3-Day Garden Route Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Garden Route tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGarden Route travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day South Africa Itinerary, incl. Garden Route and Cape Town

  The 3-day Garden Route showcase features Oudtshoorn's Cango Caves, canoeing in Wilderness National Park, and Big 5 safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. The 1300km route includes 4-6 hours daily driving through varied landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cape Town to Oudtshoorn (450 km)

    Leave Cape Town between 6-8 AM. Bring breakfast or get coffee before you go since the first stretch is quite long. Take the scenic Route 62 through the semi-desert Klein Karoo to Oudtshoorn. The trip takes about 4-6 hours including stops. In the afternoon visit the stunning Cango Caves. You'll want sturdy shoes with good grip since some areas can be slippery. Spend the night in Oudtshoorn which is known as the world's ostrich capital.

    
  • Day 2

    Wilderness & Sedgefield (400 km)

    Get an early start for an optional elephant viewing activity. Most travelers say this is well worth doing. Next head to Wilderness National Park for some canoeing. The two-person canoes are stable enough for beginners but you'll get a good arm workout. If you like thrills stop at Bloukrans Bridge for the world's highest bungy jump. Not into heights? The Tsitsikamma forests offer beautiful hiking instead. End your day in relaxed Sedgefield where you can try one of the casual beach restaurants for dinner.

    
  • Day 3

    Safari & Return to Cape Town (450 km)

    Start your final day with a morning game drive at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. You'll look for Africa's Big 5 from an open 4x4 vehicle. The reserve is malaria-free and offers great wildlife viewing. One guest noted: "The game drive was fantastic with plenty of animal sightings, and our ranger's knowledge made it even more special." Weather permitting you can also take a short guided bush walk. The drive back to Cape Town goes through scenic farmland. Keep your evening plans flexible since traffic can affect when you arrive.

    

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• 3 Day on South Africa's Garden Route Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Oudtshoorn

  The Garden Route adventure takes you through Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, and Cape Town over 3 days. The trip includes 2.5-hour game drives, 30-minute bush walks, and tours of the Cango Caves. Two nights' accommodation with daily breakfast ensures comfort throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cape Town to Oudtshoorn

    Leave Cape Town by 7 AM to avoid traffic on the N2 highway. The drive to Oudtshoorn on Route 62 takes about 4.5 hours but plan for 6 hours with stops. Since it's the world's longest wine route you'll find plenty of interesting places to pause. If you're not used to left-side driving take the mountain passes slowly. Stop for coffee at one of the Robertson farm stalls that open at 8 AM. You can pick up some local preserves and dried fruits while you're there. Plan to arrive in time for the 2 PM Cango Caves tour. If small spaces make you nervous book the Heritage Tour instead of the Adventure option. The tunnels get very narrow in places. The limestone floors can be slick so wear shoes with good grip.

    
  • Day 2

    Oudtshoorn to Sedgefield

    Book the 7:30 AM elephant walk at Buffelsdrift. The elephants are most active early and the morning light is perfect for photos. The walk takes about 45 minutes. Make sure to wear long pants and closed shoes since the bush has thorns. In the afternoon you can paddle on Touws River. It's a relaxed 2-3 hour trip but check the tide schedule since it affects the current. Bring a waterproof bag for your camera. The boats can be wobbly if you're new to paddling. Not interested in the Bloukrans bungee jump? Stop at the peaceful yellowwood tree instead.

    
  • Day 3

    Sedgefield to Cape Town

    The game drive starts at 6 AM. Bring warm layers since open vehicles get cold at dawn. One visitor shared: "The early start was worth it - we saw three lions on a kill just after sunrise. Our ranger knew exactly where to position the vehicle for photos." After the drive there's a 30-minute bush walk. Wear neutral colors and avoid bright white. Listen carefully when the ranger explains safe distances from wildlife. The drive back to Cape Town takes about 5 hours. Plan to reach the city around 4 PM to miss rush hour.

    

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• 3 Day South Africa Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Garden Route

  Five distinct destinations await on this 3-day route from Cape Town to Sedgefield, covering over 1,000km. Cape Peninsula's highlights mark day 1, followed by Big 5 safaris, the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, and scenic Route 62 through Klein Karoo.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cape Town Peninsula

    Start your morning with a walk through Bo-Kaap's colorful houses before driving the Atlantic coast through Camps Bay. Take Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point which takes about 1.5 hours. Get there before 10 AM to beat the tour buses. You'll need good walking shoes for the 40-minute hike from Cape of Good Hope to the lighthouse. Bring a light jacket even in summer as it gets windy. After lunch visit Boulders Beach to see the penguins. While the boardwalk viewing is included you can get closer to the penguins on the beach for an extra R215. Finish your day with wine tasting in Constantia Valley. Plan to arrive by 4 PM since most estates close at 5:30 PM.

    
  • Day 2

    Garden Route Safari

    Leave Cape Town around 5 AM for the 6-hour drive to the Garden Route. Morning game drives offer the best wildlife viewing. You'll likely spot elephants lions and other Big 5 animals during their most active time. Pack binoculars and wear neutral colors. In the afternoon you can visit Indalu Game Reserve for an optional elephant encounter. Stay overnight in Sedgefield where you'll have ocean views from your accommodation. It's much quieter than Knysna or Plettenberg Bay giving you a more authentic Garden Route experience. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the sunset over Sedgefield's lagoon while birds soar overhead was a highlight – such a peaceful contrast to Cape Town's energy."

    
  • Day 3

    Oudtshoorn & Return

    Drive inland over the Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn which takes about 1.5 hours. Visit the Cango Caves first thing. If you're not comfortable in tight spaces stick to the Heritage Tour instead of the Adventure Tour. Tours are less crowded and cooler in the morning. The drive back to Cape Town on Route 62 takes about 7 hours. This scenic road through the Klein Karoo is quieter than the N2 highway. You'll arrive in Cape Town between 5-10 PM depending on traffic and stops. Bring snacks since food options are limited on this route.

    

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