Days 1 – Arrive in Hoedspruit (via Johannesburg) and transfer to private safari lodge
Welcome to South Africa! On arrival in Hoedspruit, you will pick up your private transfer to the luxury safari lodge that will be your home for the next 3 nights. Your accommodation is a luxurious safari camp in the heart of the African bush and the perfect base to explore the Kruger region and the abundance of game that surrounds you. You won’t need to compromise on comfort though, as the rooms are all fully equipped with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. You’ll be welcomed with a delicious lunch on arrival, with full board to keep you fed throughout your stay here.
Day 2 & 3 – Safari in the Kruger region
After a good night’s sleep, you will wake up excited for the day ahead. You will set off early, even before breakfast, for your first game drive when the animals are most active. Your guide, who knows the local wildlife inside out, will take you along winding tracks and open plains, pointing out signs of the big five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, as well as zebras, giraffes, and a variety of birds. Along the way, you will hear fascinating stories about the animals and their habitats, making every sighting even more memorable. After breakfast back at camp, you can head out for another safari in the afternoon, each drive offering new chances to spot wildlife and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. As the day comes to an end, the evenings are perfect for relaxing around a crackling fire under the stars, swapping stories, and soaking in the excitement of all you have seen.
Day 4 – Fly to Port Elizabeth (via Johannesburg) and drive to Jeffery’s Bay
This morning you will have your final game drive and breakfast in the bush before being picked up and taken to the airport where you will catch you domestic flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival in Port Elizabeth, you will collect your rental car and drive the short distance to Jeffery’s Bay. We’ve arranged a cosy guesthouse for you, conveniently located, that will be your home for the next two nights. The rooms are bright and modern, and the hosts are super friendly. Plus, from the terrace, you might even get the chance to spot dolphins or whales!
Day 5 – Catching waves in Jeffery’s Bay
Today brings a fun, hands-on experience in Jeffreys Bay, one of South Africa’s best-loved surf spots. Head down to the beach this morning for a relaxed two-hour family surf lesson where you will get kitted out in wetsuits before a friendly English-speaking instructor runs through the basics on the sand. Then it is straight into the waves to give it a go yourselves with plenty of laughs along the way. The session is ideal for children aged 6 and over, but if yours are younger, you can simply skip the lesson and enjoy some easy-going time by the sea, whether that is building sandcastles or just soaking up the coastal vibe.
Day 6 – Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park
Today you will be truly immersed into the lush green surroundings of Tsitsikamma National Park with a canopy tour. This is an adrenaline-fueled zip-line experience that takes you flying through the treetops of an ancient rainforest, giving you panoramic views of this breath-taking environment. As you glide from one platform to the next, you’ll get a glimpse of the vibrant flora and fauna that this region is famous for.
Day 7 – Canopy tour in Tsitsikamma National Park
Today you will be truly immersed into the lush green surroundings of Tsitsikamma National Park with a canopy tour. This is an adrenaline-fueled zip-line experience that takes you flying through the treetops of an ancient rainforest, giving you panoramic views of this breath-taking environment. As you glide from one platform to the next, you’ll get a glimpse of the vibrant flora and fauna that this region is famous for.
Day 8 – Drive to Knysna, board your houseboat
Today you will arrive in Knysna and board your houseboat on the sparkling Knysna Lagoon. Once aboard, settle into your cosy floating home and take a moment to enjoy the gentle sway of the water and the peaceful surroundings. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck, watching the boats and birdlife glide past, or take a kayak out to explore the lagoon more closely. There’s time to wander along the shoreline or simply soak up the sun with a drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a delicious meal on board while the sky lights up over the Knysna Heads, making for a magical and memorable start to your Knysna adventure.
Day 9 – Visit Knysna Lagoon, Featherbed Nature Reserve
Today, you’ll hop on a boat that gently takes you across the Knysna lagoon. As you drift further from the shore, you’ll get a beautiful view of the town, peacefully spread out along the hills. But that’s just the beginning—the real highlights await during your hike through the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Here, at the stunning Knysna Heads where the cliffs separate the lagoon from the Indian Ocean, you’ll walk along the dramatic coastline for about an hour and a half. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the bright blue water through the lush green vegetation, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breath-taking view over the entire lagoon. It’s the perfect way to lose yourself in nature and leave everything else behind.
