Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari

Extraordinary South Africa

Experience one of Africa's most spectacular cities, some startling scenery, and the giants of the animal kingdom. Join us for a perfect introduction to South Africa, one of the world’s most beautiful countries, on an extraordinary-value tour crammed with unforgettable highlights. Relax in the sun-kissed surroundings of some of South Africa’s finest vineyards, cross the arid plain of the Little Karoo, go in search of the Big Five in a private game reserve, then discover spectacular Cape Town in its glorious setting beneath Table Mountain and gaze out at rugged Indian Ocean-washed shores.

Highlights

Four game drives in search of the Big Five
Ride Table Mountain's rotating cable car
Spend two nights in the privately owned Garden Route Game Lodge
Tour the beautiful Cape Peninsula
Visit the whale-watching town of Hermanus
Discover South Africa’s Cape Winelands and beautiful Western Cape
Wine-tasting on a Franschhoek wine estate
See the extraordinary Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm
Journey to Knysna, on the beautiful Garden Route
Take a cruise on Knysna Lagoon
Tour of Stellenbosch with included bubbly and nougat experience
A spectacular whale-watching cruise (September to November departures only)

Inclusions

Nine nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at hotels in Hermanus (1), Albertinia (2), Mossel Bay (2), Stellenbosch (1) and Cape Town (3 nights), plus two nights on the aircraft
Three lunches and four dinners
Return flights to Cape Town (on selected dates the flight will be indirect)
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Fly from the UK to Cape Town.

Day 2

Upon arrival at Cape Town, meet your guide and journey east to Hermanus, a famous whale-watching centre from July to November and a year-round seaside resort. En route to Hermanus, you’ll call at Stony Point, home to a unique colony of African penguins. Departures between September and November will include a whale-watching cruise. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at La Pentola, close to your hotel

Day 3

This morning you’ll journey to the Garden Route Game Lodge, in the heart of a privately operated reserve where you'll spend the next two nights. During your stay here, in the shadow of the Langeberg mountains, you’ll enjoy all the wonders of safari game drives to see the Big Five (lions, rhino, elephants, leopards and buffalo) while staying in comfortable lodges and enjoying typical African dinners looking out over the reserve. This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive, then perhaps enjoy a sun-downer beside the authentic Boma (camp fire) before dinner.

Day 4

A second day at the lodge begins with a pre-breakfast game drive. Enjoy some free time for a siesta - perhaps by the pool - before setting off on a second evening game drive and enjoying another memorable dinner under the stars.

Day 5

Enjoy a last early morning game drive before travelling on to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World, in the heart of the Little Karoo plain. The world’s strangest, largest and often most-valuable bird has been farmed here for 130 years – first for its plumage, and more recently for its high-protein, low-cholesterol meat. Enjoy a taste at your barbecue lunch, before visiting the world-renowned Cango Caves, with their caverns of stalactites and stalagmites, before transferring to Mossel Bay for a two-night stay.

Day 6

This morning, you'll travel to coastal Knysna for a cruise on the beautiful lagoon, which hugs the edge of the fascinating Featherbed Nature Reserve. After the cruise, you’ll travel in a 4x4 up to the headland for some spectacular views, listening as your expert guide tells you about the local history, flora and fauna. A buffet lunch will be served at an outdoor restaurant under a picturesque canopy of milkwood trees. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Knysna’s charming waterfront. Why not cross the water to the aptly named Leisure Island, where you can soak up the sunshine on Bollards Bay Beach or go wildlife spotting in the Steenbok Nature Reserve? Tonight, you’ll enjoy an included dinner at the hotel's restaurant. *Please note: For 2026 departures, this evening's included dinner will not take place on day six but, rather, will be served in Stellenbosch on day seven.

Day 7

Head west into the verdant Cape Winelands region and to vineyard-laden Franschhoek for an included lunch and a wine tasting in the fabled Franschhoek Wine Valley, before continuing to Stellenbosch, deep in the heart of this scenic landscape. With its oak trees and picturesque, European-style Cape Dutch houses, Stellenbosch is a delightful place to spend a night.

Day 8

Enjoy a guided introduction of historic Stellenbosch, followed by a glass of bubbly and some local nougat. Take a scenic journey to Cape Town this afternoon, where you will spend the next three nights, after enjoying an included lunch in a local wine estate. On arrival in Cape Town, set out on an orientation tour of the city. You'll see historical landmarks like the Castle of Good Hope, the House of Parliament, and the leafy Company’s Gardens. You’ll also enjoy a stroll past the colourful Bo Kaap colonial district and, weather permitting, ascend Table Mountain in a rotating cable car that offers a 360-degree panorama as it climbs to the 1000-metre-high summit. *Please note: The complimentary champagne and nougat during the introductory tour of Stellenbosch will no longer be available for 2026 departures.

Day 9

Rise early this morning ahead of a captivating day on the road as you take to one of the world's most scenic routes along Hout Bay and the Cape Peninsula. Flanked on either side by vast mountains and Cape Town's wild coastline, you'll have the chance to enjoy the very best of the region's natural landscapes as you make your way along the winding roads of the Chapman's Peak route, famous for its 180-degree views and picturesque picnic spots. Moving further south, you'll arrive at Cape Point, a verdant headland overlooking Cape Peninsula's most southerly point. Home to rolling hills and rugged bays, this area is a sight to behold and falls in the Cape Floral Region - which boasts around 20% of Africa's total flora. Take a moment to admire the native Fynbos which add vibrant splashes of colour to the surrounding greenery. This afternoon, board the cable-drawn Flying Dutchman Funicular - named after the legendary ghost ship destined to sail the seas for eternity - for a gentle ride up to the summit. Here, you'll have the chance to relax in the company of the Cape's breath-taking vistas or pay a visit to the stalwart lighthouse that watches over the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans for unobstructed views of the coast. This evening, you'll have time at leisure to spend as you please. Perhaps explore the Mother City, with its renowned Waterfront and cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or vibrant Bo Kaap.

Day 10

Journey to Kirstenbosch this morning, famous for its flourishing Botanical Gardens. Nestled against the eastern face of Table Mountain, the gardens here are widely acclaimed as some of the most biodiverse on the planet. This afternoon, you're free to relax in one of the world’s most stunningly located cities with time at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the redeveloped Victoria and Alfred waterfront or explore the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, with a short trip across the bay. Fascinating, informative and deeply poignant, this museum is an unmissable experience. *Please note: For 2026 departures, this morning's tour of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens will no longer be an included excursion and will be replaced with time at leisure.

Day 11

Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Day 12

You'll land back home this morning, at the end of a wonderful holiday in South Africa.

Further Information

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Passports and visas

A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road Conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

Optional Robben Island excursion - 2024 departures only

The optional Robben Island excursion must be pre-booked due to limited availability. If you wish to book this excursion, we encourage you to do so as early as possible we cannot guarantee availability if not booked six weeks prior to departure.