Garden Route Safari & Bloukrans Bungy: 3-Day Cape Town Tour

Summary

Wildlife safaris, riverside kayaking and the world’s highest bungy in South Africa’s Garden Route

You’ll travel from Cape Town along South Africa’s Garden Route on a real safari adventure: spot giraffes and rhinos at Botlierskop, hike Tsitsikamma’s trails or watch friends leap from Bloukrans Bridge, kayak through Wilderness’ misty rivers, and finish with cheetah sightings near Albertinia. This tour is all about shared moments—expect muddy shoes, laughter over hostel breakfasts, and stories you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the edge of the 4x4 seat, I caught my breath as our guide slowed down—just enough for us to see a herd of giraffes picking their way through the early light at Botlierskop. There was this earthy smell, kind of sweet and sharp, that I still can’t name. Someone behind me whispered “look—rhino,” and for a second nobody moved or said anything. Our local guide (I think her name was Nomsa?) had this way of pointing out things I’d never have noticed—like how you could tell a black impala by its markings if you squinted right. We slept that night in Sedgefield, not far from Wilderness, with sand still stuck to my shoes from an earlier walk.

The next morning started with coffee that tasted faintly smoky—maybe just the hostel’s old kettle—and then we were off again along the Garden Route. The Saltriver trail was green and tangled and louder than I expected with birds. I tried to pronounce “Tsitsikamma” properly; Li laughed when I tried it in Mandarin—probably butchered it. Some people went straight for the Bloukrans Bridge bungy jump (216 meters is...a lot), but I just watched and felt my stomach drop anyway. There was also an option to zipline at Tsitsikamma Waterfall, which honestly looked more fun than terrifying.

On our last day, paddling out on the Kaaimans River in Wilderness before breakfast felt surreal—mist rising off the water and everything quiet except for one guy singing softly behind me. Kayaking made my arms ache in a good way. Later, we stopped at Albertinia for another game drive; cheetahs this time, plus elephants and hippos if you were lucky with timing. It’s strange how quickly three days can blur together like that—so many animals, new faces at dinner each night, that feeling you get when you’re tired but don’t want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari and travel to Garden Route town

• Leave Cape Town through Overberg
• Safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
• See rhinos, lions, elephants, and more
• Overnight in Wilderness or Knysna
• Use dinner voucher

Day 2 — Explore Garden Route and optional activities

• Visit Tsitsikamma Nature Valley
• Hike Saltriver trail and swim
• Optional bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge
• Optional zipline at Tsitsikamma Waterfall
• Overnight in Sedgefield or Knysna

Day 3 — Kayak and final safari drive

• Kayak on Kaaimans River to waterfall
• Travel to Albertinia
• Educational safari game drive in Albertinia
• See hippos, elephants, and cheetahs
• Return to Cape Town

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Garden Route safari tour?

The tour includes pickup from Cape Town at the start of your trip.

How long is the drive from Cape Town to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve?

The drive takes several hours as you pass through the Overberg region en route to Botlierskop.

Can I skip the Bloukrans Bridge bungy jump?

Yes, jumping is optional—you can watch or choose other activities like ziplining instead.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in backpacker-style shared rooms in Sedgefield or Knysna during the tour.

Are meals included on this 3-day safari tour?

Meals are not specifically mentioned as included; check directly with your operator for details.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller; however, some activities may not be suitable for all ages.

What wildlife might I see on these game drives?

You may spot rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, black impalas, golden wildebeest, mountain zebras, hippos, cheetahs and more than 200 bird species.

How physically demanding is this Garden Route safari trip?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your 3-day journey includes two guided 4x4 safari game drives with local experts at private reserves near Botlierskop and Albertinia; shared backpacker accommodation each night; guided hikes including Saltriver trail; an early morning kayak adventure on the Kaaimans River; plus optional activities like bungy jumping or ziplining at Bloukrans Bridge—all starting with pickup in Cape Town.