18 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: COASTAL DELIGHTS PLUS ADDO

From $ 2335 USD* / Safari encounters in Addo National Park / 18 days

*price p.p. incl. rental car and hotels, excl. international flights (based on four persons)

An 18-day trip exploring all of South Africa… almost

When in Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope, the Table Mountain and some clumsy penguins are a must.

If you want to dive deeper into nature, explore the Marloth Nature Reserve in the Swellendam Mountains, cruise along the Touw River, hike on Kingfisher Trail and take a tour through the stunning Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Nature and culture are combined in the Cango Caves and Point of Human Origins – your place to be if you want to find out more about ancient legends and the beginnings of humanity.

Hop over the many islands of Knysna, and make your way up to the viewpoint of Knysna Heads to see it all from above.

In Tsitsikamma National Park and Jeffrey’s Bay you should prepare yourself for a lot of “WOWs” and “OMGs”, when zip lining through the lush rainforest and riding sand and ocean waves.

With furry and feathered friends of Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, the seals of Robberg Nature Reserve (which you can go for a swim with), and the grey giants and endless wildlife of Knysna Elephant Park and Addo National Park, animal lovers have plenty of activities to choose from. Or you simply see it all.

All of South Africa’s gems in one trip.

Explore all of this by yourself during an unforgettable road trip. If you want to learn more about this country during your trip, our guides will be happy to drive and show you around at extra cost.

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Cape Town International Airport
  • Day 2: Cape Town
  • Day 3: Drive from Cape Town to Swellendam + Swellendam
  • Day 4: Drive from Swellendam to Oudtshoorn + Oudtshoorn
  • Day 5: Drive from Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay + Mossel Bay
  • Day 6: Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness + Wilderness
  • Day 7: Drive from Wilderness to Knysna + Knysna
  • Day 8: Knysna
  • Day 9: Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay + Plettenberg Bay
  • Day 10: Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma + Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Day 11: Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Day 12: Drive from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay + Jeffreys Bay
  • Day 13: Jeffreys Bay
  • Day 14: Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Addo Elephant National Park + Addo Elephant National Park
  • Day 15: Addo Elephant National Park
  • Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park
  • Day 17: Addo Elephant National Park
  • Day 18: Drive from Addo Elephant National Park to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) + Flight home from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Day 1

Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

Baie welkom in Suid-Afrika, Nayimkelekile eMzantsi Afrika, Welcome to South Africa!'As you step out of Cape Town International Airport, the warm welcome and buzz of the city greet you instantly. Pick up your rental car—it’s time for your adventure to begin! Your first drive offers a vibrant first glimpse of Cape Town before you settle into your hotel. From tomorrow, you're in full road-trip mode, exploring at your own pace. The beauty of self-driving? Total freedom! Choose what to see, when to go, and how long to stay. And with our handy travel guide and list of local eats and must-stop spots, you're all set for an unforgettable journey!

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Day 2

Cape Town

Where the edge of the world meets the sea that's where you find Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and second-largest city, filled with endless highlights! From Robben Island and the Castle of Good Hope for history buffs, to Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for nature lovers. Boulders Beach with its clumsy penguin colony and Hout Bay with its lazy seals melt your heart, and for cultural highlights, you'd best head to the colourful Bo-Kaap for a free walking tour. Afterwards, the V&A Waterfront is your place to be: not just for food and wine, but also for a shopping spree and a tour on the Cape Wheel... or even a sunset cruise with an invigorating glass of champagne!

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Day 3

Drive from Cape Town to Swellendam

As the drive from Cape Town to Swellendam only takes 2.5 hours to cover the 220 kilometres, you can opt to visit Table Mountain before hitting the road. Or you set off early morning, and reach your destination in time for the heritage walk in the beautiful historic centre of Swellendam, after having lunch in one of its many restaurants. And if you're in for some outdoor fun and game spotting, Bontebok National Park should be on your list.

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Day 4

Drive from Swellendam to Oudtshoorn

During this 220-kilometre drive from Swellendam to Oudtshoorn, you pass through scenic landscapes and rugged mountain passes. You should reach your destination after a good 2.5-hour drive, excluding coffee breaks. Famous for its ostriches, Oudtshoorn has much to offer. Upon arrival, you can take a guided tour to discover the nearby Cango Caves, at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, a pleasant way to stretch your legs after the drive.

