SOUTH AFRICA – Cape Town with Garden Route

• Cape Peninsula

• Hout Bay

• Chapman’s peak drive

• Cape of Good Hope

• Simon’s Town

• Stellenbosch Winelands

• Garden Route 

• Jefferey Bay 

• Addo Elephant National Park

• Oudtshoorn

• Arrival: Day01 before 12 pm (flexible)
• Return: Day10 anytime after 9am (flexible)

Airport: Cape Town International Airport

Description:

Start with a pick-up from Cape Town International Airport.

There’s nothing quite like that pre-vacation high. A combination of relief that you’ve escaped your every day and nervous excitement for the new things to come.

Today is really a free (unguided) day for you to acclimatise, to cast off any weariness from your journey and to get your bearings in South Africa’s Mother City. It’s a town known for its vibrant foodie culture, so bon vivants will be in their element along Long and Bree Streets in the CBD. And, in South Africa, no sundowner is complete without a colourful sunset. Camps Bay, an easy Uber ride from the centre of town, is one of the best spots to soak up the view, as is one of the many bars such as the elegant Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel.

Of course, if you’re keen to start adventuring straight away, a wide variety of activities can be pre-arranged. Imagine an optional heli-flip or paragliding outing over Cape Town; a scenic hike up Table Mountain or a hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus adventure. There’s so much to see and do, from horse riding to shark cage diving, so if you have any spontaneous requests, just ask.

Please note that your arrival time in Cape Town today will determine the activities that can be done. During the booking process you can inform us what you have in mind for the day (we will suggest activities too) to ensure that it is booked in advance. As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transfer service will be at your own expense.

Description:

Today is a free day in Cape Town with many options to choose from; why not use your included hop-on hop-off bus day pass or your Table Mountain Cableway ticket.

Table Mountain tries her best to capture the lion’s share of attention in and around Africa’s Mother City – and does a pretty fine job of it too – but the beaches, winelands and cosmopolitan chicness all stand in firm competition.

A great way to visit the top attractions and make the most out of a short stay is to hop on Cape Town’s bright-red, open-topped buses. Let the driver’s do the hard work managing traffic and parking, whilst you just soak in the views.

Choose from one of the available routes to see the city and beyond. The blue line extends its journey from the V&A Waterfront to the towering greens of Kirstenbosch, while the purple line is a merry affair that follows Cape Town’s inner-city wine route to the nearby wine enclave of Constantia. The red line service passes through Camps Bay (time your trip to catch a sunset) and to Table Mountain.

If the weather plays along, this is the perfect way to take the chance to summit one of the Seven Natural Wonders aboard Table Mountain’s aerial cableway that runs non-stop (weather permitting) during the day to the famous flat top. There’s a small eatery and souvenir shop at the summit, plenty of trails and who knows, you just may be treated to an impromptu singing session as your cable car driver descends the mountain. End off your day as you please, tasting your way through the Cape Town Foodie scene. 

Description:

Join the Taste & Tram along the Cape Winelands small group day tour (or similar).

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your accommodation. Wine- and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this tasting exploration of the Cape Winelands’ best. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairings with cheese and chocolate in the Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek regions; but the extraordinary scenery along the way will also transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white-gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by the soaring mountain ranges.

Firstly you’ll visit the cheese haven of Fairview for a farmer’s tasting of their wine with local produce. Venture onwards to Franschhoek for a unique way to explore the region’s wine valley by rail on a scenic one-way Franschhoek Wine Tram journey to taste fine wines at Rickety Bridge wine estate.

For lunch, you can experience the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, and end your meander along the Winelands with your third wine-tasting stop, before heading back to the Cape Town region late afternoon.

Highlights

• Fairview Cheese & Wine Pairing (or similar)
• Short Wine Tram ride to Rickety Bridge
• Rickety Bridge wine tasting (or similar)
• Franschhoek visit

Description:

Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation.

Hout Bay, an unassuming fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the chance to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island, just a short cruise from shore. For those without their sea legs, rather explore the local harbour market and snap Instagram-worthy pics of colourful fishing boats.

As you leave Hout Bay behind, you’ll take on a staggering 114 mind-blowingly beautiful bends – stretching over nine jaw-dropping kilometres. Chapman’s Peak road, or Chappies to the locals, is touted as one of the world’s most scenic drives – and with good reason. Rugged mountains face off with the Atlantic and the roadway, an incredible feat of engineering, cuts a swathe right through and provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic below.

Chappies sets the scene for the afternoon’s adventuring as you venture onwards to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness literally collide and create a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with greenish fringes of fynbos. This is a place to pay tribute to ancient seafarers of old like Bartolomeu Dias (who discovered the Cape of Good Hope back in 1488) and pioneers, like Vasco da Gama, who journeyed through these treacherous waters from Portugal to India.

Indigenous fauna lines narrow winding pathways en route to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views well worth the climb. Local wildlife – ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species, including bontebok – keep the journey interesting and add plenty of postcard moments for the shutterbugs. On the hillside, an optional funicular eases the journey for those that want to reach the top of the lighthouse.

