South Africa Safari and Garden Route Combination
Can’t decide between a wildlife safari and coastal road trip? Why not do both! A South Africa Safari and Garden Route combination gives you the best of both worlds: thrilling Big Five game drives and scenic adventures along one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes.
At Mandari Travel, we create seamless, custom-made itineraries that link iconic safari parks with Garden Route highlights—all designed around your travel style, timeline, and budget.
Why Combine Safari and the Garden Route
Big Five Wildlife + Stunning Coastline
Diverse Experiences: Safari, beaches, mountains, forests, and wine
Easy Logistics: Well-maintained roads, domestic flights, and top-notch lodges
Family-Friendly: Activities for all ages, including malaria-free safari zones
Year-Round Destination: Each season offers something special
Sample 10-Day Safari + Garden Route Itinerary
Day 1–3: Safari in Eastern Cape (Addo Elephant Park or Private Reserve)
- Malaria-free game drives in Big Five territory
- Stay in a lodge or luxury tented camp
- Sunset safaris, bush dinners, and rhino sightings
Day 4–5: Tsitsikamma National Park
- Hike the Storms River Mouth trail
- Walk across the iconic suspension bridge
- Explore ancient forests and dramatic coastline
Day 6–7: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
- Visit Knysna Lagoon and Featherbed Nature Reserve
- Enjoy beaches, boat cruises, and wildlife sanctuaries
- Optional whale-watching or dolphin boat tours
Day 8–9: Oudtshoorn (Little Karoo)
- Visit the Cango Caves and ostrich farms
- Scenic drive over the Swartberg Pass
- Hot-air ballooning or meerkat encounters
Day 10: Depart from George or Cape Town
- Optional winelands stopover or city extension
Safari Options Along the Garden Route
You don’t need to fly all the way to Kruger for a great safari. These Eastern and Southern Cape reserves are ideal for a Garden Route combo:
- Addo Elephant National Park – Elephants, lions, and self-drive friendly
- Amakhala Game Reserve – Family-friendly with Big Five sightings
- Shamwari Game Reserve – Luxury, conservation-focused, and malaria-free
- Gondwana Game Reserve (near Mossel Bay) – Safari near the coast
How to Travel the Garden Route
- Self-Drive: Flexible and easy to navigate; rent a car and explore at your own pace
- Private Guided Tour: Relax and let our guides show you the highlights
- Fly & Drive: Combine short internal flights with road travel for time efficiency
Best Time to Visit
- Safari: Year-round; May–September best for wildlife visibility
- Garden Route: October–April for warmer weather and ocean activities
- Whale Watching: June to November (Hermanus & Plettenberg Bay)
Book Your Custom Safari + Garden Route Trip with Mandari Travel
Whether you’re a couple, family, or solo adventurer, Mandari Travel will tailor your South African journey from the wild bush to the scenic coast.
Email: info@mandaritravel
Call/WhatsApp: +255 750 900 811
Tell us your preferred travel dates, interests, and travel pace, we’ll build your perfect safari and Garden Route adventure.
