Cape Town and Garden Route

Begin your 12-day South Africa adventure with a city tour of Cape Town, exploring iconic sights. Head to the scenic Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, sampling renowned wines and local delicacies. Journey along the Garden Route for stunning coastal views at Cape Agulhas and visit an ostrich farm and the spectacular Cango Caves, where you’ll discover ancient limestone formations. Continue to Knysna with its dramatic sandstone cliffs, then to Plettenberg Bay for visits to the Birds of Eden sanctuary and Monkeyland, both home to diverse and unique wildlife. Adventure awaits in Tsitsikamma National Park with its lush forests, coastal views, and thrilling suspension bridges. Stop by Cape St. Francis for beachside relaxation before concluding in Port Elizabeth, where you can unwind or further explore the vibrant attractions of this friendly city. This itinerary offers an exciting blend of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences in South Africa's most picturesque regions.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Cape Town: considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the town is contained in a bowl created by Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Table Bay.

Cape Agulhas: the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, marked by a windswept coastline and historic lighthouse. Known for its rugged beauty, it offers visitors dramatic ocean views, unique rock formations, and a chance to stand at the symbolic divide between two oceans.

Knysna: a charming town along South Africa's Garden Route, known for its lush forests, serene lagoon, and dramatic sandstone cliffs known as "The Heads" that frame its coastline. A popular destination for boating, seafood, and nature lovers, Knysna offers a blend of scenic beauty and vibrant arts and crafts markets.

Port Elizabeth: known as "The Friendly City," is celebrated for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s a popular spot for water sports, wildlife viewing, and is also part of the scenic Garden Route, making it a gateway to many natural attractions.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CAPE TOWN (20km – 0.5hrs)

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel in Cape Town. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 2: CAPE TOWN : CITY TOUR AND BOAT TOUR

After breakfast, pick up from your hotel for a half-day Cape Town city tour. Be captivated by the multiethnic character and historical wealth of the Mother City. Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes. Alongside high-rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles has been meticulously preserved, including Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambience. The itinerary takes you to the City Hall, the Castle of Good Hope – this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa; the Company's Garden – a large public park, originally Jan van Riebeeck's vegetable garden, which he grew to feed the colony as early as 1652; and Signal Hill with spectacular panoramas over the city. You can visit Table Mountain via the Cable Car (at own cost).

In the afternoon climb aboard a hydrofoil and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 2-hour eco tour from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales (depending on the season). Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. Be enchanted by Cape fur seals lounging on the jetties and get close to unusual species, such as sunfish. Watch African penguins diving for fish to take back to their breeding colony on Robben Island. Encounter birdlife, such as terns, gannets, cormorants and mighty black-browed albatross.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 3: CAPE TOWN : CAPE PENINSULA

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Discover both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. The first stop is at the charming fishing village of Hout Bay. Then continue along the Atlantic coastline to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point – the most south-westerly tip of Africa and the mythical meeting place of two great oceans. On the return trip, pass through the naval town of Simon's Town and then traverse the fishing port of Kalk Bay and the lush suburb of Constantia.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 4: CAPE TOWN – STELLENBOSCH – PAARL – FRANSCHHOEK – CAPE TOWN (200km – 3hrs)

Today, you will learn everything there is to know about wine, from the vineyard to the bottle. After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel reception and depart on your full day Cape Winelands tour.

The Cape Wine Route is defined by the triangle that forms the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is a charming old town with oak-shaded avenues and historical buildings. Franschhoek owes its name to the French Huguenots, who came to settle there in 1685 and planted the first quality vineyards, while Paarl has been a centre for the Afrikaner culture since the 19th century. Along the Route, wine estates welcome you to taste wines and cheeses and invite you to learn how the wines are made before you are returned to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 5: CAPE TOWN – HERMANUS (128km – 2hrs)

After a delicious breakfast, check out from the hotel and meet your local guide who will accompany you all along your circuit from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Transfer to Hermanus and upon arrival check in to your hotel. Hermanus, a thriving holiday village situated at the end of Walker Bay between mountain and sea, is well known for whales that come here from July to November to mate and calve. The Southern Right whale is the most common to be seen. Many walking trails lead through nearby nature reserves with unique fynbos that can be found only on the southern tip of Africa.

Overnight in Hermanus.

Day 6: HERMANUS – CAPE AGULHAS – OUDTSHOORN (454km – 5.5hrs)

Today's destination is Oudtshoorn. Depart Hermanus after breakfast and continue your journey up the Garden Route. En route, visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, recently proclaimed Agulhas National Park. Named "Cape Needle" by 16th-century Portuguese sailors due to their compasses’ accuracy here, it’s said to be the true meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, where the cold Benguela current meets the warm Agulhas current amid stunning, wild fynbos scenery. Visit the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the southernmost tip of Africa and meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Known for its shipwrecks, this "Cape of Storms" houses South Africa’s second oldest lighthouse, modelled on the Egyptian Faros, with striking red and white limestone walls. Now a national monument and museum, it holds Khoisan fishing relics and offers visitors a climb up its narrow staircase to view its powerful light reaching 30 nautical miles out to sea. Then, continue to Oudtshoorn and upon arrival check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Day 7: OUDTSHOORN – KNYSNA (120km – 2hrs)

After breakfast, explore Oudtshoorn, the ‘ostrich capital of the world’. Residential suburbs are flanked by acres of ostrich farms where these large flightless birds are bred and raised. A tour of an ostrich farm is naturally one of Oudtshoorn’s main attractions, where visitors can view the birds and browse boutiques full of exotic ostrich leather, and the brave can try to ride an ostrich. Another famous landmark in Oudtshoorn is the Cango Caves, an almost fantasy limestone cave formation that stretches on for several kilometres. A large variety of hiking and biking trails surround the town and there are also numerous rivers and waterfalls to be explored. In the afternoon you will travel to Knysna, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Knysna.

