Overview

This is one of our popular tours & safari itineraries in South Africa and a great introduction to the country. Experience Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and a safari in the Eastern Cape at one of the many malaria free game reserves in the area. The food is excellent, the scenery is spectacular & the adventures exciting – lots to do and see.

Start off in the spectacular and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town as you spend four days exploring her many attractions. There are various day tours available, group or private touring. You have to take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and soak up the amazing views, enjoy a tour down the spectacular Cape Peninsula to Cape Point via the African penguin colony of Boulders Beach and stroll around the ever-popular V&A Waterfront.

Then it is time to head for the Cape Winelands and to indulge in the gourmet delights of South Africa’s fine food. Enjoy great wine tasting and award-winning cuisine, the historical and cultural heritage of the region while visiting quaint villages and vibrant townships, outdoor museums and galleries, open-air theatres and outdoor art and craft exhibitions. A full day guided tour will take care of the visit for you.

Aptly named, South Africa’s Garden Route stretches along the picturesque Southern Cape coast from Mossel Bay in the west (about 4 hours from Cape Town) to the Storms River/Tsitsikamma region to the east (about 2 hours from Port Elizabeth / Nelson Mandela Bay). Its name has nothing to do with gardens or horticulture. It refers to the natural beauty, lush vegetation and breath-taking scenery of this paradise – South Africa’s own Garden of Eden.

Spanning two provinces (Western Cape and Eastern Cape), The Garden Route also includes the towns of George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, The Crags and Storms River Village. Further inland, the famous Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, the heart of ostrich country, is also considered to be part of the greater Garden Route.

Heading towards the coastline, your next stop is Knysna, a town that encompasses indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs and an idyllic lagoon. Knysna offers a rush of adventure activities, exciting festivals and world-class golf courses.

Marvel in an unforgettable safari experience at the malaria free Kariega Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and phenomenal Big 5 game viewing.

Itinerary

Days 1 – 4 Arrive in Cape Town – More Quarters Hotel

On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to the boutique More Quarters Hotel in Cape Town’s city centre, for four nights. The next four days enjoy and explore this historic city and surrounds. The vibrant Kloof Street is located very close to the hotel and offers a variety of quirky shops and local arts and crafts; it is also close to Cape Town’s famous beaches.

You can take a walk down the Company Gardens for a more relaxed afternoon in this exciting city. You will discover Cape Town’s hidden eateries that serve organic and artisanal fare for dedicated foodies. Mingle with locals on the first Thursday of the month when the city comes alive with open art galleries and cultural experiences available to the public.

A total must is that you take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s iconic landmark. You can also enjoy a ferry trip across the cold Atlantic to Robben Island where President Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years of imprisonment. In the afternoon you can do a bit of shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, located next to the Robben Island Ferry.

A day trip to the coastal town of Kalk Bay is the perfect way to enjoy the ocean views and freshly caught seafood sold in the harbour. Bohemian restaurants, antique stores and bookshops tucked away down little alleyways make this quaint town a must-visit attraction.

A trip to the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine valleys for world-class wine tasting and fine dining fare is also an option and for the more adventurous, paraglide over the Atlantic Seaboard or hike up Lion’s head where you will enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city.

Overnight: More Quarters Boutique Hotel, Cape Town

Days 5 – 6 Cape Town – Cape Winelands

This morning bring you to the heart of the winelands, to the charming town of Stellenbosch and the River Manor Boutique Hotel for the next 2 nights. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and the centre of the largest and most varied wine route.

A great way to visit many of the wine farms is to take the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on hop-off tram and tram-bus tour that takes you through the heart of the valley, stopping off at all the best places for wine tasting, cellar tours, lunches and vineyard strolls. During your 2-night stay in this historic town enjoy any one of the 75 restaurants in the town or head to a wine estate for a cellar tour and tasting. Franschhoek and Paarl are just a few minutes away.

Overnight: Eendracht Hotel, Stellenbosch

Day 7 Cape Winelands – Oudtshoorn, Garden Route

After a sumptuous breakfast, you depart Stellenbosch; the scenic journey will take you along the Garden Route to the town of Oudtshoorn, ostrich feather capital of the world for one night. During the visit you will stop and explore the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the dramatic Cango Caves. Mid-afternoon will find you checking in at the Berluda Farmhouse and Cottages, a working ostrich farm.

Optional activities at Berluda: (we will pre-book some for you)

• Ostrich tour, giving you a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the farming activities of a real working ostrich farm.
• Sunset Drives: Enjoy one of the magnificent Karoo sunsets over the Swartberg Mountains while sipping a sundowner.
• Meerkat Encounter: introduction of their Meerkat Family, an early morning drive down to their burrows.
• Fishing, hiking, mountain biking.

Overnight: Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages, Oudtshoorn

Days 8 – 9 Oudtshoorn, Garden Route – Knysna, Garden Route

This morning you continue on along the garden route as you head towards the coastal town of Knysna. Situated between the town of George and the Tsitsikamma Forest, Knysna is perfectly positioned to explore the top attractions of all three areas. During the next few days, you can choose some of the attractions and exiting activities on the Garden Route.

Overnight: Kanonkop Guest House, Knysna

Days 10 – 11 Knysna – Kariega Game Reserve, Port Elizabeth

Today you bid farewell to the garden route and travel towards Port Elizabeth where you will then head inland to the private malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve. During your stay at Kariega, you will venture out into the African bush in an open safari vehicle that is led by a professional guide. Morning and evening game drives afford you up-close encounters with wild animals, including the famous Big Five. You will also have the opportunity to explore the bush on foot, learning about the smaller wondrous creatures and the different plants of the reserve.

Overnight: Kariega Game Reserve

Day 12: Kariega Game Reserve – Port Elizabeth Airport – Last Day

After one final morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to your next destination.

END OF TOUR