Grand South Africa – Classic Explorer - 16 Days

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Who is this trip for

Age range

12 - 99

Start / End

  • Cape Town
  • Hoedspruit

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

2 - 6

Meals included

22

Highlights

  • Sunset from Table Mountain Watch the sun dip below the Atlantic from Cape Town’s iconic peak — unforgettable views from above the clouds.
  • Franschhoek Wine Tram Ride through rolling vineyards on a hop-on hop-off wine tram, sampling top estates in South Africa’s gourmet capital.
  • Meerkats at Dawn Rise early in Oudtshoorn to witness wild meerkats emerge at sunrise — a rare and heartwarming experience.
  • Lighthouse Stay by the Sea Fall asleep to the sound of waves at Cape Recife Lighthouse, perched on South Africa’s dramatic coastline.
  • Soweto Street Stories Explore Johannesburg’s vibrant township life and history — from Mandela’s home to colourful Vilakazi Street.
  • Big Five Safari Magic End your day with a sundowner in the bush after thrilling game drives in Timbavati, heart of Greater Kruger.

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Summary

Discover the best of South Africa on this 16-day self-drive and safari adventure, blending vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, world-class wine regions, and thrilling wildlife experiences. Start in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, and the city’s culinary hotspots. Journey through the Cape Winelands and charming Franschhoek, then drive the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn for unique wildlife encounters and cave explorations. Continue along the Garden Route to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, with a stop at Tsitsikamma’s lush forests and coastal trails. Fly to Johannesburg for a cultural deep-dive into Soweto’s history before ending with a luxury safari in the Greater Kruger’s Timbavati Reserve, where Big Five game drives and serene bush landscapes await.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Cape Town

    Arrive at Cape Town International Airport, collect your rental vehicle, and drive to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the lively V&A Waterfront, home to shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of Table Mountain and the harbour.

    Accommodation: Three Boutique Hotel Meals: None Activities: Self-guided visit to V&A Waterfront

    Housed in a beautiful National Monument building that has been converted into a stylish, elegant, and affordable 18-bedroom boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Oranjezicht, The Three Boutique Hotel offers chic surroundings, 4-star facilities, and friendly service. The property also offers free WiFi throughout the property, air conditioning in all rooms, spacious bedrooms with flat-screen TVs, and luxury en-suite bathrooms. Facilities available for guests' convenience include a swimming pool, outdoor lounge, rooftop deck, and more.

  • Day 2

    Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula

    Start your day with a visit to the iconic Table Mountain – take the cableway to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. Then embark on a scenic self-drive Cape Peninsula tour via Clifton and Hout Bay, continuing along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and walk up to the historic Cape Point Lighthouse. Visit the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach before stopping for lunch in charming Simon’s Town. Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon

    Accommodation: The Three Boutique Hotel Meals: Breakfast Activities: Table Mountain Cableway (ticket included), self-guided Cape Peninsula tour

  • Day 3

    Robben Island & Camps Bay

    This morning, take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront to visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Guided tours offer powerful insights into South Africa’s history. In the afternoon, unwind in the chic suburb of Camps Bay – relax on the beach or enjoy a drink at one of the stylish beachfront cafés.

    Accommodation: Three Boutique Hotel Meals: Breakfast Activities: Robben Island tour (included), free time in Camps Bay

  • Day 4

    Explore Cape Town at Your Own Pace

    Hop aboard the Red City Sightseeing Bus for a full day of flexible sightseeing. Stop at landmarks such as the Company’s Garden, Sea Point Promenade, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or visit the Constantia Wine Route.

    Accommodation: The Three Boutique Hotel Meals: Breakfast Activities: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (included)

  • Day 5

    Cape Winelands – Babylonstoren & Franschhoek

    After breakfast, depart Cape Town and travel to the historic Babylonstoren estate. Enjoy a guided garden tour, visit the on-site museum, and sample some of the estate’s acclaimed wines. Continue to Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of South Africa, and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon browsing the town’s boutique shops, galleries, and delis.

    Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa Meals: Breakfast Activities: Babylonstoren entrance and guided garden tour (included)

    Exceptional Four-Star Accommodation in the Heart of Franschhoek

    Escape to Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, nestled in the picturesque Cape Winelands town of Franschhoek. Just a short drive from Cape Town, this elegant retreat offers a perfect blend of French-inspired charm, iconic Cape Dutch architecture, and modern luxury.

    Surrounded by the majestic Wemmershoek mountains and bordered by lush vineyards, Le Franschhoek Hotel invites you to relax in a setting of manicured gardens, sophisticated interiors, and exceptional attention to detail. Accommodation options include thoughtfully decorated Standard and Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and Self-Catering Villas, each styled in calming neutral tones for ultimate comfort.

