Pure Nature and the Big 5 in a Private Reserve
Discover the diversity of the Garden Route on your 16-day adventure tour. From Cape Town, your rental car will take you through the Winelands via one of the most beautiful nature reserves, to the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn. Visit Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and the Tstsikamma National Park. The picturesque village of St. Francis invites you to stroll and linger. Finally, the Big 5 await you in the Amakhala Game Reserve.
Specification: Pure Nature and the Big 5 in a Private Reserve
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We welcome you to South Africa. You will land at Cape Town International Airport, where your rental car will also be ready for pickup. First, you can start your trip with the ascent to the famous Table Mountain, a must for every Cape Town visitor. After taking the cablecar to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the magnificent view from Table Mountain. Here you have a unique view of the city, the harbor and Robben Island. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with many different facets that will also captivate you. Stroll along the waterfront V&A Waterfront and treat yourself to a delicious drink in one of the numerous bars and restaurants. If you are interested in the history of South Africa, the Bo-Kaap Museum or the South African Museum are the best places to visit. Accommodations: Three Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room)
Today is at your leisure. After a hearty breakfast, you can begin the Peninsula Tour to the Cape of Good Hope, a breathtaking highlight in South Africa. The famous cape is located in the middle of a nature reserve of almost 8,000 hectares, which is known as Cape Peninsula National Park. The drive there alone offers many sights worth seeing, such as Boulders Beach with the famous penguin colony, the cozy little town of Simons Town, the long beaches as well as Chapman’s Peak Drive, the famous coastal road above False Bay. Accommodation: Three Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room)
Today you can take a tour to Robben Island. The former prison island in Table Bay of Cape Town is now a natural monument and a national memorial, because South Africa’s first dark-skinned president, Nelson Mandela, also served a large part of his prison sentence here. Alternatively, you can book a trip to Khayelitsha. This is the largest township just outside Cape Town. On a guided tour of the township, young people will tell you about their life in the township and how being involved in a rowing club has changed their lives. On this tour you will be picked up at the hotel by our partner and driven back to the hotel after the tour. Accommodation: Three Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room)
After breakfast, head east to the Winelands, not far from Cape Town. The Huguenots began growing grapes in the Cape region over 200 years ago due to the approximately 300 days of sunshine. Today, the cellar towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are world famous and their wines highly awarded. Here you can take a short walk through the historic old town and the center of Franschhoek. You can also sample the delicious wines on a cellar tour of one of the many wineries. Accommodation: Franschhoek Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room).
Day at leisure. Today you can make a visit to the wine region around Franschhoek and ride the Wine Tram. A visit to a winery including wine tasting is therefore a must and a feast for the senses! So enjoy the benefits of the region to the fullest with different wine tastings at the various wineries. Accommodation: Franschhoek Boutique Hotel (Luxury Room).
We recommend a short side trip to Hermanus and Cape Agulhas. You leave Franschhoek and drive along the coastal road of False Bay via Rooi Els and Kleinmond to Hermanus. Hermanus is an elongated place between mountains and sea. Originally a small fishing village, it has become a popular vacation resort with local and international visitors. After a stop, continue to the southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. In the late afternoon you will arrive at De Hoop Nature Reserve. Accommodation: De Hoop Equipped Cottages
De Hoop Nature Reserve is located about 250 km east of Cape Town and 60 km southwest of Swellendam between Bredasdorp and Witsand and is the southernmost nature reserve in Africa. It is situated on a stretch of coastline with huge white sand dunes in the western part and rocky bays framed by cliffs in the eastern part. De Hoop Nature Reserve is very diverse. Not only are there extensive beaches and large sand dunes, but also a large wetland (vlei) with numerous water birds. The flora and fauna is very rich. There is an 11 km long loop road that leads through the reserve. The large bay in front of the reserve belongs to the preferred retreat area for whales in winter. The 14 km trail to Koppie Alley takes visitors to the best viewpoint for whale watching. The Coastal Trail also starts there. Accommodation: De Hoop Equipped Cottages
From De Hoop Nature Reserve today we continue to Oudtshoorn. This charming town is located on the famous Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo and is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World. Oudtshoorn is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden, arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy locally produced wine; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn more about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum and visit the world-famous Cango Caves, Africa’s largest cave system with ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Accommodation: Queen’s Hotel (Standard Room).
