Explore South Africa's
Garden Route
With guided Garden Route holiday packages and small group tours.
Why Visit Garden Route?
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s top travel destinations — and it’s easy to see why. This scenic stretch along the southern coast offers an unbeatable mix of beaches, forests, wildlife, and adventure, making it a favourite for both local and international travellers.
Top Garden Route Tours
Explore Garden Route with personal small group tours – expert guides, great value, and unforgettable experiences.
12 Day Kruger, Garden Route & Cape Town Comfort Tour
8 Day Cape Town to Garden Route & Kruger Comfort Tour
6 Day Garden Route Tour – Gqeberha to Cape Town Tour
Garden Route Travel Deals
Explore Garden Route for Less. Exclusive Tour Specials and Affordable Holiday Packages.
8 Day Cape Town to Garden Route & Kruger Comfort Tour
Cape Town to Johannesburg
FROMZAR29450
ZAR 27450
12 Day Kruger, Garden Route & Cape Town Comfort Tour
Johannesburg to Cape Town
FROMZAR38250
ZAR 36250
19 Day Johannesburg to Cape Town Small Group Tour
Johannesburg to Cape Town
FROMZAR64750
ZAR 58275
Find the right Garden Route Tour
Find the ideal Garden Route holiday – from quick getaways to extended wildlife tours across South Africa.
2 – 4 Days
Short Getaways
Perfect for those short on time. These quick escapes usually start from Cape Town.
5 – 7 Days
Extended Tours
These tours cover more ground allowing time for forest hikes, game viewing and whale watching.
Private Tours
Private Tours
Explore at your own pace with flexible itineraries – ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking for a more personal experience.
Plan My Trip
Pop in your details and we’ll send you suitable options.
When To Visit Garden Route
The Garden Route offers different experiences throughout the year, with each season bringing its own charm.
Travel Tips
Be prepared for your trip to Garden Route – South Africa with these practical tips.
Entry & Visa's
Visa-free entry (up to 90 days) for many countries including US, UK, EU.
Passport must be valid for at least 30 days after departure.
Getting There
Most Garden Route tours start and finish in Cape Town, making Cape Town International Airport the most convenient entry point.
Alternatively, fly into Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth Airport), which is often the starting point for tours that travel down the Garden Route and end in Cape Town.
Health & Safety
Malaria free travel. It’s a safe, easy destination for families and first-time visitors.
Be aware of tides and currents While the beaches are beautiful, ocean conditions can be unpredictable.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards (Vodacom, MTN) available at airports and shops.
Wi-Fi common in lodges and restaurants.
Power: 230V, 50Hz | Plug types M, C, and N (bring adapter).
Money & Tipping
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Credit Cards widely accepted; Carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants, small amounts for hotel staff and guides.
Culture & Language
11 official languages; English widely spoken.
Local dishes like bobotie, bunny chow, biltong, chakalaka, and vetkoek.
Why Travel With Us
Expert Knowledge
As a trusted South Africa travel company, with over 25 years of experience we know Africa inside and out. We’ve travelled the routes, handpicked the top tours, and built strong local partnerships to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Secure & Flexible Bookings
We’re a SATSA member, so your payments are protected. You can pay securely using Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer — or even crypto. All transactions are processed through Flywire, a trusted global platform. We keep things safe, simple, and stress-free from the moment you book.
Best Prices
Thanks to our local knowledge and strong supplier relationships, we secure competitive rates on all our tours. Get more value for your money with quality trips that suit your budget.
Support
From the moment you get in touch to the day your trip ends, we’re here to help. Our friendly team is just a message or call away — ready to support you at every step.
Reviews from our Travellers
Highly Recommended – 6 Day Garden Route Tour
We did the 6 Day Garden Route Tour and we loved it. The locations and activities included in this tour are well chosen, the accommodations were excellent, as well as the delicious African dinners they provided.
Date of experience: Apr 2025
Lily Reynders
The tours were amazing!
The booking progress is very easy as well as the payment. The tours’ descriptions are accurate and the staff helps wherever it can to make it a great experience…
Date of experience: 26 Aug 2024
Laura Huber
I really recommend…
I did a 5 day garden route tour and one day cape peninsular tour
They gave me the best prices
tour was amazing, whenever I called them for assistance they went out of their way to help me
Date of experience: Apr 2024
Vinay Baba
Highly Recommended – 6 Day Garden Route Tour
We did the 6 Day Garden Route Tour and we loved it. The locations and activities included in this tour are well chosen, the accommodations were excellent, as well as the delicious African dinners they provided.