    Spend your days lounging by the pool or indulging in rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Camelot Spa, complete with an outdoor massage garden. Savour a range of culinary experiences, from the refined Sauvage Restaurant to the relaxed La Pavillion, or enjoy light bites and cocktails at the chic Terrace Bar & Lounge. Unwind with a glass of chilled Méthode Cap Classique as you watch the surrounding peaks transform under the sunset.

  • Day 6

    Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience

    Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Franschhoek Valley aboard the Wine Tram. Hop off at multiple wine estates for tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard strolls.

    Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa Meals: Breakfast Activities: Wine Tram ticket (included)

  • Day 7

    Scenic Drive to Oudtshoorn via Route 62

    Drive the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, passing small towns and countryside views. Stop at Diesel & Crème in Barrydale for milkshakes before checking in at your guesthouse. Optionally, enjoy a spa treatment or dinner at the hotel.

    Accommodation: La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa Meals: Breakfast Activities: Scenic drive (self-guided), stop at Diesel & Crème

    La Plume is a Boutique Guest House with Spa on a working ostrich, alfalfa, and cattle farm offering spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where old-world charm is combined with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.

    La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation from a Cottage, Private Farm Villa, Luxury Rooms to Luxury Junior Suite, Honeymoon and Superior Suites. With private entrances, sunny verandas and elegant, comfortable antiques, each of the 20 individually furnished air-conditioned units offer satellite television, free WiFi, minibar and abundant comforts.

    The restaurant serves a full English Breakfast Buffet, lunch menu, picnic baskets, cheese platters and for dinner enjoy a Four Course Buffet with exceptional local wine in the candlelit dining room of the 1902 Victorian homestead.

    Join the owner for an informative tour of this working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm. Learn about the day to day activities in the life of a full-time farmer and one of the few experts on the ostrich industry.

    “Our philosophy is exclusivity and exceptional comfort with warm, personal attention in an environment conducive to the art of gracious living. La Plume welcomes you.”

  • Day 8

    Explore Oudtshoorn

    Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the highlights of Oudtshoorn. Start with an early morning Five Shy Meerkats Tour – a unique wildlife experience observing meerkats in their natural habitat. Later, visit the impressive Cango Caves with its dramatic limestone chambers, followed by a Tractor Safari and guided tour at an ostrich farm, including lunch with the option to sample ostrich meat.

    Accommodation: La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa Meals: Breakfast Activities: Meerkat Tour, Cango Caves Tour, Ostrich Tractor Safari (all included)

  • Day 9

    Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay via Knysna

    Travel over the Outeniqua Pass and stop in Knysna for the Featherbed Eco Experience — a guided walk through the nature reserve. Continue on to Plettenberg Bay, where you can relax at your hotel.

    Accommodation: Lion Roars Plett Quarter Hotel & Apartments Meals: Breakfast Activities: Featherbed Eco Excursion (included), Knysna stop

    Greenery abounds throughout Plett Quarter Hotel & Apartments, with a coastal chic modern aesthetic that embraces Plett’s sunny climate and al fresco lifestyle. The room types on offer include 19 Economy Rooms, 35 Luxury Suites, and 17 two, three, or four-bedroom luxurious Self-Catering Apartments.

    Depending on preference, certain hotel rooms offer balconies, whilst some are more compact and budget friendly for the traveller who prefers to spend more time outdoors, exploring the many activities of the surroundings.

    Each Self-Catering Apartment is fully equipped and luxuriously furnished for your convenience, offering beautiful sea views.

    The sky bar and rooftop pool deck take full advantage of its elevated position, embracing the expansive views across the bay. Its convenient location on vibey Main Street means you can enjoy all the charming seaside town has to offer, including great restaurants, wonderful bars, shops and art galleries.

  • Day 10

    Tsitsikamma National Park & Cape Recife

    Visit Old Nick Village for crafts and art before entering Tsitsikamma National Park. Hike the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge surrounded by forest and sea. End the day at Cape Recife Lighthouse for a unique coastal stay.

    Accommodation: Cape Recife Lighthouse Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Activities: Storms River hike, Old Nick Village stop

    Discover Gqeberha’s most renowned seaside stay, where Life's a beach 24/7.

    Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa offers extraordinary accommodation within a stately lighthouse, featuring picturesque ocean views. Located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, it provides an unforgettable beachfront escape on an outstanding stretch of the Eastern Cape coastline at Algoa Bay, ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, or adventurous explorers.