Day at leisure. A very special experience is the Swartberg Pass. The approx. 27 km unpaved road of the Swartberg Pass is one of the most beautiful pass roads in the world. Steep zigzag curves with stone side barriers and always new breathtaking views are offered on this route. The low traffic allows you to stop at some points and enjoy the view. Along the way you will see remnants of an old prison, a toll booth and other historic walls. On the 100th anniversary of its opening, Swartberg Pass was declared a National Monument of South Africa. After a short stop in Prince Albert, continue through the gorge of Meiringspoort. The road is winding and crosses the Groot River 25 times. Here you will see huge rock walls with spectacular stone formations! Especially beautiful is the waterfall, whose water rushes down into a dark pool. Via De Rust you return to Oudtshoorn. Accommodation: Queen’s Hotel (Standard Room)
Today you slowly make your way via Knysna to Plettenberg Bay. Nestled between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is known as the “Garden of Eden”. It is surrounded by world-famous forests, beautiful lagoons and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy a variety of markets offering delicious local food and organic produce, explore the scenic boardwalks and picturesque streets, stroll through the lush forest, jump streams and catch a glimpse of the colorful Knysna Loerie. Take a drive to the famous Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Afterwards continue to Plettenberg Bay. Accommodation: Robberg Beach Lodge (Cottage Standard Room).
The coastal town of Plettenberg Bay is a popular vacation destination on the spectacular Garden Route in South Africa. The Portuguese explorers called it the “Beautiful Bay,” and it’s easy to see why – Plettenberg Bay is a quaint, charming town with endless pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clean rivers, native forests and a rocky peninsula. There are several activities you can take advantage of in Plettenberg Bay, such as Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Ocean Adventures or a visit to Robberg Nature Reserve. Accommodation: Robberg Beach Lodge (Cottage Standard Room)
Today you will drive along the Garden Route and experience the unique picturesque scenery of the Eastern Cape. Have your camera ready as you will have numerous opportunities to capture the stunning impressions. You can visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Storms River Mouth on your way. Many of the trees that grow here are up to 850 years old and more than 30 m high. After an easy hike, you can see and cross the suspension bridges at Storm’s River. In addition, Tsitsikamma National Park is also home to the “Big Tree”, a yellowwood tree that is about 800 years old. Its height is 37 m, the trunk alone is 18 m high, has a circumference of about 9 m and a volume of over 50 m³. After that we will continue to your today’s destination – St. Francis. The landmark of the bay is the lighthouse at Seal Point at the tip of the cape. Accommodation: Cape St Francis Resort (Beach Break Garden Facing Room).
Today is at your leisure. Visit the harbor of St. Francis Bay, take a boat tour and use the day for a little stroll through the stores to buy the last souvenirs. Alternatively, St. Francis offers a great beach experience. Accommodation: Cape St Francis Resort (Beach Break Garden Facing Room)
Continue today to Amakhala Nature Reserve. This historic and beautiful large game reserve provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape. Amakhala Game Reserve offers morning and evening safaris and other activities so you can experience the fascinating flora, fauna and birdlife of the Eastern Cape. Take game drives in an open Land Rover in search of wildlife such as lion, black and white rhino, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 species of antelope or take a night drive with cheese and wine. Experience the sunset and observe nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and South African spring hare. Accommodation: Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge (Luxury Safari Tent).
After a cup of coffee/tea, you will leave early in the morning for an approx. 3-hour game drive in an open safari vehicle, where you can experience the savannah as it awakens. You will receive extensive explanations about the fascinating wildlife from your ranger. Return to your lodge where an extensive breakfast/brunch awaits you. Relax afterwards before going on an evening safari in the late afternoon. Experience the sunset and watch the nocturnal animals. No safari is like the other and there is always something new to discover. Accommodation: Amakhala Hlosi Game Lodge (Luxury Safari Tent).
After your last game drive in the early morning you will leave South Africa. You will drive to the airport of Port Elizabeth. Here you will drop off your rental car and board the flight back home. We wish you a pleasant journey back home.
What´s included
- 15 nights in double room (standard room) in the mentioned guesthouses and hotels (hotels/lodges mentioned in the itinerary are examples and can be replaced by equivalent accommodations)
- Daily breakfast
- 15% value added tax
- Tourism Levy
- Rental car category D - VW Polo Vivo Trendline or similar
- Unlimited km, fully comprehensive insurance, additional driver, Wifi
- 24 hour emergency service
Excluded
- Flights, airport taxes and visas (if applicable) and not specifically mentioned as included.
- Conservation fees / entrance fees not mentioned as included
- Meals not mentioned
- All beverages
- Porterage and gratuity fees
- Optional activities
- Additional car rental costs (e.g. fuel)
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, minibar, etc.
- Other expenses not specifically listed in the quote
Additional Information
All prices exclude airfares (unless specified), visa fees, travel insurance and any additional personal expenses.
Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and triple rooms rates are available upon request.
Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative and subject to change based on the season.
Hotels mentioned in the itinerary may change due to availability, but will always be of equivalent or higher category.
Some countries charge additional destination taxes per person or per night that can only be paid directly at the location.
All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are only indicative. They are not representative of the exact travel routes of the itinerary.
For more details please visit our booking conditions page.
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Some tours do not mention the price to provide you with the flexibility to tailor-make your holiday according to your specific preferences and budget. This approach allows you the freedom to adjust various aspects of the tour, such as the hotel category, duration of stay, or addition of activities, without being constrained by pre-set prices. By not including prices upfront, you have the opportunity to create a personalized itinerary that perfectly aligns with your needs and desires.
