18 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: COASTAL DELIGHTS PLUS ADDO

From $1,999 USD* / Safari encounters in Addo National Park / 17 days

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

Itinerary

Exploring all that Africa has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Kenya safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, going on a Gorilla trekking in Uganda or relaxing at Diani Beach: Africa has it all. Good news: Africa Safari Trips can build a custom-made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. A lot of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on Africa’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Africa at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Day 1

Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

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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

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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

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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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: Swellendam, South Africa’s third-oldest town, charms visitors with its rich history, ancient oak-lined streets and iconic whitewashed Cape Dutch homesteads. Founded in 1743 by the Dutch East India Company, it was named after Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife, whose maiden name was Damme. With over 50 national heritage sites, the town's fascinating past comes alive on a heritage walk through its historic heart. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Marloth Nature Reserve and Bontebok National Park offer scenic hikes and hidden waterfalls.

Accommodations:

Silver De Oude Pastorie
Gold Swellendam Country Lodge
Platinum De Kloof Heritage Estate and Spa

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Day 4

Drive from Swellendam to Oudtshoorn

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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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: Oudtshoorn, nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo (small Karoo) and framed by the majestic Swartberg Mountains, is a must-visit along the scenic Route 62. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, it boasts around 200,000 birds spread across more than 500 farms – so yes, feathered giants are kind of a big deal here! But Oudtshoorn offers far more than just birds. Head to the Cango Wildlife Ranch for a fun, family-friendly encounter with everything from big cats to crocodiles, or explore the awe-inspiring Cango Caves – a 20-million-year-old labyrinth of limestone chambers and Africa’s largest cave system. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the region’s unique biodiversity, and for a true taste of the wild, book yourself an unforgettable bush safari at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.

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Day 5

Drive from Oudtshoorn to Mossel Bay

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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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: 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.

Accommodations:

Silver African Oceans Manor on the Beach
Gold The Point Hotel and Spa
Platinum The Village Lodge @ Botlierskop

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Day 6

Drive from Mossel Bay to Wilderness

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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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: 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.

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Day 7 - 8

Drive from Wilderness to Knysna

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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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: Knysna is a coastal treasure where forest trails, white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage meet. The town’s story is deeply tied to the Houtunqua people, but today it’s also known for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Start with the iconic Knysna Heads – two dramatic cliffs guarding the lagoon’s mouth – perfect for breathtaking views and an obligatory sundowner. The next day, take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a walk or kayak trip through its shallow waters. Spend some time on the pristine shores of Buffalo Bay, and wrap up your visit at the bustling Waterfront, where boutique shops and mouth-watering eateries keep the vibe lively well into the evening.

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Day 9

Drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

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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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: 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.

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Day 10 - 11

Drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma

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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!

Activities:

: The Tsitsikamma National Park encompasses 80 kilometres of untamed coastline, dotted with glorious beaches, fynbos and evergreen coastal forest. Today the thrills don’t come from spotting lions (although you might see whales from June to November), but from conquering epic hikes, walking the 2 kilometres long suspension bridge over the Storms River, plunging into waterfalls and trying exhilarating outdoor activities… scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and tubing to name a few. And the adrenaline lovers among us can do the highest bungee jump in the world or an exciting tree-top canopy zip-line tour. Adventures galore!

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Day 12 - 13

Drive from Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay

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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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: Jeffreys Bay – or J-Bay to the locals – is a legendary surf town best known for its prime beaches, epic waves and laid-back surfers vibe. With world-renowned surf spots like Supertubes, Point and Kitchen Window, it’s a mecca for surfers chasing fast, powerful breaks reaching up to 12 feet. But there’s more: go sandboarding, stroll nature reserves, or visit the shell museum. J-Bay is also famous for its handmade leather goods, shell art and surf-inspired fashion (go shopping in Surf Village!) - plus a cool craft beer brewery to match the scene. And don’t leave without trying the local calamari, fresh from the ocean and straight to your plate.

Accommodations:

Silver The Ocean Bay Luxury Guesthouse
Gold On the Beach Guesthouse
Platinum Canal Guest House - Waterfront Accommodation

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Day 14 - 15

Drive from Jeffreys Bay to Addo Elephant National Park

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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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: Addo Elephant National Park is the country’s third-largest game reserve, located right along South Africa's iconic Garden Route (meaning your drive already takes your breath away!). The park is home to more than 600 elephants AND to the Big Seven. Wait, what now? Yes, you read that right, the Big Seven! In Addo, the famous Big Five family of large safari animals extends its reach into the ocean to include the humongous southern right whale and the great white shark. And Addo is the only place where you have a chance to see them all!

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Day 16 - 17

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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: 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.

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