7 of the most popular safari and adventure experiences from Cape Town to the Garden Route
Feel the rhythm of South Africa as you explore diverse wildlife; safaris; beaches; marine life and majestic mountains in the land of sunshine. Take the opportunity and tap into the knowledge of an expert local tour guide and get to see the world where nature; adventure; cultures and landscapes merge and locals call home. Start in Cape Town and head down the scenic Garden Route at your own pace taking with you a combined world class African experience.
1. Dedicated tour guide for your private tour
Embark on your private customised tour with your own dedicated tour guide who will introduce you to a wealth of local knowledge of the region and the hidden gems of the Garden Route.
This allows peace of mind as you sightsee at your leisure and at your own pace. A guide that speaks the local language who is engaged; entertaining and flexible allows for a lasting informative memory as you explore the environment.
2. Safari along the Garden Route
Journey to some of South Africa’s most prestigious Game Reserves scattered along the Garden Route and experience the Big 5 game viewing in a malaria free environment. Join from a selection of highly rated world-class safari drives where one has the opportunity to view rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, cheetah and many varieties of antelope species.
Rolling hills, river systems, dense forests and steep escarpments meet the eye allowing for a mind-blowing experience. End the day savouring a sumptuous and varied African styled buffet dinner, yet another highlight!
3. Tsitsikamma National Park
Head for the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park tucked between the mountains and sea with breathtaking sea views; green forest and magnificent birdlife! The park encompasses a marine reserve, deep gorges and lush vegetation like the Big Tree a massive yellowwood and is home to small mammals and birdlife.
Walk the coastal route to the suspended bridge over the Storms River Mouth followed by a dip in the Indian Ocean. Or choose to explore the same area with an exhilarating zipline across waterfalls and tree canopies! Followed by walks and short hikes in Storms River Village and Tsitsikamma National Park.
4. Oudtshoorn
Leaving Cape Town take the Route62 wine route and head towards Oudtshoorn which is situated in the Klein Karoo. Enjoy a heritage tour at the Cango Caves famous for its magnificent limestone ridge cave system.
Then visit an ostrich farm in the lush Cango Valley.
5. Knysna lagoon cruise and artisan markets
Take the time to explore the charming town of Knysna by visiting the Waterfront, markets, the natural harbour lagoon and area thoroughly. Not to be missed are the Knysna Heads which can be viewed by car from certain view points or by taking a hike in the unique Nature Reserve that lies on the Western Head.
End the day with a sunset cruise on the lagoon on a double-decker floating restaurant or wash down Knysna Oysters with a glass of wine at one of the local restaurants.
6. Wildlife and conservation ranch
Stop over at a wildlife conservation ranch where you will have the opportunity to experience animal encounters with cheetah, lemurs, croc-cage diving and so much more!
A guided tour allows you to take in the conservation of endangered species through captive breeding, research and awareness.
7. Hermanus whale watching
During the winter and spring months (June to November) spot the Southern Right Whale which migrates from the Antarctic around June to calve and mate in the waters of Hermanus.
Join an Eco Boat Cruise where whales, seals, penguins and sea birds can be seen. Your informative guide will fill you in about the historical sites and marine life of Hermanus. Alternatively, you can join a whale boat cruise where they specialise only in whale sightings.
Whether a wildlife, safari or an adventure seeker the use of a dedicated tour guide on your private tour will allow you to customise activities and your route according to your specifications.
Michael Primmer is a Co-owner and Director of Cape of Good Hope Tours.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
This allows peace of mind as you sightsee at your leisure and at your own pace. A guide that speaks the local language who is engaged; entertaining and flexible allows for a lasting informative memory as you explore the environment.
2. Safari along the Garden Route
Journey to some of South Africa’s most prestigious Game Reserves scattered along the Garden Route and experience the Big 5 game viewing in a malaria free environment. Join from a selection of highly rated world-class safari drives where one has the opportunity to view rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, cheetah and many varieties of antelope species.
Rolling hills, river systems, dense forests and steep escarpments meet the eye allowing for a mind-blowing experience. End the day savouring a sumptuous and varied African styled buffet dinner, yet another highlight!
3. Tsitsikamma National Park
Head for the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park tucked between the mountains and sea with breathtaking sea views; green forest and magnificent birdlife! The park encompasses a marine reserve, deep gorges and lush vegetation like the Big Tree a massive yellowwood and is home to small mammals and birdlife.
Walk the coastal route to the suspended bridge over the Storms River Mouth followed by a dip in the Indian Ocean. Or choose to explore the same area with an exhilarating zipline across waterfalls and tree canopies! Followed by walks and short hikes in Storms River Village and Tsitsikamma National Park.
4. Oudtshoorn
Leaving Cape Town take the Route62 wine route and head towards Oudtshoorn which is situated in the Klein Karoo. Enjoy a heritage tour at the Cango Caves famous for its magnificent limestone ridge cave system.
Then visit an ostrich farm in the lush Cango Valley.
5. Knysna lagoon cruise and artisan markets
Take the time to explore the charming town of Knysna by visiting the Waterfront, markets, the natural harbour lagoon and area thoroughly. Not to be missed are the Knysna Heads which can be viewed by car from certain view points or by taking a hike in the unique Nature Reserve that lies on the Western Head.
End the day with a sunset cruise on the lagoon on a double-decker floating restaurant or wash down Knysna Oysters with a glass of wine at one of the local restaurants.
6. Wildlife and conservation ranch
Stop over at a wildlife conservation ranch where you will have the opportunity to experience animal encounters with cheetah, lemurs, croc-cage diving and so much more!
A guided tour allows you to take in the conservation of endangered species through captive breeding, research and awareness.
7. Hermanus whale watching
During the winter and spring months (June to November) spot the Southern Right Whale which migrates from the Antarctic around June to calve and mate in the waters of Hermanus.
Join an Eco Boat Cruise where whales, seals, penguins and sea birds can be seen. Your informative guide will fill you in about the historical sites and marine life of Hermanus. Alternatively, you can join a whale boat cruise where they specialise only in whale sightings.
Whether a wildlife, safari or an adventure seeker the use of a dedicated tour guide on your private tour will allow you to customise activities and your route according to your specifications.
Michael Primmer is a Co-owner and Director of Cape of Good Hope Tours.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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Having had a tour guide before I can definitely agree that having a private tour guide makes a big difference to your trip. You can have one on one conversations and get the most out of their knowledge of the local area, allowing you to see and experience things that going self guided or in a larger tour group would miss. I think this is especially important in areas where local language will help.
I do like the idea of having a tour guide, however, I’ve never done it before. It is nice to have your freedom, but also nice to have an expert opinion! I’ve heard of the garden route before, it would be exhilarating to go through it and see all the beautiful animals. South Africa has so much to offer!
I’d love to go on safari with a tour guide and see all the animals roaming free. I think you would find out a lot more information that way and learn some new things. South Africa has so much to offer tourists. I’d love to take a Safari along the Garden Route, looks like an incredible location and once in a lifetime opportunity.
Always wanted to explore the beauty of South Africa and this post gave me the right motivation. I’d like to play golf even if I’m not so good with it lol
Beautiful location in every aspect ?