Garden Route and Addo – South Africa Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Garden Route and Addo Tours for Young Adults

The one that peruses South Africa’s glorious Garden Route for elephants, wine-tasting, kayaking and more

Ready for one of the world’s most epic road trips – where you flicker from wildlife to city life to beach life? You’ll gawp at the Cango Caves, sample the nightlife of Cape Town, and even encounter the Big 5 at some of Africa’s finest national parks. The Garden Route has everything, and you’ll experience it all on this unforgettable 7-day adventure, with a squad of fellow 18-35s.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

5 out of 5 stars (17 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

7 days, 1 country from about $ 1032* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Africa > South Africa

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town

Cango Caves

Oudtshoorn

Day 2: Oudtshoorn

Addo Elephant National Park

Gqeberha

Day 3: Gqeberha

Private Game Reserves

Gqeberha

Day 4: Gqeberha

Jeffreys Bay

Tsitsikamma National Park

Knysna

Day 5: Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Knysna

Day 6: Knysna

Hermanus

Cape Town

Day 7: Cape Town

Stellenbosch

Cape Town

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via Cango Caves

Cape TownHello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’.

Cango CavesAn included guided tour of Africa’s LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How’s that for a pitstop?OudtshoornWelcome to the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’. After passing vineyards and mountain passes along the way, we’ll check into Oudtshoorn. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride down the Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner right inside a local farmer’s house! (Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the fabled Ostriches!)

Riempie Estate (or similar)Included ExperienceExplore Cango CavesTour Africa’s largest limestone caves system. At over 20 million years old, it makes our nan look like a spring chicken. Swartberg Bike Ride and DinnerTake a bike ride down the spectacular Swartberg mountains, a UNESCO Heritage site, at sunset and end with a Karoo braai dinner at a local farmers house. During wet weather or for those not interested in riding a bike, a scenic bus tour and dinner is still offered along the same route.
Additional costs apply

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Gqeberha via Addo Elephant National Park

OudtshoornGood morning! Let’s continue heading East towards one of South Africa’s most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?)

Addo Elephant National ParkThat’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in search of Africa’s largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!)GqeberhaWe’ll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)

Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceTake a Game Drive in Addo Elephant National ParkSee these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa’s incredible wildlife.

Day 3: Gqeberha and Private Game ReservesMake Travel Matter®

GqeberhaReady for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild.

Private Game ReservesLater this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right?GqeberhaTonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.

Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Support the SANCCOB Penguin Centre (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.
See the ‘Big 5’ on a Morning Game drive with LunchBe on the look out for the famous ‘Big 5’ – plus Africa’s other incredible wildlife – in an open safari vehicle in Amakhala Game Reserve. Ending with a delicious lunch and two included drinks to reminisce over the mornings sightings.
Additional costs apply

Take an Afternoon Game Drive with DinnerHop on open safari vehicles and head off into the sunset. Stay on the look out (again!) for more of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big 5. We’ll dine on a buffet dinner around the campfire. And finish up the night with a short spotlight drive in search of nocturnal animals.
Additional costs apply

Day 4: Gqeberha to Knysna via Jeffreys Bay and Tsitsikamma National ParkMake Travel Matter®

GqeberhaBeach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way.

Jeffreys BayKnown as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do.

Tsitsikamma National ParkWelcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River.KnysnaAnd then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We’ve got two nights here too!)

Knysna Quays (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceDiscover One of the World’s Best Surfing BeachesKnown for its waves, its calamari and its natural beauty, there’s no beach quite like Jeffreys Bay Beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Included ExperienceHike Tsitsikamma National ParkIf you’re looking for dramatic scenery, a trek through Tsitsikamma National Park will give you plenty of ops to fill up your memories and Insta feed.
Explore Storms River by Kayak & LiloToday we’ll take to our kayaks (or our lilos) and head up the river. As we paddle, we’ll marvel at the jaw-dropping Storms River Gorge at Tsitsikamma National Park, plus some ocean views too.
Additional costs apply

Make Travel Matter®J-Bay SurfingWe’re here, we might as well catch a wave. Grab a board and have an instructor teach you the basics of surfing in one of the best spots in the world to learn.
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Knysna and Plettenberg Bay

KnysnaRise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more.

