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 – Half-day city tour
Today, you will meet your guide for a half-day city tour, the perfect introduction to this exciting and vibrant city. Explore the various neighbourhoods and highlights such as St. George’s Cathedral (the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu), Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap]. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa and continue on to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top by the revolving cable car and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day, it is even possible to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, on one side and Cape Point on the other.
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. Hiring a car in South Africa is easy and self drive allows you to travel at your own pace. If you’re still a bit nervous about the idea, read our self drive inspiration page, or speak to your travel specialist. 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 – Bumpy gravel roads to De Hoop Nature Reserve
After breakfast, you’ll check out and make your way to De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is an adventure on its own! The reserve is tucked away in the Western Cape, and you’ll have to tackle a bumpy gravel road to reach it, so get ready for a bit of a rough ride. But once you arrive, the incredible views will make it all worth it. You’ll be greeted by wide-open landscapes, towering sand dunes, unique rock formations, and a coastline full of amazing wildlife and plants. The next few nights you will stay in a cozy cottage right in the heart of the park, with everything you need for a relaxing getaway: a pool, spa, tennis court, and restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to unwind far from the hustle and bustle!
Day 7 – Hiking in De Hoop Nature Reserve
Today, you’ve got plenty of ways to explore the park, whether you’re in the mood for a scenic hike or something more challenging like a bike ride. For a closer look at the unique fynbos landscape and local wildlife, it’s a good idea to join an early morning guided walk with a local ranger. It’s also a great opportunity to spot some of the many birds in the area.
If coastal walks are more your thing, the Interpretive Marine Walk is a solid option. It takes you along the beach, and between June and December, you might even spot some whales in the bay. In the afternoon, you can try a guided mountain bike ride or a quad tour.
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 – Boat trip to the seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve
Today, you’re going to see the seals! After breakfast, you’ll hop on a boat with a small group and head to Robberg Nature Reserve, which is home to about 6,000 fur seals. From the boat, keep your eyes peeled for seals lounging on the rocks along the coast. The experienced crew will inspire you with their wealth of knowledge and genuine passion for the ocean. 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 – Drive to Port Elizabeth and stay overnight
The next day you will drive to Port Elizabeth it is an easy and beautiful trip that takes about three hours. The road winds through forests and coastal scenery, passing through towns such as Tsitsikamma and Jeffreys Bay, which are perfect for a coffee stop or a quick photo. When you arrive in Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha, you will check into a charming guesthouse and unwind after the drive. The beachfront is lovely for an evening walk, and there are plenty of great places for dinner, from relaxed seafood spots to elegant restaurants with ocean views. It is the perfect place to rest for the night before continuing your journey.
Day 13 – Drop off your hire car and fly to Hoedspruit
Today you set off for your safari adventure, you will drop off your hire car at the airport and jump on a flight North to Hoedspruit. 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.
Days 14 & 15 – 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 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
