Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town ( Airport transfer + unguided free time )
Pass By: Cape Town International Airport, Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa
10 unforgettable days. 1 easy click: Uncover the best of South Africa. Discover the must-sees in and around Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Cape Point and the country’s famous Garden Route on an intimate, small-group tour with the flexibility to add optional activities to take your African adventure to the next level.
This combo tour package consists of more than one tour as well as unguided days in Cape Town. The itinerary can run in reverse or a different order and guides or transport will change during the trip. This itinerary guideline covers the order should you first explore Cape Town, then tour the Garden Route, ending back in the Cape.
Start with a pick-up from Cape Town International Airport. You can also inform us if you will arrive earlier than this 10day tour to arrange a pre-tour airport pickup at the date you fly in.
Pass By: Camps Bay, Camps Bay, Western Cape
Today offers free time (unguided) for you to acclimatise, to cast off any weariness from your journey and to get your bearings in South Africa’s Mother City. It’s a town known for its vibrant foodie culture, so bon vivant will be in their element along Long and Bree Streets in the CBD. And, in South Africa, no sundowner is complete without a colourful sunset. Camps Bay, an easy Uber ride from the centre of town, is one of the best spots to soak up the view as is one of the many bars such as the elegant Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel.
Pass By: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands 7735 South Africa
Of course, if you’re keen to start adventuring straight away, a wide variety of activities can be pre-arranged. Imagine an optional heli-flip or paragliding outing over Cape Town; a scenic hike up Table Mountain or a hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus adventure. There's so much to see and do, from horse riding to shark cage diving, so if you have any spontaneous requests, just ask.
Please note that your arrival time in Cape Town today will determine the activities that can be done. During the booking process, you can inform us what you have in mind for the day (we will suggest activities too) to ensure that it is booked in advance. As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transport service will be for your own expense.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpackers,
3*Comfort > Protea Sea Point,
4*Luxe > Protea Victoria Junction
Day 2: Cape Peninsula ( Guided tour )
Stop At: Hout Bay, Cape Town Central 7872 South Africa
Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Hout Bay, an unassuming fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the chance to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island (optional with extra cost), just a short cruise from shore. For those without their sea legs, rather explore the local harbour market and snap Instagram-worthy pics of colourful fishing boats.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chapman's Peak Drive, Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa
As you leave Hout Bay behind, you’ll take on a staggering 114 mind-blowingly beautiful bends – stretching over nine jaw-dropping kilometres. Chapman’s Peak Road, or Chappies to the locals, is touted as one of the world’s most scenic drives – and with good reason. Rugged mountains face-off with the Atlantic and the roadway, an incredible feat of engineering, cuts a swathe right through and provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic below.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point Rd, Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa
Chappies sets the scene for the afternoon’s adventuring as you push onwards to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness collide and create a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with greenish fringes of fynbos. This is a place to pay tribute to ancient seafarers of old like Bartolomeu Dias (who discovered the Cape of Good Hope back in 1488) and pioneers, like Vasco da Gama, who journeyed through these treacherous waters en route from Portugal to India.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Town Central South Africa
Indigenous fauna lines narrow winding pathways en route to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views well worth the climb. Local wildlife – ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species, including bontebok – keep the journey interesting and add plenty of postcard moments for the shutterbugs. On the hillside, an optional funicular eases the journey for those that want to reach the top of the lighthouse.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon's Town 7995 South Africa
As the day lengthens, travel to Simon’s Town, perched on the shores of False Bay and the home of the South African navy. Just a few minutes to the south lies Boulders Beach, a comely stretch of sand littered with granite. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins who strut their stuff in their black and white feathered finery to the delight of the crowds that gather to watch. Boardwalks separate man from bird and provide the perfect vantage point to see these cute creatures. You'll reach Cape Town by late afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpackers,
3*Comfort > Protea Sea Point or similar
4*Luxe > Protea Victoria Junction
Day 3: Cape Winelands ( Guided tour )
Stop At: STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTES, 47 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Cape Town is blessed with good looks, natural charms and a quirky food and wine culture. No place more so than the Cape Winelands – a mere fifty kilometres from the Mother City – which boasts a high concentration of vintners and wine farms in its highly-fertile basin.
Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings in the Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek regions; the extraordinary scenery along the way will also transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by the soaring mountain ranges.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suid Agter Paarl Road, Suider Paarl, Paarl 7624 South Africa
Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview winery (or similar) for a farmer's tasting of their wine with local produce.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Franschhoek, Franschhoek, Western Cape
For lunch, you can experience the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek and end your meander along the Winelands with your third wine tasting stop, before heading back to the Cape Town region late afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rickety Bridge Winery, R45 Main Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Venture onwards to Franschhoek for a unique way to explore the region's wine valley by rail on a scenic one-way Franschhoek Wine Tram journey to taste fine wines at Rickety Bridge wine estate. The tram ride is about 5 to 10 minutes to the wine farm where the wine estate representative will introduce the wines to taste.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpacker,
3*Comfort > Protea Sea Point,
4*Luxe > Protea Victoria Junction
Day 4: Cape Town - City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus and Table Mountain ( Unguided day )
Stop At: Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa
Today is a free day in Cape Town with many options to choose from; why not use your included hop-on hop-off bus day pass or your Table Mountain Cableway ticket. Table Mountain tries her best to capture the lion’s share of attention in and around Africa’s Mother City – and does a pretty fine job of it too – but the beaches, Winelands and cosmopolitan chicness all stand in the firm competition.
One of the best ways to visit the top attractions and make the most out of a short stay is to hop on Cape Town’s bright-red, open-topped buses. Let the driver’s do the hard work managing traffic and parking, whilst you just soak in the views.
Choose from one of the available routes to see the city and beyond. The blue line extends its journey from the V&A Waterfront to the towering greens of Kirstenbosch, while the purple line is a merry affair that follows Cape Town’s inner-city wine route to the nearby wine enclave of Constantia. The red line service passes through Camps Bay (time your trip to catch a sunset) and to Table Mountain.
If the weather plays along, this is the perfect way to take the chance to summit one of the Seven Natural Wonders aboard Table Mountain’s aerial cableway that runs non-stop (weather permitting) during the day to the famous flat top. There are a small eatery and souvenir shop at the summit, plenty of trails and who knows, you just may be treated to an impromptu singing session as your cable car driver descends the mountain. End off your day as you please, tasting your way through the Cape Town Foodie scene.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpacker,
3*Comfort > Protea Sea Point,
4*Luxe > Protea Victoria Junction
Day 5: Cape Town - Oudtshoorn ( Guided tour )
Pass By: Garden Route, Garden Route
Start with a morning pickup (between transfer service start from 6 am to about 8 am - subject to your exact address) from your accommodation in Cape Town to reach the Garden Route area by afternoon.
Stop At: Ashton Winery, Main Road Route 62, Ashton 6715 South Africa
Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between 6 to 8am, subject to traffic and your drop-off address.) You can receive your pickup time a day before.
Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape. Wind your way through mountain passes and get ready for the Route 62, modelled after famous America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour and known as the longest wine route in the world. The Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters and world-class wines. Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities, Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Observation in Nature activity at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve. Meet the elephant guides as you observe these three rescued elephants; Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, as they roam freely in their natural habitat next to a nearby dam. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the rangers as many questions as you wish as you stand on their massive footsteps.
Duration: 40 minutes
Pass By: Oudtshoorn, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Your guide can help you book a restaurant or join the backpacker's group to taste local delights, such as ostrich "sosaties" (kebabs) and "pot brood" (bread cooked on open flames) at this optional 'braai' barbecue experience at extra cost. Enjoy a peaceful evening relaxing at your accommodation around a crackling fire or under the vast twinkling starry night sky.
