3-Day Garden Route Safari from Cape Town

Wander along the Garden Route - a piece of paradise on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. Search for Africa's Big 5 animals in their natural habitat, from an open 4x4 vehicle in a malaria-free private game reserve.

Set your sense of adventure free; bungy jump, walk along forest footpaths, canoe in the wilderness, crawl deep underground in the Cango Caves and interact with African wildlife.

• Day 1: Cape Town – Oudtshoorn

You'll be picked up in the morning from Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Then you'll journey through the rugged landscapes of Route 62, the longest wine route in the world! Along the country road you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. You will stop at one of the many farm stalls along the way to sample local delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world and home to the fascinating Cango Caves where your next adventure awaits.

Delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. You’ll spend the evening in Oudtshoorn at leisure. Either head to town to enjoy a restaurant meal or join locals for an optional outdoor braai (similar to barbeque) - subject to availability - including South African favourites, such as ostrich kebabs, 'boerewors' sausage, 'potbrood' bread and salad.

• Day 2: Oudtshoorn – Sedgefield

Those seeking a meaningful experience can rise early and join qualified elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Bush Walk (own expense). You’ll have the opportunity to follow and observe three rescued elephants, in their own natural environment. You are free to take pictures galore and ask your guides as many questions as you like.

Then, you’ll take to the water for a leisurely afternoon canoe along reed-lined river banks in Wilderness. It’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the abundance of birdlife becomes apparent.

The adventure continues as you reach Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Spend the evening in the slow town of Sedgefield if you overnight there, and for those who overnight in the nearby town of Wilderness can dine at restaurants of their local area.

• Day 3: Sedgefield – Cape Town

For your last day, you will spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in a malaria-free private game reserve. Search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, to name a few.

An experienced game ranger leads the game drive. Your guide may hop off your safari vehicle (if it’s safe to do so) for a more personal encounter with nature. Look for smaller wildlife, insects or birds through the coastal renosterveldt and Cape fynbos.

End your day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and green vegetation as you pass through the Garden Route on your way back to Cape Town. Reach Cape Town by late afternoon or early evening (drop off times vary between 5 to 9pm)