In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.
Day 1 — UK - In flight
Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Cape Town.
Day 2 — Cape Town
On your first afternoon there's time to explore the buzzing Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This attractive bustling harbour has something for everyone and is filled with speciality shops, craft markets, theatres, pubs and restaurants.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 — Cape Town
Enjoy a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, considered Africa’s most beautiful garden. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, it’s filled with over 7,000 species of plants from southern Africa, ready to be discovered on a relaxing stroll.
Later, head into the city for an orientation coach tour, passing the Castle of Good Hope, and the Bo-Kaap area.
This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe catch the hop-on-hop-off bus to Table Mountain. Or you may have pre-booked a trip to explore Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 — Cape Town
Today is free. Maybe choose an optional excursion to visit the Cape’s fabulous winelands to taste the local wines, or to the Cape Peninsula. The Cape of Good Hope is rich in cultural and natural heritage - baboons, seals, zebra and hundreds of bird species inhabit this spectacular area. See the lighthouse at Cape Point, historical Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach, a sheltered beach home to a colony of rare African penguins.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 — Hermanus - Arniston
Head off for a scenic journey to Arniston, so have your camera at the ready. Stop in Hermanus en route for some free time and, as one of the world’s best land-based whale watching destinations, a stroll along the coast could be well rewarded.
Arrive in Arniston with time for an interesting walk to explore the Dutch colonial fishing village. The quaint, thatched and whitewashed cottages, and the rugged coastline and golden sand dunes attract many artists and photographers. It’s also another great place to try to spot whales.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 — Arniston - Knysna
Depart for Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, arriving mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is free; get back to nature again on a scenic walk along the nearby banks of the Knysna River.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 — Featherbed Nature Reserve
Set sail across the Knysna Lagoon to the western headland for a visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. On arrival, travel up to the reserve’s viewpoints, where your guide will share insights into the region’s history, unique flora and varied birdlife. Continue on a guided walk, taking in wide-ranging views along the way.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 — Knysna
Today is a free day to explore the lovely town of Knysna. Once a major town in the timber industry, you’ll find several shops offering beautiful woodwork. Maybe stroll through one of the many markets for souvenirs, or stop and watch the world go by, with a refreshing drink at one of the trendy cafés.
If you’d like some relaxation time, why not spend some time paddling in the cool waters on the famous lagoon. Over lunch or dinner, be sure to try some fresh seafood, perhaps some of the town’s famous oysters.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 — Storms River - Kariega Game Reserve
Travel to the mouth of Storms River, where the water crashes dramatically against the rocks. Choose to relax and enjoy the powerful river and sea, or take a walk to the suspension bridge.
Continue to Kariega Game Reserve, where your safari experience begins – a highlight of this South Africa tour. Settle into your private, en-suite bedroom within a lodge-style unit, where two or three bedrooms share a comfortable central lounge area. Later, take a game drive as the animals become more active in the cool of late afternoon. Feel the excitement build as you set off in an open game-drive vehicle – you never know what may be around the corner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 — Kariega Game Reserve
Enjoy a full day at Kariega, a family-owned malaria-free reserve home to all of the Big Five. Head out on a morning game drive, to search for lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and more. Sit back and relax on a river cruise, with time afterwards to explore the lodge area. Top the day off with another game drive this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 — Kariega Game Reserve - Graaff-Reinet
After a fourth game drive early morning, leave for a scenic drive into the Great Karoo (Place of Thirst). Be on the lookout for wildlife in this large, semi-desert region.
This afternoon, arrive at your hotel in the heart of the historical town of Graaff-Reinet. Stay overnight in the renovated old slave quarters. You’ll have some free time to relax or you might decide to begin your explorations.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 — Graaff-Reinet - Valley of Desolation
Spend your morning exploring historic Graaff-Reinet, where around 50 restored, whitewashed 19th-century Cape Dutch, Victorian and Karoo-style buildings line the streets. The town remains remarkably unchanged, with several historic buildings open to visitors, including Reinet House. You can also browse local shops and cafes or visit Obesa, the world’s largest cacti collection. This afternoon, visit the Valley of Desolation, where volcanic rock has eroded into dramatic 120m columns.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 — Willowmore - Swartberg
The route today travels though old characterful towns. Break for lunch in Willowmore, a town filled with historical architecture and then head to Swartberg or (Oudtshoorn on selected dates) for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 — Swartberg - Franschhoek
Depart for the Cango Ostrich Farm. On a short tour, learn from the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides and have fun hand feeding these peculiar birds.
Then join the spectacular Cape Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. Sit back and enjoy towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and quaint country towns. Stop for lunch in Barrydale, a small town with magnificent views of the stark Klein Karoo and the fertile Tradouw Valley, before continuing to Franschhoek, set amidst the serene Franschhoek Mountains.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15 — Franschhoek
Today, why not take advantage of your ticket for the local hop-on-hop-off tram? It allows you to taste wines and cheese at local wine farms or just enjoy their beautiful gardens. Tonight, enjoy a very special wine pairing and fine-dining experience at Le Coin Français (the French Corner), prepared by chef Darren Badenhorst.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 — Cape Town - In flight
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 — UK
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
