DAY 1: Greater Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa

This morning you are collected from the selected hotel in Port Elizabeth, a major coastal city in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Leaving the port city we head to Addo Elephant Park, one of South Africa's leading national parks for big game viewing. As its name suggests Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, hosting over 550 of these giant mammals.

Today the national park incorporates both terrestrial and marine ecosystems covering about 405,252 acres (1,640km²) of unspoiled wilderness. We embark on an afternoon game drive, searching out big game and experiencing the wild African bushveld. The Big Five are found in Addo (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard), along with cheetahs, endangered African wild dogs and spotted hyenas. Antelopes are also plentiful, including springbok, red hartebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu and bushbuck, and zebras.

Tonight we stay in permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms at a restored colonial estate in the countryside near Addo Park.

DAY 2: Tsitsikamma National Park (Garden Route) – South Africa

An early start today as we drive west to Jeffrey's Bay. Nicknamed J'Bay, this coastal town is a world-famous surfing destination, drawing surfers from across the planet. We stop briefly in J'Bay, popping into the small Surfing Museum or simply watching the waves break.

Then we drive into the Garden Route area of South Africa. This incredibly scenic stretch of the southern coast is an outdoor enthusiast's playground, with tranquil lagoons, lazy rivers, stunning beaches, forests, fynbos and majestic mountains.

Our next stop is Tsitsikamma. The Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area is one of the largest marine protected areas and the first marine national park in Africa, forming part of the Garden Route National Park. We spend two nights in the hamlet of Storms River, on the fringes of Tsitsikamma Forest.

DAY 3: Tsitsikamma National Park – South Africa

Into Tsitsikamma National Park we go. This morning we walk the first leg of the famous Otter Trail, one of the most popular hikes in South Africa. We hike from the Storms River Mouth area along the rocky coastline to a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall plunges into natural pools right next to the crashing waves - an ideal spot for an invigorating swim.

For those wanting a less strenuous morning, there are shorter and easier walks in the area. Take a stroll along the boardwalk at Storms River Mouth, bird watching, taking in the ocean views and crossing the suspension bridge over Storms River.

This afternoon we embark on a tour called the Woodcutters Journey. This interesting journey reveals more about the indigenous flora and fauna of this rich ecosystem, as well as the local history of the Tsitsikamma area. Alternatively, you can do a zip-line tour in the indigenous coastal forests. This exciting optional activity offers lovely aerial views of the lush forests as you zip between the tall treetops of the canopy.

DAY 4: Tsitsikamma to Plettenberg Bay & Wilderness (Garden Route) – South Africa

A whole day for exploring the nature lover's haven of the Garden Route.

Spend time in the evergreen forests and unique fynbos vegetation indigenous to South Africa. Lie on a pretty sandy beach, swim in the Indian Ocean and choose from a host of exciting activities. For the biggest adrenalin boost, go bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge - one of the highest commercial jumps in the world! Less hair-raising options include visiting the Birds of Eden and Monkey Town sanctuary to get a close look at various exotic birds, primates and other animals.

We start the day at Natures Valley where you can hike in the coastal forests or relax on the unspoiled beach. From there, the tour vehicle travels to various attractions on a set schedule, enabling you to move between destinations. Your guide can help you to plan activities, ensuring that you get the most out of today.

This afternoon you can spend some time relaxing on the scenic Keurbooms Lagoon beach near Plettenberg Bay before we continue to Wilderness. Traveling further west along the Garden Route, tonight we stay at a resort in the charming coastal village of Wilderness. Accommodation is in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms and facilities include a pool, bar, restaurant and internet.

DAY 5: Wilderness to Oudtshoorn – South Africa

Wake up beside the tranquil Touw River in the heart of the Garden Route. After breakfast in Wilderness, we say goodbye to the scenic Southern Coast, travelling over the lofty Outeniqua Mountains into the Klein Karoo.

Today's destination is Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, which translates from Afrikaans to 'Little Karoo'. The Karoo town of Oudtshoorn is famous for two main things - its abundance of ostriches and the Cango Caves. This afternoon we get to experience the underground wonders of the Karoo on a guided tour of Cango Caves. This extensive cave system dates back about 20 million years providing a fascinating geological journey through limestone caverns and subterranean passageways.

Tonight we stay at a peaceful guesthouse on a farm near Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo.

DAY 6: Route 62 & Cape Whale Coast – South Africa

Today we drive along the well-known Route 62, passing through the barren Klein Karoo on our way to the Cape Whale Coast. Along the way, we stop to sample the homemade treats, and browse local arts and crafts, at one of the many quaint and unique farmstalls along Route 62. One of our colorful stops is at a quirky bar, with an eye-catching name - Ronnie's Sex Shop - which is actually just a country pub.

Our next destination is the coastal town of Hermanus, the top whale watching hotspot in the country. Tonight we stay in en-suite rooms at a comfortable hotel overlooking the ocean. In the evening you are free to relax at the hotel or eat out with your fellow travelers.

DAY 7: Hermanus to Cape Town – South Africa

Begin the last morning with a scenic stroll along the seaside boardwalk in Hermanus. An easy walk for simply enjoying the fresh air, ocean views and whale watching (in season). During whale watching season (July to November) southern right whales are commonly sighted off the coast here.

Leaving Hermanus we drive west along the Cape Whale Coast Route to Betty's Bay and the nearby Stony Point Nature Reserve. Visiting the Stony Point reserve we encounter one of the world's largest breeding colonies of African Penguins and endangered cormorant species. Next, we stop in at a wine farm in the Stellenbosch region of the famous Cape Winelands. Here you are treated to a Chocolate & Wine Tasting to sample the decadent delights of the Western Cape.

Then we make our way towards the iconic Table Mountain and Cape Town. Completing the last leg of our Garden Route Small Group Adventure, our memorable journey through South Africa ends in the beautiful city of Cape Town.