Cape Town Safari: 2-Day Garden Route Game Lodge & Agulhas

Summary

From Cape Town to lions at sunset, penguins by the sea and Agulhas winds

You’ll stand where two oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, watch elephants and lions from an open vehicle on two safari drives, sleep under big African skies at Garden Route Game Lodge, and see penguins up close in Betty’s Bay — all with hotel pickup, meals included, and a local guide who knows every shortcut (and joke).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Cape Town to feel so long and short at the same time. We stopped for coffee somewhere past Somerset West — the kind that tastes a bit burnt but wakes you up anyway. Our guide, Sibusiso, pointed out a flock of blue cranes in a field (I’d have missed them). When we finally reached Cape Agulhas, there was this sharp wind off the water and a sign saying “Southernmost Tip of Africa.” I touched it like it might buzz. Two oceans meeting is just waves and rocks, but it felt bigger than that, you know?

The Garden Route Game Lodge was quieter than I thought a safari place would be. Dinner smelled like coriander and woodsmoke. Our first game drive was just before sunset — I remember the way the air changed when we drove into the bush, cooler and full of little sounds (crickets? frogs? something chirping). We saw elephants first, then rhinos with birds on their backs. The guide whispered stories about lion prides while I tried not to drop my camera. That night I lay awake in my chalet listening for anything outside — maybe hoping for a roar, maybe not.

Next morning was early. Like “is this really worth it?” early. But then we saw giraffes moving through misty grass and I forgot about sleep. Breakfast after tasted better than usual — maybe because we’d already seen so much before 9am. On the way back to Cape Town we stopped in Hermanus (no whales this season) but the market had these sweet little pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar. At Betty’s Bay, there were penguins waddling around like they owned the place. Sibusiso laughed when one pecked at his shoe.

I keep thinking about that cold wind at Agulhas and how small I felt standing there — or maybe how big everything else seemed for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Town to Garden Route Game Lodge

• Depart Cape Town
• Drive to Cape Agulhas
• Visit southern tip and lighthouse
• Drive to Garden Route Game Lodge
• Enjoy Big 5 sunset safari
• Dine 3 course dinner
• Overnight at lodge or chalet

Day 2 — Game Lodge to Cape Town via Coast

• Early morning game drive
• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Hermanus
• Explore local markets
• Visit Betty's Bay penguin colony
• Return to Cape Town

Top questions

How long does the 2 day safari from Cape Town take?

The tour lasts two days with an overnight stay at Garden Route Game Lodge; you return to Cape Town between 5pm & 6pm on day two.

Is hotel pickup included for this safari tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cape Town.

Do you see the Big 5 animals on this safari?

You have chances to see elephants, lions, rhinos and more during two game drives at Garden Route Game Lodge.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You stay overnight in either a private chalet or lodge room at Garden Route Game Lodge.

Are meals included during the safari trip?

Yes, dinner (3 courses) and breakfast are included during your stay.

Does this tour visit Cape Agulhas?

Yes, you stop at Cape Agulhas to see the southernmost tip of Africa where two oceans meet.

Is whale watching part of this itinerary?

You pass through Hermanus (famous for land-based whale watching), but sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

Do you visit any penguin colonies?

Yes, there’s a stop at Betty’s Bay to visit a local penguin colony on day two.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town, overnight accommodation at Garden Route Game Lodge (either private chalet or lodge room), dinner and breakfast as per itinerary, transport by air-conditioned minivan, two guided game drives (sunset and early morning), plus stops at Cape Agulhas, Hermanus markets (seasonal whale watching), and Betty’s Bay penguin colony before returning late afternoon.