South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa with the "Cape Town & The Garden Route" tour. Begin your adventure in Port Elizabeth, where you'll be welcomed by your CEO and fellow travelers. Experience the thrill of safari drives in Addo National Park, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park. Discover the wonders of Robberg Nature Reserve and enjoy a scenic drive from Knysna to Franschhoek, with stops at Mossel Bay and Barrydale for a delightful vineyard lunch and wine tasting. In Cape Town, take a cable car to the iconic Table Mountain and enjoy panoramic views. With a mix of wildlife encounters, nature walks, and cultural experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, making this a truly memorable South African experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Port Elizabeth
Location: Port Elizabeth
Accommodation Name: The Kelway Hotel
Welcome to South Africa and to Port Elizabeth. In the afternoon, your CEO will provide a welcome briefing and a guided orientation around Port Elizabeth. Later on, choose to join your new friends and CEO for an optional group dinner.
Additional Information: Please note your flight should arrive no later than 12pm.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Get to know Port Elizabeth on an orientation with your CEO.
Day 2: Day Trip to Addo National Park
Location: Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth
Accommodation Name: The Kelway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Port Elizabeth to spend a leisurely evening on your own.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Embark on a wildlife safari drive in search of resident elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and even leopards. While this national park may be most famous for elephants, the rest of its wildlife is fantastic, too.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a free evening in Port Elizabeth to explore on your own after a day of wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park.
Day 3: Port Elizabeth/Tsitsikamma
Location: Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park
Accommodation Name: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Port Elizabeth and Tsitsikamma with a few stops along the way to break up the drive.
ACTIVITY: Walk along the Mouth Trail with your CEO inside of Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2km trail begins at Sandy Bay and then leads you along a winding boardwalk through the indigenous forest to a suspension bridge and the Storms River Mouth Cave. If you're feeling brave there's another part of the trail that continues after the bridge and leads up to a lookout plateau. Try to spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa's most endangered birds and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along this part of the Garden Route.
ACTIVITY: Walk with your CEO along a 500m pathway through indigenous bush that leads to what is known as the Big Tree. This massive Yellow Wood has a truck with a circumference of 9m and stands at 36m tall. It towers over the rest of the canopy and is estimated to be over 800 years old.
Day 4: Tsitsikamma
Location: Tsitsikamma
Accommodation Name: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY The entire day is yours to do as you please in this beautiful, multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and plenty of fun activities to choose from. Perhaps you will book a tree top canopy tour, or you'll go white water tubing, or a whale watching tour if its in season.
Day 5: Tsitsikamma/Knysna
Location: Robberg Nature Reserve, Knysna
Accommodation Name: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago.
Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.
ACTIVITY: Robberg is situated along the Garden Route and is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. There are rocks here in this region that date back 120 million years to the break-up of the super-continent Gondwanaland. Walk on the Gap Circuit on a trail that is 2.1km in length and will take about 30 minutes.
ACTIVITY: Begin with driving along the scenic waterfront area passing by the bustling harbour and catching a glimpse of local life teeming around the boats and lagoon. Witness Knysna's charming downtown streets lined with artisan shops and cafés. Visit Thesen Island, the landscapes on the outskirts of the Knysna Forest, and gain a true sense of the natural allure of this place.
FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in Knysna to explore on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities sold locally. Your CEO can help you arrange the ones you wish to try.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Tsitsikamma and Knysna. There will be stops along the way to break up the drive and enjoy the marvelous Garden Route scenery.
Day 6: Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.
ACTIVITY: The Knysna Heads is probably the best known, most well recognized river mouth in all of South Africa to those who live here. Separated by 300m of water the Knysna Heads are the headlands of two peninsulas that enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. The Eastern Head has many attractions like the hidden Coney Glen Beach with its soft sands and secret rock pools, the Heads Viewpoint high on the mountain at the top of Coney Glen Road, and Fountain Point, where the wreck of the Paquita lies in its watery grave – and where you can walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs, and then return to enjoy a meal or coffee overlooking the water at East Head Café. The Western Head is home to one of Knysna's most popular attractions, Featherbed Nature Reserve.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Return to Knysna for a free afternoon to fill with optional activities like an oyster tour boat cruise or a visit to Featherbed.
Day 7: Knysna/Franschhoek
Location: Knysna, Mossel Bay, Barrydale, Franschhoek
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel Franschhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.
ACTIVITY: Begin in Knysna and stop first for a visit to Mossel Bay Lighthouse for about a half hour. Continue onwards driving through the picturesque landscapes in the Gatplaats Nature Reserve and Tradouw Pass with stops for photos as you go. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife and take a short walk on the trails to stretch your legs in this peaceful environment. The winding roads up the pass offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It means today's drive won't feel so tedious as there's plenty to enjoy along the way.
