Garden Route Tours

6-Day Backpacker Adventure Tour

The Garden Route is a little piece of heaven tucked away on South Africa’s southern coast. Our 6-day backpacker adventure takes in the penguins of Betty’s Bay, whale-watching in Hermanus, the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, the forests of Wilderness, the cliffs of Knysna, the trails of Tsitsikamma, the surf of Jeffreys Bay, the caves of Oudtshoorn and the vineyards of Route 62 – led by a local guide who knows it well.

Duration6 days | 5 nights
DepartsSet dates
FromR13 950 pps
Group sizeMax 13 guests
Your journey

Day by day

Tap a day to see the full itinerary.

Day1Cape Town – Cape AgulhasThe southernmost tip of Africa

Penguins at Betty’s Bay, then on to the point where two oceans meet.

Meals: DinnerHighlight: Betty’s Bay penguinsOvernight: Cape Agulhas

Our journey begins as we leave Cape Town and head along the coast, stopping at Betty’s Bay to see the African penguin colony. From there we travel to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent – where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cold Atlantic, a place of dramatic natural beauty and geographical significance.

On arrival, visit the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, one of the oldest in South Africa. Climb to the top for a spectacular panoramic view of the rugged coastline stretching in both directions.

As the day winds down, head to the nearby beach with your fellow travellers to watch the sun dip below the horizon – a memorable start to your adventure.

  • MealsDinner
  • Included highlightsBetty’s Bay Penguin Colony
  • Optional activitiesShark cage dive, whale watching (seasonal)
  • OvernightCape Agulhas
  • AccommodationCape Agulhas Backpackers
Day2Cape Agulhas – WildernessSafari adventure & South African braai

An open-jeep game drive, a free afternoon in Wilderness and a traditional braai.

Meals: BreakfastHighlight: Botlierskop game driveOvernight: Wilderness

This morning we venture into the heart of the Garden Route – and it’s time for a safari. Climb aboard an open jeep for an unforgettable wildlife experience, getting up close to some of Africa’s most iconic animals. Keep your camera ready – you may catch a predator in action or a herd moving through the landscape.

After the safari, we make our way to the tranquil town of Wilderness, where the afternoon is yours to unwind, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stock up on supplies.

As evening falls, it’s time for a beloved South African tradition: the braai. More than a barbecue, it’s a social ritual – friends gathering, sharing stories and enjoying great food together.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Included highlightsGame drive at Botlierskop
  • Optional activitiesCanoeing, kayaking
  • OvernightWilderness
  • AccommodationBeach House Backpackers
Day3Wilderness – TsitsikammaRivers, forests & the world’s highest bridge bungy

Canoe the Touw River, see Bloukrans Bridge and walk to the Storms River suspension bridge.

Meals: BreakfastHighlight: Tsitsikamma National ParkOvernight: Tsitsikamma

The morning begins in Wilderness National Park with a peaceful canoe trip along the Touw River. As you glide through calm water surrounded by indigenous forest, keep an eye out for the birdlife that thrives here.

After about 40 minutes of paddling, we set off on a short, scenic boardwalk hike to a tranquil waterfall and inviting rock pools – a perfect spot to relax.

Next, we head to the iconic Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres above the gorge and home to the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. Take the leap or watch from the sidelines.

In the afternoon we arrive at Tsitsikamma National Park, where the coastal trail leads to the famous suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. We end the day in the village of Storms River.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Included highlightsEntrance to Tsitsikamma National Park
  • Optional activitiesBloukrans Bungy Jump (216m)
  • OvernightTsitsikamma
  • AccommodationTube n Axe Backpackers
Day4Tsitsikamma – Jeffreys BaySouth Africa’s surfing paradise

A free day in J-Bay for surfing, sandboarding or simply the beach.

Meals: BreakfastHighlight: Free time in Jeffreys BayOvernight: Jeffreys Bay

Welcome to Jeffreys Bay, home of the world’s best right-hand surf break. This iconic coastal town draws surfers from around the world, eager to ride its legendary waves.

