The Garden Route offers a journey that feels like a gentle safari through South Africa’s diverse landscapes, filled with both natural beauty and quiet adventure.

This tour begins in Oudtshoorn, where the dry Karoo air carries the scent of dust and sun, and ostriches wander across the open plains. Beneath the earth, the Cango Caves stretch like a hidden kingdom, carved over thousands of years.

From there, the road curves through rugged mountain passes into the green heart of Knysna, where dense forests hum with birdsong and the lagoon glimmers between the cliffs of the Knysna Heads. It’s a place to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and maybe spot a bushbuck slipping through the trees.

The tour ends in Mossel Bay, where the ocean meets the land with wide beaches and dramatic coastal views. Here, dolphins often play in the surf, and the history of early explorers lingers in the sea breeze.

With a touch of the wild and a sense of calm discovery, the route feels like a safari for the soul.

4 Day Garden Route Tour - Image Gallery

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Wine Estate in Plettenberg Bay along Garden ROute
Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Knysna Garden Route
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Price Includes

Accommodation - All meals - Entrance Fees - Conservation & Gate Fees

Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.

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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!


ITINERARY - 4 Day Guided Tour Garden Route

HIGHTLIGHTS

 CAPE WNELANDS   HIGHGATE OSTRICH SHOW FARM     CANGO CAVES      KNYSNA HEADS

Oudtshoorn

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Oudtshoorn sits between the lush Cape Winelands and the dry, dramatic landscapes of the Little Karoo. This unique setting brings together rolling vineyards, rocky hills, and big open skies.

The town is famous for its ostrich farms, giving it the nickname “ostrich capital of the world.” Just outside town, the Cango Caves offer a glimpse into a mysterious underground world.

The Karoo’s dry beauty is quiet and powerful, with wildlife and plant life adapted to its tough climate. Oudtshoorn feels like a peaceful blend of farmland, desert, and adventure.

Knysna

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Knysna is a charming coastal town where the lush Outeniqua Mountains meet the sparkling Indian Ocean, creating stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Its famous lagoon and the dramatic cliffs of the Knysna Heads make for unforgettable sights. The nearby forests offer great hiking and chances to spot local wildlife, while the fresh oysters add a delicious touch to any visit.

Just a drive away, you can explore the fascinating Cango Caves or visit the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm near Oudtshoorn for a unique experience. Whether you’re relaxing by the water or adventuring nearby, Knysna offers a perfect mix of nature and culture.

Mossel Bay

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Mossel Bay is a laid-back coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

The nearby Keurbooms Lagoon adds a peaceful touch, perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, or a relaxing walk along its banks. History lovers can explore the Diaz Museum, which tells the story of early explorers who first landed here.

For nature enthusiasts, the Featherbed Nature Reserve offers scenic trails and breathtaking views from its cliffs.

Mossel Bay combines rich history, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed seaside vibe, making it a great way to end the Garden Route journey.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Outshoorn

Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain pass Worcester.

Route 62 (the longest wine route in the world) through to Montagu.

Wine tasting and lunch.

Travel through the Little Karoo to Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world!

A warm welcome awaits at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate (or similar).

 

DAY 2: Knysna 

Visit the world famous Cango Caves.

Cango Wildlife Ranch (Crocodile and Cheetah farm).

See cheetah, tiger, lion, puma, and jaguar.

Lunch including an ostrich option is at the Cango Ostrich farm.

Tour the farm and you will have the opportunity to touch an ostrich.

Drive over the Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna.

See the spectacular Knysna Heads.

Overnight at the Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa (or similar).

 

Day 3: Mossel Bay

Enjoy the quaint village of Knysna with free time at the Knysna Waterfront.

Board your boat and sail to Featherbed Private Nature Reserve (subject to suitable weather conditions and boat sailing). You will find out about the magnificent fauna and flora from your specialist guide, before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch at the outdoor restaurant under a canopy of Milkwood trees.

Drive to Mossel Bay to the Post Office Tree and Diaz museum.

Spend the afternoon at the swimming pool or stroll along the beach.

Dinner and overnight at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Mossel Bay (or similar).

Day 4: 

Botlierskop Private Game reserve for breakfast and a 3 hour open vehicle game drive.

You may see Rhinoceros, Lion, Buffalo, and Giraffe, rare Black Impala and many other species the 3000 hectare reserve.

Lunch in Swellendam.

Stop at one of the local Farm stalls before continuing on your scenic route back to Cape Town.

See the spectacular Knysna Heads.

Overnight at the 4.5* Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa (or similar).

 

WHY BOOK WITH SABI SANDS LODGES RESERVATIONS?

Variety of Accommodation

Enjoy luxurious accommodation with lodges that cater for all tastes and budgets. Speak to our travel experts and we can arrange your full itinerary, we specialize in tailor-made safari experiences throughout Africa.

Safari Drives & Bush Walks

Experience the close up wildlife encounters you always imagined with experienced guides. We only recommend lodges which will exceed your experience. Speak to one of our travel experts and let's design your entire itinerary.

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Get a free consultation and speak with our expert consultants who will assist you with planning your entire itinerary within the African continent. We can book your flights, airport transfes, activities sightseeing including travel insurance.

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