Days 1 – 3. Capetown

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport where you will stay at your chosen hotel for a 3 nights to explore the city, Table Mountain and take in some shopping at the V&A waterfront. Take in a day excursion to the Winelands and sample some of South Africa’s best wines.

DAYS 4 – 5. Capetown to Hermanus

After your stay in Capetown, collect your car and head out on a scenic drive that takes you up and over mountains to the Whale Coast and the 4* Abalone Guesthouse set in the seaside town of Hermanus, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the ocean during this two-night stay.

This area is well-known for its regular whale sightings and spectacular scenery. The Whale watching season is from late July to November. The area boasts the world’s best land-based whale watching and if you’re planning to visit in peak season (August/ September) then you’re in for a treat. Make the most of your stay here by going on day trips and outings to explore the area. Enjoy cliff-top and beach walks, wine estate tours, boat-based fishing and a choice of no fewer than three golf courses.

DAYS 6 – 7. Garden Route

Continue your journey along the Cape coast and make your way onto the Garden Route as you head for the busy little town of Knysna. Your accommodation for the next two nights is at 4* Kynsna Hollow Country Estate, set on a secluded country estate, near Knysna’s famous lagoon on the Garden Route; Knysna Hollow welcomes you with warm and friendly hospitality.

When you’re not relaxing at the lodge, you can take time to explore the town. Spend an afternoon browsing the art galleries, scouring the shops and markets or taking a walk around the waterfront. Knysna is at the heart of the Garden Route experience and there are dozens of adventures and activities within a short drive of town - enjoy forest canopy tours, marine life safaris, bird watching and forest walks to name but a few.

DAYS 8 – 9. Plettenberg Bay

Travel further along the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay where you will spend the next two nights at 4* Hog Hollow, situated in a private nature reserve with views of plunging valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The lodge is set next to a dam to create a private oasis on the edge of an indigenous forest. Relax by the pool overlooking the Matjes River Gorge or stroll along the forest’s walking trails, binoculars in hand. You can also take a trip to the nearby Elephant Park or visit the primates at Monkeyland

A boat ride out to sea will bring you close to the area’s abundant marinelife that includes whales (in season), sharks and dolphins while a hike in the mountains will introduce you to fynbos, the extraordinary and largely unique flora that covers the Cape mountains.

Days 10 – 12. Enjoy a safari

Continue your journey along the coast as you enter the Eastern Cape and head to 5* Kariega Private Game Reserve for your final three nights.

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. Incorporating luxury safari lodge accommodation, magnificent Big 5 and other game viewing as well as breathtaking vistas over the hills, valleys and rivers below; Kariega Game Reserve offers the ultimate in authentic South African safari holidays. Experience close up viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo – as well as multitudes of other South African safari wildlife from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle. Each day begins with a morning safari into the South African bush where guests will experience the dawn of a new day as the landscape comes to life with the sunrise. During evening safaris guests may be lucky enough to witness the thrill of a lion hunt, or watch as a family of hippo emerges from the water for a night of grazing. As nocturnal life begins to stir, return safely to the lodge for a hearty dinner.

End your journey

This morning you will drive to Port Elizabeth where your memorable tour of the Garden Route will come to an end as you return your car and board your onward flight.