Cape Town & Garden Route Explorer - 9 Days

Welcome to the first day of your South African adventure! Our journey begins in Cape Town, famously referred to as the Mother City. After meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, we will embark on a tour of this vibrant and historic city -the oldest in South Africa, and one of its three capitals.

We start with a visit to Signal Hill, offering breathtaking views. We'll drive through District 6, a poignant area with a rich and complex past, before moving on to explore the scenic Company’s Gardens. As we travel, you’ll learn about Cape Town's intriguing history.

This evening, savour the flavours of South Africa with a traditional braai dinner, accompanied by the lively rhythms of African drumming, at a local winery.

Today is yours to explore Cape Town at your leisure. You can dive into South Africa’s rich history at the District 6 Museum or enjoy a short journey to the Constantia Wine Valley, where you can taste some of the country's finest wines. Alternatively, you might want to join an optional excursion to the Cape Peninsula. This well-loved tour includes a visit to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you'll take a walk or a funicular ride to the Cape Point Lighthouse, offering stunning ocean vistas. The excursion also includes a visit to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and the lively coastal area of Kalk Bay. Whichever you choose, it promises to be an unforgettable day.

Cape Town - Stellenbosch - Hermanus. Today, we embark on a journey through the stunning Cape Winelands, renowned for its exceptional vineyards. South Africa offers a variety of exquisite wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and the uniquely South African Pinotage.

Our first destination is the historic university town of Stellenbosch. Here, we will visit a local wine estate to sample a selection of their finest wines and gain insight into South Africa's winemaking traditions, followed by a leisurely lunch. Afterwards, enjoy some time exploring the charming streets of Stellenbosch.

In the afternoon, we travel to the coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its whale-watching opportunities. You may choose to relax at the hotel or discover a local dining spot for your evening meal.

Hermanus - Swellendam - Mossel Bay. Spend this morning at leisure in Hermanus. You may choose to explore the area by participating in the Marine Eco Big 5 Trip, where you could encounter whales, sharks, seals, penguins, and dolphins. Alternatively, relax with a craft beer and seafood pairing on the Spirit of Hermanus.

We then travel to Swellendam, known for its natural beauty and distinctive Cape Dutch architecture, being South Africa’s third-oldest town. Our final destination for the day is the picturesque coastal town of Mossel Bay. Here, we check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Mossel Bay - Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Knysna - Tsitsikamma National Park. After breakfast, we visit Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a classic South African adventure - a wildlife safari. We’ll have the opportunity to see rhinos, elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeest, and other local wildlife. After our safari, we spend lunchtime in the Knysna harbour. Knysna oysters are highly recommended!

In the afternoon, you might explore more of the region’s remarkable fauna. Choose between visiting Monkeyland to spend time with primates or exploring the world’s largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. Dinner is provided at tonight’s hotel in Tsitsikamma.

Today is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure. We offer an exhilarating optional zipline tour through the stunning Tsitsikamma forest. Alternatively, you can explore this lush area on foot, taking in its diverse flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we visit Storms River Mouth, famed for South Africa’s longest suspension bridge. We will cross this remarkable structure for breathtaking views. You might choose to kayak through the Storms River Gorge or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic scenery from below.

In the evening, you are free to find a local restaurant for dinner or unwind with a drink at a nearby pub.

Tsitsikamma National Park - Oudtshoorn. Today, we transition from lush forests to the arid beauty of the Karoo as we head towards Oudtshoorn. Our journey along Route 62 offers stunning views of fruit farms, rugged mountains, and semi-desert landscapes. Upon arrival in Oudtshoorn, known as the world's ostrich capital, we will tour an ostrich farm to discover more about these remarkable birds. Afterwards, enjoy a three-course lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore the Cango Caves, a network of 20-million-year-old dripstone caves renowned for their impressive formations. Conclude the day with dinner at our hotel.

Oudtshoorn - Barrydale - Paarl - Cape Town. This morning, we continue our journey along Route 62, pausing at a popular roadside stall in the quaint town of Barrydale. We then proceed to Robertson, nestled in the "Valley of Wine and Roses," where lunch is included.

Afterwards, we visit a winery for a tasting session. In Paarl, we'll savour local wines paired with cheese – a treat in the renowned Cape Winelands. Our day concludes with a return to Cape Town, where you can unwind at the hotel or explore the city's nightlife, should you wish.

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check-out. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination.