As a solo South African traveler, people often ask: why explore South Africa when you live here? My answer is simple – why not? South Africa is vast, diverse, and full of surprises. Experiencing it like a tourist gave me a fresh perspective and a deeper love for this country I call home.
This is the story of my 6-day Garden Route and Addo adventure – backpacker-style, en suite, and packed with incredible moments.
Day 1:
From City Lights to Southernmost Nights
We set off early from Cape Town with a small group of fellow travelers from around the world. It was a great mix – a German couple, an American solo traveler, a young Italian woman, a father and son from Australia, and a few others ranging from their 20s to 60s. Right from the start, the vibe was open and friendly, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
After a quick stop in Somerset West, we hit the road to Hermanus. While it wasn’t whale season, a pod of dolphins gave us a quick show along the coast. Later, we reached Struisbaai and stood at the southernmost tip of Africa – a surreal experience.
That night, we settled into Cape Agulhas Backpackers and gathered around for a traditional potjie dinner. There’s just something about South African food cooked over an open flame that instantly makes you feel at home.
Day 2:
Stingrays, Route 62 & Sunset Safaris
We started the morning with a quick stop at the Struisbaai harbour, home to a bit of a local celebrity – Parrie the stingray. He’s known for gliding right up to the shore to greet visitors, though he didn’t make an appearance for us this time. Still, just standing there and knowing we were in the waters of a local legend gave the morning a bit of magic.
After our harbour visit, we drove along the breathtaking Route 62, stopping in a charming town (the name escapes me, but the wine tasting certainly didn’t!).
That evening, we arrived at Chandelier Game Lodge, a working goat and ostrich farm just outside Oudtshoorn. After a golden-hour safari and a bit of stargazing, we tucked into a tasty dinner. I slept in a permanent tent – peaceful, comfy, and the perfect balance of rustic and luxe.
Day 3:
Waterfalls, Canoes & Coastal Views
Wilderness delivered a slow-paced morning with a canoe ride and short waterfall hike. Everyone kind of found their pace — some quietly soaking it in, others chatting away on the paddle back.
By the time we reached Afrovibe Beach Villa in Sedgefield, it felt like we’d all known each other for longer than just a few days. We enjoyed a good old South African braai – chatting around the fire with plates full of braai meat and chakalaka, swapping travel tips, and laughing about who had the best paddling skills (spoiler: it wasn’t me).
Day 4:
Bungy Jumps & Citrus Farm Nights
This day was all about adrenaline. At Tsitsikamma, I chose to do the optional bungy jump. There’s nothing like standing on the edge of a bridge and facing your fears 216 meters above a gorge. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of thrill.
The nerves kicked in as they strapped me into the harness, but once I took that leap… wow. It was a surreal mix of fear, freedom, and pure exhilaration – over in seconds, but something I’ll never forget. The energy afterwards was contagious – even those who didn’t jump were buzzing just from watching.
That night we settled into Avoca River Cabins (a working citrus farm near Addo) and enjoyed a delicious homecooked bobotie. It was the kind of quiet that only comes from being deep in the countryside – a peaceful end to a high-energy day.
Day 5:
Sunrise Safari & Seaside Delights
The optional sunrise safari drew a few of us out of bed before dawn — totally worth it. Quiet moments in Addo watching elephants felt even more special when shared with others equally in awe.
Back in Wilderness, we stayed at Fairy Knowe Hotel for our final night. Over dinner, there was a bit of that ‘end-of-trip’ energy — exchanging photos, connecting on social media, and already talking about the “next adventure.”
Day 6:
Final Stretch & Fond Farewells
Our final day began with an early breakfast and a slow journey back to Cape Town. We made a stop in Mossel Bay to stretch our legs and explore, then had lunch along the way. A quick refreshment break at Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin gave us one last taste of the Garden Route’s charm.
It’s always bittersweet when a trip ends. We started off as a mix of solo travelers, couples, young and older adventurers — but by the end, it felt like a travel family. I think that’s one of the best parts of a trip like this.
Final Thoughts
This tour gets a solid 10/10.
The mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and laid-back travel made every day feel like something new. From hiking and wildlife to coastline views and delicious local food, it’s the kind of trip that shows off just how much South Africa has to offer.
Our group was a great blend of ages and backgrounds – from solo travelers in their 20s to couples in their 60s – and the atmosphere was friendly, relaxed, and welcoming from the start. Whether you’re traveling alone or with someone, it’s the perfect setup for meeting like-minded people and exploring safely with a small group.
As a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable the entire way.
The guide was knowledgeable and supportive, the itinerary was well-paced, and there was just the right balance of structure and freedom.
If you’re looking for a South African adventure that combines nature, culture, and connection – this is it. Come for the landscapes, stay for the people… and leave with memories that stick long after the trip ends.