Great Cape Garden Route Escape

Start with a pick-up from Cape Town International Airport or your Cape Town region accommodation with an included airport or welcome transfer service. There’s nothing quite like that pre-vacation high. A combination of relief that you’ve escaped your every day and nervous excitement for the new things to come.

* This combo tour package may run in a different order & transport or guides may change for different portions of your trip. You may either start by staying in the Cape, travelling to the Winelands or Cape Point - subject to your start day. If your journey start by exploring Cape Town, this is the itinerary guideline that follows:

Welcome to Cape Town.

The next two days are really free (unguided) days 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 vivants 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. 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 explore the city by foot. There's so much to see and do, from horse riding to shark cage diving, so if you have any spontaneous requests, just ask.

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.  After a night's rest in the city, wake up and take on the streets or let us help you plan your second day in Cape Town.

As the first two days are at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transfer service will be at your own expense.

Wake up to another free day in Cape Town with many options to choose from. 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 firm competition.

A great way to visit the top attractions and make the most out of a short stay is letting us arrange a beach or Kirstenbosch visit during your stay in Cape Town. Your guided transfers can take u almost anywhere in the city bowl. 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’s 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 second day with an included dinner and a show. Feel the heartbeat of Africa with an interactive djembe drumming session and African performance dining-safari at the Cape's famous Gold Restaurant. 

Join the Cape Winelands micro group day tour (or similar).

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your accommodation.

Wine- and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this tasting exploration of the Cape Winelands' best. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairings with cheese and chocolate 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.

Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview for a tasting of their wine with local produce. Venture onwards to Franschhoek for a unique way to experience the region's wine valley by rail on a short scenic one-way journey aboard a antique Wine Tram and taste fine wines along the way.

. For lunch, you can experience the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek and end your meander along the Winelands with sweet port-style wines and chocolate pairing at the heritage-rich Muratie wine farm before heading back to the Cape Town region late afternoon.

Join a Guided Cape Peninsula Selection micro group day tour (or similar)

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, 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.

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.

Chappies sets the scene for the afternoon’s adventuring as you venture onwards to the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness literally 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 from Portugal to India.

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.

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.

The journey back to Cape Town sees you travel through the coastal towns of Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay with a stop at Muizenberg Beach. The Victorian-style bathing chalets on the sand – with their bright pops of colour – are sure to capture your attention as you cheer on the wave riders at Surfer's Corner. You'll reach Cape Town by late afternoon.

Today marks the first day of joining a 4-day guided Garden Route micro-group tour.  A feast of variety, this trip offers a premium selection of the must-visit highlights of this coastal paradise, with a roadtrip in land to the robust Oudtshoorn Klein Karoo region too.

Day 5: Route 62

Set out from Cape Town, expectant for the day ahead and the promise of many awe-inspiring moments to come. Travel along the Route 62; capturing the beauty of vineyards and orchards along the longst wine route in the world toward the Klein Karoo region. America might have the flashier Route 66, but South Africa’s most famous country road – Route 62 – charms from the first.

Along the way you'll reach the Breede River Wine Route. Nestled between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountain ranges, this wine route offers a landscape of flower fringed roads, majestic mountains, and world-class wines. Venture off the beaten-track with a stop at Viljoensdrift. Float along the cool waters of the Breede River, while toasting the good life with a glass their best wine onboard an elegant flat-bottomed riverboat. Meander along the river, flanked by indigenous Breede River Yellowwood and Wild Olive trees teeming with a variety of bird species, while having the option for a pre-packed picnic lunch basket as on-board optional lunch. The perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon.

The journey continues over the Outeniqua Mountain Pass to reach Buffelsdrift, a private game lodge on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, for a serene "Shy Five" bush drive after sunset. With the wind in your hair and a private ranger at the wheel, you’ll learn about the natural landscape in the Karoo and the critters that call it home; look out for buffalo, giraffe, kudu, porcupine, caracals, meerkats, aardvark, honey badgers and foxes. End the first day's evening with a sensational dinner on the deck, overlooking the waterhole as the resident hippos lazing about. Enjoy the sounds of the bush as you kick back tonight in your luxury glamping safari tent.

Day 6: Wilderness 

Awake with the sounds of the animals of the bush around you. After a leisurely breakfast next to the natural dam waterhole you'll leave behind the arid plains of the Klein Karoo towards the lush forest-coastal paradise of the Wilderness region before ending your day at the coastal town of Knysna.

