Experience Overview
Follow the coastal trail to Cape Town on this 14-day adventure along the Garden Route. Spot elephants in the Addo Elephant National Park, hike through the Lesotho Highlands and meet the local Xhosa community in Cintsa. Spend two fun-filled nights in Cape Town and watch meerkats go about their morning in Oudtshoorn. Hike in the stunning landscape of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach and indulge in locally produced wine in Stellenbosch – the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Highlights
- Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.
- Watch meerkats go about their morning in Oudtshoorn. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while these gentle creatures climb out into the sunshine.
- Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach and watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.
- Set off through the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Learn about the diverse array of flora and fauna as you hike and take in the panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and rivers.
- Sample local wine in Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands, and enjoy views of mountains and vineyards while visiting a winery to taste the region’s signature vintages.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2930
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: UBOH
Starts: Durban, Lesotho
Finishes: Cape Town, Lesotho
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (3), Dinner (10)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (6 nights),Backpackers (2 nights),Basic Huts (shared facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (3 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2095 ($150 /day)
Itinerary
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches. Maybe visit the Masjid Mosque, wander through a local art gallery or check out Mhlanga Lighthouse – a beautiful lighthouse on the Mhlanga coastline. For dinner, maybe head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood with your group – your local leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.
Optional Activities:
- Durban - Art Gallery - Free
- Durban - Bay Cruise (240 ZAR)
- Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Durban this morning and travel inland towards the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Along the way, stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Then, continue the journey to Drakensberg. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a drink with your group in the thatched loft lounge room or relax at the onsite pool.
Included Activities:
- Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Accommodation:
- Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range, sitting at 3482 m, and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. This morning, lace up your hiking boots and set off through an amazing array of flora and fauna. The Drakensberg range is often referred to as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some beautiful views, so be sure to have your camera in hand.
Included Activities:
- Drakensberg - Day Hike
Accommodation:
- Backpacker Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho – also known as the Kingdom in the Sky. Cross the border into Lesotho, then drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.
Accommodation:
- Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these epic landscapes. Maybe join a village and museum walk or hike along the Pitseng Canyon – a scenic gorge known for its rock pools and views of the surrounding green mountains and red rock. After, maybe explore the numerous Bushman rock art sites in the mountains on the Bushman Painting Hike.
Optional Activities:
- Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike (60 ZAR)
- Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours (120 ZAR)
- Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk (50 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Basic Huts (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel along the beautiful Wild Coast of South Africa to the little coastal town of Cintsa this morning. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe soak up the sun on the beach with a book or take a mountain bike through the hinterland. This afternoon, maybe explore the Cintsa River by canoe or book in for a surfing lesson. Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Cintsa - Village Tour (235 ZAR)
- Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll travel to Addo Elephant National Park, which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation – today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as cape buffalo, black rhinos, antelopes and the flightless dung beetle. When you arrive, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group. As you drive, try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.
Included Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Optional Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive (480 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake early and set off on another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. After, begin your journey along the Garden Route – your first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you’ll see the steep ancient forests which meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean, protecting both land and sea. When you arrive, your leader will take you to a local activity centre, where a range of activities will be on offer – some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all locals here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.
Optional Activities:
- Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
- Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. Along the way you'll stop at Knysna to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Then, travel to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations, including the Cleopatra's Needle, which is at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Later, continue to Oudtshoorn – known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of feather barons that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers. Tonight, maybe head out with your group and find a local restaurant for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. Watch these cute, wild animals, who are never fed or handled by humans, as they go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the seaside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Along the way, stop in Stellenbosch – one of the world’s great wine regions, set in the heart of the Cape Winelands and framed by the Cape Fold Mountains. Visit a local winery to taste and learn about some of the region’s signature vintages. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner to one of Cape Town’s hip restaurants and bars for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
- Stellenbosch - Winery Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to see the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you like. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to relax and ride the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner with coastal views – a great way to spend your last night!
Included Activities:
- Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins
Optional Activities:
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no further activities planned today, your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay longer (and it’s recommended you do) just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
- Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Lesley Jane - Traveled, January 2025
Amazing views we had a little bit of everything mountains beaches forest all spectacular. The team Nolo Gift and Nathy made us feel safe and part of a family! Always Happy faces. Great trip!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2025
Michele - Traveled, December 2024
I think my leg of the trip was a bit bland. I think because I had already done Kruger, it was long drives, stops for snacks and lunch and more stops. We also had an issue with the fridge where I was told I can’t use it but other were allowed. That was ok but I think Intrepid is asking travellers to buy lunch on the road maybe consideration should be made for us to be able to store stuff within reason. Maybe everyone no more that 2 items and must be responsible for cleaning the fridge. One other thing there should be a step at the bottom of the truck. The last step Is so far from the ground and I think the fittest of persons if especially carrying something can slip and can have a terrible Accident.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2025
Maphuti - Traveled, November 2024
The crew was excellent and helpful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2024
Gabriel - Traveled, October 2024
I went for the Garden Route Adventure from Durban to Cape Town and met a funny, lovely group for a nice journey. I have never been to Africa/South Africa before and I can highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
Kellie - Traveled, September 2024
What an amazing tour. Great destinations, Wildlife and accommodation. The crew was awesome too. I can't wait to use Intrepid for my next adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Gary - Traveled, September 2024
Will without doubt be booking with Intrepid again The crew we had went above a beyond to make our trip comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. Thanks Intrepid, we will be back with you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
John - Traveled, August 2024
I had a wonderful trip spending time with like minded people. So many laughs......
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, May 2024
An enjoyable experience that offered a range of experience that satisfied our whole family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2024
Naomi - Traveled, May 2024
Beautiful tour that exceeded expectations of a camping holiday! Schedule was well planned and adhered to, while offering flexibility for travellers needs. Tour leader & travelling crew all very friendly and helpful! Would gladly do again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2024
Louisa - Traveled, February 2024
This trip showcased the beauty of South Africa. Through the most beautiful mountainous areas, game viewing and the beautiful ocean. A short intense trip with delicious local food and tours of villages. A lovely overview of this beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.