HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT FOR
Families – A never-to-be-forgotten road trip with something for everyone
Honeymooners – Lovely small hotels for privacy and personal service
Photographers – Exceptional variety of subjects to shoot
AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES
Game drives
Cultural tours
Canoeing
Wine tasting
BEST TIME TO GO
High Season⊕: July to October
Green Season⊕: November to June
OVERVIEW
Cape Town and the Garden Route are one of the loveliest parts of South Africa with golden beaches, craggy outcrops and charming seaside towns making up a journey that is highly equipped for international visitors. This area is very popular with all sorts of holidaymakers and has enough to satisfy everyone, including slightly older children who will love the animal sanctuaries, playgrounds and age-appropriate activities.
Starting off in the foothills of Table Mountain, you make a slight detour inland to the Cape Winelands before heading back to the coast for the rest of your time in South Africa. Best of all, you can choose to have drivers who will transfer you from stop to stop or drive yourself for a true adventure!
TRIP SUMMARY
DURATION
14 Nights / 15 Days
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Cape Town, South Africa
Paarl, South Africa
Hermanus, South Africa
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
DAILY ITINERARY
As you’re driven from the airport to your hotel, Table Mountain and all its splendour will soon come into view. It acts as the guardian for Cape Cadogan, a boutique hotel that lies in its foothills in the leafy suburb known as Gardens.
From here, it’s easy to reach the sandy beaches of Clifton, the peak of Lion’s Head and quays and malls of the V&A Waterfront. Further afield, explore Cape Point and see rare African penguins at Boulders Beach.
Why we love Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel:
- Historic building in a leafy neighbourhood
- Walking distance to restaurants and shops
- Individually decorated and spacious rooms
- Swimming pool for hot afternoons
It’s an easy drive to your next destination today: the lovingly crafted Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands, near the historic town of Paarl. Over the years, gardens and vineyards have been painstakingly laid out to create a botanical wonderland dotted with sculptures, fountains, chickens and an occasional dog.
Being a working farm, you can help harvest fruit and veg or join the bakers to learn how to make bread from scratch. Or simply relax with a glass of wine…
Why we love Babylonstoren:
- A gourmet working wine and produce farm
- Feed the donkeys and exotic chickens
- Excellent farm-to-fork restaurant
- Nature walks, canoeing, birding and more
If it’s peak whale season, between late July and September, then you’re in for a treat at your next stop. Southern right whales swim thousands of kilometres from the Southern Ocean to take advantage of the perfect conditions in Hermanus at this time of year. And The Marine Hotel has the perfect vantage point to see them from land.
Out of season, discover the beauty of coastal fynbos, unusual wines kissed by the tangy ocean breeze and the original town centre.
Why we love The Marine Hotel:
- Prime location overlooking Walker Bay
- Manicured lawns from which to enjoy the sea view
- Tidal and freshwater pools for refreshing dips
- On-site spa and two restaurants
Cruise along the coast this morning to discover more of the southern edge of Africa, passing the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas. Your home for the next two nights is just beyond, in the wonderful De Hoop Nature Reserve where you could see springbok, zebra and even caracal.
Lekkerwater – ‘sweet or nice water’ – epitomises barefoot luxury. While the staff take care of every need, head to the beach for sandboarding and exploring rock pools.
Why we love Lekkerwater Beach Lodge:
- Uninterrupted Indian Ocean views
- Snorkelling in a marine conservation area
- Regular sightings of dolphins and whales
- Relaxed ‘kick off your shoes’ atmosphere
Today you hit one of the loveliest stretches of road in South Africa: the famed Garden Route. Named after the lush forests and plantations that it meanders through, it hugs the Indian Ocean until you reach Tsala Treetop, a forest lodge that offers a haven from the hubbub of this popular tourist area.
You can easily pass three days eating fresh oysters, sampling craft beer and heading out on boating expeditions. Animal sanctuaries showcase the importance of conservation in natural surroundings.
Why we love Tsala Treetop Lodge:
- Convenient for both Plettenberg Bay and Knysna
- Secluded location in a verdant forest setting
- Watch the antics of vervet monkeys and loeries (turacos)
- Private wooden cabins with decks and fireplaces
The Garden Route gradually gives way to the Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela’s home province and a study in contrasts. For the last stretch of your South African vacation, it’s time for a classic safari. Gorah Elephant Camp harks back to the past in an exclusive-use concession, meaning low vehicle numbers and the chance to go offroad to get closer to sightings.
Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its eponymous pachyderms but look out for lion, leopard, jackal, hyena, porcupine and more.
Why we love Gorah Elephant Camp:
- In a private concession with access to the park
- Very large tents with views across the bush
- Traditional silver service and afternoon tea
- Night drives to look for nocturnal animals
For the first time in two weeks, it’s time to get on a plane today! Leaving Gorah behind, you’re driven to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to fly back to Cape Town, retracing your route by air.
Again, a driver will be waiting to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel and Manor House. This cosy-chic accommodation in the V&A Waterfront is perfect for preparing for your return flight home – especially if you need to shop for gifts or mementos.
Why we love Queen Victoria Hotel and Manor House:
- Stay in the heart of the ever-popular V&A Waterfront
- Malls, museums and restaurants a stroll away
- Historic building on the working harbour
- Perfect location for exploring Cape Town
A fortnight ago, you’d just landed in Cape Town and today you jet out again, flying over Table Bay and Table Mountain, and seeing Robben Island and the Cape Winelands from above.
As the plane climbs, you can recall delicious meals, fine wines and new places you encountered along the way like the Tsitsikamma Forest, De Hoop and Addo. This itinerary will immerse you in the most travel-friendly stretch of the African shore and give you memories like nowhere else.
INCLUDED*
EXCLUDED*
* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.
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