Day 1 – Welcome to South Africa
Welcome to vibrant Cape Town! Fresh off the plane and ready to dive into your adventure, you’ll soon check into your guesthouse where you can either chill out by the pool or jump straight into exploring. A visit to the iconic Table Mountain is a must. Whether you hike up in a couple of hours or take the quick four-minute cable car ride, it’s totally worth it! Afterward, why not wander through the city streets and catch some local street performers showing off their moves? Cape Town’s got something for everyone, so no chance of getting bored!
Day 2 – Cape Town walking tour
For most travelers, the vibrant houses in Bo-Kaap are just a cool spot to take a travel picture, but there’s a whole history behind them. This area used to be home to South Asian slaves, and now their descendants, the Cape Malays, live here, still keeping their culture and traditions alive. You can really taste it in the food – think biryanis and samosas. Today you will join a local cooking class, and you’ll get to meet them, hear their stories, learn about the spices they use, and ofcourse you whip up some of those delicious dishes yourself.
Day 3 – Explore the city on your own: Waterfront and Robben Island
You’ve got all day to explore the city at your own pace! The V&A Waterfront is a great spot to hang out in the evening, with tons of restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or want to take a sunset cruise to enjoy the views of the water and Table Mountain, it’s all here.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can also catch a tour to Robben Island from the waterfront, where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned. The tours are led by former inmates, offering a unique and personal insight into the history of Cape Town and South Africa.
Day 4 – On the road to the wine region
Today, you’ll pick up your rental car and head out to South Africa’s wine region. The drive to Stellenbosch isn’t too long, so no rush—you can take it easy and maybe even make a few stops along the way. When you get to Stellenbosch, you’ll notice the old Cape Dutch-style buildings, which might look familiar if you’ve ever been to the Netherlands!
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, take some time to wander around and explore the area. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants. And don’t forget to ask which wine pairs best with your meal—you’re in South Africa’s wine country, after all!
Day 5 – Biketour through the vineyards
Today, you will join a local guide on a biketour throught the vineyards. In the morning you’ll be picked up and taken to the starting point of your tour, which is great because you won’t have to worry about driving back—super useful after a few wine tastings! You’ll leave the main roads behind and cycle through the vineyards, with your guide stopping here and there to explain the winemaking process, even showing you the grape bunches up close. You’ll visit three wineries and a brandy distillery to try their specialities. The route takes you along peaceful paths, away from the busy traffic, with a few hills to climb. Along the way, you’ll get some stunning views of the surrounding mountains and False Bay—so make sure to bring your camera!
Day 6 – Set off for Wilderness
Wilderness, a small town located between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean is the next stop on your family journey along the Garden Route. Here you will find long stretches of white sandy beaches, perfect for taking an afternoon stroll and the kids will love the experience of swimming in the Indian Ocean. If you have enough time and you are a fan of hiking, nearby Wilderness National Park is definitely worth exploring, with trails for all ages and abilities. You will be staying in a family-friendly guesthouse located close to the beach and local restaurants.
Day 7 – Canoeing in Wilderness
It’s time to head out on the water. You’ll need to prepare a packed lunch for today’s activity as lunch is not provided. After breakfast, there is a short drive to the Touws River where you will be kitted out with your canoeing equipment. Once you’re in the water, you’ll soon get the hang of paddling as you head to the towering forest, where you will be treated to incredible scenery. After around forty minutes, you will find a beach where you can land the canoe and continue by foot to reach a small waterfall. Now it’s time to have a rest and enjoy your picnic with the sounds of the river around you, before heading back to your canoe for the paddle back.
Day 8 – Along the Garden Route to Knysna
Today, you’ll be exploring the beautiful Garden Route. As you drive, you’ll pass through lush green forests, deep gorges, and winding roads framed by rocky cliffs and vibrant flowers. It really does feel like driving through the “gardens” of Africa! You’ll arrive in Knysna, a charming town set around a large lagoon – the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and soak up the good life. You’ll be staying in a cosy guesthouse with a pool, ideal for unwinding after exploring. Why not pop open that bottle of wine you might have picked up during your bike tour a few days ago and enjoy the moment?
Day 9 – Trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve
Your guesthouse is located on a hill, so you will wake up with stunning views over the lagoon. In Knysna we have planned a great tour to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This starts at around 8am at the harbour. As you head further out from the shore, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the town, nestled peacefully along the hills. But the real adventure kicks off once you start your hike through Featherbed Nature Reserve.
At the Knysna Heads, where towering cliffs divide the lagoon from the Indian Ocean, you’ll follow a scenic trail along the rugged coastline for about an hour and a half. The path winds through lush green vegetation, with occasional glimpses of the bright blue ocean. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the entire lagoon. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and forget everything else for a while.
Day 10 – On the road to Plettenberg Bay
After a nice breakfast with a great view, you’ll head to Plett, the local name for Plettenberg Bay. This charming destination is perfect for those who enjoy long walks on wide sandy beaches. Plett also has a good selection of restaurants, and you might want to try one of the beachside fish spots for some fish ‘n chips. For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a charming guesthouse in a great location. The rooms are bright and modern, and the hosts are very friendly. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales from the terrace.
Day 11 – Visit the seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve
Get ready for an exciting day on your second day in Plett! After enjoying breakfast, you’ll join a small group and hop onto a boat that will take you to Robberg Nature Reserve, home to approximately 6,000 fur seals. As you make your way along the coast, you’ll start spotting seals relaxing on the rocks. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss during your time in South Africa! The entire excursion lasts about 1.5 hours. In the evening we recommend one of the many fish restaurants where you will be served freshly caught fish.
Day 12 & 13 – Hire car drop of and flight to Kruger
The next day you will drive to Port Elizabeth where you will stay one night. After this night you will drop off your hire car at the airport and jump on a flight to the Kruger region. One arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred to your safari lodge that will be your home for the next 3 nights while you head out on daily safaris to spot South Africa’s best wildlife.
Day 14 & 15 – Safari adventure in a Private Reserve
Arrive at the Bush Lodge, beautifully situated in a private reserve near Hoedspruit, where your first safari in South Africa is on the agenda- now the real fun begins! You’re in the heart of the African bush, in the Big 5 Manyeleti Game Reserve, not far from the Orpen gates of Kruger. Get ready to embark on a search for the Big 5 with a ranger and other guests. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll have a better chance of spotting these animals. They can track footprints and often know where the wildlife is likely to be. You’ll spend the night in one of our favourite bush camps, providing a unique experience in the wild. This is the perfect way to discover the incredible wildlife of South Africa!
Day 16 – Flight back home
Enjoy one last breakfast basket on your veranda before loading up the car and starting your journey back to Johannesburg. Your diverse trip filled with safaris, bike tours, panoramic views, and swimming with seals has come to an end. Totsiens, as they say in Afrikaans.
Accommodation
