5 Day Private Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari

5-Day Private Garden Route Tour & Gondwana Safari from Cape Town

Experience the best of South Africa’s coastal and safari highlights on this unforgettable Private Garden Route Tour combined with a Big 5 wildlife safari in Gondwana Game Reserve. Starting and ending in Cape Town, this scenic small group journey blends luxury, nature, and adventure for an unforgettable getaway.

Tour Overview

This 5-day Private Garden Route Tour includes two nights in the malaria-free Gondwana Game Reserve, where you’ll enjoy guided game drives and bush experiences. Then travel along the iconic Garden Route exploring coastal gems like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park. Your journey wraps up with a scenic drive through Oudtshoorn and along Route 62 back to Cape Town.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town to Gondwana Game Reserve

Depart Cape Town and travel east to the start of the Garden Route. Arrive at Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, settle into your lodge, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head out on your first game drive with expert guides and spot giraffe, zebra, rhino, and more.

Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Included: Afternoon game drive

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Gondwana

Spend a full day immersed in nature at Gondwana. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, with downtime in between to relax or opt for mountain biking or a guided fynbos walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Included: Morning and afternoon game drives
Optional: Fynbos walks, mountain biking, tented spa

Day 3: Gondwana to Knysna

Begin the day with a final game drive before heading further east on the Private Garden Route Tour. Pass Wilderness and Sedgefield en route to Knysna, a vibrant lagoon town nestled between forested mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast
Included: Morning game drive
Optional: Whale Watching (Jul–Nov), Knysna Lagoon cruise, Featherbed Eco Experience

Day 4: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay & Tsitsikamma National Park

Travel to Tsitsikamma National Park and explore its ancient forests and dramatic coastline. Activities include hiking suspension bridges or ziplining through the treetops. Later, return to Knysna via the beach town of Plettenberg Bay.

Meals: Breakfast
Included: Tsitsikamma National Park entry
Optional: Bungee Jump, Tree Top Tour, Luka Vineyards, Mungo Mill

Day 5: Oudtshoorn & Route 62 to Cape Town

On the final day, head inland through the scenic Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn, known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World.” Return to Cape Town via Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route.

Meals: Breakfast
Included: Route 62 scenic drive
Optional: Wine cellar tour & lunch in Breede River Valley

About Gondwana Game Reserve

The Gondwana Game Reserve is a private Big 5 safari park set in the heart of the Garden Route. Located just 45 minutes from George Airport and near Mossel Bay, this 11,000-hectare reserve offers a unique, malaria-free safari experience. The reserve boasts luxury lodges, rich biodiversity, and a strong conservation ethos—making it a perfect destination for eco-conscious travelers and families.

Accommodation & Meals

Throughout your Private Garden Route Tour, stay at handpicked 3- to 5-star accommodations that balance comfort and natural beauty. In Gondwana, enjoy full-board dining, while the rest of the tour includes daily breakfast at quality guesthouses.

Special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can be catered for—just let us know your needs when booking.

Customization & Flexibility

This itinerary is fully customizable to fit your travel preferences and budget. Chat with our safari experts to tailor the tour just for you.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Pick-ups are available from Cape Town International Airport or central locations in Cape Town (CBD, Camps Bay, Sea Point, etc.) and Stellenbosch. Drop-off is in Cape Town, with optional return via George Airport for convenience.