8 Day Cape Town and Garden Route Combo

Arrival Transfer
You are welcomed at Cape Town International Airport or collected from any address within close radius, and transported via shuttle to the 5-star Saltycrax Backpackers in Table View.

Check in at Saltycrax Backpackers & Adventures
SaltyCrax Backpackers is a 5-star hostel located in Table View, an adventure paradise & west coast suburb of Cape Town. The hostel is a mere 5 minute walk from the beachfront, boasting fabulous restaurants, bars, shops, public transport, as well as the beautiful white beaches of Blouberg & famous Kite Beach. Saltycrax has a vibrant lapa area which is home to the reception desk and activity center, ready to welcome you and assist you with all your package arrangements. A large communal living space, fully equipped self-catering kitchen and plenty of luscious garden scenes fill the property, creating an unexpected atmosphere for you to get comfortable, relax and make unforgettable memories. Early arrivals can spend the day either relaxing on beach, enjoying picturesque views of Table Mountain, or sipping a cocktail at one of the many sea facing restaurants in the area.

Dinner & leisure time
In the evening, meet at the hostel for a lekker (nice) homemade South African meal. A braai (Traditional South African BBQ) and potjiekos (Traditional South African stew) are usually prepared at least twice a week, and we highly recommend joining us on these nights. You will be automatically signed up for dinner on the first night of your package. Tasty homemade dinners are included for the rest of your nights at Saltycrax, but we know that the Cape is known for it's amazing cuisine with a vast variety of restaurants serving all kinds of foods, so be sure to sign up with reception at least one day in advance if you would like to have dinner at Saltycrax. Afterwards, you can roll down to the local bars and pubs where you can spend the rest of the night at leisure.

Winelands Tour
Start the day with breakfast at Saltycrax Backpackers and then, let us show you the reasons why Cape Town has become such an amazing culinary destination! The Western Cape of South Africa is home to more than 500 wineries and today we will visit between 3 - 5 of our favorites. The Winelands offer more than just wine though and there is also beautiful scenery and interesting history to enjoy along the way. The wine route tour is mellow and involves no exercise - other than lifting your wine glass. You'll visit any of the three regions of the Cape Winelands, either Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl. The day will be spent eating mouthwatering foods and treats and drinking some of the best bubbles and wines that South Africa has to offer. The wine farms offer a variety of white and red cultivars, as well as their own blends and styles. We allow enough time for each tasting to fully appreciate and enjoy the wine master’s art. The Cape Winelands is a haven of gracious, white-gabled farmsteads evoking a rich, elegant heritage. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon/evening to enjoy the night at leisure. Wine-not continue sipping wine with other fellow travellers around the bonfire?

Cape Point Tour
Spend a day exploring the beautiful Cape Peninsula on this tour from Cape Town. With a professional local guide by your side, you’ll have the opportunity to get a true sense of the beauty and diversity of Cape Town as you meander along some of the city’s most precious gems.

Cape Town is famed for her iconic Table Mountain, but this city has far more to offer than just that. Just a short drive from the inner city, diverse fauna and flora, spectacular views and cultural delights will wow you. This tour combines the best experiences the Cape Peninsula has to offer, all in one actioned packed itinerary. Travel to Hout Bay harbour and enjoy free time to wander independently and revel in an unparalleled cultural experience, with local traders, informal markets, fresh fish and chips and more. Or choose to board a glass-bottomed boat and cruise to Duiker Island to view the lazy Cape Fur seals as they bob about and soak up the sun. Meander along the sheer drops of Chapman’s Peak Drive as you make your way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Upon entry be sure to look out for roaming ostriches or mischievous baboons as you drive up to the breath-takingly scenic Cape Point. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the short hike to the top is not to be missed, offering panoramic views of the peninsula and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Having your photo taken at the famed Cape of Good Hope sign, marking the southwestern-most tip of Africa, is a must. Next up, you can get your fix of cuteness as you walk alongside African penguins at Boulders beach and learn about these endangered creatures and the efforts being made to conserve them.

Check out of Saltycrax Backpackers. Grab a bite to eat before getting collected at the hostel for the next part of your exciting journey. Pick ups are usually very early, so be sure to set alarms. Your collection is part of a tight schedule and the driver-guide may not be able to wait for you if you are not ready on time.

Important: You should pack all your belongings as you will be on the road for the next few days, and only return to us for one night before your departure. Feel free to chat to our reception desk about storing any extra luggage that you may not wish to take with you. *Luggage is stored at your own risk.

