Family Garden Route & Safari Itinerary
Explore South Africa: city life in Cape Town, gorgeous Garden Route scenery and magnificent wildlife in the Eastern Cape.
12 days from £1700pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Day 1
Arrive In Cape Town
When you arrive at Cape Town airport you will be met transferred to your Cape Town accommodation, Waterfront Village, in the prestigious V&A Waterfront Marina, where you are based for 4 nights. You have free time to explore the city this afternoon and enjoy a good meal in one of the many exciting restaurants Cape Town has to offer, or, if you prefer. Simply sit back and enjoy the views from your apartment.
Day 2
Cape Town
At Waterfront Village you have all the attractions of the V&A Waterfront complex on your doorstep. These include a range of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as views of the marina. Today has been kept free and is yours to spend as you wish, there's no shortage of things to do in Cape Town from browsing boutiques, riding the Cape Town wheel, the aquarium is on your doorstep or you could decide to spend the day at one of the sandy beaches between Camps Bay and Clifton.
Day 3
Cape Town
This morning after breakfast you'll enjoy a private guided tour of Cape Town. You'll visit some of the highlights such as the Houses of Parliament, the Castle which is South Africa's oldest building, the lively daily market at Greenmarket Square, the Company Gardens and iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting). From the top of the mountain you'll get spectacular views over the city and Peninsula. Afterwards a visit to Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. From here it's back to the Waterfront and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4
Cape Town
Another day of exploration awaits you. Meet at the Clock Tower where you will catch the ferry over to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held during the Apartheid years. As the ferry arrives at the island, you will be joined by a local guide who spent time there during Apartheid and he will give a personal and moving account about his experience there. You will also be able to see the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life. After an interesting, educational and moving visit the ferry will take you back to the V&A Waterfront. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.
Day 5
To The Winelands
This morning you take delivery of your hire car and leave the city behind, your destination is the wonderful Cape Winelands, in particularly the quaint town of Franschhoek. Traffic willing, your drive is a little over an hour. For the next two days you can take things at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery, and of course the Winelands. There is an award-winning restaurant on site along with two outdoor pools and a spa - relax and enjoy. You might want to venture into town to discover some of the specialist shops and galleries or stay put and enjoy the guesthouse.
Day 6
Franschhoek
Today you have rather a unique tour booked. You'll explore on the Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour, it is one of the best ways to discover the Franschhoek Valley, from the breath-taking scenery to picturesque vineyards, all steeped in a 300-year history. This is a bus/tram combo following a loop route and you get on and off at your leisure, along the way experience what is on offer at the various wineries be it a cellar tour, lunch or just a stroll in the beautiful vineyards. You'll get running commentary along the route giving you a history into the Franschhoek valley and wine cultivation.
Breakfast
Day 7
To Outdshoorn
This morning, after breakfast it's a 4-hours drive to your next stop, a delightful guest house on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. You'll be passing through some stunning scenery along the way. In the afternoon you will have time to visit the Cango Caves if you wish, one of the great natural wonders of the world, with several systems of spectacular limestone caverns which have been discovered. All are filled with a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. While here, take the opportunity to visit an ostrich farm or even go on a meerkat adventure.
Breakfast
Day 8
To Garden Route
Today you set out on the world-famous Garden Route, a 300 km area of natural beauty with Indian Ocean coastline, dense indigenous forests, dramatic ravines, lagoons and the Outeniqua Mountains. This region encompasses the picturesque towns of George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Arrive at Hogs Hollow Country Lodge near Plettenberg Bay. You will have the next 2 nights based in this great spot, the lodge is set in a private nature reserve, on a steep hillside overlooking the Matjies River Gorge and surrounded by indigenous forest and spectacular views.
Breakfast
Day 9
Garden Route
There's plenty to do in the area. Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and the Elephant Sanctuary are just a walk away. Boat based dolphin and whale watching trips, beautiful beaches, Tree Top Canopy Tours and little boutique shops are all easily accessible. We'd highly recommend taking an eco-marine boat trip to see the marine wildlife here.
Breakfast
Day 10
To The Eastern Cape
Leave the Garden Route behind and head to the Eastern Cape. This is known as the Sunshine Coast and it has miles of stunning beach, gorgeous bays and some excellent game reserves. Your destination is Kariega Game Reserve. The main lodge borders the upper reaches of the Kariega River. This is an ideal setting for families wanting a relaxed and friendly environment in the African bush.
Breakfast, dinner
Day 11
Gameviewing In Eastern Cape
Daily activities are included in your stay. On a typical day, you might have an early morning game drive, then enjoy a large breakfast back at the lodge followed by relaxation by the pool. Lunch and a siesta follow. In the late afternoon there is another game drive culminating in sundowners out on the reserve, returning to the lodge for dinner, which will be served either in the restaurant or in the boma area around the campfire.
Full board
Day 12
Gameviewing In Eastern Cape
Make your last day on safari here at Kariega as exciting as the first. Perhaps try your hand at canoeing today for a change, but whatever you choose you have another day in the African Wild. Enjoy!
Full board
Day 13
To Port Elizabeth And Home
Today you need to drive back to Port Elizabeth Airport where you drop your hire car. From here we can arrange for you to fly home or you can continue with onward arrangements.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
