15 Day Private Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari (CT-PE)

Upon arrival into Cape Town International Airport, you are transferred to your hotel in the V&A Waterfront.

Rest of the day spent at leisure or exploring the Waterfront.

This tour is perfect to enjoy some of our beautiful locations in close distances to the  Mother City. A New Natural Seven Wonder of the the World in Table Mountain (cableway fare for own account as weather dependent),  the award winning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and a visit to our oldest vineyards, you are in for quiet a treat. Let our itinerary be a guideline but remember the day is yours so its up to you how you wanna start or play out the day.

A full day exploring the Cape Peninsula with its many highlights including Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Chapmans Peak and Boulders Penguin Colony among others.

Kick back and spend the day relaxing, take in the scene at the famed V&A Waterfront for some shopping or see why Cape Town boasts some of South Africa's most spectacular beaches, with Clifton and Camps bay being just around the corner from the city.

Free day to be spent at leisure or exploring the V&A Waterfront or maybe book the ferry for a 4 hour tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 or his 27 years in the political prison.

The Private Cape Winelands Tour is one of our most popular and customisable tours, affording visitors an opportunity to see our stunning countryside, enjoy our yummy wines, visit historic estates, quaint villages and take in the grandeur of one of the photogenic regions South Africa has to offer. 

We travel to Hermanus, choosing from the mountainous route over The Franschhoek Pass through Elgin or the coastal route along Clarens Drive overlooking False Bay with its panoramic views of Cape Point.

The coastal town of Hermanus is renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November). Although we are here in the summer, you can still spend time walking the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay and there is also the Hemel-en-Aarde valley behind the town for some great wine tasting and picturesque lunch venues. 

We continue on our journey towards the southern tip, arriving on the Indian Ocean side, in the coastal town of Arniston

Check into your accommodation and enjoy a possible traditional Cape dinner in the small neighboring fishing village of Kassiesbaai.

We visit the rugged, windswept beauty of the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. A place where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cool Atlantic, the Cape of Storms has caused many an ancient mariners to brave its waters and wreck their ships in the name of exploration and adventure.

The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum is well worth a visit to read up on the rich local Maritime history.

The Arniston harbour is where you can watch the fishing boats come in is located right in front of the hotel. Next to the harbour you will find the historical fishing village of Kassiesbaai, which welcomes strollers and photographers.

After another relaxing morning in Arniston, we travel through Swellendam and the Tradauw Pass onto Route 62 where you will notice the scenery starts to change dramatically. It’s often said that South Africa has one of the most varied landscapes of any country, and there’s nowhere better to see this than on the drive from the coast to the semi-arid desert like Klein Karoo.  Enjoy a comfort stop in the small artists town of Barrydale at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains that rise out of the plains surrounding them.

Back onto Route 62 we head towards the heart of the Klein Karoo. In a secluded valley, which was once a lake, we’ll discover Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port wine capital where we will enjoy lunch (own account). Port can be a bit of an acquired taste due to its strength and sweetness, but that’s a journey we are happy to help you start on.

Relax and enjoy the friendly Klein Karoo hospitality, with dinner included at your country lodge.

After breakfast we make our way to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves. Descend the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder into the Great Hall and continue into King Solomon’s Mine.

Leaving this subterranean wonderland, weather permitting we head up the windy Swartberg Pass to marvel at the views over the Little Karoo.

In the late afternoon you can embark on an ostrich farm tour (optional and own account) to learn about the world’s biggest bird species. They may have eyes larger than their brains, but they are nevertheless, very impressive (and taste wonderful).

Oudtshoorn boasts the highest number of sunny days compared to any other place in South Africa, so rest of the afternoon spent at leisure and dinner (own account) can be arranged by your guide in town, Jemimas is a great option.

Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the scenic Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay for a visit to the Diaz Museum. We then follow the coastline through the lake district of Wilderness, surrounded by mountains, ocean, lakes and lagoons, Wilderness makes for a tranquil and splendid destination.  Enjoy the stunning and unspoilt scenery at Dolphin Point and Map of Africa look out points (weather permitting). 

We arrive into our base for next 2 nights overlooking the Knysna lagoon, dinner tonight (included) will be enjoyed at the famous JJ's restaurant in Knysna Waterfront over looking the lagoon.

Today we explore Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. "Plett" as the locals call this popular holiday town, is known as playground for the rich and famous and offers many optional activities from which to choose.

> Ocean Safari to view dolphins and whales in Plettenberg Bay.
> Sea kayaking trip
> Hog Hollow Horse Trails
> Enjoy a nature cruise up the Keurbooms River
> Hike the Robberg Peninsula
> Featherbed Eco Experience
> Knysna Heads for great views

Dinner (own account) can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants and bars on Thesen Island, with fantastic views over the lagoon.

After a morning view at the Knysna Heads we make our way along the Tsitsikamma region reaching Storms river mouth, enjoy the boardwalk hike to the suspension bridge enjoying the lush scenery along the way

From here we continue a little bit further passing Port Elizabeth and reaching Kariega in time for lunch, some time to relax then your evening game drive.

The general daily program at all game lodges offers time to really unwind and relax in luxury and comfort while still offering the excitement of being deep in the bush surrounded by game.

The general activities run along the following lines:

An early morning wake up call before dawn, a quick cup of coffee and some fruit or a biscuit followed by a 3 hour game drive where you have the chance to spot not only the Big 5, but also a wide variety of other game species.

You will then return to the lodge for an awesome breakfast and then have time to relax. Enjoy the sun at the pools edge, sleep in comfort of your luxury room, or on a hammock overlooking the bushveld

The order of the day is usually:
Early morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast.
Thereafter, guests can enjoy the luxury of the camp until lunch.
Afternoon game drives include sundowners and culminate in a night drive.
Dinner is served under the African sky or in the dining areas. 

Normal Day:
Wake up 05:30am
Tea/Coffee 06:00am
Morning Safari 06:30am
Breakfast 09:30am
Lunch 1:00pm
Tea/Coffee 3:30pm
Sundowner Safari 4:00pm
Dinner 7:30pm

Activities:
4x4 landrover safaris with private vehicles) , guides and expert trackers

After your last early morning game drive and leisurely breakfast we make our way towards Port Elizabeth for drop off at your hotel or the airport.