Winelands, Garden Route
and Eastern Cape
This tour offers the best of South Africa – from fine wine and cuisine, to cosmopolitan culture, historic towns and wildlife safaris. Begin your South Africa tour in Cape Town, the cosmopolitan heart of the country. Amid the picturesque Winelands, taste fine vintage and discover the charm of picturesque old colonial towns. Drive through breathtaking landscapes and historic villages at Little Karoo until you reach the famous Wild Coast of the Garden Route. Soak in the scenery and stop for some rest and relaxation before you set out on exciting game drives in the private and pristine game reserves of the Eastern Cape.
Finish your journey in the exclusive Kwandwe Game Reserve at The Great Fish River Lodge. Sit back and relax as you take in wonderful views during the search for the Big 5 on expertly led and informative game drives.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Touchdown in Cape Town
Guests will be met on arrival at Cape Town International and transferred to their hotel. Cape Town is set in an area regarded by many as one of the most beautiful in the world. The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a stunning coastline frame the Cape Peninsula, which is famed for its unique floral kingdom, bountiful rivers, and magnificent countryside.
During the afternoon, guests will be taken by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island and Lions Head, with your tour guide pointing out many interesting facts about the mountain and the various areas that can be viewed from its summit.
Accommodation: Antrim Villa Guest House
Meal Plan: Own Account
Evening: Relax in your room or stroll around the grounds, maybe even both!
Day 2: Explore the Mother City
Table Mountain acts as your compass, directing travellers through Cape Town with its definitive shape. On one side it rises vertically. But look behind it and a whole mountain chain stretches down to the very south western tip of Africa. You will follow this dramatic chain on a full day Cape Peninsula Tour. It starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, nestled half way up the mountain and a haven for tropical birds and never-ending views. Now the road weaves and winds, clinging to the cliffside and often making you feel like you are driving on top of the ocean.
Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular in the world and every couple of miles there are look-out points. Some gaze down on deserted beaches, others take in sheltered bays and stunning rocky outcrops. Throughout it all the Atlantic shimmers blue on your right hand side. Savor it all and then stop in the charming village of Hout Bay, full of swaying wooden fishing boats and smells of barbecued crayfish. This is a great place to stop for lunch, in particular, for traditional fish and chips.
The road gradually becomes more rural, opening out onto a rocky expanse that's home to magnificent yellow flowers and the odd mountain zebra. Keep going and a lonely lighthouse marks the edge of the continent. Gaze out from here and the next stop is Antarctica. As the road winds west there are some remarkable residents to discover. Jaskass penguins cover Boulders Beach, delighting everyone with their antics. Some dive and swim, others huddle together, and most do their comical waddle across the sand. If you are lucky you can even swim or sunbathe beside them. The penguins are everywhere, so expect a few bizarre sounds and the occasionally pungent whiff. Your Cape Peninsula tour makes a last stop in Simon's Town, one of the country's oldest settlements and one that is yet to relinquish its old colonial charm.
Accommodation: Antrim Villa Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Evening: We will choose to taste our Home-Hosted Dinner in the township restatuarant or city restaurant, or the rest of the evening is on your own, whether you would prefer to explore Cape Town or return to the hotel.
Day 3: Cape Town - Experiencing Robben Island and Table Mountain
Today is about Cape Town's two most famous attractions. Robben Island has an eerie feel, whispers and secrets left behind in its soil, memories etched into the barren walls of the prison. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years incarcerated here in isolation. He's just the pinnacle of a long line of political prisoners who turned this hell-hole into a triumph of human spirit over adversity. Ex inmates conduct the tours, offering thought provoking stories to accompany the poignant sights. Ask questions because these old prisoners are keen to share experiences. You get a real feeling for the institutional brutality and prejudice that used to hang in the air. But a trip to Robben Island imbues everyone with even greater respect for Mandela and his counterparts, in particular, their dedication to reconciliation after apartheid. Reaching Robben Island involves a short boat trip from the jetty at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Table Mountain fills your afternoon, the iconic Cape Town landmark offering unforgettable views. It's a difficult and steep 90 minute hike to the summit. Fortunately, the journey can also be made in a revolving cable car. Easy walking trails cover the broad summit, allowing you to explore different viewpoints and take in a full 360º adoration of the landscape. Gaze south for an aerial view of the Cape Peninsula that you explored yesterday. Look out west for the Atlantic Ocean and its line of sandy beaches. The east brings green valleys and mountain passes. And standing beneath your eyes is Cape Town; pick out the waterfront and harbor, watch the highways cut across the city, and admire the two sister peaks: Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. A waterfall of cloud often descends over Table Mountain in late afternoon, blocking the views but looking majestic from below. If the weather isn't on your side, don't worry, the mountain is almost always clear in the mornings, so you have time to savor it all tomorrow.
