Discover South Africa: From Wildlife to Winelands

12 days · 11 nights from £2,395 per person

Check dates & book
Duration12 days · 11 nights
StyleCultural
DifficultyEasy

Overview

Experience the best of South Africa on this 11-day adventure. Discover vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and diverse wildlife. From thrilling safaris in Addo Elephant National Park to hiking in Tsitsikamma and Robberg Nature Reserve, explore nature’s wonders. Delight in the culture and cuisine of Knysna and Franschhoek’s renowned Winelands before ending your journey in the iconic city of Cape Town, with its breathtaking Table Mountain views. Perfectly balanced with guided activities and free time, this itinerary showcases South Africa’s unforgettable highlights.

Garden Route Itinerary Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Port Elizabeth
Arrive in Port Elizabeth and join your Guide for a welcome briefing and guided orientation. Optionally, enjoy a group dinner in the evening.

Day 2: Addo National Park
Embark on a morning safari in Addo Elephant National Park, spotting iconic wildlife and enjoying a picnic breakfast. Return to Port Elizabeth for a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma
Travel to Tsitsikamma National Park and explore the Mouth Trail and Big Tree walk with your guide. Spend the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Tsitsikamma
Enjoy a free day with optional activities, including canopy tours, whale watching (seasonal), or whitewater tubing. End the day with a group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Tsitsikamma to Knysna
Visit Robberg Nature Reserve for a scenic hike before heading to Knysna for an orientation drive. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Knysna
Visit The Knysna Heads to learn about local history and enjoy stunning views. Spend the rest of the day exploring or joining optional activities like an oyster tour.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Knysna to Franschhoek
Take a scenic drive to Franschhoek via Mossel Bay, Tradouw Pass, and Gatplaats Nature Reserve. Enjoy an outdoor lunch and wine tasting en route. Evening at leisure in Franschhoek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Franschhoek
Join a guide orientation walk in the morning, then spend the rest of the day enjoying optional activities like winery visits or guided tours.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Franschhoek to Cape Town
Drive to Cape Town with a stop at Signal Hill for panoramic views. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Cape Town
Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain and explore its scenic trails. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and an optional group dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Cape Town

Today, you have a free day in Cape Town to explore at your leisure. You may choose to spend time at the vibrant V&A Waterfront or take part in an optional activity (at your own expense), such as:

  • A visit to Robben Island

  • A scenic helicopter flight over the city

  • Exploring the Two Oceans Aquarium

  • Enjoying a boat cruise

In the evening, we will gather for our Farewell Dinner .

Day 12: Cape Town
Depart at any time.
Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Port Elizabeth

    Welcome to South Africa! Arrive in Port Elizabeth by 12:00 to join an afternoon welcome briefing led by your Tour leadre guide , who will provide an orientation tour of the city. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour leader, and learn more about your adventure. End the day with an optional group dinner to get to know each other.

    Highlights:

    • Orientation Tour: Explore Port Elizabeth’s key highlights.

  2. Day 2 Addo Elephant National Park

    Spend the day on a thrilling safari in Addo Elephant National Park. Begin with a morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the bush before completing your safari in the afternoon. Return to Port Elizabeth for a relaxing evening.

    Highlights:

    Game Drive: Explore Addo Elephant National Park’s diverse wildlife.

    Free Time: Enjoy a leisurely evening in Port Elizabeth.

  3. Day 3 Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma

    Travel along the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park. Hike the stunning Storms River Mouth Trail with your guide, featuring suspension bridges and forested pathways. Later, visit the ancient Big Tree, an 800-year-old Yellowwood towering above the forest canopy. Spend the evening at your leisure.

    Highlights:

    Storms River Mouth Trail: Explore coastal scenery and indigenous forests.

    Big Tree Walk: Witness the grandeur of an ancient Yellowwood tree.

  4. Day 4 Tsitsikamma

    Enjoy a free day to explore Tsitsikamma. Choose from optional activities such as tree canopy tours, whale watching (seasonal), or whitewater tubing. Reunite with the group for a relaxing dinner back at the hotel.

    Highlights:

    • Optional Activities: Customise your day with adventure and exploration.