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Day 5

Drive from Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay

It takes just over an hour to drive the 86 kilometres between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay, which means you can decide to leave a bit later today and first enjoy Oudtshoorn in the morning. You could go for an interactive ostrich farm experience to discover the world's largest bird, then savour a nice lunch before setting off for the drive. Upon arrival, you can relax on the beach and walk along the harbour to make the most of this day.

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Day 6

Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness

Today you're driving your first stretch of the Garden Route! The drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness along the N2 highway is 60 kilometres and normally takes less than 45 minutes. Feel free to spend some time in Mossel Bay after breakfast before your next destination calls. If you are travelling with kids, it's a great idea to stop in George along the way (after 40 kilometres). The Redberry Farm offers plenty of child-friendly activities, and you can pick a basket of strawberries before indulging in a delicious farm-fresh lunch.

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Day 7 - 8

Drive from Wilderness to Knysna

The drive from Wilderness to Knysna is 47 kilometres on the N2 highway and takes a mere 40 minutes. If you are leaving Wilderness around lunchtime, it's a good idea to stop in Sedgefield along the way. This is a quaint seaside village set in the lakes district just between Wilderness and Knysna, and the Pilipili Restaurant with its forever-summer vibe is a great spot to kick off your shoes and enjoy a lovely beach lunch – think decadent cocktails and a variety of local craft beers served ice cold for the grown-ups while the kids are having a ball (and a pizza).

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Day 9

Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

It's 35 kilometres from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, so you should be able to reach your next destination in half an hour. In case you didn't tick off all the boxes in Knysna, you can stick around there in the morning. But if you're keen to visit the Knysna Elephant Park, it's better to make an early start and book the 8 AM Elephant Experience; it's on your way to Plettenberg Bay, and it includes breakfast! Either way, Plettenberg's stunning beaches are waiting for you!

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Day 10 - 11

Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma

The drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park is 57 km and shouldn't take more than 40 minutes. However, if you get hungry along the way, stop at Ristorante Enrico - a lovely Italian restaurant in Keurboomstrand (which is on your route). It's a prime site for watching dolphins and whales with swooping views across the bay, all the way to Robberg, and it's very kid-friendly.
Or drive to Brampton wines for a lovely wine tasting and a picnic overlooking the Tsitsikamma mountains. When you arrive at your destination, Robberg Nature Reserve and the Monkeyland & Birds of Eden sanctuaries make great activities to get you started!

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Day 12 - 13

Drive from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay

It's a 110-kilometre drive from Tsitsikamma National Park to Jeffreys Bay, which shouldn't take more than 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, you might want to make a quick stop in St. Francis Bay and visit the lighthouse, admire the fancy marina or enjoy a relaxing canal cruise. From there, it's just a half hour's drive to J-Bay, the surf capital of South Africa!

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Day 14 - 17

Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Addo Elephant National Park

From Jeffreys Bay, you can choose two routes to reach Addo and the Addo Elephant National Park. Via the Groendal Nature Reserve and scenic views on its rolling hills, it takes 142 kilometres or a good two hours' drive to reach Addo. If you decide to take the alternative route through the city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), it also takes two hours, but this route covers a distance of 182 kilometres. No matter which route you choose, the Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve is the perfect spot for a pit stop – and if you're passing there around lunchtime, try one of the fantastic beachfront restaurants, just a stone's throw from the reserve. Because ocean views pair with any dish!

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Day 18

Drive from Addo Elephant National Park to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

The last drive of your itinerary is the one from Addo Elephant National Park to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where you'll catch your flight. The drive is 112 kilometres and you can choose to take the route through the countryside or the one along the coastline. Both should lead you to your destination in 1.5 hours. Enjoy the magnificent scenery one last time and reminisce about your Big Seven encounters and all the other memories made.

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Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Africa Safari Trips?

  • We are based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda)
  • We offer private safaris
  • We have world class safari guides
  • You get Expert advice
  • Best value for money
  • Own safari vehicles
  • No limit on driving distance
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