Safari guide in jeep with calming sign looking at rhinos in the wild

SPLENDID SOUTH AFRICA

The complete South Africa experience, from Cape Town to the vineyards, national parks and safari lodges of the stunning Garden Route.

Destination
Starts at

Cape Town

Destination
Ends at

Cape Town

Destination
Duration

11 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

moderate Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

How do you begin to get an authentic taste of Africa’s southerly nation? Well, thanks to the expert guidance of our Local Insider, this trip is a satisfying three-course meal. To start, we’ll delve into the cultural diversity of Cape Town, forged in the fires of the country’s complex past. Next on the table – after Table Mountain, of course – is an exploration of the Garden Route’s sublime natural bounties, from limestone caves to luscious national parks, epic coastlines and endless vineyards. Your dessert? A luxurious stay on a stunning safari game reserve, where you can join us in search of the Big Five and bask in the glory of the South African wilderness. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.

Trip Highlights

  • Ascend Table Mountain via cable car and take in the incredible views
  • Embark on multiple game drives at a luxury Big Five safari reserve
  • Visit Cape Town’s Bo Kaap community and take part in a Cape Malay cooking class
  • Discover the untouched beauty of Tsitsikamma National Park
  • ​​Sample delicious local wines on the Cape Winelands tram tour
  • Explore the Cango Caves and ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn
  • Visit the Cape of Good Hope, Africa’s most southwestern point
  • Take a leap of faith on the tallest bungee jump bridge on the planet, if that’s your thing

Your Itinerary

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) you’ll be picked up and swiftly transferred to our first hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may have some time to explore the surrounding area of Sea Point, where you can take a stroll along the promenade before meeting the group and your Local Insider for a welcome dinner.

Accommodation

Newkings Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Welcome dinner

Our first full day in Cape Town is about gaining an understanding of the city’s unique melting-pot culture. After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head to Langa, the oldest Black African Township in Cape Town. There is no better place to understand the impact Apartheid South Africa had on its black inhabitants. Our visit will be an eye-opener, but also a testament to the power of community and an insight into the inspirational cultures forged in horrific times. After lunch in Langa we’ll return to Cape Town before embarking on a Cape Malay cooking experience later this afternoon. The Muslim South African community of Bo Kaap is often overlooked, so the historical and cultural insights gained on this culinary masterclass will enrich your understanding of Cape Town, while the aromatic fusion of South African and Eastern cuisines will leave your appetite more than satisfied.

Accommodation

Newkings Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Visit to Langa Township, includes lunch
  • Cape Malay cooking class, includes dinner

Equipped with a fresh understanding of the people of Cape Town, today is our chance to explore the extraordinary natural beauty of the city’s surrounding areas. First up is the spectacular cable car journey to the freakily flat top of Table Mountain. Explore some footpaths as you take in the stunning panorama below, gazing over Cape Town and the Atlantic or Indian Oceans (depending which way you’re facing). Next up we’ll head to Cape Peninsula, stopping off at Simons Town, where you can grab lunch and join an optional kayaking activity surrounded by the local penguins. We’ll continue to the most southwestern point in all of Africa – the Cape of Good Hope. No trip to South Africa is complete without visiting this iconic spot, which has dazzled countless seafaring explorers over the centuries. We’ll return to the hotel late in the afternoon and you’ll have the evening to spend at your own leisure.

Accommodation

Newkings Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Table Mountain visit via cable car
  • Cape of Good Hope visit
Optional Activities
  • Sea Kayaking Penguin Tour Optional (11am)

This morning we leave Cape Town behind for the town of Franschhoek, in the glorious Cape Winelands. The best way to discover this place is with your tastebuds, so we’ll jump onboard the region’s hop on hop off wine tram, a charming old locomotive that takes you from vineyard to vineyard, and stop off for tastings at three different farms en route. Be sure to grab some lunch on one of our stops, so you’re not too groggy when we check in to our boutique countryside guest lodge late in the afternoon. You’ll have plenty of time to freshen up before dinner at an authentic local restaurant this evening.

Accommodation

Cultivar Guest Lodge

Activities Included
  • Franschhoek Hop on Hop off Wine tram
  • Dinner

Who said getting from A to B has to be a chore? Not in South Africa, not today, as we traverse the world famous Garden Route on Route 62. Stretching along the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines, we’ll pass epic cliffs, picture-perfect beaches and indigenous forests on this spectacularly scenic road trip. Our ultimate destination is Oudtshoorn, a town known as the ostrich capital of the world. We’ll get up close to nature’s largest bird on a tractor safari visit to an ostrich farm – when in Oudtshoorn, after all.

Accommodation

Surval Boutique Olive Estate

Activities Included
  • Drive along Route 62
  • Ostrich farm visit on a tractor safari

After breakfast this morning we’ll head to the otherworldly Cango Caves, a 20 million year-old underground limestone complex. Gaze in awe at the football field-sized main cavern and see if you can spot creatively named rock formations like Cleopatra’s Needle, the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall. In the afternoon we’ll head to one of South Africa’s most beloved coastal towns, Knysna, embarking on a boat cruise around Knysna Heads – one of the world’s most beautiful, and dramatic, river mouths. You’ll have a laid-back evening back on land in Knysna, where you can sample the delights of coastal life and find yourself a delicious seaside dinner.

Accommodation

The Rex Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Cango Caves visit
  • Knysna Boat Cruise

This morning we head to Tsitsikamma National Park, the gem of the Garden Route, where the luscious greenery of forest and Fynbos meet the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. We’ll explore verdant hiking trails, cross a suspension bridge across Storms River mouth and discover cosy little coves and beaches before heading to Bloukrans Bridge, famous for being the world’s tallest bungee jump bridge. For those that way inclined, yes, you have the option to do it yourself. For those very much not that way inclined, don’t worry, you don’t have to take the 709ft (216m) leap of faith – the Skywalk bridge tour might be more your speed. With feet back on firm ground we’ll return to Knysna for another evening on the coast.

