Day 1: Cape Town to Mossel Bay – Coastal Beginnings
- Morning: Depart Cape Town (4–5 hours, 350 km). Stop at Betty’s Bay to see the penguin colony ($5).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Mossel Bay. Visit Diaz Museum ($2) and enjoy Santos Beach (free). Lunch at Kaai 4 for braai ($5–$10).
- Evening: Check into a Mossel Bay guesthouse ($30–$80). Dine at The Kingfisher for seafood ($8–$15).
- Tip: Book shark cage diving ($150) for an adrenaline rush (July–November).
Day 2: Mossel Bay to Wilderness – Lakes and Forests
- Morning: Drive to Wilderness (1 hour, 60 km). Canoe in Wilderness National Park ($10–$20) or hike the Kingfisher Trail (free).
- Afternoon: Lunch at The Girls Restaurant (salads, $5–$10). Visit Map of Africa viewpoint (free).
- Evening: Stay in a Wilderness guesthouse ($20–$50). Dine at Cocomo for live music and pizza ($5–$10).
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for canoeing; bring a camera for scenic views.
Day 3: Wilderness to Knysna – Lagoons and Heads
- Morning: Drive to Knysna (45 minutes, 50 km). Explore Knysna Heads (free) or take a lagoon boat cruise ($15).
- Afternoon: Lunch at East Head Café (burgers, $5–$8). Visit Featherbed Nature Reserve ($20, book ahead).
- Evening: Stay in a Knysna guesthouse ($30–$80). Dine at Sirocco for upscale seafood ($10–$20).
- Tip: Book lagoon cruises early; avoid peak lunch hours at cafés.
Day 4: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay – Beaches and Reserves
- Morning: Drive to Plettenberg Bay (30 minutes, 30 km). Hike Robberg Nature Reserve ($5, 2–4 hours).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Ristorante Enrico (pasta, $5–$10). Relax at Lookout Beach or join a whale-watching tour ($80, July–November).
- Evening: Stay in a Plettenberg Bay hotel ($50–$150). Dine at The Fat Fish for sushi ($8–$15).
- Tip: Wear sunscreen for hikes; book whale watching in advance.
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma – Adventure and Forests
- Morning: Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park (1 hour, 60 km). Hike the Mouth Trail to the suspension bridge ($15).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Tsitsikamma Cattle Baron (steak, $8–$12). Kayak Storms River ($20) or bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge ($100).
- Evening: Stay in a Tsitsikamma guesthouse ($20–$50). Dine at Rafters Restaurant (local dishes, $5–$10).
- Tip: Book bungee jumping early; bring a waterproof jacket for kayaking.
Day 6: Tsitsikamma to Addo – Safari Begins
- Morning: Drive to Addo Elephant National Park via Port Elizabeth (3 hours, 200 km). Enter via Matyholweni Gate ($20/adult). Self-drive to Hapoor Dam for elephant sightings.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Addo Rest Camp (sandwiches, $3–$7). Join a guided game drive ($50–$100) for Big 5 spotting.
- Evening: Stay at Addo Main Camp chalet ($50–$100) or Riverbend Lodge ($150–$300). Dine at the camp restaurant (buffet, $10–$15).
- Tip: Arrive by noon for optimal wildlife viewing; book guided drives via SANParks.
Day 7: Addo to Port Elizabeth – Wildlife and Departure
- Morning: Early self-drive safari in Addo ($20 entry). Visit waterholes for elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Explore Bird Island viewpoints if visiting the marine section ($10 boat tour).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Addo Cattle Baron (grill, $8–$12). Drive to Port Elizabeth (1 hour, 75 km). Visit Boardwalk for souvenirs (free).
- Evening: Depart from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) or extend to Cape Town/Johannesburg (flights $50–$150).
- Tip: Check in online for Addo entry to save time; carry binoculars for birdwatching.
Notes
- Total Cost: $500–$1,200/person (excluding international flights), depending on lodging and activities.
- Transport: Self-drive (rental car recommended) or guided tours. Book via 12go.asia or Viator for convenience.
- Reservations: Book Addo accommodations and activities 3–6 months ahead for summer; secure car rentals early.
- Packing: Lightweight clothing, warm layers for winter, hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars.
