DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Cape Town
Fly overnight from the UK to Cape Town.

Day 2: Cape Town
On arrival into Cape Town you will collect your hire car and drive into the city,  (enjoying the fantastic views of Table Mountain), to spend 3 nights at the Derwent House, a fantastic highly-rated boutique hotel in an excellent location.

Days 3 & 4: Cape Town
Two free days to explore Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. With its central location, the V&A Waterfront, Atlantic beaches and Table Mountain are spitting distance away. We can also arrange some great excursions and activities to show off the culture, history and adventure of the city. See our Cape Town guide.

Day 5: Cape Town to Franschhoek (Winelands)
Leaving the Mother City this morning you will drive 1 hour into the stunning valleys of the Cape Winelands, heading to the village of Franschhoek to spend 2 nights at the Maison Chablis,  another owner-run gem in walking distance of Franschhoeks’s award-winning restaurants. If you would prefer to stay on a vineyard in the Franschhoek Valley, just let us know. This is just an idea of what we can design for you. Call 01273 923100 to get your holiday designed for free!

Day 6: Franschhoek Valley
Free day to explore this beautiful part of South Africa. You can spend a lazy day sampling the delicious wines and enjoying the numerous award winning restaurants in the village or catch the wine tram and stop-off at different vineyards for tastings all day or if you what something planned we can help with some great ideas – Horse-riding, vineyard hikes, picnics….. we can help you decide.

Day 7: Franschhoek to Montagu
Today you will drive over the stunning Franschhoek Pass and joining Route 60 to enjoy spectacular landscapes, passing through the semi desert of Karoo, rugged mountains, orchard farms and vineyards. It is relatively quiet allowing you to just take everything in without worrying about traffic, have your cameras at the ready! You will be heading to the Galenia Estate where you will be staying for 2 nights. Or, if it’s whale season, why not add-in a couple of nights in Hermanus for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Ask us to tweak this holiday so that it is perfect for you. Call us on 01273 923100 to get a personalised quote.

Day 8: Galenia
A destination in itself, we recommend you enjoy a full day in this stunning region of the Route 62! Activities on the estate include numerous walking trails, a guided morning Estate walk (1hr) and late afternoon olive familiarisation and tasting sessions on the olive farm. The estate also offers a fantastic nature experience with a host of wildlife and endemic flora of the Cape Region.

Day 9: Montagu to Oudtshoorn (via Route 62)
Another lovely drive today along Route 62 past the Langeberg Mountains and the Little Karoo to Oudtshoorn. You will spend 2 nights at La Plume a lovely owner managed working farm and bourique guesthouse with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley.

Days 10: Oudtshoorn
A full day to enjoy the attractions of Oudtshoorn (ostrich farm, meerkats, Cango Caves).

Day 11:  Oudtshoorn to Knysna
Driving south to the coast today you will hit the beautiful Garden Route and pass Wilderness Beach, heading to Knysna. One of the best spots on the Garden Route you will spend 2 nights at Amanzi Island Lodge, on the edge of the beautiful Knysna Lagoon with spectacular views.

Day 12: Knysna
Free day to relax by the coast and hang up the car keys or alternatively this area could keep you busy for weeks – boat trips, cycling, Monkey World, Elephant experiences, a walk with a cheetah, golf, hiking, the highest bungee from a bridge in the world and more. Ask us what we would recommend based on what you like.

Day 13: Knysna to the Eastern Cape
Following a final morning in Knysna you will drive the final 3 hr section of the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape, heading to Amakhala Game Reserve where you will spend your final 3 nights at Woodbury Tented Camp (STAY 3, PAY 2 from May to June) Woodbury is another highly rated independent property set in our favourite part of Amakhala on the Eastern side of the reserve near the river tucked into the embracing hillside thicket with breathtaking views, overlooking the ancient floodplain of the Bushman’s River. There are a number of lovely safari options in the Eastern Cape to suit a wide range of budgets – call us on 01273 923100 to discuss the options.

Days 14 & 15: Big Five Eastern Cape Safari
Two full days to enjoy tracking game on morning and afternoon Big Five safari drives in Amakhala Game Reserve. You will be woken early to head out on safari for approx. 3 hours and head out again after brunch, a spot of relaxing by the pool and a freshly baked high tea. The animals prefer the cool of the morning or late afternoon. Within Amakhala’s 18,000 acres you are likely to encounter lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, monkeys, tortoise and plenty of antelope species.

Day 16: Port Elizabeth to the UK
After a final morning and hearty breakfast you will drive 1hr to Port Elizabeth Airport, drop your hire car and fly back to the UK (via Johannesburg).

Day 17: Home
Welcome home….(how many photos!) If you don’t have 17 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923100.