Wilderness National Park

Get ready for an exhilarating eco-adventure in the heart of the Tsitsikamma rainforest! Glide through the treetops on ziplines, with most platforms nestled in towering Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. Marvel at the spectacular scenery and vibrant birdlife as professional guides share fascinating insights into the forest's hidden ecology. Inspired by daring biologists in Costa Rica, this once research-only canopy tour has become a thrilling eco-tourism experience, letting you explore a world once unreachable. After a safety briefing and gearing up, you’ll be whisked into the forest for an unforgettable journey, soaring from tree to tree. Suspended high above the forest floor, you’ll be immersed in the magic of the rainforest, leaving any fear of heights behind as you embrace this breathtaking adventure!

Day 1: Oudtshoorn Morning pickup (6am - 7am) from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Travel about 450 km ±6hrs. Set off along the famous Route 62, where you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Pop in at one of the many farm stalls along the way, stocked with locally crafted delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going guided Heritage Tour or by contrast, the Adventure Tour allows you to wiggle your way through limestone on a daring underground route. Spend the evening in Oudtshoorn at leisure. As per package selected; overnight at Uthando (Dorm or own room Backpack Stay) or 88 Baron van Reede (3 star Comfort) or 4 star Luxury Hlangana Lodge(ask to upgrade to Buffelsdrift extra cost) Day 2: Wilderness Today you'll drive about 400 km ±4hrs. As the dawn breaks in the dusty Klein Karoo, opt for a close encounter with Mother Nature and join elephant guides on an (optional with cost) Elephant Observation in Nature. Gentle giants (Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo) made Buffelsdrift their home after being relocated from Kruger when their parents were poached. Follow and observe these 3 rescued African elephants as they roam freely in this natural bush veld habitat. Then, take to the water for a leisurely paddle along the reed-lined banks near the Wilderness National Park region. It’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the rich birdlife becomes apparent (or seasonal waterfall). The adventure continues as you reach Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. Opt in to hurtle face-first down the 134 (216 m) drop if you dare (optional with cost) or those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground can visit the nearby forest area. Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield or Wilderness, subject to your accommodation location. Feel the white sand between your toes as you sip on cocktails or rooibos ice tea with dinner. As per selected package; choose to stay at PiliPili Backpackers (Dorm or own room Backpacker Stay) or Fairy Knowe (3 star Comfort) or Dolphin Dunes (4 star Luxury) Day 3: Garden Route Start the day in the heart of the African bush. Spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Search for white rhino, lion, elephant, zebra, and wildebeest, just to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger, sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife. Travel about 450km ±6hrs. End the day with a journey through the landscape of rolling farmlands as you say farewell to the Garden Route on your way back to Cape Town by evening (between 8pm - 10pm).

Explore Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Addo, and Mossel Bay on an adventurous 6-day trip from Cape Town with accommodation, transportation, and most meals included. Discover wildlife and indigenous forests, taste local wine, canoe, hike, and visit the beaches of Mossel Bay. Day 1: Cape Town - Hermanus - Cape Agulhas Start your trip by departing from Cape Town to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for being the home to hundreds of southern right whales from July to November. Later, drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2: Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World, via Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery before checking into your accommodation, a working game farm in the Little Karoo. As the sun goes down, join a tour of the ostrich farm. Take in the views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background before calling it a night. Day 3: Oudtshoorn - Sedgefield After breakfast, head to Outeniqua Mountain Pass and explore the Wilderness National Park by canoe. Paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest with an abundance of bird life. After about 40 minutes, leave the canoes for a 2 km hike along a boardwalk to a waterfall with rock pools. In the late afternoon, spend time exploring Sedgefield with its expansive views and beaches. Day 4: Sedgefield - Knysna - Tsitsikamma - Addo Head to the famous town of Knysna via the lavish Lake District of the Garden Route. Visit the Knysna Heads Viewpoint for sweeping views over the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. Next, stop at Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest bungee jump bridge. Midday will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park, with its unique combination of indigenous forest and Indian Ocean coastline. The park has a wide choice of activities including hiking, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the afternoon, leave the Garden Route for the Big Five country, Addo. Day 5: Addo - Wilderness - Sedgefield Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. Get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and other animals including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs, and more. After a morning on safari, drive back to the Garden Route where you'll stay overnight in the Wilderness or Sedgefield area. Day 6: Wilderness - Sedgefield - Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the beach. Hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex, which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000-foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Later, arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening for drop-off.