The Waterfront is the lively heart of Knysna. You’ll find charming boutiques where you can browse around, and you can also rent bikes or kayaks to explore the surroundings. But it’s in the evening that the real atmosphere comes alive. This is the perfect spot to settle into one of the many cosy restaurants and enjoy local dishes and fresh seafood, all while live music plays in the background. The local specialty? Oysters, freshly harvested from the lagoon – a must-try.
Day 10 – Drive to Wilderness and check into hotel
Today you will leave Knysna and set off along the scenic Garden Route towards Wilderness. Enjoy the drive through lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lagoons, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a short walk along the way. On arrival, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax, perhaps strolling along the beach or exploring the village. The tranquil surroundings and fresh coastal air make Wilderness the perfect place to unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures in this beautiful part of the Garden Route.
Day 11 – Canoeing adventure 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 next to you, before heading back to your canoe for the paddle back.
Day 12 – Off to the winelands to explore among the vines
Today you will leave Wilderness and drive inland towards the famous Cape Winelands. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, from forested hills and rivers to the rolling vineyards and mountains of the winelands. On arrival, settle into your charming accommodation surrounded by vineyards and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, you might enjoy a gentle walk through the estate, sip a glass of local wine, or simply soak up the peaceful scenery, preparing for a full day of wine tasting and exploring the region tomorrow.
Day 13 – Bikes’n’wines Adventure tour
Today you’ll gather at 10am for your family-friendly bike ride through South Africa’s vineyards. Older children will have their own mountain bikes while younger ones join you in the back of the bike trailer*. Together with your guide you’ll cycle through Stellenbosch and its surroundings, following quiet paths, away from busy roads. The exact route and pace will of course be adapted to the kids. During the morning you’ll stop at two different wineries where you’ll have chance to taste the wines they produce. Soft drinks are provided for the children. The bike tour is typically 12 km and ends at around 1.30pm.
You don’t have to worry that the kids will get bored along the way – at Spier they have a centre for birds and at Vredenheim there are zebras, springboks and other antelopes running around. Whilst you’re in the winelands you can lunch at one of the wineries and continue exploring independently in the afternoon.
* Children from two years old are allowed in the back of the bike trailer. If your child is younger than two, the Franschhoek hop-on hop-off wine tram offers a fun alternative to explore the wine route around Franschhoek.
Day 14 – Drive to your final stop – Cape Town
Today you will leave the Cape Winelands and make your way to Cape Town. The drive takes you through picturesque vineyards, quaint towns, and stunning mountain passes, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a short stroll. On arrival, check into your accommodation in the city and take some time to relax or explore nearby attractions. Whether it’s wandering along the waterfront, enjoying a café, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Cape Town is the perfect base for the next chapter of your South African adventure.
Day 15 – Family walking tour in Cape Town
After breakfast, you’ll meet up with a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour that is perfect for families looking to explore the city at their own pace. This fun, relaxed tour will take you through Cape Town’s most iconic spots, from colourful streets to historic landmarks, with plenty of opportunities for photos and anecdotes along the way. You’ll learn about the city’s past and its vibrant present, with something to keep both adults and kids engaged. It’s a great way to see Cape Town, learn something new, and make lasting memories together.
The tour ends at the V&A Waterfront in time for lunch. There are plenty of options to choose from here. In the afternoon, you may wish to take the boat from the waterfront to Robben Island, Cape Town’s Alcatraz, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
Day 16 – Free day to continue exploring Cape Town
Today is free for you to explore Cape Town at your leisure. If the weather is clear, we recommend taking the cable car directly to the top of Table Mountain. There are also hiking trails ascending the mountain, but these are very steep, and we do not suggest taking them with children. The cable car is an experience in itself and takes you to the top of Cape Town’s icon within six minutes, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the city and the surrounding area.
Day 17 – International departure
On your final day in Cape Town, enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at the V&A Waterfront, a stroll through Kirstenbosch Gardens, and some last-minute souvenir shopping, then soak up a Camps Bay sunset before heading to the airport for your flight back to the UK with the family.
Accommodation