Accommodation: Antrim Villa Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Evening: This evening is on your own, whether you would prefer to explore Cape Town or return to the hotel. Mojo Market is a good option nearby, with seafood, salad, and grilled entrees.
Day 4: Stellenbosch – Explore and Enjoy Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch
After breakfast we head out to Stellenbosch, the wine capital of South Africa. Our first tasting today will be at the award winning Tokara or Thelema and the breathtaking Stark-Conde wine estates. We then take a walk along the popular Dorp Street in Stellenbosch with its historical old Cape Dutch architecture and vibrant student life and have lunch at one of the street cafes. There will also be the opportunity to visit "Oom Samie se Winkel", an old trading post that is a must-see for any foreign visitor.
In the afternoon we do a chocolate and wine pairing at the stunning Waterford Wine Estate.
Accommodation: Spier Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast x1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x1
Evening: You are free to linger over a coffee at a local café, or a drink at the bar in our hotel. Or, perhaps you will return to your room to rest up for tomorrow's early departure, for the next adventure destination.
Day 5: A Good Day For Whale-Watching
After breakfast, drive to Hermanus. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view the magnificent whales from the best land based whale-watching destination in the world. You will absolutely enjoy the stunning sea and mountain views from your luxurious bedroom at the hotel. Then, you can visit the historic Hermanus Village centre and all its attractions which are only a few minutes walk from your hotel.
After a long relaxing day, enjoy a candlelight dinner with magnificent sea views from the rooftop of the hotel!
Accommodation: Misty Waves Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Evening: You are free to linger over a coffee at a local café, or a drink at the bar in our hotel and enjoy a magnificent sea views from the rooftop of the hotel.
Day 7 to 8: Oudtshoorn – The Little Karoo and Cango Caves
We journey to Oudtshoorn, and we make our way to the Cango Caves where we enjoy a walk with a local guide teaching us all about the about the system of the caves which stretches out for more than 4 kilometres.
A popular belief is that the Cango Caves were initially explored by a local farmer named Jacobus van Zyl (after whom the first chamber, Zyl’s Hall, was named.). However, researches have not been able to reveal anyone by that name who was present in the Cango region in the 1770’s. In any case, it is now widely known that the Caves had been known to man since the Early Stone Age. During the 19th century, the Cango Caves entrance was 5 Rix Dollars, today’s equivalent of R500 (ZAR), but that did not discourage destructive tourists who or carving their named into the Cave walls an callously chipped away at portions of the fragile stalactites and stalagmites to take home as souvenirs.
This resulted in Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Cape Colony, publishing the very first Cave Regulation in 1820. The first law was constructed to protect the environmental resource of South Africa. It prohibited the collection of souvenirs, created fines for anyone found damaging the Caves formation and initiated an entrance fee that was to be paid to the District Officer who was made responsible for implementing these rules. Most of the important discoveries within the Caves were made by it’s very first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar, who was employed until he retired in 1934. He discovered many side chambers and introduced thousands of people to Cango 1, which is the only portion of the Caves that the public may visit. It is clear today that the Caves were known to man long before the Europeans initially landed in the Cape. Evidence of this is in recent findings of numerous tools discovered in the heart of the Cave’s mouth, thus proving that humans had lived and taken shelter here for at least 80,000 years.
Then, experience animal encounters with cheetah and lemurs, go croc-cage diving and so much more at the Cango Wildlife Ranch or enjoy an elephant or meerkat encounter at the Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.
Accommodation: Hlangana Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2
Evening: On your own. You are free to join your fellow travelers and compare favorite photographs from the day’s events, or quietly contemplate the view of the African night sky up above.
