Whether you’re planning your first Garden Route adventure or you’re a seasoned traveller, we’ve answered the questions we receive most often. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact our reservations team and we’ll be happy to assist.

 

Should I book directly with BokBus or through another booking platform?

We always recommend booking directly with BokBus whenever possible.

By booking directly with us, you may qualify for exclusive direct booking discounts that are not always available through third-party booking platforms. Our reservations team can also provide the latest availability, accommodation options and personalised service.

Before booking through another platform, contact us directly for our best available rate.

Can I book through any booking platform?

Yes. Our tours are available through several trusted booking partners. However, we encourage guests to contact BokBus directly before making a booking, as we may be able to offer exclusive direct booking discounts and provide the latest availability.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that travel plans can change.

You may cancel your booking up to 24 hours before your tour departure and receive a full refund, less a 5% administration fee.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are only effective once acknowledged by BokBus.

For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Accommodation

Can we upgrade our accommodation from a backpacker dormitory to a private room or guesthouse?

Yes. Accommodation upgrades can be arranged before departure or during the tour, subject to availability. Individual establishments may charge amendment or cancellation fees when changes are made after the original booking.

Is bedding included?

Yes. All bedding, linen, pillows and blankets are provided.

There is no need to bring a sleeping bag.

What room types are available?

Depending on availability we offer:

• Shared Dormitories

• Single Rooms

• Double Rooms

• Twin Rooms

• Triple Rooms/ Family room ( Very few available)

What is the difference between dormitories, private rooms and guesthouses?

Backpacker Dormitories

Shared rooms accommodating between four and twelve guests.

Wherever possible, male and female guests are accommodated separately.

Backpacker Private Rooms

Available as Single, Double or Twin Rooms.

Rooms may have shared or private bathrooms.

Not as many amenities as a guest house room

Guesthouses

Private guesthouse accommodation.

All guesthouse rooms include private en-suite bathrooms.

Have more amenities: Tv, coffee and tea stations, fridge/Minibar, hair dryers, air-conditioning(in some), Iron and personal care items 

Can I request a chalet instead of a lodge room for the night at Garden Route Game Lodge?

Accommodation allocations are made by our accommodation partners before arrival.

Depending on availability, you may be allocated either a lodge room or a chalet. Unfortunately, we are generally unable to confirm the room type before your arrival and without prior request.

Can we have rooms close together?

Yes.

Families and friends can request rooms close to one another. Please let us know before departure and we will do our best to arrange this with our accommodation partners.

If I stay at different accommodation from the rest of the group during the 3,4,5 and 6 Days Tours, can I still join everyone for dinner?

Absolutely.

You are welcome to join the rest of the group for dinner and enjoy the social atmosphere of the tour.

Can BokBus arrange something special for birthdays, honeymoons or anniversaries?

Yes.

With prior notice, we are happy to arrange a small surprise for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons. While we cannot guarantee elaborate arrangements, we will gladly help make your celebration memorable.

Can I arrange private dining at Garden Route Game Lodge?

Yes.

Private dining can usually be arranged directly with the lodge, subject to availability and additional costs

Transport & Logistics

Where do you collect guests?

We provide complimentary collections from:

• Hout Bay

• Camps Bay

• Sea Point

• Green Point

• V&A Waterfront

• Cape Town City Centre

• Gardens

• District Six

• Woodstock

• Century City

• Lagoon Beach Hotel

• Cape Town International Airport

• Hotel Verde

• Somerset West

• Gordon’s Bay

2-Day and 3 Days Tour only

• Hermanus

Where do you drop guests off?

Drop-off areas are the same as our collection areas.

I am staying outside your collection area. Can I still join the tour?

Yes.

Guests staying outside our collection areas are welcome to meet us at one of our designated collection points.

Transport to and from the collection point is for the guest’s own account.

What time do tours depart?

Collections begin from approximately 06:00.

What time do tours return?

Tours generally return to Cape Town at approximately 18:30, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Can I be dropped off somewhere different?