With sunny beaches, a vibrant surf culture and scenery of aloes, dolphins and classic point breaks, it’s hard to leave. Surfer or beach lover, there’s something for everyone – from sandboarding and horse rides to exploring the local surf shops.

We settle in for the night close to the beach, where the rhythm of the ocean sets the tone for a restful evening.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Included highlightsFree time in Jeffreys Bay
  • Optional activitiesSurf lessons, surfboard rental, beach horse rides, sandboarding
  • OvernightJeffreys Bay
  • AccommodationIsland Vibe Backpackers
Day5Jeffreys Bay – OudtshoornCaves, mountains & ostriches

Over the Outeniqua Pass to the Cango Caves and a working ostrich farm.

Meals: BreakfastHighlight: Cango Caves & ostrich farmOvernight: Oudtshoorn

Leaving the Eastern Cape behind, we head back into the heart of the Garden Route towards Oudtshoorn – the ostrich capital of the world, set in the semi-desert of the Little Karoo.

The drive takes us over the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountain Pass to the famous Cango Caves, with vast limestone chambers and rock formations shaped over thousands of years.

Later, we visit a working ostrich farm to learn about these fascinating birds, with views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. A night under the starry Karoo sky awaits.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Included highlightsCango Caves, ostrich farm
  • Optional activitiesMeerkat tour, Cango Wildlife Ranch
  • OvernightOudtshoorn
  • AccommodationUthando Backpackers
Day6Oudtshoorn – Cape TownRoute 62 – wine, views & farewell

Home along Route 62, with a wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard.

Meals: BreakfastHighlight: Viljoendrift wine tastingEnds: Cape Town

We wrap up with a scenic drive back to Cape Town along the legendary Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route, winding through vineyards, mountain passes and charming country towns.

Along the way, enjoy a wine tasting and a relaxed lunch at a local vineyard – a final toast to a week on the road, from safaris to coastlines, caves to braais, and new friendships made along the way.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Included highlightsViljoendrift wine tasting
  • Optional activitiesViljoendrift boat trip
  • OvernightEnd of tour
FromR13 950pps6 days · 5 nights · Set departure dates

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The route

Your 6-day route

From Cape Town to Cape Agulhas, along the Garden Route to Jeffreys Bay, and home via Oudtshoorn and Route 62.

Drag and zoom to explore. Tap a number to see that day’s highlight.

Ready to go?

Book your 6-day adventure

Secure your seat on the next departure, or get in touch – our team is happy to help you plan.

Book online

From R13 950 per person sharing.
Set departure dates.

Free pickup

Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Sea Point,
City Centre, airport & more.

Have a question first? Send us a message or browse our FAQs.

What’s included

Everything covered in your tour price, plus optional extras you can add on the road.

Included in your tour

Fully inclusive – no hidden costs once you’ve chosen your stay.

  • Qualified and registered tour guide
  • Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All accommodation (backpacker-style hostels throughout)
  • Dinners and breakfasts (as indicated)
  • Entrance fees to:
    • Cango Ostrich Farm & Cango Caves (Heritage Tour)
    • Tsitsikamma National Park
    • Viljoendrift wine tasting
    • Botlierskop game drive

Optional extras

Not included, as not everyone wants to do them. Chat to your guide on Day 1 so they can help you plan.

  • Cango Caves (Adventure Tour)R240
  • Bloukrans Bungy Jump (216m)R1 690
  • Shark cage divingR3 355
  • Cango Wildlife RanchR210
  • Surf lessonsR300
  • Canoes / kayaksR200
  • Meerkat tourR720
  • SkydivingR3 450
  • Whale & dolphin watchingSeasonal – rates on tour

Before you go: once your booking is confirmed and minimum numbers are met, we’ll send your collection time 1–3 days before departure. Optional activity prices are subject to change.


Free pickup areas

Complimentary collection and drop-off from about 06:00.

  • 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

Staying elsewhere? You’re welcome to meet us at one of our collection points – transport there is for your own account.