Date of experience:
Apr 2025
Lily Reynders
The tours were amazing!
The booking progress is very easy as well as the payment. The tours’ descriptions are accurate and the staff helps wherever it can to make it a great experience…
Date of experience:
26 Aug 2024
Laura Huber
I really recommend…
I did a 5 day garden route tour and one day cape peninsular tour
They gave me the best prices
tour was amazing, whenever I called them for assistance they went out of their way to help me
Date of experience:
Apr 2024
Vinay Baba
FAQ's on visiting the Garden Route
Get practical advice for planning your Garden Route trip.
When is the best time to visit Garden Route?
The Garden Route is great to visit most of the year, but different seasons offer different experiences. Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and sunny, perfect for beaches, but it can be busy. Autumn (Mar–May) brings mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor adventures. Winter (Jun–Aug) is cooler and wetter, but it’s the best time for whale watching and enjoying quieter travel. Spring (Sep–Nov) is a beautiful time to visit, with flowers in bloom and comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Are there family-friendly Garden Route tours?
Yes, we offer family-friendly Garden Route tours with safe, fun activities and child-friendly accommodation. The pace is generally relaxed, but if you’re travelling with very young children, we recommend a private tour. This allows for a more flexible itinerary that can be tailored to your family’s needs and preferred pace.
What can I expect from a Garden Route tour?
A Garden Route tour is the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and good vibes. Think: road tripping along the coast, spotting wildlife on a safari, walking through forests, and enjoying fun activities like bungee jumping (optional of course), kayaking, or wine tasting.
You’ll travel in a small group with other like-minded travellers — great for meeting people.
Accommodation is cosy and social, usually in backpackers or guesthouses, and your guide handles all the planning. Just show up, soak it all in, and let the adventure unfold.
Can I visit Garden Route as a solo traveller?
Our small group Garden Route tours are very popular with solo travellers and provide a social, safe way to explore.
Can I customise my Garden Route tour?
Yes you can. While our group tours follow set routes, we also assist with private Garden Route tours tailored to your preferences.
Private tours are ideal for families, friends, or small groups of 4 or more, giving you the flexibility to travel at your own pace with a custom itinerary at great value.
How fit do I need to be for a Garden Route tour?
Most Garden Route tours are suitable for moderate fitness levels. Some activities, such as hiking or canoeing, may require a reasonable level of fitness but these activities are optional.
What should I pack for my Garden Route tour?
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cooler evenings. Include sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, swimwear, and a camera.
Where do Garden Route tours depart from?
Most tours start and finish in Cape Town, but some begin in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and end in Cape Town.
What animals will I see on the Garden Route?
While the Garden Route isn’t a traditional safari destination, you’ll still have the chance to see some exciting wildlife.
Addo Elephant National Park, often included in longer 5 – 6 day tours, is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and more. On shorter tours, 2 – 4 days, you’ll enjoy game drives in private reserves, where you can see giraffe, rhino, zebra, and other iconic wildlife.
Along the coast, you may spot seals, dolphins, and even whales (in season). Forest areas are home to baboons, bushbuck, and a variety of birds. It’s a great mix of land and sea wildlife, all in one trip.
How do I book a Garden Route tour?
Booking your Garden Route tour with Detour Africa is straightforward and secure. One of our experienced travel consultants will guide you in selecting a safari that aligns with your preferences and schedule.
Once you’ve chosen your safari, we’ll provide a booking form to gather essential details. To confirm your reservation, a deposit is required. We offer multiple secure payment methods:
Credit card or bank transfer via our globally trusted payment partner, Flywire.
Cryptocurrency payments are also accepted.
The remaining balance is due closer to your departure date. Specific timelines may vary depending on the chosen tour. Our goal is to make the booking process as seamless as possible, ensuring you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure.
Keep Exploring Africa
Combine your Garden Route trip with other bucket-list destinations.
Talk to an Expert
With 25+ years of experience, our experts take the guesswork out of planning. Skip the endless research – chat with us for the right advice!
Talk to an Expert
With 25+ years of experience, our experts take the guesswork out of planning. Skip the endless research – chat with us for the right advice!