Overview
Garden Route adventure
11 days, 1200km and four stunning spots on South Africa’s coast that will immerse you in the Cape’s culture, wildlife and most breathtaking vistas.
Start with three nights in sunny Cape Town, getting a taste of the Mother City and its highlights, Then pick up your rental car for the scenic drive to the iconic conservation success story of Grootbos for views out across the wildflower blanketed fynbos to Walker Bay.
The road to Plettenberg Bay follows a stunning stretch of Indian Ocean coastline known as the Garden Route. Enjoy a little adventure here, perhaps kayaking with dolphins, hiking or braving the world's highest bridge bungee jump.
End in Samara Karoo Reserve for three nights of safari with a difference. 27,000 hectares have been rewilded in a pioneering project, bringing the ‘Big Five’ and more back to this epic region making for a truly special wilderness experience.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Be inspired by Samara's rewilding journey
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See the Marine Big Five from Grootbos
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Drive the iconic Garden Route
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Culture and epic views in Cape Town
Inclusions
What's included
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Ten nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and safari activities
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Private transfers and car rental
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Price per person based on two people sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 4
Mother city welcome
Cape Town is a wonderful introduction to South Africa. See the best of the city and its stunning surroundings on privately guided tours with plenty of time to discover the buzzing waterfront, art galleries and restaurant scene at your own pace.
You’ll be shown around the city’s historic and cultural landmarks, be guided around markets and eateries by a local foodie, and head up the iconic Table Mountain for unforgettable views
Days 4 — 6
Cape floral kingdom
Pick up your rental car in Cape Town and set out east along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Whale Coast to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find your luxury lodge set surrounded by 2,500 hectares of multihued fynbos and ancient Milkwood forests, one of the most florally biodiverse landscapes on earth, looking out across Walker Bay.
During your days here enjoy game drives and walks among the sea of flowers, horse rides, fabulous food and a chance to spot the marine ‘Big Five’ on a boat trip out to spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, southern right whales, great white sharks and African penguins.
Days 6 — 8
Garden Route vistas
A longer drive along the African continent’s tip, past where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, brings you to the heart of the Garden Route, a place of lush forests, mountains and wonderful views around each new corner.
Spend two nights in a boutique lodge by the sweeping sands of Plettenberg Bay, choosing between a historic building by the beach or a glamorous treehouse a short way inland. There are many experiences on offer here – we can arrange snorkelling with seals in Robberg Nature Reserve, kayaking with dolphins, bungee jumping, surfing and more.
Days 8 — 11
The Great Karoo rewilded
From Plettenberg, follow the road through the mountains into the vast great Great Karoo and your rustic lodge in the 27,000 hectare Samara, a pioneering reserve that has been rehabilitated and rewilded in one of the country’s most inspiring contemporary conservation stories. You play a role in it just by being here.
Dramatic and diverse, Samara is now home to reintroduced lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and more, some seen in the region for the first time in over a century. Explore on game drives and walking safaris, with a chance to track wildlife on foot, fly camp under the stars and experience rewilding projects first-hand.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
