Why book an African Safari (Especially Now)? Read More

Garden Route Safari

OVERVIEW ITINERARY IDEAS ACCOMMODATION WHEN TO GO? WHERE NEXT

Itinerary Ideas

Malaria-free - perfect for families

Set in the private reserves of the Eastern Cape, a Garden Route safari is the ideal grand finale to your Cape Town and Garden Route holiday, promising an authentic Big 5 safari in the comfort of a malaria-free environment.

There are tours and fly-in options but a Garden Route safari is easy to do yourself. Hire a car in Cape Town, take a few days along the Garden Route and then into the neighbouring Eastern Cape for your safari. Then simply return the car at Port Elizabeth and fly back to Cape Town or onto Johannesburg where you’ll have the rest of Africa at your fingertips: the Kruger and Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls and Botswana.

Browse our recommended tours below, each including a Garden Route safari as well as a variety of experiences. Alternatively, contact us for a tailor-made itinerary based on your needs and budget.

View All South African Safaris
LET’S PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY GET IN TOUCH HERE

What to Do

on a Garden Route Safari?

1. Track the Big 5

The Eastern Cape reserves are home to the Big 5 & you’ll be on the lookout for them on your guided morning & afternoon game drives. Spot-lit night drives add to the thrill.

2. Go on a River Safari

Whether you explore by kayak, small boat or sunset cruiser, a river safari is an excellent way to spot wildlife & enjoy the sunset. Ask us about the best riverside lodges.

3. Bring the Family

Malaria-free game viewing; tailored safari activities; baby sitters, kids menus & private family villas – a Garden Route safari couldn’t be better for families if you designed it yourself!

4. Bring the Binoculars

A mix of different habitats means many of the Eastern Cape reserves have bird counts of over 400 species, including many of South Africa’s endemics. Expect fabulous, year-round birding with expert guides.

5. Hit the Beach

Many reserves are within easy reach of the famously unspoilt Eastern Cape coast. Add marine tours, beach walks & seasonal whale watching onto your Garden Route safari.

6. Walk the Wild Side

The Eastern Cape is great walking country & its private game reserves offer anything from short self-guided walks to fully-guided multi-day trekking – ask us about the best one for your requirements.

7. Explore on Horseback

The open landscape of the Eastern Cape was made for horseback safaris; stunning scenery, easy riding & a great way to see big game. We’ll tell you the best places to saddle up.

8. Get Romantic

Couples are spoilt for choice on a Garden Route safari: idyllic settings, private suites & all the candle-lit details. Ask us about the best honeymoon hideaways & boutique spa resorts.

Tailor-made Holiday

Experience the extraordinary! Let us tailor-make your safari to South Africa.

Enquire Now

Hands-on Expertise

  • We’re based in Africa
  • Consultants Travel in Africa
  • Knowledgeable team
  • Expect great customer service

Accredited & Bonded

  • SATSA – Bonded Membership (2061)
  • Travel Save Compliant Certificate
  • Fully Independent & Owner Run
  • Travel Support from Start to Finish

Reviews

Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)