    Our Luxury Villa, offers guests the opportunity to own a private stretch of coast line located inside a nature reserve with possibilities to walk along the beach for miles on end, seeing dolphins, whales, penguins and more during their walks.

    The resident Lighthouse Keeper also offers Sunset and Sunrise tours, including guided beach walks for those interested in stretching their legs.

    Full Board and Self Catering options are possible at Cape Recife.

  • Day 11

    Gqeberha or Addo Safari & Flight to Johannesburg

    Spend the morning exploring Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or opt for a game drive in Addo Elephant Park. In the afternoon, fly to Johannesburg and transfer to your Sandton hotel.

    Accommodation: Premier Hotel Quatermain Meals: Breakfast Activities: Optional Addo Safari or Gqeberha city tour

    Premier Hotel Quatermain is situated in Morningside, Johannesburg, near Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton Central Park, the Bryanston Country Club and the James & Ethel Gray Park. Rooms feature air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, a hairdryer, a telephone and an electronic safety deposit box. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy meals. Additional amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, an airport shuttle, parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.

  • Day 12

    Johannesburg & Soweto Cultural Experience

    Enjoy a guided city and township tour including stops at the Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum, and Regina Mundi Church. Enjoy lunch at Sakhumzi on Vilakazi Street, and return to Sandton for some leisure time or shopping.

    Accommodation: Premier Hotel Quatermain Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activities: Guided Johannesburg & Soweto Tour (included)

  • Day 13

    Fly to Hoedspruit – Safari Begins

    Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Private Reserve. Enjoy your first afternoon game drive and settle into the safari rhythm.

    Accommodation: Simbavati River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activities: Afternoon game drive (included)

    Simbavati River Lodge enjoys a unique setting on the banks of the Kruger Park’s Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.

    One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant. Between game drives, you could enjoy a game-viewing experience of note just sitting on the deck as wildlife comes and goes from the water.

    This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation. It caters well to couples and honeymooners with a safari spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families.

    The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog.

  • Day 14

    Safari in Timbavati

    Spend the day on safari with two game drives and optional guided bush walks. Spot the Big Five and relax at the lodge between activities.

    Accommodation: Simbavati River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives (included)

  • Day 15

    Final Full Day on Safari

    Enjoy a final full day in the African bush with immersive wildlife experiences and tranquil downtime at the lodge.

    Accommodation: Simbavati River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activities: Game drives and lodge activities (included)

  • Day 16

    Departure

    After a morning at leisure or optional activity (time permitting), transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward journey.

    Accommodation: None (end of tour) Meals: Breakfast (if time permits) Activities: Optional morning game drive

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Handpicked boutique hotels, guesthouses, and safari lodge

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 14, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 4

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Partially Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Included
  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jan 26

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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need an international driver’s licence for the self-drive portion?

    UK, EU, US, and many other licence holders can legally drive in South Africa with their home licence, provided it’s in English and includes a photo. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not mandatory.
  • Is it safe to self-drive in South Africa?

    Yes, the routes included in this itinerary are well-travelled, scenic, and considered safe for tourists. Roads are generally in good condition. Always avoid driving at night and follow local travel advisories.
  • What type of vehicle is included and can it be upgraded?

    A standard rental vehicle is included, suitable for paved roads and light gravel. Upgrades to SUVs or automatics can be arranged upon request and may incur an additional cost.
  • What’s the best time of year to travel this route?

    This itinerary is great year-round, but the best months are October to April for warm, dry weather in Cape Town and the Garden Route. May to September is ideal for safari, with cooler temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing.
  • Are internal flights included in the trip cost?

    The internal flights (Gqeberha to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Hoedspruit) are not included but can be arranged and quoted upon request.
  • Are meals included throughout the trip?

    Breakfast is included almost every day, with selected lunches and dinners (particularly at the safari lodge). Most lunches and dinners in cities and towns are at leisure to allow flexibility and local dining exploration.
  • Can this itinerary be adjusted to suit my preferences?

    Yes, this is a flexible, tailor-made trip. Accommodations, duration, excursions, and pace can all be customised to suit your travel style and interests.
  • Are the game drives shared or private?

    Game drives at Simbavati River Lodge are typically shared with other guests, conducted in open 4x4 vehicles led by expert rangers. Private drives can be arranged at additional cost (subject to availability).
  • Is the trip suitable for children or families?

    While designed for adults and couples, the itinerary can be adapted for families. Certain experiences (e.g. safari) may have minimum age limits — please inquire for family-friendly options.
  • What vaccinations or health precautions are needed?

    Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Johannesburg are not malaria zones. However, the Timbavati safari region is a low-risk malaria area, and precautions are recommended. Consult your GP or travel clinic at least 6 weeks before travel.
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