Day 9: Enjoy Your Drive To Knysna
In the morning you will leave Oudtshoorn and head for the beautiful town of Knysna. On your way to Knysna, you will pass through the astonishing Outeniqua Pass, Kaaimans River Pass, and Wilderness, a small village with lakes, rivers, fens, estuaries and beaches, which lies against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains and heralds the beginning of the Garden Route. Then you take a short drive up the coast and you will reach Knysna, the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route!
Accommodation: Knysna Quays Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Evening: On your own, with the freedom to explore the on-site amenities or reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 10: A Day To Explore Knysna
Today you will explore the beauty of Knysna and marvel on what the city has to offer. Enjoy shopping for some souvenir items at the Knysna Waterfront or enjoy a trip on the Knysna Lagoon. Board the Rivercat Ferry for a four-hour-eco-experience to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive, guided walk and a world renowned buffet lunch at the Featherbed Restaurant.
After lunch, you will go back to the mainland. You can either rest at your luxurious hotel or stroll in the streets of Knysna.
Accommodation: Knysna Quays Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1
Evening: You are free to enjoy your final night here in Knysna as you would like and follow local wahterhole for a group drink.
Day 11: Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries In The Crags
After breakfast go on a short drive to the seaside holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. It is a home to a number of broad beaches with warm foamy waves where you can swim or walk on the sand. There is also an excellent golf course and hiking trail that you can go to if you get bored while sunbathing
Then you will drive to The Crags. It is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and is where to go on the Garden Route for unforgettable holiday activities! Visit the Elephant Sanctuary, wander in the Monkeyland, or spend unforgettable hours at Birds of Eden.
If you have a knack for extreme sports, you can try bungee jumping at the world's highest Bungee Jump located on the Bloukrans Bridge! You can also visit the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma or go on a short walk through the forest in Tsitsikamma National Park.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa
Meal Plan: Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Evening: Tonight is free for you to explore and enjoy as you see fit. You may choose to explore Plettenberg Bay and Crags.
Day 12: Close Encounter With Africa's Big 5!
Today you will go to Addo Elephant National Park to experience a close encounter with South Africa’s Big 5 – Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino, and Elephant.
You will be staying at the Kuzuko Lodge which is gloriously situated high upon a hill overlooking the vast expanse of the big five reserve.
Enjoy your privacy and a little peaceful and quiet time at the lodge to rest after an exhausting but eventful day.
Accommodation: Kuzuko Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x1
Evening: You are free to enjoy your final night here in Addo Elephant National Park as you would like.
Day 13: An Exciting Game Drive At The Park
A game drive is the highlight of any African safari vacation! Wake up early for you are about to go out for the most exciting ride of your life! You will go on a game drive in the morning to enjoy the view of wildlife. Then after the 3-hour activity, enjoy a delicious breakfast back at the lodge. You can take a short nap or enjoy the view of the wild animals from the deck or take a dip in the pool.
In the afternoon, you will go on another game drive on an open land rover which continues until sundown so you can see the beautiful sunset in Africa!
Accommodation: Kuzuko Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast x1, Lunch x 1, Dinner x1
Evening: Tonight is free for you to explore and enjoy as you see fit. You may choose to explore Richmond Hill: One of Port Elizabeth’s oldest neighborhoods, the streets are lined with Victorian homes and, on Stanley Street, a wide variety of restaurants and cocktail bars.
Day 13: Farewell, Addo!
Enjoy a last minute game drive and a healthy breakfast at the lodge. Afterwards you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for your next destination. This exciting and fun-filled adventure from Cape Town to Addo has come to an end but will remain etched in your memory for the rest of your life!
Meal Plan: Breakfast x1
Price & Inclusions
Option 1 From $ 1,430 /person
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights. Meals as indicated
All activities as listed:
Oudsthoorn: Hlangana Lodge: Ostrich farm, Cango Cave
Capetown: Antrim Villa Guest House: City Tour
Stellenbosch: Spier Hotel: Wine tasting
Hermanus: Misty Wave Boutique Hotel: Historic Hermanus Village Centre
Knysna: Knysna Quays Hotel: Township tour
Plettenberg Bay: Tsitsikamma lodge and Spa: bird watching
Addo Elephant National Park: Kuzuko Lodge: Game drive
South Africa: Game drives in high quality and well maintained safari vehicle with professional English-speaking driver guide. Game drives may be shared with other guests of the lodge/camp, with maximum of 9 guests in the vehicle.
