Garden Route & Whale Coast Combo
From Hermanus whale watching to Addo elephants — the ultimate coastal safari
Tour Overview
Combine the famous Garden Route with the spectacular Whale Coast for the ultimate South African coastal experience. Start in Hermanus — the world's best land-based whale watching destination — then wind along the coast through Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Tsitsikamma to Addo. This extended journey covers the full spectrum of South Africa's southern coast.
Your Journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Cape Town and drive the stunning coastal road via Clarence Drive and Betty's Bay. Stop at Stony Point penguin colony — one of the few mainland African penguin colonies. Arrive in Hermanus for afternoon whale watching from the cliff path with a marine biologist guide.
Tonight's Stay
Harbour House Hotel, Hermanus
Morning whale watching boat trip in Walker Bay — get within 50 meters of southern right whales (seasonal Jun-Nov). Afternoon option: shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai, or explore the Old Harbour Museum and Hermanus wine route.
Tonight's Stay
Harbour House Hotel, Hermanus
Drive to De Hoop Nature Reserve — a pristine UNESCO site with white dunes, turquoise pools, and Cape mountain zebra. Guided walk through coastal fynbos with over 1,500 plant species. Continue to the charming town of Swellendam for wine tasting and a stroll through historic Cape Dutch streets.
Tonight's Stay
Schoone Oordt Country House
Drive east through the Little Karoo to Mossel Bay. Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and enjoy seafood lunch overlooking the harbour. Continue to Knysna, arriving in time for an evening Knysna Heads viewpoint visit at golden hour.
Tonight's Stay
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Morning Knysna lagoon cruise with oyster and craft beer tasting. Afternoon at leisure — choose between the Knysna Elephant Park, a forest mountain bike ride, or shopping at the vibrant waterfront market.
Tonight's Stay
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Drive to Plettenberg Bay for the day. Visit Robberg Nature Reserve for coastal hiking and seal colony viewing. Afternoon beach time or optional whale-watching boat trip (seasonal). Visit Monkeyland primate sanctuary in the Crags.
Tonight's Stay
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Full day in the spectacular Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. Cross the famous suspension bridge, hike the waterfall trail through ancient forest, and optionally add the Bloukrans Bridge bungee. Afternoon kayaking or tubing on the Storms River.
Tonight's Stay
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Early departure for Addo — a full-day Big Five safari with expert guide. Track elephant herds, buffalo, lion, and the elusive black rhino. The underground waterhole hide provides unforgettable close encounters. Sundowner drinks overlooking the bush.
Tonight's Stay
Addo Bush Palace
Final sunrise game drive in Addo for golden hour wildlife sightings. Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport (1 hour) for onward flights.
9 Days of Unforgettable Moments
27 curated activities across 5 unique stays
Interactive Route Map
What's Included
- 8 nights mid-range lodge and guesthouse accommodation
- Rental vehicle with GPS and full insurance
- Daily breakfast, 4 dinners
- Hermanus whale watching walk with marine biologist
- De Hoop Nature Reserve guided walk
- Knysna lagoon cruise
- Tsitsikamma guided forest walk
- Addo Elephant Park full-day guided safari
- All park entry fees
- 24/7 roadside assistance
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel costs (approx. $250 total)
- Shark cage diving (optional add-on $180pp)
- Bloukrans bungee (optional add-on $120pp)
- Lunches and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
How to Get There
Start from Cape Town International Airport (CPT). The route ends in Port Elizabeth (PLZ) — book open-jaw flights or one-way car rental. All roads tarred and well-maintained.
Best Time to Visit
June to November for whale watching in Hermanus. October to April for best Garden Route weather. September combines both — whale season with spring wildflowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting from
$3,200
per person sharing
No booking fees · Free cancellation up to 30 days
Ideal For
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