  5. Day 5 Tsitsikamma to Knysna

    Visit Robberg Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking coastal trails. Continue to Knysna for a guided orientation tour, including the waterfront, Thesen Island, and Knysna Forest. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town’s many attractions.

    Highlights:

    Robberg Nature Reserve: Discover stunning coastal trails.

    Knysna Tour: Explore charming streets, artisan shops, and scenic landscapes.

  6. Day 6 Knysna

    Visit the famous Knysna Heads, a picturesque river mouth framed by dramatic cliffs. Spend the rest of the day exploring Knysna, with optional activities like an oyster tour or a visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve.

    Highlights:

    Knysna Heads: Enjoy panoramic views and coastal walks.

    Free Time: Explore Knysna at your own pace.

  7. Day 7 Knysna to Franschhoek

    Embark on a scenic journey through Mossel Bay and Tradouw Pass, stopping for a walk and lunch in the charming town of Barrydale. Visit a local vineyard for wine tasting before continuing to Franschhoek, where you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure.

    Highlights:

    Barrydale Vineyard Visit: Savour handcrafted wines in a picturesque setting.

    Scenic Drive: Discover breathtaking landscapes along the Garden Route.

  8. Day 8 Franschhoek

    Begin the day with a guide orientation walk through Franschhoek’s main street. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Optional activities include bike tours, winery visits, or cultural experiences.

    Highlights:

    Franschhoek Walk: Discover this charming town’s unique culture and history.

    Optional Activities: Enjoy wine tasting, cycling, or art tours.

  9. Day 9 Franschhoek to Cape Town

    Depart for Cape Town with a stop at Signal Hill for a short hike and panoramic views of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring Cape Town at your own pace, followed by an optional group dinner.

    Highlights:

    Signal Hill Hike: Enjoy stunning views of Cape Town and its landmarks.

    Free Time: Discover Cape Town’s vibrant cityscape.

  10. Day 10 Cape Town

    Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain for awe-inspiring views and scenic hiking trails. Spend the afternoon enjoying Cape Town’s many attractions, from museums to the waterfront. Celebrate the end of your journey with an optional group dinner.

    Highlights:

    Table Mountain Visit: Soar to the summit for 360-degree views of the city.

    Free Time: Explore Cape Town’s rich history and culture.

  11. Day 11 Cape Town

    Today, you have a free day in Cape Town to explore at your leisure. You may choose to spend time at the vibrant V&A Waterfront or take part in an optional activity (at your own expense), such as:

    • A visit to Robben Island

    • A scenic helicopter flight over the city

    • Exploring the Two Oceans Aquarium

    • Enjoying a boat cruise

    In the evening, we will gather for our Farewell Dinner at Gold Restaurant, a special dining experience celebrating African cuisine and culture. (Dinner is included.)

  12. Day 12 Cape Town

    Deperture

What's included

Included

  • Included in the Tour:
  • 11 nights' accommodation
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch during the Featherbed excursion
  • 1 farewell dinner
  • Porterage at airports and hotels
  • English-speaking local tour guide throughout
  • Private transport, including driver, fuel, taxes, cross-border fees, insurance, and VAT
  • Midday game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, including conservation fee
  • Calamari tasting in St. Francis Bay
  • Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park (conservation fee included)
  • Featherbed Eco Experience with lunch
  • 1-hour Heritage Tour at Cango Caves
  • Visit to an ostrich farm, including a 1-hour Ostrich Tractor Safari
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram experience
  • Orientation walking tour of Stellenbosch (no entrance fees)
  • Orientation tour of Cape Town, including a return ticket for Table Mountain (weather permitting)
  • Full-day Cape Peninsula tour, including:
  • 40-minute Seal Island boat cruise
  • Chapman's Peak Drive (weather permitting)
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve
  • Boulders Beach
  • Simons Town

Not included

  • Domestic flights, airport taxes, and visas (where applicable)
  • Conservation and entrance fees not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
  • All drinks and beverages not listed above
  • Meals not indicated in the inclusions
  • Personal expenses, including souvenirs, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, internet, laundry, fax, etc.
  • Optional activities
  • Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the quote
  • Gratuities and tips throughout your stay (discretionary but recommended):
  • As a guideline, each traveller in a group typically tips both their guide and driver between USD 3.00 and USD 5.00 per day, depending on the quality of service received.

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