Addo Elephant & Garden Route Safari
Big Five Bush and Garden Route Coast in One Journey
Overview
This seven-day trip links the two things the Eastern Cape does best: a malaria-free Big Five safari and the forests and beaches of the Garden Route. You begin with the great elephant herds of Addo and a private-reserve stay at Kariega, then follow the coast west through Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. It is the ideal balance of bush and sea for travellers who want wildlife and scenery without long transfers or health worries.
Addo protects more than 600 elephants along with lion, buffalo and rhino, while Kariega adds exclusive Big Five drives and river cruises from a tented lodge reached by boat. On the Garden Route you swap game drives for forest walks, coastal hikes and time by the ocean. Because everything is malaria-free and reached by good roads, the trip suits self-drivers and guided travellers alike.
Who It's For
Best for couples and independent travellers who want to combine a proper Big Five safari with the Garden Route's coast and forests in a single, easy-paced holiday.
Package Highlights
Addo's Elephants
One of Africa's densest elephant populations, up close
Private-Reserve Big Five
Exclusive drives and river cruises at Kariega
Tsitsikamma Forest
Ancient forest and dramatic coastline walks
Plettenberg Bay
Beaches, whales and dolphins on the coast
Malaria-Free Throughout
No tablets from bush to beach
Easy Roads
Great for self-drive or private guided touring
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Gqeberha and drive an hour to Addo Elephant National Park. After settling into your lodge on the park's edge, an afternoon game drive brings you among the elephants that make Addo famous, along with buffalo, zebra and antelope. Dinner tonight looks out over the reserve.
🏨 Accommodation: Addo-area Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Settlers Drift Lodge
📍 Kariega Game Reserve
An all-suite tented lodge reached by boat across the Bushman's River, with private decks, plunge pools and uninterrupted river views.
From $620 per person per night
Addo-area Safari Lodge
📍 Addo Elephant National Park
A comfortable lodge on the edge of Addo, well placed for early entry to the park and its great elephant herds.
From $260 per person per night
Plettenberg Bay Hotel
📍 Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
A coastal hotel above the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, an easy base for exploring Tsitsikamma, Knysna and the wider Garden Route.
From $220 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic Combo
(~$492/night)
Addo lodge, Kariega tented suite, Garden Route hotel, most meals
Get QuoteLuxury Combo
(~$733/night)
Suite upgrades, private guided touring, premium beverages
Get QuotePrivate Combo
(~$1,133/night)
Private vehicle and guide throughout, premium lodges, all activities
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation across bush and coast
- ✓ Daily breakfast plus most lunches and dinners as per itinerary
- ✓ Game drives at Addo and Kariega in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Boat transfer and river cruise at Kariega
- ✓ Garden Route touring via Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna
- ✓ Airport transfers (Gqeberha and George)
- ✓ Park and conservation fees
✗ Excluded
- ✗ Flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Optional Garden Route activities (lagoon cruise, adventure activities)
- ✗ Some lunches and beverages
- ✗ Gratuities
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Bush and coast combine well all year. Winter brings the clearest game viewing and whale season on the coast, while summer is warm and green — ideal for beaches and forest walks between safari days.
Why Choose This Package
Bush and Beach in One Trip
Few journeys pair a genuine Big Five safari with the Garden Route's forests and coast as smoothly as this one.
Addo's Elephants
One of Africa's densest elephant populations makes Addo a highlight no other reserve can match.
Malaria-Free from Start to Finish
The whole route is malaria-free, so there are no tablets and no health concerns for any age.
Easy to Travel
Good roads and short transfers make this ideal for self-drive travellers or a private guided tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Addo Elephant & Garden Route Safari?
From $2,950 per person | 7 Days / 6 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