Cape Town - Wilderness - Sedgefield
After your morning pick-up, it’s easy to daydream and miss the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town. You’ll wind your way through mountain passes where lazy baboons line the roadside; through fertile micro-climates with rows and rows of grapevines and rolling farmlands. A morning stop at Riviersonderend allows those with change in their pockets to indulge in the South African penchant for home-baked pastry like the creamy and delicious milk tart (Melktert) that the country claims from its Dutch origins. The abundance of aloe lining the roadside heralds your arrival in Albertinia and provides plenty of Instagram opportunities with bigger-than-big succulents. By stark contrast the oasis-like towns of Wilderness and George are surrounded by lush national parks and an afternoon canoe paddle provides the perfect setting to bird watch and enjoy the clean wild air. For those that savour a great night’s sleep, tonight’s end destination - the coastal towns of Sedgefield or Knysna - promises just that. In keeping with the pace in these parts, it’d be an outrage not to sip sundowners as you watch the sun sink below the watery horizon.

Day Includes:
Collection from your accommodation in Cape Town
Wilderness Canoeing

Sedgefield
Sedgefield is paradise. It boasts a sweeping 14km stretch of sand and sea, age-old forests, fossilised dunes and a myriad of lakes. It was declared Africa’s first Cittaslow Town back in 2010, joining more than 100 towns around the world in a pledge to promote a better quality of life, a spirit of community and a profound respect for the environment. But don't be fooled by its 'Slow Town' status, this popular coastal hamlet is a genuine hotspot for travellers looking for the most adrenaline-fuelling adventures possible.

Check in at Afrovibe Beach House
There’s no shortage of welcoming vibes from the aptly-named Afrovibe Lodge - from the invitation to chill and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean to the beachside restaurant dominated by big bonfires and echoing laughter. This owner-operated property caters to adventurous spirits exploring the Garden Route and is ideally situated on the sandy fringes of beautiful Myoli Beach. The hostel offers self-catering facilities, free Wi-Fi and a late-night bar. Afrovibe is located in Sedgefield, one of the most sublime coastal destinations in South Africa. It is one of many small towns which punctuate the celebrated Garden Route coastline, but it stands apart because of both its awesome, friendly vibe and wealth of surrounding natural assets. Afrovibe, situated just 80m from Myoli beach’s white sandy shores, provides the perfect base from which to explore the myriad of attractions in the region.

Check out of Afrovibe. Have breakfast before hitting the road for the next part of your onwards journey to J-bay.

Garden Route - Jeffreys Bay
Pristine wild and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day. From a morning spent admiring the views from the imposing Knysna Heads to ocean and green river views atop Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump, or as you ziplining over gushing river gorges in the Tsitsikamma forest. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go? This region is a playground for the outdoors and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma area provides the requisite photo opportunity. As you head to the coastal belt, paradise-like towns such as Plettenberg Bay show why it and the Tsitsikamma National Park are favourites with holidaying locals. The short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone and you’ll likely get a thrill as fellow explorers test its swing factor. The large white caps (or seahorses as the locals call the wave crests) of Jeffreys Bay mark your departure from the official Garden Route and your arrival into South Africa’s quintessential ‘Surf City’. Hang ten with the locals, hire a board and hit the beach, sandboard on the dunes, shop and slip into a relaxed frame of mind.

Day includes:
Knysna Heads Walk
Tsitsikamma National Park Explore

Excluded/Optional:
Tsitsikamma Waterfall Zipline
Bloukrans Bungy Jumping

Jeffrey's Bay
Jeffreys Bay is home of the best right hand surf break in the world! International surfers flock to catch the legendary waves in this, a paradise of sunshine, aloes, dolphins, shells, perfect points & classic reefs. Surfers and others who found it hard to leave such an idyllic spot have turned Jeffreys Bay into a year round fun place to be, creating a thriving local craft industry besides the surf shops on just about every corner. The bustling town is bordered on both sides by nature reserves and rivers - the Kabeljous and Seekoei estuaries and within Jeffreys Bay - the Noorsekloof nature reserve. We invite you to soak up the sunshine, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and have a wonderful stay. A wide variety of shops reflect the diversity of local talents.

Check in at Island Vibe Jeffrey's Bay
Island Vibe J-Bay is nothing short of legendary! It’s a haven all of its own combining festive spirit, adventure sports and on the spot indulgence. Their surf side restaurant and bar offers irresistible cuisine along with exuberant parties for lifelong memories, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast and lunch menus are a la carte, while dinner is a set meal of the day. Delicious thin based pizza’s ease the hunger pangs out of meal times as do their decadent chocolate brownies!