Plettenberg BayIt’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg’s main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood.KnysnaThis evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, we’ll tuck into a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon, followed by a night on the town.

Knysna Quays (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceKick Back at Plettenberg Bay Beach Stretch out on the golden sands and enjoy some sea air at one of South Africa’s best beaches.

Take an Ocean SafariKeep your eyes peeled for your fave marine creatures on this truly unique ocean safari. An exclusive boat (with specialist guides) will take us around Plettenberg Bay. And if you’re lucky, you might just spot seals, whales, dolphins, sharks, and marine birds!
Additional costs apply

Take a Township Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Meet the locals and learn about Xhosa culture on a Knysna Township Tour. You’ll learn all the in’s and out’s of the community along with an expert guide (who is also from the township!). The best part? Every penny you spend goes towards children’s education and well-being.
Additional costs apply

Eat Dinner in KnysnaThis gorgeous coastal town is famous for its seafood, especially the oysters. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a three-course meal out on the lagoon. Perfecto? If you say so.
Additional costs apply

Day 6: Knysna to Cape Town via Hermanus

KnysnaMake sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views.

HermanusMarine mania… We’ll have lunch and some free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready. Cape TownAnd here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.

Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Cape Town Cooking Class & DinnerAlways fancied yourself as a culinary champion? Now’s your time to show off your skills with a MasterChef-inspired African cooking class. With tunes flowing (and cocktails too), we’ll break into groups to assemble an array of African specialities, getting back together again in the evening to gobble up our work.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Cape Town and Stellenbosch

Cape TownIt might be our last day together but fear not, there’s still plenty planned… and most of it revolves around food.

StellenboschAfter some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed. Cape TownAnd, after a brief drive back to Cape Town for an airport/hotel drop-off, that’s a wrap! It’s been wild – we’re gutted to leave, we’re thrilled from what we’ve experienced, and we can’t wait to do it all again!

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceExplore StellenboschGet to know the photogenic wine town of Stellenbosch. Rich in vineyards, but even richer in history.Sample The Finest Tastes of the CapesLove fine wines and fine views? This is the experience for you. We’ll tour the wine farm region of Stellenbosch (also a vibey student town), sampling a myriad of wines, beers, gins and non-alcoholic delights too… we’ll also visit a locally sourced food market, with a traditional South African braai (BBQ) to top it all off.
Additional costs apply

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Included Experience
Take a Game Drive in Addo Elephant National Park

See these gentle giants in their natural habitat as you cruise in our Contiki coach through this scenic National park. Also be on the lookout for giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs and all of Africa’s incredible wildlife.

INCLUDED

Make Travel Matter®
Support the SANCCOB Penguin Centre (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)

The good folks at the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre work around the clock to rescue injured seabirds and help them make their way back into the wild. On this visit, we’ll see first hand how they work – and meet plenty of adorable penguins too.

INCLUDED

Take an Afternoon Game Drive with Dinner

Hop on open safari vehicles and head off into the sunset. Stay on the look out (again!) for more of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big 5. We’ll dine on a buffet dinner around the campfire. And finish up the night with a short spotlight drive in search of nocturnal animals.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Take a Township Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)

Meet the locals and learn about Xhosa culture on a Knysna Township Tour. You’ll learn all the in’s and out’s of the community along with an expert guide (who is also from the township!). The best part? Every penny you spend goes towards children’s education and well-being.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

Why is the Garden Route so popular?

The Garden Route encompasses everything you want to experience and see on a trip to South Africa. It has the ‘Mother City’ of Cape Town, plenty of beaches to catch a surf or tan, wine farms to indulge in, adventurous activities on both land and sea as well as Big 5 Game Reserves to get your wildlife fix.

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

6 Breakfasts

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Trip Driver + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 24 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Coach

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized South Africa tour for young adults or other Africa trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.