Day 8: KNYSNA – STORMSRIVER (100km – 1.5hrs)

Discover Knysna, a picturesque town along the Garden Route, surrounded by lush forests and a tranquil lagoon framed by the dramatic Knysna Heads. The lagoon’s calm waters are ideal for cruises and water sports, while the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve and Garden Route National Park offer scenic beauty just a short drive away. In Plettenberg Bay, known as the "fashionable" seaside resort, visitors can enjoy expansive, untouched beaches, rocky peninsulas, and rich lagoons. Originally named Bahia Formosa, this town features incredible views over the Indian Ocean, inviting tourists to relax or explore the natural landscape. Visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight bird sanctuary, where you can stroll through a two-hectare dome filled with 280 bird species, including the striking Knysna loerie. The tour is non-guided and visitors are free to stroll along the wooden walkways. The peaceful aviary includes viewing platforms and educational brochures to guide you. Besides the 3 800-odd birds here, the sanctuary is also home to some free-roaming miniature monkeys such as the golden-handed tamarin. Next, visit Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay. Monkeyland is an award-winning animal preserve and the world's first free-roaming multi-primate sanctuary. The centre is currently the top eco-tourism attraction along the Garden Route and endeavours to rehabilitate and release previously caged primates. Join a guided safari to observe various species in a natural setting and witness these animals rediscover their instincts in a safe, enriching environment. Then, drive to Stormsriver and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Stormsriver.

Day 9: STORMSRIVER – TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK – CAPE ST FRANCIS (180km – 2hrs)

Today's destination is Cape St Francis. But first, visit Tsitsikamma National Park, the untouched, indigenous forest and breathtaking coastline. The Tsitsikamma National Park stretches from the Outeniqua Mountains, over coastal plateaus and down to the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of hiking trails of various lengths, some take several days to complete such as the well-known Otter Trail (48 km) or the Tsitsikamma Trail (72 km). Hikers encounter small inhabitants of the forest and experience the unique plants of this area, including over 800-year-old yellowwood trees. A walk, leading from the parking area through lush forest to a hanging bridge, offers spectacular views over Storms River Mouth. Afterwards continue to Cape St. Francis, a beautiful seaside village. The Portuguese arrived at this idyllic bay in 1575 and named it after the patron saint of sailors. The quaint buildings with white washed walls and thatch roofs contribute to the charm of this village that has maintained a fishing industry until today. The lighthouse is open to visitors. It was built in 1878 to protect ships from a dangerous riff along the coastline. The beautiful beaches invite guests to swim, sunbathe or take a stroll.

Overnight in Cape St Francis.

Day 10: CAPE ST FRANCIS

After breakfast, join a village tour for a unique experience, where the local community will share insights into the hamlet’s key environmental and socio-economic programs. The first stop is the Seal Point Lighthouse, built in 1878 and the tallest masonry tower along the South African coastline. Next, visit the Talhado Children’s Haven, which began as a refuge for street children and has now transformed into a Montessori school. It also serves as a community hub for local schoolchildren. The tour proceeds to Nomvula’s Knitters, a craft shop, a local project that helps to uplift the local community by teaching them knitting skills. Nomvula's has grown substantially over the years and today employs a number of knitters who produce beautiful garments sold all over the world. The proceeds of the sales go back into the local community. The final stop is at Port St Francis where you can survey the chokka (calamari) boats bobbing in the harbour. The remainder of the day you will enjoy at leisure.

Overnight in Cape St Francis.

Day 11: CAPE ST FRANCIS – PORT ELIZABETH (110km – 1.5hrs)

Today you will travel to your final destination, Gqeberha formerly known as Port Elizabeth. This city’s heritage dates back to 1820 with the arrival of the first British settlers. Together with surrounding former municipalities, Gqeberha forms Nelson Mandela Bay, the vibrant capital of the Eastern Cape Province, home to approximately 1.1 million residents. Gqeberha is a dynamic industrial hub, hosting over a thousand factories spanning diverse sectors like motor manufacturing, automotive, wool, textiles, and food processing. The port is one of the largest in Southern Africa. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports along the coast or explore the city’s rich history, culture, and heritage through its numerous historic sites and tours. A standout landmark is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup - a lasting symbol of the city's global connections.

Overnight in Port Elizabeth.

Day 12: PORT ELIZABETH DEPARTURE

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel. Before heading to the airport take a stroll down Route 67, an exciting trail that showcases the rich history and vibrant culture of the Eastern Cape. This route celebrates Madiba’s 67 years of dedicated service to the South African people, blending both historical and contemporary elements along the way. Afterwards, your guide will take you to Port Elizabeth International Airport for your flight back home.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in South Africa. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.