12 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: GARDEN ROUTE PLUS ADDO ELEPHANTS

Perched along the sunny shores of South Africa’s Western Cape, Mossel Bay is a harbour town that is known as the starting or end point of the famous Garden Route. Craving a lazy day? You’ve struck gold. With over 60 kilometres of sandy white beaches, a lively harbour and more than its fair share of sunshine, it’s made for kicking back and letting the world drift by. But it’s not all about the beach towel – here you can climb the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and wander through its lush botanical gardens, or explore the UNESCO-listed Point of Human Origins, where ancient caves whisper stories between the crashing sounds of the waves.

Framed by forested hills and endless stretches of sand, Wilderness is a seaside gem that lives up to its name – wild, beautiful, and blissfully unhurried. Start with a few lazy hours on the beach, then follow the shoreline to a peaceful lagoon where you can drift along in a canoe or take a scenic cruise on the Touw River. The town centre is small but full of charm, with cosy cafés, artisan shops, lively restaurants and a friendly buzz. Nature lovers will adore the Wilderness section of the Garden Route, where they can explore lush walking trails like the Kingfisher Trail, while those with a camera in hand shouldn’t miss the Map-of-Africa viewpoint – a twist in the river that really does look like the continent from above.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve, set on Knysna’s untouched Western Head, is a private eco-paradise only accessible by ferry. A must-do 4-hour excursion departs daily from the Knysna Waterfront and includes the return ferry, a scenic 4x4 drive to the top of the headland and an optional 2.2 kilometre guided walk through lush coastal forest, fynbos, and ancient sea caves. The walk isn’t too demanding, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Along the way, expert guides share fascinating insights into local ecosystems, plant life and lagoon wildlife. It’s an unforgettable nature experience suitable for all ages - just wear comfy shoes, bring a camera, and dress for the season. Pre-booking is essential, and you can even add a delicious lunch to round off your trip!

If you’re a beach lover, Buffalo Bay – or Buffelsbaai as the locals say – is a must on your Garden Route itinerary. This laid-back seaside village is famous for its sweeping views, golden sunsets, and one of the safest swimming beaches in the region. Just a short drive from Knysna and Sedgefield, it offers an ideal mix of family-friendly fun, great surf, and a mellow coastal vibe. Feeling energetic? Take a scenic beach walk all the way to Brenton-on-Sea and keep an eye out for colourful murals, mosaics and surfboard art, as Buffalo Bay is part of the Knysna Art Route. There are also a handful of beach cafés and restaurants, perfect for lingering over lunch or catching a stunning sundowner.

Plettenberg Bay – or ‘Plett’ as the locals like to call it – is where golden beaches, lush forests, enchanting lagoons and the dramatic Robberg Nature Reserve all meet in one postcard-perfect scene. Ocean lovers will be in their element here: snorkel colourful reefs, swim alongside playful Cape Fur Seals, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding the waves. From July to December, the bay turns into a prime whale-watching stage. And here’s an insider secret: Plett is South Africa’s smallest wine region, with 57 kilometres of boutique vineyards dotting the coast from Packwood to the Crags. Order a crisp local white, sink your toes into the sand, and let the good life come to you.

Meet Africa’s gentle giants at Knysna Elephant Park, the first facility in South Africa to care for orphaned elephants, with over 40 rescued and raised since 1994. Here, elephants roam freely without fences, and you’re invited to interact with them respectfully, on their terms. The experience is both unforgettable and educational, offering insight into the elephants’ personalities, stories, and social bonds. Book the 8 AM or 4 PM Elephant Experience, and walk alongside them while learning fascinating facts from expert guides. The morning session includes breakfast! Located just off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, it’s a perfect and heartwarming stop – and yes, you can even sponsor your favourite elephant!

Swim with the playful Cape Fur Seals of Robberg Nature Reserve – one of Plettenberg Bay’s most exciting and family-friendly adventures! These curious and gentle marine mammals love to interact and often zip past you underwater, just inches away. Even children from 6 years and up can hop off the boat and snorkel alongside the seals. But you are also welcome to simply stay dry and enjoy the view from the deck. The 1.5-hour adventure includes a scenic boat trip to the seal colony, all gear (wetsuits and snorkels) and expert guidance from trained PADI snorkel instructors. After your salty dip, refresh with hot showers, changing rooms and secure lockers at the Beacon Island Hotel. Booking ahead is essential!

Start your day with a morning visit to the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve, just 8 kilometres south of Plettenberg Bay. This World Heritage Site offers dramatic cliffs, coastal dunes, ancient caves, and Stone Age history. And don’t miss the Cape Seal Lighthouse, perched 146 metres above sea level. Look out for the tiny blue duiker, Cape fur seals basking on the rocks, whales or dolphins splashing offshore during the season, and fantastic birdlife to accompany you on your hikes. You can choose from three scenic hiking trails, ranging from an easy 30-minute loop to a challenging 4-hour adventure, all with breathtaking views.

Spend a relaxing afternoon in Plettenberg Bay exploring Monkeyland and Birds of Eden – two neighbouring sanctuaries that make up part of the world-renowned Sanctuary Alliance. Buy a combo ticket and enjoy both experiences in one go! Start with a 1-hour guided forest walk through Monkeyland, home to over 550 free-roaming primates who were rescued from captivity and now live happily in a 12-hectare indigenous forest. Then wander through Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight aviary on the planet – where more than 3,500 birds from 220 species flutter freely through lush forest and over a waterfall. You can explore the 1.2km canopy walkway at your own pace, or request a free guided tour for insider stories.

Paddle, float, and leap...that sums up the Kayak and Lilo Adventure at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2 to 3 hour trip begins with either kayaking across the ocean under the suspension bridge or hiking through the forest to start higher up, depending on sea conditions. You paddle through the gorge, passing caves, cliffs, and long stretches of still water before switching to a lilo to float deeper into narrow sections of the river. The return adds an optional round of cliff jumping into the deep pools, or you can simply enjoy the calm drift back.

The boat tour at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park takes you through a gorge with cliffs that rise nearly 20 meters high. To reach the jetty, you walk 800 meters along the Mouth Trail to the suspension bridge, where the “Spirit of Tsitsikamma” departs. The boat carries up to 22 passengers and leaves every 45 minutes, with each trip lasting about 2 hours. Along the way, you pass caverns, narrow passages, and cliff faces, with the possibility of spotting bat colonies above.

When travelling from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay, why not stop in charming St Francis Bay and enjoy a relaxing cruise through its picturesque canal system – the very first marina ever built in South Africa. Sit back in style as you drift along the scenic waterways, soaking up the tranquil surroundings. Your guide will share fascinating facts and inside stories about the canals, their origins, and the rich ecosystem they support. This leisurely activity is perfect for all ages. Don’t forget to book your spot and boarding is at a river barge named Topsy!

Ready for some high-speed fun on golden dunes? Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay is perfect for all levels, with gentle beginner slopes and thrilling steep runs for the brave. It’s like snowboarding, just warmer – and with ocean views over St Francis Bay that might even include dolphins or whales (in season). Your 2-hour adventure starts at the Wacky Wipeouts Sandboarding Shack at Marina Martinique Beach parking, with all gear and instructions provided. Tours run daily at 10 AM and 2 PM, and you can even book an add-on kayaking trip or SUP on the lagoon for an extra splash of fun!

All good things come to an end. This is your last day, and it's time to catch your flight home from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town or Tshwane (Pretoria) and add a few days to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, hiking the Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.