The backpackers has a wide selection of exciting activities available to suit all guests both young and old. This promises to be a stay you won’t forget.

Addo National Park - Jeffreys Bay
A pre-dawn wake-up call might seem hard to take at first, but trust me, it’s worth getting an early start for your Addo game drive to see even more wildlife as the bush awakes. Your guide will use their experience to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of most of the Big Five from the safety of the tour van. From its humble beginnings with just 11 elephants, Addo is now the third-largest national park in South Africa and a sanctuary to more than 500 wild African elephants. Set within a dense valley bushveld in the Sundays River Region, the park offers natural encounters with the much sort after Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and the elusive and nocturnal leopard (or Big Seven if you count the great whites and seasonal southern right whales in Addo’s marine section). Expect to see warthogs, zebras, a variety of antelope, Cape buffalo, meerkats and the elusive black rhinoceros if you’re extra lucky. And when it comes to Africa’s ‘Small Five’, road signs warn drivers to give way to the flightless dung beetles, which are listed as vulnerable and are found almost exclusively in the mega-park.

Day includes:
Addo Elephant NP game drive in tour van

Afternoon at leisure
The early morning start means free time in the afternoon and J’Bay’s surf shop village - with its discount outlets - is perfect for shopaholics. But, if you’ve always fancied learning to surf, then this town or the sand slopes beyond it are the places to put your goofy foot forward and try to surf, opt to try sand boarding or a calming beach horse ride along a secluded beach near J'bay.

Optional Activities:
Surfing
Sandboarding
Horse riding
Chilling

Check out of Island Vibe J-Bay. Have breakfast, and then its time to hit the road onto your next destination, Oudtshoorn. South Africa delivers on its contrasts with landscape and lifestyle as you leave the Indian Ocean shoreline behind and wind your way through the Langkloof Mountains to the arid lands of the Klein Karoo. Here, the ostrich reigns supreme. Bird-filled paddocks line the highway with colourful feather stalls and show farms around every corner as you head into Oudtshoorn. The palatial sandstone homesteads stand tall, harking back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. A visit to the Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak. Now it's time to delve deep underground into the magical Cango Caves' limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights into the formation and dripstone evolution. Or, by contrast, the Adventure Tour allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route. Oudtshoorn hospitality is second-to-none, and the serving sizes are generous. Ostrich steak or kebabs complete the experience for those with an adventurous appetite. If you have the chance to try the Karoo lamb or local ostrich, don’t be shy - they are delicious.

Day includes:
Ostrich farm visit
Cango Caves Heritage or Adventure tour

Excluded/Optional:
Buffelsdrift 4x4 Game Drive

Check in at Backpackers Paradise
The town of Oudtshoorn, with its tree-lined streets, vibrant feather duster street stalls and friendly locals, makes for a colourful and charming stay. Backpackers Paradise offers all the amenities you’d expect including free Wi-Fi, coffee shop, lounge/bar, guest kitchen and splash pool. Whilst it’s within walking distance to local restaurants or supermarkets, the hostel has a BIG reputation for their speciality braai dinners, where ostrich kebabs remain the star of the menu, and their popular ostrich egg omelette breakfast will kick-start your day.

Check out of Backpackers Paradise. Have breakfast before hitting the road for the next stop on your adventure in Oudtshoorn. As dawn breaks in Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s sunniest town, join an optional stroll with rescued elephants - you are in Africa after all - along the dam wall at the Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve. Gentle giants, Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo made this their home after their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. This experience will have you following in their massive footsteps, making memories you'll never forget. After your morning adventure, it’s time to head back to Cape Town along the famous Route 62, modelled after America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour. Route 62 is more than just burgers and beers, farm stalls or small country towns, the highway is also the longest wine route in the Western Cape. Oenophiles will be in their element with a wine pit stop to sample wines en route to Stellenbosch.

Day includes:
Wine tasting on Route 62
Drop off in Cape Town at your accommodation

Excluded/Optional:
Educational Walk with elephants

PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF COVID-19 AND SUDDEN CHANGES IN REGULATIONS YOUR ITINERARY MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED OR CHANGED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE.

Arrival transfer
7 nights accommodation of your choice
Self-service breakfast each morning
Cape Town Wine & Tasting tour
Cape Peninsula Tour
Garden Route roadtrip with inclusions