Yes.

Provided your requested drop-off point falls within our designated collection and drop-off areas.

Is there a luggage limit?

As luggage space is shared, we request that each guest brings:

You can bring a reasonable amount of luggage on tour, typically consisting of one checked suitcase, one carry-on bag, and one small personal item (such as a backpack or handbag). If you are unsure, please contact us.

Are charging facilities available?

Yes.

Most accommodation establishments provide universal charging points or adapters.

Tour Experience

What is the average group size?

Group sizes vary depending on the tour.

Most tours operate with up to 11 guests, while our 6-Day Garden Route Tour accommodates a maximum of 13 guests.

This allows for a relaxed and personalised experience.

What is the average age of travellers?

Most guests are between 20 and 45 years old.

We also regularly welcome solo travellers, couples, families and active senior travellers.

Are solo travellers welcome?

Absolutely.

Many of our guests travel solo.

Private rooms are available at a single supplemented rate, or shared dormitories if you enjoy meeting fellow travellers.

Do I need to be fluent in English?

No.

However, a basic understanding of English is recommended, as all tours are conducted in English.

What fitness level is required?

Most activities require a moderate level of fitness.

Walking trails can be completed comfortably at a relaxed pace.

Do I have to hike to the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge?

No.

The walk to the suspension bridge is optional.

Guests are welcome to relax at the visitor centre while others complete the walk.

Can I choose my own optional activity?

Yes.

If time permits within the itinerary, your guide will gladly assist you in arranging your preferred optional activity.

Wildlife & Nature

Is the Garden Route a malaria-free destination?

Yes.

All destinations visited on our scheduled Garden Route tours are malaria-free.

Is Garden Route Game Lodge a National Park?

No.

Garden Route Game Lodge is a private game reserve.

It operates under legislation governing private wildlife reserves and conservation areas.

Can I see the Big Five at Garden Route Game Lodge?

The reserve is home to the Big Five, giving guests an excellent opportunity to see them.

However, the animals roam freely within their natural habitat, so sightings can never be guaranteed.

Can I see the Big Five in Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo is home to the Big Five.

As with any wildlife experience, sightings depend on the animals’ movements on the day.

Because Addo covers a much larger area than a private reserve, sightings may be less predictable.

Is the Addo National Park entrance fee included on the 5 Day Tour?

No.

The conservation entrance fee is payable separately.

Your guided game drive in the BokBus tour vehicle is included in your tour.

If I have already been on safari elsewhere, do I have to visit Addo?

No.

Guests who have already experienced another safari, such as Kruger National Park, may choose to spend their time relaxing in Jeffreys Bay instead.

Do we still visit Hermanus outside whale season?

Yes.

Hermanus is one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal towns and is included throughout the year, not only during whale season.

Can I go shark cage diving on the 2-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day tours?

No.

Due to the timing of these itineraries, shark cage diving cannot be accommodated.

Food & Dietary Requirements

Can you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes.

We cater for Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Banting/Keto diets.

Please advise us when making your booking.

Can I use my dinner credit towards drinks instead?

Yes.

If you choose not to have dinner where a dinner credit is included, the equivalent value may be used towards drinks.

Is there a non-alcoholic option during the wine tasting on the 3-Day Tour?

Yes.

A non-alcoholic alternative is available.

Payments

Do you accept ISIC or student cards?

No.

Instead, we offer a 5% online booking discount for guests booking directly through BokBus.

How do I pay for optional activities?

Optional activities can be arranged through your guide during the tour.

Payment is made directly to the activity provider using major credit cards.

Our Guides

Are all BokBus guides South African?

Yes.

All of our guides are South African and bring extensive local knowledge, culture and experience to every tour.

Will we have the same guide throughout the tour?

Yes.

Your BokBus guide remains with the group throughout the tour, ensuring consistency, local knowledge and personalised service from start to finish.

Still Have Questions?

If you cannot find the answer you’re looking for, please contact our reservations team.

We’re always happy to help you plan your Garden Route adventure.