ACTIVITY: Make another stop in the quaint town of Barrydale for an included visit to a local vineyard. Offeing tastings of its handcrafted wines on an outdoor terrace surrounded by beauty. Dine at the outdoor deli and opt to join a proper tasting in their rustic cellar or outdoor garden area.
FREE TIME: EVENING Take some time to get settled and enjoy the amenities at your Franschhoek hotel. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery on your private transfer between Knysna and Franschhoek. There will be stops along the way in Mossel Bay and Barrydale.
Day 8: Franschhoek
Location: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel Franschhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek’s main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.
ACTIVITY: Embark with your CEO on an orientation walk through the main streets and let the sights guide you in talking while you explore.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps book a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch or a history and art tour, or bikes and wine. The options are aplenty.
Day 9: Franschhoek/Cape Town
Location: Franschhoek, Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Inn on the Square
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city’s iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on your own exploring the city before an optional group dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the route for the group to climb Signal Hill together.
ACTIVITY: Experience the iconic views of Cape Town on a walk up Signal Hill just outside of the city. From the flat-topped hill you'll find uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, the entire cityscape where you can spend some time exploring.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of this free afternoon to see Cape Town on your own. Choose to visit museums, find local restaurants to try, or head to the waterfront.
Day 10: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Inn on the Square
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Table Mountain. Ride to the time on the cable car and explore the area on hiking trails leading to scenic views before riding back down. Spend the afternoon on your own partaking in one of the many optional activities in the area. Tonight, choose to attend a group dinner to celebrate your beautiful day in this vibrant city.
ACTIVITY: Take the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy Cape Town all afternoon any way you choose.
Day 11: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (10 nts). -
Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Addo National Park Safari Drives
Experience safari drives in Addo National Park.
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CEO-led Hike in Tsitsikamma National Park
Participate in a hike led by your CEO in Tsitsikamma National Park.
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Big Tree Visit Tsitsikamma
Visit the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma.
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Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve
Enjoy a walk in Robberg Nature Reserve on the Gap Circuit.
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Driving and Walking Orientation Tour of Knysna
Take part in a driving and walking orientation tour of Knysna.
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Knysna Heads Visit
Visit the Knysna Heads.
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Scenic Drive between Knysna and Franschhoek
Enjoy a scenic drive between Knysna and Franschhoek with stops at Mossel Bay and Barrydale.
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Lunch at a Vineyard in Barrydale
Enjoy lunch at a vineyard in Barrydale.
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CEO-led Orientation Walk of Franschhoek
Participate in a CEO-led orientation walk of Franschhoek.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Woodcutters’ Journey, tree canopy tour, whale watching, and whitewater tubing are not included.
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Meals Not Specified
Meals not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 10 nights, offering en-suite bathrooms and standard facilities. Experience the charm of local accommodations with varying amenities, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay throughout your journey.
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 18.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in southern Africa. On this tour, we provide a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in you choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though - while in the larger centres, your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private vehicles and enjoy scenic walks. The tour includes all transport between destinations and to/from included activities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned tour vehicle for the long drives.
2. It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
3. DRONES
The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.
Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
Note:
Under certain circumstances, we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, flush toilets, showers (generally outdoors, some with simple reed enclosures), washing facilities and telephones available. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up by others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may have to walk a short distance.
We sleep in good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. . It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the safari drives in Addo National Park?
During the safari drives in Addo National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopards.
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What activities are available in Tsitsikamma National Park?
In Tsitsikamma National Park, you can enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail, which includes a walk through the forest to a suspension bridge and the Storms River Mouth Cave. You can also partake in the Big Tree walk to see an 800-year-old Yellowwood tree.
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What is the significance of the Robberg Nature Reserve?
Robberg Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site with rocks dating back 120 million years to the break-up of the supercontinent Gondwanaland. It offers stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country.
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What can I do during my free day in Tsitsikamma?
During your free day in Tsitsikamma, you can choose from optional activities such as the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing.
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What is included in the visit to The Knysna Heads?
The visit to The Knysna Heads includes exploring the Eastern Head with attractions like Coney Glen Beach, the Heads Viewpoint, and Fountain Point. You can walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and enjoy views of the Knysna River Estuary.
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What is the experience like on the scenic drive from Knysna to Franschhoek?
The scenic drive from Knysna to Franschhoek includes stops at Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse, a drive through Tradouw Pass and Gatplaats Nature Reserve, and a stop in Barrydale for an outdoor lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard.
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What can I expect during the cable car ride to Table Mountain?
The cable car ride to Table Mountain takes about five minutes and offers 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you can explore hiking trails and enjoy the scenic views.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route
11 Days Starting in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma, Robberg Nature Reserve, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Barrydale, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26215
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
