Garden Route & Big 5 Safari
Knysna · Plettenberg Bay · Tsitsikamma · Cape St Francis · Kariega
10 nights · Self-drive with flights, hotels & malaria-free safari
Departs 9 Jun 2027 · Book by 31 Dec 2026
- Flights with British Airways
- 11-day SUV hire with zero-liability cover
- Malaria-free Big 5 safari
- 4 game drives & sundowners
Holiday overview
Discover the magic of South Africa’s Garden Route – from stunning beaches and coastal towns to thrilling adventures and a Big 5 malaria-free safari.
At the wheel of your own SUV, you’ll take in the lagoon town of Knysna, the Blue Flag beaches of Plettenberg Bay, the adventure capital of Tsitsikamma and the laid-back shores of Cape St Francis, before finishing with two nights on full board at Kariega Game Reserve. A perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, nature and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Highlights
- Self-drive the Garden Route at your own pace
- Lagoon-view room in Knysna
- Balcony room close to Blue Flag Robberg Beach
- Tsitsikamma, the adventure capital of the route
- Beaches and water sports at Cape St Francis
- Big 5 safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape
- 4 game drives & sundowners at Kariega
What's included
- International flights with 23kg baggage
- 10 nights' accommodation (details below)
- 2 nights full board at Kariega Main Lodge with 4 game drives & sundowners
- 11-day SUV hire (Toyota Urban Cruiser or similar) with premium car insurance
- All additional drivers, unlimited mileage, zero-liability collision damage waiver and theft loss, plus tyre, rim, hubcap and windscreen cover
- Return airport transfers
Not included
- Tips (discretionary)
- Activities marked "own account" in the itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Days 1–2Arrive George – Knysna
British Airways flights from the UK to George (London Heathrow routing via Johannesburg)
On arrival at George Airport, pick up your SUV (Group M – Toyota Urban Cruiser or similar) and set off along the Garden Route – one of the most flexible and visually rewarding road trips in the world, stretching roughly 300km along the N2 from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Your first stop is Knysna, a picturesque coastal town set between the Outeniqua Mountains and a vast, tranquil tidal lagoon. Known for its timber history, fresh oysters and dramatic coastal scenery, it’s one of the central hubs for exploring the region.
Overnight: Hide Away Guest House (2 nights) · Double Executive Room, Lagoon View · Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Plettenberg Bay
Continue along the coast to Plettenberg Bay. Your base, The Robberg Beach Lodge, is close to the town’s restaurants, galleries and bars, with rooftop viewing decks, honesty bars and access to the Blue Flag Robberg Beach.
Overnight: The Robberg Beach Lodge (2 nights) · Double Luxury Room with Balcony · Meals: Breakfast
Day 4Plettenberg Bay at leisure
A day to enjoy Plettenberg Bay at your own pace, with plenty to see and do in the surrounding area.
Overnight: The Robberg Beach Lodge · Meals: Breakfast
Days 5–6Tsitsikamma – adventure capital of the route
Head on to Tsitsikamma, famous for its high-adrenaline outdoor activities – from ziplining high above the tree canopy to world-record bungee jumping and river kayaking through dark, narrow gorges.
Overnight: Tsitsikamma Village Inn (2 nights) · Double Barn Room · Meals: Breakfast
Days 7–8Cape St Francis
Unwind at Cape St Francis, renowned as a water-sports paradise with surfing, kite-surfing, surf ski and canoe paddling off Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay and on the nearby Kromme River. Golfers can take on the top-ten-rated St Francis Links, or the easier but still challenging St Francis Bay Golf Club nearby.
Overnight: The Sands at St Francis (2 nights) · Double Luxury Room, Lower Level · Meals: Breakfast
Day 9Kariega Game Reserve – Big 5 safari
Drive to the beautiful 12,000-hectare Kariega Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape for the safari finale of your holiday. Prepare for close-up viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – along with a wealth of other African wildlife and birdlife.
Overnight: Kariega Main Lodge (2 nights) · Double 1 Bedroom Chalet · Meals: Full board
Day 10Kariega safari
A full day in the reserve, with game drives in the morning and afternoon, finishing with sundowners as the sun sets over the bush.
Overnight: Kariega Main Lodge · Meals: Full board
Day 11Departure
Enjoy a final morning game drive, then drive to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport, drop off your vehicle and fly home.
End of holiday · Meals: Breakfast
Where you'll stay
Hide Away Guest House, Knysna
Double Executive Room, Lagoon View · Bed & breakfast
The Robberg Beach Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
Double Luxury Room with Balcony · Bed & breakfast
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Double Barn Room · Bed & breakfast
The Sands at St Francis
Double Luxury Room · Bed & breakfast
Kariega Main Lodge
Double 1 Bedroom Chalet · Full board, 4 game drives & sundowners
Dates & prices
Prices per person, based on two adults sharing, for departure on 9 June 2027. Quote the reference for your departure airport when you call.
| Departure | Flying from | Price pp | Quote ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Jun 2027 | Dublin | £2,359 | c17143 |
| 09 Jun 2027 | London Heathrow | £2,405 | c16924 |
| 09 Jun 2027 | Glasgow | £2,475 | c17137 |
| 09 Jun 2027 | Birmingham | £2,769 | c17141 |
| 09 Jun 2027 | Manchester | £2,775 | c17134 |
Ready for the Garden Route?
From £2,359 pp · 10 nights · Departs 9 Jun 2027 · Book by 31 Dec 2026
01904 767511Please quote “Garden Route & Big 5 Safari – 09 Jun 2027” and your departure airport reference.
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing, correct at time of publishing and subject to availability. Activities marked "own account" are not included in the holiday price.
Conexo Travel Agent York
Conexo Travel Agent York sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number L420X.Conexo Travel is a trading name of Conexo Solutions Ltd who are registered in England and Wales with company number 05153482 and VAT number 847 6411 09. Registered office: 45 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 2HU
Contact
Call: 01904 767511
Email: info@conexo.co.uk
Opening times
Mon | 09:30 - 16:30 | |
Tue | 09:30 - 16:30 | |
Wed | 09:30 - 16:30 | |
Thu | 09:30 - 16:30 | |
Fri | 09:30 - 16:30 | |
Sat | 09:30 - 14:00 | |
Sun | Closed |
Information
Book with Confidence
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For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0599 or www.abta.com