Accommodation

The Rex Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park
Optional Activities
  • Bloukrans Bridge Bungee OR Skywalk Bridge Walk Tour

No trip to South Africa is complete without experiencing the country’s extraordinary range of wildlife, so our last few days will be spent at an 11,000ha (over 27,000 acres) luxury game reserve. The reserve is the perfect place to go on game drives and explore the amazing mountain landscapes. You’ll be given ample time to spot the Big Five while you’re here, starting with an afternoon game drive before dinner at the lodge. Hopefully you’ll settle into your luxurious lodge having ticked a few off already, but fear not, your safari isn’t over yet!

Accommodation

Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge

Activities Included
  • Afternoon Game Drive
  • Dinner

After tucking into a delicious breakfast you’ll have the option to go on a morning game drive, but if you’d like to mix it up you can also take advantage of the reserve’s many activities. Take some complimentary mountain bikes out on a trail, discover the area’s flora on a Fynbos tour or detox at Tented Bush Spa. We’ll head out on another game drive this afternoon in search of elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalo and rhino, before a well-deserved dinner with a view at the reserve.

Accommodation

Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge

Activities Included
  • Afternoon Game Drive
  • Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Morning Game Drive

If some of the Big Five still elude you, we’ll have the option to go on one last game drive this morning before breakfast, after which we’ll drive back to Cape Town. You’ll have some free time in the city this afternoon before checking back into our first hotel. Enjoy your final hours in South Africa before reconvening with the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Newkings Boutique Hotel

Activities Included
  • Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
  • Morning game drive

And so our time in this majestic country has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a transfer back to the airport or, if 10 days wasn’t enough, continue your adventure in South Africa solo!

Accommodation

Activities Included
  • Transfer to airport

What's Included

  • Six nights boutique hotel accommodation
  • Two nights country guest lodge accommodation
  • Two nights luxury game reserve accommodation
  • Private and local transport
  • Transfer from and to the airport
  • Ten breakfasts, one lunch and six dinners
  • Local Insider
  • Visit to Langa Township, includes lunch
  • Cape Malay cooking class, includes dinner
  • Table Mountain visit via cable car
  • Cape of Good Hope visit
  • Franschhoek Hop on Hop off Wine tram
  • Drive along Route 62
  • Ostrich farm visit on a tractor safari
  • Cango Caves visit
  • Knysna Boat Cruise
  • Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park
  • 2x afternoon game drives

What's Not Included

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights to and from the destination

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

Newkings Boutique Hotel

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This four-star boutique hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town’s laid-back coastal neighbourhood, is a trendy spot nearby the area’s pretty promenade. Tastefully designed rooms either boast a view of the ocean or the spectacular Signal Hill, while downstairs is a boutique gift shop and the beautiful Zest Restaurant, where high quality, fresh ingredients are the stars of a refreshingly minimalistic menu.

Cultivar Guest Lodge

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When you first see this country lodge, nestled between the majestic Stellenbosch mountains and the luscious vineyards of Cape Winelands, you’ll understand why Cultivar Guest Lodge is a popular wedding venue. There are just 16 individually designed and decorated rooms here, each named after a different variety of grape, as well as a luxurious garden space, two pools and a rooftop balcony.

Surval Boutique Olive Estate

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This working farm estate near Route 62 is another slice of classic country living. Its peaceful location is a beautiful thing to wake up to, while the incredibly warm, attentive staff will have you feeling like royalty. Come evening the restaurant offers a delicious range of local delicacies, including Bobotie cottage pie and pan-fried ostrich.

aha The Rex Boutique Hotel

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This sophisticated spot in the lovely coastal town of Knysna blends contemporary with classic, embracing cool colours and rich fabrics to create a trendy urban chic vibe. The relaxed ambience feels right at home in the middle of Knysna, with the town’s waterfront shopping district and Thesen Island within walking distance.

Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge

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Kwena Lodge is a five-star luxury safari lodge on the Gondwana Game Reserve, home to 11,000ha (over 27,000 acres) of private wilderness. The lodge puts a modern twist on traditional Khoi-San huts, with each suite nestled amid natural surroundings, boasting 180-degree views of the spectacular mountainous landscape. There is an infinity pool, open-plan lounge and bar, plus gorgeous indoor and outdoor dining options. As well as game drives, the reserve offers Fynbos walks, picnics, free mountain bike usage, spa treatments and much more.

COVID Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we’ve put the following measures in place on all our TRIPS:

  • Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), which gives you all the security of being in a group whilst avoiding a crowd.
  • Where possible, we use small/ boutique accommodation – this means fewer guests and reduced exposure to other travellers.
  • We require all accommodation providers to share protocols around the extra health and hygiene measures they are taking.
  • Included activities are exclusive to our group wherever possible, to minimise contact with others.
  • Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be required. Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
  • We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

  • You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
  • Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • We won't charge you extra if you travel alone – you'll be allocated a twin room with another traveller of the same gender.
  • To upgrade to a private room, share a room with a friend, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
  • Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
  • Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

The world of travel is changing – and that's why we’re offering flexible booking conditions, to take the stress out of booking in times of uncertainty.

You can get a full refund should you need to postpone or cancel your trip up to 56 days prior to departure. 

Read our Booking Guarantee to find out more about how our Support Team can help you. 

For the full details and cancellation charges, see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Terms & Conditions

Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions.

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Hassle-Free Booking

When booking with us, you’ll benefit from a low deposit payment option, flexible cancellation options and personal customer support. T&Cs apply.

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