Garden Route Family Safari

Prepare your clients for a fantastic family adventure through some of the Garden Route‘s most beautiful spots. Starting in Knysna, they’ll enjoy a mix of tranquility and thrill. From boat rides on the Knysna Lagoon, face-to-face encounters with gentle giants at Knysna Elephant Park, and stand-up paddleboarding adventures. A short ferry ride takes them to the Featherbed Nature Reserve for hikes that won’t wear out the kids—or the parents.

Then, we shift gears and landscapes to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the perfect family bonding time in the wild. The “Kids on Safari” program ensures education and fun go hand in paw. And who could resist evening sundowners with a bush view or a visit to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary? Highlighting the trip are the close encounters with Africa’s wildlife, luxurious lodgings amidst nature, and activities well-suited for all ages. This itinerary might just make their family album “go wild!”

Tour Highlights
  • Best of Knysna Tour
  • Knysna Crags Animal Experience
  • Tsitsikamma Slides & Rides Guided Tour
  • Dragon Dunes & Zipline
  • Kids on Safari
  • Daily safari game drives
Included
  • Accommodation
  • Car rental for for the duration of this tour with premium insurance cover and unlimited mileage
  • 24/7 On-call local support
  • All local tourism taxes and levies
Excluded
  • Flights
  • Visa processing fees
  • Insurance
  • Tips, gratuities and porterage
  • All items of a personal nature
  • All items not explicitly stated

Trip Itinerary

The Turbine Hotel Knysna

Day 1

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Arrival at the George Airport 
Upon arrival at George Airport, you'll head to the designated car hire company to collect your vehicle and kick-start your journey the Turbine hotel.

Leisure time
Explore more of Knysna at your leisure.

Day 2

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Best of Knysna Tour
Featherbed Eco Experience, Seahorse Aquarium, Thesen Island, Belvidere Estate and Brenton-on-Sea.

Leisure time
Explore more of Knysna at your leisure.

knysna featherbed
Tenikwa Wild Cats

Day 3

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Knysna Crags Animal Experience
Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Tenikwa Wild Cats

or

Tsitsikamma Slides & Rides Guided Tour
Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River Village & Segway Trips.

Leisure time
Explore more of Knysna at your leisure.

Day 4

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Classic Oudtshoorn Trio Guided Day Tour
Visit ostrich farms, Cango Wildlife Ranch, and the Cango Caves.

Leisure time
Explore more of Knysna at your leisure.

cango caves tour
Dragon Dunes Sandboarding

Day 5

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Dragon Dunes & Zipline

The biggest and longest sandboard ride in South Africa. Situated on private land, this ‘beast’ provides the ultimate ride on sand, similar to snowboarding.

Spanning approximately 1100 meters in length (and reaching up to 90km/h), the zipline lets you glide over the bay for an adrenaline-fueled experience.

Day 6

Knysna, South Africa

Turbine Hotel

Leisure time
Explore more of Knysna at your leisure.

Shamwari Bayethe
Shamwari Bayethe (10)

Day 7

Shamwari Private Nature Reserve

Bayethe Lodge

Travel to Shamwari Private Nature Reserve 
After breakfast, prepare for a 4-hour transfer to the Shamwari Private Nature Reserve, where wildlife adventures await. After checking in at Bayethe Lodge, guests can relax before the first game drive.

Kids on Safari
Upon arrival at Bayethe Lodge, parents can register their kids for the Kids on Safari Adventure Centre. Kids will have access to both indoor and outdoor activities throughout their stay.

Daily Game Drives
Child minding is available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives.

Day 8

Shamwari Private Nature Reserve

Bayethe Lodge

Kids on Safari
Visits to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. With a host of activities to keep the active bodies happy, from climbing walls to ziplines as well as indoor craft activities.

Daily Game Drives
Child minding is available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives.

Kids on Safari - Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Kids on Safari - Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Day 9

Shamwari Private Nature Reserve

Bayethe Lodge

Leisure time
Explore more of reserve at your leisure. The lodge features a spacious lounge, and for outdoor fun, there’s a swimming pool and a children’s activity centre, which includes a supervised playroom and jungle gym. The boma area is perfect for evening gatherings around the fire. Guests also have access to a wellness centre offering rejuvenating spa treatments.

Daily Game Drives
Child minding is available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives.

Day 10

Shamwari Private Nature Reserve

Bayethe Lodge

End of Tour
On the final day, following a leisurely breakfast, guests will be driven back to the nearest international airport for their departure. And there you have it—a balanced blend of tranquillity, excitement, and memorable family moments.

Boat Cruise at Shamwari

While on this tour, clients can opt to play golf instead of some of the proposed activities.

The closest golf courses to Knysna include the prestigious Simola Golf and Country Estate and the scenic Pezula Championship Golf Course, both offering stunning views and challenging fairways.

Perfect for clients looking to swap a sundowner for a sand wedge!