Garden Route Wildlife is a three day guided experience in a private, Big five, 11 000 hectare, malaria free game reserve. Spend time with expert trail guides who will intimately expose you to the Reserves unique biodiversity and eco systems with the opportunity to potentially experience wildlife on foot. Four game drives and all meals are included.
Garden Route Wildlife is an all-inclusive luxury trip to experience the wildlife and Fynbos landscape in a private game reserve in the Western Cape. You just need to bring your boots, and the team will take care of the rest. Enjoy nature and wildlife on game drives and guided walks.
The Garden Route
Located about four hours outside Cape Town, the Garden Route spans one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, extending for 300 km between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. It is one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. Garden Route Wildlife Walk offers an exciting introduction to this area and its attractions.
Scenery
The route features stunning fynbos and grass plains. The Cape Floral Region, while the smallest of the world’s six floral regions, is the richest and most critically endangered. It is home to 596 unique fynbos species, many of which occur only in specific locations like mountain peaks, valleys, or wetlands. The reserve is rich in plant species such as Proteas, Ericas, Cone bush, Pincushions, Lilies, Gladiolus, and Restios.
Wildlife
The reserve hosts free-roaming wildlife including lions, black rhinoceros, eland, red hartebeest, endangered Cape Mountain zebra, springbok, kudu, and elephants. There are approximately 60 mammal species and 150 bird species found here.
Expert trail guides
Qualified trail guides offer in-depth knowledge about the geology, wildlife, vegetation, and history of the area, ensuring an enriching experience.
Game drives
Four game drives are included, offering the chance to explore the reserve and encounter its diverse wildlife.
Overnight: Private suite
Fynbos trail
Overnight: Private suite
The published rate is an indicative price. It depends on the season and availability. It will be confirmed on request.
EXCLUDED
Items not mentioned above, e.g.:
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Yes, the program is child friendly, age 6 and older. Special program for age 4 and over also available
Yes, you can join other guests on the Fynbos walk and game drives. Single room can be booked, subject to availability.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
No serious hiking. Wear comfortable clothes.


