pool, jacuzzi, barbeque and fire pit.

Included Activities:

Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Accommodation:

Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Drakensberg

Today you'll enjoy a refreshing hike through an amazing array of flora and fauna. Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range – sitting at 3482 metres – and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is often referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some amazing views and excellent photo opportunities.

Included Activities:

Drakensberg - Day Hike

Accommodation:

Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Lesotho Highlands

Leaving Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' and has beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. Generally, the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but you may experience some delays, depending on the time of year. Drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.

Accommodation:

Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Lesotho Highlands

Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these stunning landscapes.

Optional Activities:

Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike (60 ZAR)
Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours (120 ZAR)
Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk (50 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the charming little coastal town of Cintsa. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Today you can enjoy some free time to explore the town, relax on the stunning beaches or book one of the many optional activities on offer. You might like to go hiking or mountain biking in the hinterland, hire a canoe to explore the Cintsa River or book in for a surfing lesson! Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Cintsa - Village Tour (235 ZAR)
Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Addo Elephant National Park

Today you'll travel on to Addo Elephant National Park which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation - today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the unique flightless dung beetle. On arrival, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group and try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.

Included Activities:

Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Optional Activities:

Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive (480 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park

Wake early and enjoy another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park in an overland vehicle. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Garden Route, the first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park, protecting both land and sea. It's a spectacular place for walking and viewing wildlife. Your group leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.

Included Activities:

Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Tsitsikamma National Park

With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.

Optional Activities:

Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn

Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. You'll stop at Knysna on the way to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Travel on to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations – one is ‘Cleopatra's Needle’, standing at 29 feet high and at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Continue on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.

Included Activities:

Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Cape Town

Rise and shine very early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats, part of the so-called 'Shy 5'. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. You’ll have time to watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the beachside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Maybe head out for some beautiful views of Table Mountain, choose from one of the hip restaurants and bars for dinner or meander around the historical buildings.

Included Activities:

Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Cape Town

Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to watch the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you wish. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to chill out and enjoy the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you. Otherwise, take your time simply exploring this beachside city, perhaps sipping local wines and dining by the oceanfront.

Included Activities:

Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins

Optional Activities:

Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Cape Town

Your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged – please enquire at the time of booking this trip.

Optional Activities:

Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Follow the coastal trail to Cape Town on an adventurous 14-day adventure along the Garden Route and Wild Coast of South Africa.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Nov 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Lesley Jane

Traveled, January 2025

01/26/2025

Amazing views we had a little bit of everything mountains beaches forest all spectacular. The team Nolo Gift and Nathy made us feel safe and part of a family! Always Happy faces. Great trip!!

3.5

Michele

Traveled, December 2024

01/15/2025

I think my leg of the trip was a bit bland. I think because I had already done Kruger, it was long drives, stops for snacks and lunch and more stops. We also had an issue with the fridge where I was told I can’t use it but other were allowed. That was ok but I think Intrepid is asking travellers to buy lunch on the road maybe consideration should be made for us to be able to store stuff within reason. Maybe everyone no more that 2 items and must be responsible for cleaning the fridge. One other thing there should be a step at the bottom of the truck. The last step Is so far from the ground and I think the fittest of persons if especially carrying something can slip and can have a terrible Accident.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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