Experience the best of South Africa's Western Cape and look for wildlife in spectacular national parks, such as Addo Elephant National Park. Take part in a host of available optional activities, including a bungee jump off the world's highest bungee bridge and a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet. Choose from a range of accommodation options and sleeping arrangements, including shared dormitories to save you money! Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas (D) Depart Cape Town early on Monday morning and head for Hermanus. Please note that shark cage diving clients will be picked up very early in the morning by the diving operator and will miss the first half of this day’s itinerary. Follow the scenic coastal road, stopping at Betties Bay to view a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for the hundreds of Southern right whales during whale season (July to November) as well as its many shops, restaurants and markets. Drive to Cape Agulhas in the afternoon to discover the southernmost tip of Africa. Visit a viewpoint known as the “real” place, and see where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Stay the night in Cape Agulhas/Struisbaai. • Included activities: Penguins at Betties Bay • Optional activities: Shark cage dive; whale-watching boat trip (in season, July – November). Day 2: Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn (B, D) Travel along scenic Route 62 on route to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World,” and experience South Africa’s longest wine route. Take a break for lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery, before checking into your accommodation, which is on a working game farm in the Little Karoo. As the sun goes down, enjoy a tour of the ostrich farm, taking in the views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background. • Included activities: Local wine tasting; Klein Karoo ostrich farm tour Day 3: Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield (B, D) After breakfast, head over to the marvelous Outeniqua Mountain Pass and explore Wilderness National Park with some canoes. Enjoy a paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest, enjoying the abundance of bird life. After about 40 minutes, the canoes will be left for a 2 km hike along a boardwalk, which leads to a lovely waterfall and rock pools. Spend the late afternoon exploring Sedgefield, with its expansive views and beaches. • Included activities: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park Day 4: Sedgefield – Tsitsikamma – Addo (B, D) Head to the famous town of Knysna via the Lake District of the Garden Route. Visit the Knysna Heads viewpoint and marvel at magnificent views over the Knysna River estuary and the Indian Ocean. After Knysna, stop at Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest bungee jump bridge (216 meters). Enjoy plenty of time for the adventure seekers to test their courage. Midday will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park with its unique combination of indigenous forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. The Park has a wide choice of activities for all, including hiking, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the afternoon, leave the Garden Route behind and head for Big 5 country, Addo. • Included activities: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park • Optional activities: 216-meter bungee jump at Bloukrans Day 5: Addo Elephant National Park – Port Elizabeth Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park for up to 2-3 hours. Look for indigenous animals in the 28,000-hectare national reserve, including approximately 600 elephants along with Cape buffalo, lions, black rhinos, warthogs, zebras, eland, kudu, hartebeest, and many more. After an exciting morning of game viewing, drive to Port Elizabeth for a drop-off at the location of your choice between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. • Included activities: Entrance and 2-3 hour drive through Addo Elephant National Park by tour vehicle • Optional activities: 2-hour open vehicle game drive with an Addo Elephant National Park field guide

