Frequently Asked Questions

We always recommend booking directly with BokBus whenever possible. Direct bookings may qualify for exclusive discounts that aren’t always available on third-party platforms, and our reservations team can give you the latest availability, accommodation options and personalised service.

Before booking elsewhere, contact us for our best available rate.

Yes. Our tours are available through several trusted booking partners. We still encourage you to contact BokBus directly first, as we may be able to offer an exclusive direct booking discount and confirm the latest availability.

Yes. A deposit secures your place on the tour, and we confirm your booking as soon as it’s received.

The deposit amount and the date your balance is due depend on the tour and how far ahead you book. Both are set out clearly in your booking confirmation, and our reservations team is happy to explain them before you book.

We understand that travel plans can change. You may cancel up to 24 hours before your tour departs and receive a refund, less a 5% administration fee.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are only effective once acknowledged by BokBus. For full details, see our Terms & Conditions.

It doesn’t happen often, but if a departure doesn’t reach the minimum number of guests, we’ll let you know as early as possible. You can then choose to move to another departure date or receive a refund.

Yes, in most cases. We can help you add extra nights before or after your tour, or combine tours, such as adding a safari to a Garden Route package. Extensions depend on availability, so please let us know when booking.

For a fully flexible itinerary, ask us about a private tour.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every guest. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage and any adventure activities you plan to do, such as bungy jumping.

No. Instead, we offer a 5% online booking discount for guests who book directly through BokBus.

Your guide can help you arrange optional activities during the tour. Payment is made directly to the activity provider, using major credit cards.

Yes. Upgrades can be arranged before departure or during the tour, subject to availability. Individual establishments may charge amendment or cancellation fees if changes are made after the original booking.

Yes. All bedding, linen, pillows and blankets are provided, so there’s no need to bring a sleeping bag.

Depending on availability, we offer:

• Shared dormitories
• Single rooms
• Double rooms
• Twin rooms
• Triple or family rooms (very limited)

Backpacker dormitories

Shared rooms for four to twelve guests. Wherever possible, male and female guests are accommodated separately.

Backpacker private rooms

Single, double or twin rooms, with shared or private bathrooms. They have fewer amenities than a guesthouse room.

Guesthouses

Private guesthouse rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Amenities include a TV, tea and coffee station, fridge or minibar, hair dryer, iron, personal care items and, in some, air-conditioning.

Rooms are allocated by our accommodation partners before arrival. Depending on availability, you may be given either a lodge room or a chalet. Unless requested in advance, we generally can’t confirm the room type before you arrive.

Yes. Families and friends can request rooms close to one another. Let us know before departure and we’ll do our best to arrange this with our accommodation partners.

Absolutely. You’re welcome to join the rest of the group for dinner and enjoy the social side of the tour.

Yes. With prior notice, we’re happy to arrange a small surprise for special occasions. While we can’t guarantee elaborate arrangements, we’ll gladly help make your celebration memorable.

Yes. Private dining can usually be arranged directly with the lodge, subject to availability and additional cost.

We offer complimentary collection from:

• Hout Bay
• Camps Bay
• Sea Point
• Green Point
• V&A Waterfront
• Cape Town City Centre
• Gardens
• District Six
• Woodstock
• Century City
• Lagoon Beach Hotel
• Cape Town International Airport
• Hotel Verde
• Somerset West
• Gordon’s Bay

2-Day and 3-Day tours only: Hermanus.

Drop-off areas are the same as our collection areas.

Yes. You’re welcome to meet us at one of our designated collection points. Transport to and from the collection point is for your own account.

Collections start from about 06:00. Tours generally return to Cape Town at about 18:30, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Yes, as long as your requested drop-off point is within our collection and drop-off areas.

Call or WhatsApp us straight away on 082 320 1979. Your guide collects several guests on a tight morning schedule, so we can only wait a short while at each stop.

If you do miss the bus, we’ll do our best to help you meet the group further along the route, but transport to that point is for your own account. A missed departure is treated as a late cancellation under our Terms & Conditions, so please be ready at your pickup point at the confirmed time.

Luggage space is shared, so please bring a reasonable amount: typically one suitcase, one carry-on bag and one small personal item such as a backpack or handbag. If you’re unsure, please contact us.

Yes. Most accommodation establishments provide universal charging points or adapters.

Most tours run with up to 11 guests. Our 6-Day Backpacker Adventure Tour takes a maximum of 13 guests. Small groups keep the experience relaxed and personal.

