How long are typical game drives on Garden Route safaris?

Game drives along the Garden Route run between 2-3 hours offering morning and afternoon sessions. Addo Elephant National Park's drives explore its 28000-hectare reserve while private reserves like Botlierskop schedule multiple daily outings. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The morning game drive was thrilling and fulfilling - we spent 2-3 hours exploring the wilderness of Addo seeking out Africa's magnificent wildlife."

What animals can I expect to see during a Garden Route safari tour?

Garden Route safaris provide opportunities to see elephants lions rhinos buffalo hippos cheetahs and giraffes across various reserves. Addo Elephant National Park houses the world's largest concentration of African elephants with over 600 residents. Private reserves like Botlierskop and Buffelsdrift are known for Big 5 sightings. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We got to see most of the animals bar a leopard tiger so very pleased. Our tour Guide was excellent."

What is the best time of year for wildlife viewing on Garden Route safaris?

The dry winter season from May to September presents the best wildlife viewing conditions. Animals gather near water sources during these months when vegetation thins out. This timing also aligns with whale watching season in coastal areas like Hermanus from July to November. Early morning drives at Addo Elephant National Park tend to be most productive. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos lions buffalo leopards and elephants was incredible."

What types of accommodation options are available on Garden Route safari tours?

Accommodations range from basic to luxurious across the Garden Route safari circuit. Buffelsdrift Private Game Lodge offers premium rooms with waterhole views while places like Cape to Addo Backpacker House provide budget-friendly options. Most properties feature pools and observation areas. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Even though it was hostel-style accommodation it was always very clean and cosy with great hosts and once also right by the beach."

Are the game drives included in the tour price or do I need to pay extra?

Standard Garden Route safari packages typically include one game drive especially at Addo Elephant National Park. Additional or specialized drives may require extra payment. At Addo a 2-hour guided open vehicle drive costs around 460 ZAR (USD 25). As one TourRadar traveler reported: "The included game drives were excellent value though we opted for an additional specialized drive which was worth the extra cost."

Safari Tours & Trips in Garden Route

10 best safari Garden Route tours

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Safari
Garden Route Wildlife Safari - 4 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"He made great recommendations that accommodated our group's preferences and we saw a lot within the short tour window."
Eryn, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Witfontein Nature Reserve,Oudtshoorn+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore South Africa
From
US$892per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town,Oudtshoorn,Addo Elephant National Park,Jeffreys Bay,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Sedgefield,Wilderness,Mossel Bay,Botlierskop,Stellenbosch+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Hotspots2c
6% Off
From $1,420
US$1,336per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Safari
3 Day Garden Route Big 5 & Bungy Safari Tour (Return)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The views driving around were amazing! I definitely recommend this tour."
Sarah, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park,Oudtshoorn+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Cape Xtreme
6% Off
From
US$403per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
3-Day Cape Town Big Five Safari & Elephant Encounter
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Oudtshoorn
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
6% Off
From
US$1,063per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
3-Day Gondwana Kwena Lodge Big 5 Safari Escape
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Garden Route
Age Range
Ages 11+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
T.S TOURS
6% Off
From
US$1,649per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
7-Day Garden Route & Cape Winelands Exploration
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Oudtshoorn,Barrydale,Stellenbosch,Franschhoek,Paarl+6 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
6% Off
From
US$2,446per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
South Africa: The Garden Route
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park,Tsitsikamma National Park,Knysna,Franschhoek,Cape Town+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
27% Off
From $1,999
US$1,454per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Cape Town Break & Safari - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Franschhoek,Stellenbosch,Gansbaai+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
27% Off
From
US$1,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Ultimate South Africa Golf and Safari Adventure 12 Days /11 Nights
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Kalk Bay, Simon's Town, Paarl, Robben Island,George,Garden Route,Kruger National Park,Mbombela+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
13% Off
From $5,303
US$4,630per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
5-Day South Africa Garden Route & Addo Escape
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Oudtshoorn+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Knap Tours Limited
13% Off
From
US$1,600per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Cape Town and the Garden Route
4.7 (10 traveler reviews)
"Traveling from Capetown along the Garden Route was one of the best holidays ever."
Tatyana, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Kalk Bay, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam,Albertinia,Mossel Bay,Botlierskop,Knysna,Tsitsikamma National Park,Stormsrivier,Oudtshoorn,Barrydale,Robertson,Paarl+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
13% Off
From $1,580
US$1,373per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Garden Route 10 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime."
Brian, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Hout Bay,Betty's Bay,Hermanus,L'Agulhas,Oudtshoorn,Wilderness National Park,Sedgefield,Knysna,Garden Route,Tsitsikamma National Park,Addo Elephant National Park,Wilderness,Mossel Bay+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
English
Operator
Encounters Travel
13% Off
From
US$1,212per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Wellness, wine & wild animals
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson, Montagu,Kleinmond,Oudtshoorn,Hermanus,Knysna,Featherbed Private Nature Reserve,Brenton-on-Sea,Mossel Bay,Botlierskop,Albertinia,Swellendam,L'Agulhas+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Garden Route
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
13% Off
From
US$1,773per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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