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Uthando Backpackers,
3*Comfort > 88 Baron van Reede
4*Luxe > Hlangana Lodge (ask to upgade to Buffelsdrift)
Day 6: Oudtshoorn - Addo ( Guided tour )
Stop At: Cango Ostrich Show Farm, 1954 R328 1954 R328, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Wake up in Oudsthoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colourful feather stalls on the way to town centre, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak and test the toughness of the shells.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Cango Caves, 328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Head to the mountains to delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Addo, Addo, Sundays River Valley, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region the dusty plains of the Klein Karoo morphs into a greener horizon. This small citrus farming community lies in the Sundays River Valley surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains that offer some spectacular hiking and game viewing in a malaria free area. Tonight you'll stay overnight close to Addo National Park, making it easy to be ready to go on safari first thing in the morning.
Note that the guesthouse accommodation is usually far away from the bustling backpackers, in some cases it can be 15 to 30 minutes driving away.
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver > Avoca Fram House,
3*Comfort > Gerald's Gift Guesthouse or similar,
4*Luxe > Addo Wildlife Lodge or similar
Day 7: Jeffrey's Bay - Addo - Jeffrey’s Bay ( Guided tour )
Stop At: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Greater Addo, Eastern Cape
Rise early to visit Addo Elephant National Park to see wildlife as the bush awakes. Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals.
You'll experience an included 2 hour game drive in the tour bus. The original elephant section of the park was dedicated to providing a safe haven for the few wild elephants that survived government-sponsored culling in the early 20th century. The lush vegetation provides protection and a rich food source, supporting what is now the most densely populated area of wild elephants on the planet. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra and other species.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Island Vibe Backpackers,
3*Comfort > Sea Whisper Guesthouse or similar,
4*Luxe > On The Beach Guesthouse
Day 8: Tsitsikamma - Knysna - Wilderness ( Guided tour )
Stop At: Bloukrans Bridge, N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day... from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly-beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the "garden" of the Garden Route!
Calling all adrenalin junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world... Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go?
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park, Dumbleton Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa
This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall and sandy beach is waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Knysna Heads, Coney Glen Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa
As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favourite with holiday goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.
Duration: 40 minutes
Pass By: Myoli Beach, Sedgefield, 6573, South Africa
Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield, Wilderness. Take a walk along the uninterrupted sandy beach shores at sunset, this place oozes serenity, the ideal way to reset your inner calm. After your recharged stroll check out the rustic beach restaurant if you are in Sedgefield or venture into town for a more intimate dinner if you overnight in the Wilderness area.
Note that the guesthouse accommodation is usually far away from the bustling backpackers, in some cases it can be 15 to 30 minutes driving away.
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm> Pili Pili Backpackers or
3*Comfort > Fairy Knowe or similar,
4*Luxe > Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse or similar
Day 9: Botlierskop or Mossel Bay - N2 ( Guided tour )
Stop At: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gonnakraal Road, Little Brak River, 6503, South Africa
Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop near a seaside village called Mossel Bay. Opt in to do an optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive (if you've not seen many animals in the Addo National Park, this gives yet another option to spot most of the Big 5 animals on safari) at this nearby private game reserve.
After ticking off the region's must-do bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route, journey back to the Cape and end with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation at about 8pm to 10pm (subject to traffic and your drop-off address.)
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
Accommodation included: Saver/Dorm > Never@Home Backpacker or similar,
3*Comfort > Protea Sea Point or similar
4*Luxe > Protea Victoria Junction
Day 10: Cape Town ( Airport drop-off + unguided free time )
Pass By: Cape Town International Airport, Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa
You can never have too much of a good thing, so spend more fuss-free time back in the Mother City. Opt to book later night flights out of Cape Town or extend your stay to make the absolute most of this last free-time to explore (unguided) day.
Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a hotspot for last-minute souvenir shopping and the launch spot for a trip to Robben Island (subject to weather and availability). Artisanal delis on Long and Bree Street; local produce in the Old Biscuit Mill in nearby Woodstock; a day-trip to Franschhoek for gourmet a feast; or an authentic African experience at Moyo restaurant in Kirstenbosch – all add to the foodie flavours of the Cape. Pick up last-minute gifts in Green Market Square or stroll along the Sea Point Promenade.
As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transport service will be for your own expense.
End with an included transfer to the Cape Town International Airport (if needed on request).
Meals included:
• Breakfast: Meal Included
No accommodation included on this day.