South Africa – Experience the South

Your classic Garden Route and safari starts upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport. Welcome to one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

During the drive to your inviting guest house in the heart of the city, you will get a first impression of what to expect in the coming days.

Make yourself at home before you meet your fellow travellers and guide in the evening. You will get to know each other over dinner (at your own cost) and receive a thorough briefing about your upcoming trip.

You will stay overnight at the centrally located Bayflowers Guest House.

Today, you explore the city of Cape Town. If the weather permits, your first destination for the day is Table Mountain.

Using the cable car, you make your way to the top of the landmark of the “Mother City” at more than 1000 metres above sea level. Enjoy the views across Cape Town and the seemingly endless ocean, as well as the Cape Peninsula.

Afterwards, you explore the city’s history together with a local guide. Special focus lies on District Six, formerly known for its vibrant, multicultural vibe. During the Apartheid years, its inhabitants were forcibly removed and resettled in townships, while the houses in District Six were demolished.

You will also visit the well-known Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Stroll around the old harbour and experience its unique charm and bustling activities.

You will spend another night at Bayflowers Guest House.

Bags packed, you make your way to Cape Point in the morning. Travelling along the pristine coastline, you reach the Cape of Good Hope.

The legendary Cape of Storms, as it was known amongst sailors, is not only notorious for its rough waters but even more so for its natural beauty. From the lighthouse and many viewing points along the way, enjoy the panoramic views across the vast Atlantic Ocean.

You continue your trip to Simon’s Town. Nestled between granite boulders, Boulders Beach is home to the African Penguin. Observe the little fellows waddling along the beach, playing in the cold waters or simply taking a nap.

Leaving the Cape Peninsula behind, your final destination for the day is Stellenbosch in South Africa’s most important wine region.

The next two nights, you’ll be staying at the charming Cultivar Guest Lodge just outside Stellenbosch.

Enjoy dinner at a beautiful wine farm (at own cost) – what a great way to end an exciting day!

Stellenbosch, just like Cape Town, is amongst the oldest cities in South Africa. On a walking tour, discover the historical city centre with its white Cape-Dutch style buildings.

Crossing the picturesque Helshoogte Pass, you make your way to neighbouring Franschhoek. Explore the little town with its cafés, restaurants, galleries and art shops and enjoy its extraordinary flair.

You visit an idyllic wine farm close by, exploring the flavours of local wines at a wine tasting. The restaurant here offers an excellent lunch (at own cost).

Slowly, you make your way back to Stellenbosch. On the way, you stop for another wine tasting. Visit one of the excellent restaurants in town for dinner (at own cost).

You will spend another night at Cultivar Guest Lodge.

After breakfast, you continue to a typical Cape farm at the foot of the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains.

A short hike leads you to a viewpoint where you can take in the view across False Bay, all the way to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you may even see Cape Point. It will take your breath away!

Back from your hike, a special surprise awaits you for lunch.

Onwards, you travel along a picturesque coastal road to the small town of Hermanus. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, strolling along the cliff path, enjoying the magnificent views across the ocean.

Your home for the next two nights is the Bamboo Guest House.

A hearty breakfast kickstarts your day in Hermanus and its surrounds.

During whale season, go on a whale-watching boat cruise (optional) and get up close and personal with the giants of the ocean.

When the whales are not around, go on a morning hike around the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where you will discover the fascinating fynbos ecosystem and enjoy panoramic views across Walker Bay.

The afternoon is at your leisure. If you wish, your guide will be happy to take you to the wonderful vantage points along the Rotary Way high above Hermanus and into the green Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the valley of heaven and earth.

With its numerous wineries, delightful restaurants and small farm stalls, this wonderful gem in the Overberg region invites you to linger and have a wonderful time.

If you prefer to relax a little in the afternoon, you can do so on the white sandy beaches of Hermanus.

In the evening, dine at an excellent fish restaurant in town (at own cost). You spend another night at the Bamboo Guest House.

Today, you will leave the coast behind, making your way inland. Your first destination is the small town of Swellendam, nestled amongst beautiful landscapes. Embark on a historical walk and see Cape-Dutch and Victorian architecture.

Your journey continues across the beautiful Tradouw Pass to the Klein Karoo. You arrive in the small town of Barrydale around lunchtime – perfect for a stop at a little bistro, serving delicious homemade foods (at own cost).

Along the picturesque Route 62, you make your way to Oudtshoorn.

Look forward to a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep at Thabile Lodge.

Today, you can look forward to an unforgettable drive along the Swartberg Pass, one of South Africa’s most spectacular mountain passes. As its name suggests, the pass leads across the Swartberg mountain range, which separates the Little Karoo from the Great Karoo.