As the day lengthens, travel to Simon’s Town, perched on the shores of False Bay and the home of the South African Navy. Just a few minutes to the south lies Boulders Beach, a comely stretch of sand littered with granite. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins who strut their stuff in their black and white feathered finery to the delight of the crowds that gather to watch. Boardwalks separate man from bird and provide the perfect vantage point to see these cute creatures.

You’ll reach Cape Town by late afternoon.

Description:

Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between  6 to 8am.

Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape.  Wind your way through mountain passes where lazy baboons line the roadside;  rolling farmlands and fertile microclimates with rows and rows of grapevines.

Get ready for the famous Route 62, modeled after America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour and the longest wine route in the world. The Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters and world-class wines. 

Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop. Few things are more beautiful to behold than the innate majestic beauty of this Valley of Wine with a glass of wine in hand. 

Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. 

Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Observation Nature Walk at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve. Follow these three rescued elephants; Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, as they roam freely in their natural habitat. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the guides as many questions as you wish as you walk in their massive footsteps. 

You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Either ask your guide to help you book a restaurant or taste local delights, such as ostrich “sosaties” (kebabs) and “pot brood” (bread cooked on open flames) at an optional ‘braai’ (bbq) experience and spend the evening around a crackling fire under the vast twinkling starry country sky.

Highlights

• Route 62 Wine Tasting
• Optional Elephant Observation Nature Bush Walk

Description:

Wake up in Oudsthoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colourful feather stalls on the way to town center, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak and test the toughness of the shells. 

Head to the mountains to delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.  

As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region the dusty plains of the Klein  Karoo morphs into a greener horizon. This small citrus farming community lies in the Sundays River Valley surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains that offer some spectacular hiking and game viewing in a malaria free area. Tonight you’ll stay overnight close to Addo National Park, ready to easily wake up with the bush and ready to go on safari first thing in the morning.

Highlights

• Ostrich Farm Visit
• Cango Caves Tour

Description:

An early wake-up call might seem hard to take at first, but trust us, it’s worth getting to Addo Elephant National Park at dawn to see even more wildlife as the bush awakes.  Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals. 

Those who opt to partake in the optional 4×4 Addo Safari get double the chance to spot more of the wildlife.

From safari to surf; after the morning of safari adventures, the journey continues towards the coast. The large white caps (or seahorses as the locals call the surf break) of Jeffreys Bay herald your arrival into South Africa’s quintessential ‘Surf City’. Hang ten with the locals and slip into a relaxed frame of mind at the beach while enjoying the warmer Indian ocean waters. Shopaholics can visit the JBay’s surf wear shoppers village or if you’ve always fancied surfing at this world-famous surf spot; then put your goofy foot forward and go for it. Opt to fill your afternoon with a choice of the following options: book Surfing equipment (or surf lessons if time permits), Beach Horseback Riding or try Sandboarding as an alternative way to adventure along the sandy coastline.

End the day with dinner at your accommodation or a night out to a local delicacy seafood restaurant, as the gentle waves lap against the shore.

Highlights

• Optional 4×4 Addo Safari 
• Tour Bus Game Drive in Addo National Park  
• Optional Surfing or Beach horseback ride or Sandboarding

Description:

Pristine lush landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day… from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly-beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park – today is all about the “garden” of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenalin junkies: Get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you’re feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go? 

For a more relaxed thrill, Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides (the longest is 211 meters in length), zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge. 

This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who’d prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed.  A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall and sandy beach is waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths. 

As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favourite with holiday goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.

Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield, Wilderness. Take a walk along the uninterrupted sandy beach shores at sunset, this place oozes serenity, the ideal way to reset your inner calm. After your recharged stroll check out the rustic beach restaurant if you are in Sedgefield or venture into town for a more intimate dinner if you overnight in the Wilderness area. 

Highlights

• Optional Waterfall Zipline
• Optional Bloukrans Bungy Jump  
• Tsitsikamma National Park Walk 
• Knysna Heads Walk

Description:

Today starts off strong with another beautiful and exciting trip passing oasis-like towns along the ocean-lined route hugged by forested national parks. Take to the water for a leisurely morning Wilderness Canoeing session along the reed-lined river banks, but it’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the abundance of birdlife becomes apparent.

Venture further along the Garden Route’s N2 national road on your return trip to the Cape for a stop at a seaside village called Mossel Bay.  Choose between another optional Botlierskop 4×4 Safari drive at this private game reserve or visit Mossel Bay’s Diaz Beach after a leisurely walk to the Cape St Blaize trail to the lighthouse.

After all the excitement of the week; ticking off the region’s bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route and beyond, you’ll say your goodbyes as you reach Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

 Usually drop off times vary  between +/- 8 to 10pm

Highlights

• Wilderness Canoeing
• Optional Botlierskop 4×4 Safari or MosselBay beach & walk to St.Blaize lighthouse

Description:

You can never have too much of a good thing, so today you’ll get to spend more fuss-free time back in the Mother City. Try to book later night flights out of Cape Town or extend your stay to make the absolute most of this last free (unguided) day.

Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a hotspot for last minute souvenir shopping and an optional catamaran cruise. Pick up last minute gifts in Green Market Square or stroll along the Sea Point Promenade. 

And, when the shopping’s done and your bags are packed, the included airport transport service will deliver you safely to your onward travel plans.

As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transport service will be at your own expense.

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