Most guests are between 20 and 45, but we regularly welcome solo travellers, couples, families and active senior travellers.

Absolutely. Many of our guests travel solo. Choose a private room at a single supplement rate, or a shared dormitory if you enjoy meeting fellow travellers.

No. All tours are conducted in English, so a basic understanding is recommended.

Most activities need a moderate level of fitness. Walking trails can be done comfortably at a relaxed pace.

No. The walk is optional, and you’re welcome to relax at the visitor centre while others complete it.

Yes. If time allows within the itinerary, your guide will gladly help you arrange your preferred optional activity.

Yes, families are welcome. Children travel with a parent or guardian, and some activities, such as bungy jumping, have age, height or weight limits set by the activity provider.

Let us know your children’s ages when you enquire, and we’ll recommend the best tour for your family and confirm pricing.

Please contact us before booking so we can talk through your needs and advise honestly on what’s possible. Our tour vehicles are minibuses with a step up into the vehicle, and some activities, such as hikes, canoeing and the walk to the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge, involve uneven ground, steps or water.

A private tour can be tailored around your pace and needs.

Yes. Larger groups, families, clubs and corporate teams can book a private tour built around your dates, interests and group size. Contact us for a quote.

Your safety is our priority. Our vehicles are licensed and insured for passenger transport, serviced regularly, and driven by experienced, qualified guides who know the Garden Route roads well.

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, we arrange roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle so your tour can continue as smoothly as possible.

Yes. Your guide stays with the group throughout the tour and is your first point of contact. You can also reach BokBus on 082 320 1979 or on WhatsApp at any time during your tour.

Safety comes first. Weather-dependent activities, such as bungy jumping, boat-based whale watching and some hikes, may be postponed or cancelled by the activity provider. Where possible, your guide will reschedule or suggest an alternative. As optional activities are paid directly to the provider, any refund is handled by that provider.

Many women travel solo with BokBus. Groups are small, the same guide stays with you throughout, dormitories are separated by gender wherever possible, and private rooms are available if you prefer your own space.

As anywhere, take sensible precautions: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables out of sight, and ask your guide for local advice. They know the route well and are always happy to help.

Yes. All destinations on our scheduled Garden Route tours are malaria-free.

No. Garden Route Game Lodge is a private game reserve, operating under legislation governing private wildlife reserves and conservation areas.

The reserve is home to the Big Five, giving you an excellent chance to see them. As the animals roam freely in their natural habitat, sightings can never be guaranteed.

Addo is home to the Big Five. Sightings depend on the animals’ movements on the day, and because Addo covers a much larger area than a private reserve, they can be less predictable.

No. The conservation entrance fee is paid separately. Your guided game drive in the BokBus tour vehicle is included.

No. If you’ve already been on safari, for example in Kruger National Park, you can choose to spend the time relaxing in Jeffreys Bay instead.

Yes. Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal towns and is included all year round, not only in whale season.

No. The timing of these itineraries doesn’t allow for shark cage diving. Ask us about our shark cage diving day tour instead.

Yes. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and Banting/keto diets. Please let us know when you book.

Yes. If you choose not to have dinner where a dinner credit is included, the same value can be used towards drinks.

Yes. A non-alcoholic alternative is available.

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are available in the main towns along the Garden Route, and credit cards are widely accepted. It’s still handy to carry a little cash for small purchases and tips.

Tipping isn’t compulsory, but it’s customary in South Africa and always appreciated. In restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard. For your guide, tip whatever you feel reflects your experience.

Most accommodation along the route offers wifi. Mobile signal is good in towns but can be patchy in remote areas, such as parts of Tsitsikamma and the game reserves. A local SIM card, available at Cape Town International Airport, is an easy way to stay connected.

Yes. All our guides are South African and bring deep local knowledge, culture and experience to every tour. Meet the guides.

Yes. Your guide stays with the group from start to finish, for consistency, local knowledge and personal service.

All tours are conducted in English. As South Africans, our guides also speak Afrikaans and other local languages, which adds plenty of colour to the stories along the way.

If you’d like a guide who speaks a particular language, let us know when booking and we’ll do our best to arrange it.

Garden Route weather can change quickly, so pack layers:

• A light rain jacket and a warm fleece or jumper, especially for early-morning game drives
• Comfortable walking shoes for trails
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• A small daypack and a reusable water bottle

From June to August, nights can be cold, so bring an extra warm layer.

Yes, please! Reviews help other travellers and mean a lot to our guides. You can leave one on TripAdvisor or Google, or email private feedback to info@bokbus.com.