A gem of the Garden Route; the Wilderness National Park awaits for a back-to-nature immersive hike in this bird-watchers' dream. The Park’s lush terrestrial landscape reminds of a Garden of Eden, following the gentle hiking paths along reed lined banks covered by dense forest canopies. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful Kingfisher's flitting and feeding around the water’s edge or the region’s famous, but rare Knsyna loerie with its green plumage and dark red wing feathers.

In the afternoon you'll reach Knysna for a 2 hour sunset cruise onboard a luxury catamaran as you take in the magnificent sunset views while enjoying a complimentary glass of ice-cold bubbly. Be prepared for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon, through the famous Knysna Heads and out onto the open ocean (if weather permits). Look out for pods of dolphins and other beautiful sea creatures with casual-style dinner - informal bbq "braai" - being catered for by the ship's Captian and yacht's staff.

As the sun begins to wane, you'll return to land for some time at leisure to drink in the surrounds from your accommodation in the eclectically quirky town of Knysna. There will also be time to sneak in a spot of shopping at the nearby bustling Knysna Waterfront if you are looking for that perfect souviner or the chance to sample some world-famous Knysna oysters!

Day 7: Safari or Mossel Bay

After a leisurely morning soaking in the ocean air - after breakfast you'll set course for an exhilarating journey to a late morning safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, traversing vast hills in search of some members of the African Big 5. Hidden between Mossel Bay and George along the esteemed Garden Route, this 4200 hectare private reserve with sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean is the epitome of safari excellence. Home to four of the Big Five, Botlierskop offers a host of unrivalled wild animal viewing options. After lunch, you'll head out on a custom fitted 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable ranger; you can expect wild encounters with giraffes, honey badgers, Cape mountain zebra, vervet monkeys, hippos, waterbuck and the rare and endangered white rhinoceros. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Africa’s apex predators, the lions!

If you've already experienced another African (or Kruger) safari on your travels you can choose to rather visit Mossel Bay town and the Dias Museum instead of doing the game drive. 

The next stop for the day is the quiet fishing town of Arniston; characterised by drastic craggy cliffs, white sandy beaches and charismatic fishermen's cottages. Indulge in an included local seafood dinner and prepare to be blown away by the unique flavours and heritage that have been perfected by generations.

Day 8: Cape Agulhas, Whale Coast

Wake to a spectacular ocean views as you slip beneath the covers to linger in bed a little longer. After breakfast, the ocean-lined roads back to Cape Town lead to the first stop at the very Tip of Africa; Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of the continent and the exact spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide. A short walk to the beacon that indicates where the two oceans 'kiss' will give you the oppertunity to brave the cooler water and experience having one foot on each side of the different oceans.

Continue along the coast to reach the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. Set off on a leisurely stone-cliff path walkways amongst the indigenous fynbos to get to the perfect vantage points from where to watch frolicking whales leap forth right before your eyes during whale season (June to November ). The bay sees huge numbers of calving southern-right and humpback whales in season, and while the thrill of spotting a breaching big blue is difficult to top, you’ll be entertained by the location's magnificent surrounding scenery and the intricate sights, craft markets and art lining the pathsways or qaint town's streets during the 'off' season.

As you leave Hermanus behind, it’s an easy-going, two-hour drive to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. One of your last stops on the Southern Whale Route is a gentle walk-hike to a secluded waterfall deep within the parklands. The Disa walking trail - named for the beautiful red disa orchids which flower on nearby cliff faces - shadows the Disa River and sway its way beneath giant trees to a bridge and a small waterfall beyond. A gentle stroll in the gardens; admiring the fynbos and local birdlife give ample time to reflect about your tour and take in the intense beauty of this region.

Your 4-day Garden Route journey is drawing to a close as you wind along the spectacular Clarence Drive, marvelling at the dramatic twists as the ocean hugs the mountain slopes. The views changes with each turn, revealing more of the silhouettes ahead and exposing the vast expanse of False Bay as the ocean stretches out before you. As you approach Stellenbosch on your return... the vinyards welcome you into wine country.

You'll spend the night and next morning here before getting your return transfer to the airport or Cape Town if you travel onwards.

Day 9: Stellenbosch

You'll have time at leisure in Stellenbosch, subject to your flight departure time.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just a lover of natural beauty, you’ll be swept up in the splendour of the Stellenbosch countryside with its tell-tale Cape Dutch architecture and rolling vineyards. Either explore this historic town's streets or fit in a half-day optional wine tour to a nearby winery.

End with a free farewell airport transfer service to the Cape Town International Airport or your next stop in Cape Town region.