Join the ultimate Garden Route experience - travel from Cape Town to Addo National Park and back with a combo package that links a 2-day Cape Winelands & Cape Point tour with a 5-day Garden Route road trip adventure. Cover approx. 2000 km in total, with daily drives ranging between 3-6 hours. Day 1–2: Cape Winelands & Cape Point Sample wine and cheese at Fairview Wine Estate and enjoy a tasting at Muratie Wine Estate. Hop on a 15-minute wine tram to Rickety Bridge for more tastings before visiting the historic town of Franschhoek (or similar). After lunch in Franschhoek, return to Cape Town for your overnight stay at: Never@home Backpackers (Saver), Protea Sea Point (Comfort), or Garden Court Hotel Victoria Junction / similar (Luxury). The next day, drive via Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point. Hike to the lighthouse, visit the Cape of Good Hope, and stop at Boulders Beach to meet (or see) the penguins. Pass the colourful bathhouses next to surfer-paradise; Muizenberg Beach on the way back to stay another night in Cape Town. Never@home Backpackers (Saver), Protea Sea Point (Comfort), Garden Court Hotel Victoria Junction (Luxury) or similar. Day 3: Oudtshoorn Travel the scenic Route 62 through mountain passes and the arid plains of the Klein Karoo. Stop for a wine tasting along the way before heading underground to explore the impressive Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn—the ostrich capital of the world. Overnight in Oudtshoorn: Uthando Backpackers (Saver), 88 Baron van Rheede Guesthouse (Comfort), Hlangana Lodge (Luxury). Day 4: Addo Head inland toward Addo Elephant National Park, with a stop in a charming small town for a proudly South African tasting - try traditional bobotie, roosterbrood, koeksisters and melktert, served with local hospitality and Karoo charm. Stay overnight in Addo town: Avoca Cabins (Saver), Happylands Farmstay (Comfort), Addo Wildlife Lodge (Luxury) or similar. Day 5: Addo & J’Bay Join a tour bus game drive through Addo Elephant National Park, home to the world’s densest wild elephant population. Then, time to chill at Jeffrey’s Bay Beach; swim, relax, or opt for optional beach horse riding or surfing. Overnight in J’Bay: Island Vibe Backpackers (Saver), Sea Whisper (Comfort), On The Beach Guesthouse (Luxury) or similar. Day 6: Wilderness Get your adrenaline fix with these optionals: jump off the world’s highest bungee bridge at Bloukrans or zipline over waterfalls, or just explore Tsitsikamma National Park with your included entry. Then stop at The Heads viewpoint in Knysna before your overnight stay in Wilderness: PiliPili Backpackers (Saver), The Rex (Comfort), Protea Hotel Knysna (Luxury) or similar. Day 7: Wilderness National Park Journey back toward Cape Town along the coast. Add on an optional 4x4 safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve before your evening return to the Cape.

Day 1: (Travel about 400 km) Start with a morning pickup to journey along the Route 62; passing vineyards and orchards along the longest wine route in the world before arriving at Viljoensdrift winery for a peaceful river cruise at noon. Meander along the Breede River, flanked by indigenous trees teeming with birdlife, while wine tasting onboard an elegant flat-bottomed riverboat. And a picnic lunch (optional with extra cost) is the perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon. Continue to reach Buffelsdrift, a private game lodge on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, for a serene "Shy Five" bush drive after sunset. Learn about the natural landscapes and wildlife of the Klein Karoo - look out for buffalo, giraffe, kudu, porcupine... Return to the lodge for dinner on the deck overlooking the waterhole dam before you turn in for a peaceful night in your luxury glamping canvas tent nearby. Day 2: (Travel about 300 km) Awake to sounds of wildlife as the bush come to life around you. After breakfast, you'll leave behind the vast plains inland to reach the lush forest-coastal paradise of the Wilderness region. Visit the Wilderness National Park for an immersive walk at this bird-watchers' dream, looking out for colourful Kingfishers or the illusive Knsyna loerie. In the afternoon drive towards the Knysna lagoon for a 2 hour luxury catamaran cruise (subject to weather conditions). Take in sunset views while enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly. Search the horizon for pods of dolphins and other ocean life and as dark falls you'll return to land for some free time at the Knysna Waterfront and your overnight stay at Knysna Quays hotel. Day 3: (Travel about 200 km) After breakfast you'll set course to Botlierskop Game Reserve for an exhilarating 4x4 safari; traversing vast hills and valleys in search of some members of the African Big 5 with a knowledgeable game ranger at your side. This 4200 hectare reserve with sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean is home to four of the Big Five and host unrivalled wild animal viewing opportunities of the region. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Africa’s apex predators, the lions! Head on to Agulhas Ocean House for the night. Day 4:(Travel about 400 km) Wake to spectacular ocean views, and today the first stop on the return to Cape Town is at the very Tip of Africa; Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of the continent and the spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide. Continue along the coast to reach Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. Set off on a leisurely stone-cliff path walkways to watch whales leap forth right before your eyes during whale season (June to November). Before the journey draws to a close, you'll visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens for chance to see a secluded waterfall within this magical fynbos parklands and then wind along the spectacular Clarence Drive to return by early evening in Cape Town.