Soon, the tarmac road changes into a dirt road meandering through the Swartberg mountains. Behind every bend, you can expect spectacular views and photo opportunities. The drive gives you an insight into the flora, fauna, and geology of the region.

Your next destination is the quaint little town of Prince Albert with its historic buildings and welcoming locals. You have time to visit the small shops and galleries and have lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants (own expense).

Your return trip takes you through the picturesque Meiringspoort Gorge, a narrow gorge along the Groot River in the middle of the Swartberg Mountains. Steep mountain faces with impressive rock formations line your way.

If you want, your guide will stop at the Meiringspoort waterfall for a walk. Via the small town of De Rust, you return to Thabile Lodge, where you spend another night.

Oudtshoorn is not only known for breeding of ostriches, but also for the Cango Caves.

You visit these impressive limestone caves in the morning, learning how nature has formed these bizarre and fascinating formations over thousands of years.

When in Oudtshoorn, you can’t miss a visit to one of the ostrich farms – on a guided tour around the farm, learn about these large cursorial birds.

It is now time to head back to the coast: across Outeniqua Pass, and while enjoying wonderful views across the mountains, you make your way to Wilderness.

You can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. You spend the night at the Mes Amis Guest House with beautiful views across the long sandy beach.

In the morning, you explore the magnificent Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park.

Get into canoes and venture out on the clear and calm waters of the winding Touw River. Reaching a landing spot further up the river, you haul your canoes on shore and continue on foot for about two kilometres.

The path leads through an indigenous forest to a stunning waterfall. If temperatures allow, you are welcome to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool! Pause for a moment and enjoy the serene nature around you.

Returning to the canoes, you slowly paddle back to the starting point. The remaining day is for you to spend at leisure.

You spend another night at Mes Amis Guest House.

This morning, you head to Knysna. Together with your guide, you explore this charming town, located next to a lagoon.

A narrow opening framed by steep sandstone cliffs – the so-called Knysna Heads – connects the tranquil lagoon with the rough ocean waters. From a viewing point on the easterly cliff, great views across the lagoon, the town, and the Indian Ocean open up.

You continue to Plettenberg Bay for lunch (own expense).

In the afternoon, you go on a hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve, stretching across a peninsula south of ‘Plett’. You hike across wooden planks, sand, and stone, taking in the fantastic views of rugged cliffs, deep-blue seas and seals playing in the waters.

Back at the vehicle, you continue to Storms River, where you will be staying at Tsitsikamma Village Inn.

You can look forward to a morning of discovery in the Tsitsikamma National Park, a true paradise for hikers, nature-lovers, and adventurers.

Crossing the Storms River Mouth on a suspension bridge, you will feel the refreshing breeze and hear the surf splashing against the shore. Viewpoints along the way invite you to linger and take in the views. Accompanied by your guide, you can explore the rugged mountain and coastal landscapes along different hiking trails.

Around lunch time, you leave the park and continue your journey. Via Port Elizabeth, you drive towards the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

During the course of the afternoon, you arrive at the De Old Drift Guest Farm, where you can relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. With a bit of luck, you may dream of the large elephant herds you may see tomorrow.

Another highlight of your classic Garden Route and safari tour awaits you today. You spend the day in the Addo Elephant National Park, looking for South Africa’s wildlife.

On a game drive in an open safari vehicle, you get up close with the animals. The park is famous for its namesake: large elephant herds call this area home, often standing side by side at the water holes.

With a little luck, you can also see rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopards. This third-largest national park in South Africa is also home to zebras, various antelope species, and many birds.

After an exciting morning of game watching, you return to De Old Drift Guest Farm around lunch time.

In the afternoon, you can join your guide on a game drive in your tour vehicle and look out once again for the resident wildlife.

Another highlight awaits you in the evening: your guide will prepare a traditional South African braai, a BBQ, over the open fire while you share stories of the past days.

The last day of your South Africa trip starts with a relaxed breakfast.

Now, it is time to make your way to Port Elizabeth. Say your goodbyes at the airport at around 11am and continue your travels, taking with you exciting memories of this trip around South Africa’s south.

Your classic Garden Route and safari has ended. Totsiens – until next time!

Please don’t book any flights from Port Elizabeth before 1 pm.

Should you wish to include more game drives and animal sightings in your trip, we are happy to organise an extension at Kariega Game Reserve for you. On game drives in open safari vehicles, you scout for the Big Five. You can go on boat trips and bush walks as well, experiencing nature from a different perspective. Just get in touch for more details!